Three On Three: Comparing Entry-Level Watches With In-House Movements
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- We’re back with another installment of Three On Three, our series of comparative reviews of three watches that belong to a single type. This time around, we’re going head to head to head with entry-level in-house automatics from three of the big brands.
Our lineup of watches covers a price range of $3,800 to $5,400, meaning that these are watches that would, in theory, be solid contenders for someone’s first nice automatic watch. Of course, new mechanical watches can be had for less, but there are real advantages to spending a bit more for a watch with an in-house movement from a respected manufacture. The watches we have here today are three of the best values in contemporary watchmaking.
So, just what do you get by buying into the entry levels at Rolex, Omega, and Grand Seiko that you wouldn't get with a comparatively less expensive watch with a supplied movement? As you’ll see, each of these three brands provides you with something special and compelling, even if you’re only buying their most affordable timepieces, so choosing which of these three watches to add to one's collection is no easy decision.
Despite the fact that these are among the most affordable options from each brand, the personality of each watchmaker manages to come through - whether it's Omega's use of advanced technologies and certifications for its movements, or Grand Seiko's painstaking attention to finishing details, or Rolex's legendary capacity to make products of steadfastly robust quality at scale. Without further ado, here's your Three On Three.
For the full review, go to: www.hodinkee.c...
> Talk about how fantastic the Grand Seiko is, how much handwork goes into it
> Say that the Omega on different straps is the perfect allrounder
> Praise the price and quality of both GS and Omega
> "I'd choose the Rolex."
It gets so boring.
Agree. The grand seiko and aqua terra are killing that rolex in every way.
More like the honest hardworking man's end game model.
LOL. It's funny because it's true.
Grand seiko is definitely an aspiration.
For real lol
Yes 🔥 I wanna get the new 126000 ref with the Coral Red face but mark ups are way too much 😔
Stop thinking like a low life
That Omega is the pick of the bunch , stunningly beautiful
"What's your favorite entry-level watch brand, GS, Omega or Rolex?
- lol, wut?"
entry level
_cries in college_
$3800-$5400, "someone's first nice automatic watch", yeah sure. My first was a $150 Seiko 5. Now I'm up to $400 Presage and Samurai now. The cool thing about Seiko is the quality and value for money is there in all price points.
make more money. You are also comparing one company that is a giant multinational with every other company on earth.
@@android61242 You do know that Omega is a part of the Swatch group, right? And that Rolex is pretty much the only brand anyone who knows nothing about watches thinks when ask to name a high end watch brand? So to have Seiko offer a wide variety of affordable watches and still compete head to head with those focusing only on high end watches is a testament to their skill.
@@mrand3r50n3 you buy watches from only one company and compare them to every other firm on earth. period. Nothing you said means anything and they don't really compete at all. They all tackle different markets and the seiko is the only one with no balance bridge or free sprung balance. There is a reason why the seiko costs thousands less and no one wants to buy one and its not swiss marketing.
@@android61242 yeah just make more money lol
Can you name another company that has offerings in so many different price points with in-house automatic movements? Swatch Group is another one but it's more of an umbrella for different brands and the prices start at around $350 for a Hamilton. Rolexes actually cost thousands more because they limit supply to keep demand and prices high and why they can do that is decades of clever marketing through pop culture icons. Saying that Seiko doesn't even compete in the high end is just not true.
I feel like the jumping hour hand function is overlooked in the Omega. What a great feature that allows you to easily switch timezones when traveling without losing accuracy.
Entry level watch with in-house movement would be a Seiko 5. Bitches.
Grand Seiko would be my pick
“Entry level” is the single best keeping up with the Jones’s marketing phrase ever.
Like entry level toilets?
@@secondopinion6654 What does 'luxury toilet' even mean?
@@Mister_Phafanapolis You're on the interweb, try using it.
@@Mister_Phafanapolis LOL. You people always end up there.
@@secondopinion6654 Physically fight me, you boomer incel.
Please stop calling these entry level
They are the entry level to each brand…
They're entry level to some. 10 years ago out of college, I dreamt of a $4000 aquaterra, and in my current collection or Rolex and Vacheron, it would be entry level. You should double your net worth every 7 years, so the goal (which I did) would be to get a solid career and save for a couple years before moving out on your own...
@@pwally2714inspirational comment ❤️
Or what?
This is entry lvl luxury watches
@@jamied931 no they are not. The aqua Terra is more expensive than the omega seamaster professional and the omega railmaster. It's €7000 on the bracelet these days more than what the Rolex perpetual is selling for new at retail
I get the purpose of comparing the "entry-level" watches from each luxury brand, but when the Grand Seiko is about 2/3s the price of the other two, it doesn't make for the most fair comparison. More fair would be a similarly priced Grand Seiko...which would actually be the Snowflake.
It highlights for me how much of a bargain Grand Seiko's are compared to their Swiss counterparts.
Hmmm, an entry-level watch with in-house movement would be something like an Orient or them Seiko 5s. This is obviously beyond entry-level. And frankly speaking at that price point you should get a Grand Seiko Spring Drive. It's winter, get a Snowflake.
maidpretty entry level means the cheapest watches a particular brand offers m8
I like that for only about 15,000 dollars I can get a nice starter watch collection.
“Entry level”, he says. Most folks would consider these grail watches.
For the brand. No. Also "most people" don't make good fiancé all decisions from a young age to be able to afford these watches
Echoed my sentiments exactly!
They’re considered entry level in those respective brands
They’re considered entry level in those respective brands
Chrono24 2022
Rolex OP 36 mm: ~8000$
Omega Aqua Terra 150m co-axial: ~4000$
GS SBGR253: ~2500$
I would take the GS,
this is one of the Watches you could keep on the bracelet and run around the city for your whole life, put it on a NATO and climb Mount Everest or get a nice leather band and go for a dinner with some executives and the watch will not feel out of place in any of those situations. That's the thing that I love about Seiko's and GS's.
with these three watches, i would say: Rolex have the best bracelet. Omega the best movement. GS the best dial. all 3 are fine watches but definitely not entry level
i'm happy that GS started to get the recognition it deserves
They have Rolex’s nuts resting nicely on their chins.
Maybe call it entry luxury instead of entry-level watches. It sounds a little bit presumptuous.
From these three I think I would go for the Aqua Terra: great look, right size and very versatile. Only the strap looks a little bit too off. The GS and especially the Rolex look boring.
they are entry level luxury watches... for each brand they are the entry level mechanical watch... don't be so triggered by the term entry level, you're literally taking it personally on behalf of major corporations
"Entry-Level Watches WITH IN-HOUSE MOVEMENTS"
@@jojacvonkekebau3686 A $250 Orient also has an in house movement. The word luxury should be in there somewhere.
I would say out of these 3 I would chose the omega.
Same
I bought it and it's impossible to fathom from a video just how incredible it looks in person!
Same!
Entry level luxury is such a hilarious concept.
Honestly for the 1st time this Seiko really stands out among the three for me... I am sold for this GS :)
I think the Omega is far and away the best and best looking
Just got my self an omega a few weeks ago I love mine !
For all the people complaining about the "misleading" title: these are three entry-level watches FOR THOSE SPECIFIC BRANDS. Nowhere does it say that these are budget watches.
if the title requires extra lines of explanations, in this context, then is definitely misleading. Quite a shame for the level of this discussion
It's Hodinkee, I automatically assumed their definition of "entry" had the asterisk of "luxury watches"
Omega : great movement .
GS: hand finished dial
Rolex: mmm it just looks good
the omega is soooo nice looking tho
Fanboys
More like the battle of the best salesmen lol
Very disappointed that the discussion didn’t end up in a fistfight with one another.
Grand seiko is under rated.
I consider myself very very lucky to own the Omega AT (the very same one seen here) But I wouldn't call it an entry level, it cost more than my wifes car !!....... I know that cos she keeps reminding me !
It's an entry level Omega because it's one of their least expensive models.
I always thought Hodinkee were the biggest player of all time in the watch world. But after I saw all the great people like Mr Goldberger for example I realized that there is a whole new level in watch collecting.. Thanks for introducing these watch gurus to us!
Describing the Omega AT as a fairly interesting 'vacation watch'?? I'll just chuck on my £4000 watch and head down to the beach. ..
Mark Gill That watch is pretty robust. What's the point of spending $5000 on a watch and not wearing it?
Great review Gentlemen. I'm the proud owner of that exact model Rolex oyster perpetual 36mm in white for about 2 months now and it has completely taken over my wrist time with my other watches. I think bcuz it's so comfortable to wear you forget it's on your wrist.
That omega is a great timepiece! It’s just awesome !!
You really need a new perspective on "affordable" and "entry level".
Agree, It's real pretentious now
@HDnayrb Nope, they need new title, non pretentious, and correct one. like "Comparing Entry-Level Watches from brands that aren't, With In-House Movements".
@HDnayrb Nope, still not buy into that kind of thinking. Here is the thing, there are entry level mechanical watch brands such as Tissot, Hamilton, Seiko, Orient, etc. Those are entry level watch brands. There are also entry level watches like Seiko 5 line ups. GS, Omega, and Rolex are not entry-level watch brands, they are entry-level *luxury* watch brands, did you notice a difference there?
Calling those brands (GS, Omega, Rolex) as entry-level brands, now that's what I called pretentious. It implicitly says that watches below those brands are not even worth mentioning, maybe they consider it as something else but watch, that's pretentious.
If the title says something like "Comparing Entry-Level Watches from brands that aren't, With In-House Movements", I wouldn't mind it as much as i did.
@@paceyombex soooo, basically you're mad because a youtube channel dedicated to luxury watches didnt include the word "luxury" in the title, and now you're telling them to change the title to that disaster of a title you came up with? Jesus christ people will find a way to get offended by anything. And by your logic, hamilton, tissot, seiko etc arent entry level brands....there are literally millions of 3 dollar chinese mall kiosk watch brands out there....how DARE you be so pretentious to leave them out!!!
@@Dylan-xj8tb If you are not blind (which you might be) I did type "etc", so those brands that you can't even mention could fit in there.
If you see the comment section (which you may not be able to), you can tell that I am not the only one who can see the pretentiousness in the title.
I rathen go for grand seiko snowflake, that is a great unique white dial
Nomos should be featured, given that you can get a genuine in house movement for less than half the price of these. But this is a promotional piece of course.
Orient is actually entry level in house movements so people who want a watch that better describes the title go check them out
I did and own one and I absolutely love it.
Really enjoy my orient bambino
You got it, great company
They are referring to entry level to the luxury market. You would struggle to find an orient that has an in house movement, as well as being finished to the level that these 3 are
@@superalmond6796 they misnomered the title because it is false advertising. Most if not all Orients have in house movements and are amazing quality for the price.
They should have titled it entry level luxury watches but they left that word out therefore, not well thought out. Also, some of their reasons are ridiculous and down to pure snobbery.
Got a vincero ad after this lol, what a scam.
Grand Seiko is finished to a higher standard to either of them
and cheaper
Entry Level - $5000 🤓
More like $7000
Grand Seiko for me. Very beautiful watch, high quality finish and look different than other watches.
It takes a brave man to chose grand Seiko or omega vs Rolex. Even though objectively they are better. Brand appeal. Most people who buy grand Seiko or omega already own a Rolex.
What's up with these comments?
Am I the only one who understood "Entry-Level" as in, entry-level into the lineup of these three watch brands?
What's wrong with that?
People are taking it as if "Entry-Level" means "Your first watch ever"....
You're not alone, my friend. There are 3 certainties in life: Death, Taxes, and stupid people commenting on RUclips videos.
I will introduce you my new entry level $70 000 Mercedes.
hahahhahahahahha
Seiko's SARB033 & SARB035 are two (sub-$500) watches that I would consider "Entry-Level Watches with In-House Movements"...
Hiluxtaco Of course! This is ridiculous!
But those aren't on the same level as Rolex and Omega. These three watches are more or less equal to one another which is what makes the comparison interesting.
@@bluemystic7501 Of course these two watches are not on the same level as that Rolex or Omega, and that's the point.
The watches in this video are not what most people consider "Entry-level watches with In-House movements".
Not unless you are referencing $35K ~ $100k+ Pateks/Vacheron's/Lange's/JLC's etc., are they 'Entry-Level' watches..
@@Hiluxtaco - Entry level luxury, that's obvious, no? Hodinkee doesn't really showcase beaters. I think maybe TGV is more your speed?
@@bluemystic7501 Sure. Had they added the word 'luxury' into this video, but they didn't.
Go read down through the comments. I am not the only one..
wait....which part of it is "Entry level" ???
Entry level luxury watches would be more apt...
That Grand Seiko is amazing!
Grand seiko any day! Also more affordable and more accurate I would think.
Because of the higher beat, its actually more accurate. But the movement isn't that good as for omega for example. Its not that big of a difference between the 3
Also likely the watch in this video to take the biggest hit in retention value as well ... Hate to say it, but only people who watch RUclips videos and browse watch forums even know what Grand Seiko is. It's a very niche market ... Anyone outside of this hobby who is looking to buy a nice watch for a significant other or themselves, would not drop over $3K on a "Seiko" (as they perceive it to be).
Tamás Bene. It is probably a paint to repair if needed
Omega is playing chess while these other manufacturers are playing checkers. That master chronometer cert along with that co axial movement is king
Steven Craig seiko spring drive?
Entry-Level Luxury Watches*
Fixed the title for you.
It's Hodinkee - luxury is implied. It'd be like saying "watches that tell time" - we know, it's a watch. In this case, it's Hodinkee, so entry-level means $5k. Their target market is men who make $250k/yr (per their advertising page), so that's why this is phrased this way.
@@996rick guarantee you not as many people are aware of Hodinkee, let alone the fact a good portion of the watches they cover are priced in that range. So to label this video more towards their current audience rather than trying to get more viewers/newcomers is ignorant and misleading.
Oh so you saw a rolex on the fucking thumbnail and thought this was going to be a review of timex
Grand Seiko all day long.
Missed these series so much!!! back to basics Hodinkee... back to basics!!! the newer oyster perpetual is the best simple entry level rolex I've seen since the 936 114200 air king (IMHO). Well done guys!
My favorite in-house, entry level, watch is the Seiko SXK007...
it all depend on state of your current collection/and life style . But if i can wear only one watch for the rest of my life. it a GS ofc. The quality is beyond omega or rolex.
The OP36 wins it for me. It might not be as fancy or as complicated as the other two, but like a W123 Mercedes-Benz, it’s classic, understated, overbuilt, bulletproof, and just exudes bank vault quality.
But the Gs is better made......get macro zooms and see who has the worst tool marks.........
It also exudes boredom. Omega for the win.
Only at Hodinkee is a $5000 three-hander "entry-level."
They are entry level within their respective brands
@@lucioledizerot196 that isn't the video title though...
@@jasue2000 The video title is "in-house" movements. Clearly people just don't know the terminology.
SEIKO....it’s the only brand to beat at 28800 bph and still get a 72 hour pour reserve...Amazing !
That’s like comparing cars only in a straight line sprint. There’s so much more to consider
It's very impressive. The Tudor Black Bay comes very close. The MT5652 in the GMT is 70h and 28.8k. I bet you can get 72h out of it, just Rolex / Tudor being prudent and not over promising yet under delivering.
Lee Harrold and the MT5813, of which I have in my Tudor BB Chrono. Does 72... 😊
@@MrFrogbot1 you are right, but considering the price range difference that's amazing too.
That GS is a killer....
That OP is very nice and I especially like the double lines at the 3, 6, 9.
“Entry-level”
If anyone ever hold the Grand seiko on hand, the quality is beyond the omega and the rolex.
I love GS and I want to own one.
If I given a chance to choose one, I'll pick one of the two choices.
You're so right if you see in real life compared to the other two you'll be shocked
The dial only !!
Great great video, fully consistant on comparing concurrent watches. The OMEGA is far above the 2 other ones. There are many reasons that let me say that, so I just give you one : just look the "côtes de Genève" canvas machine tooled on the movement, all congruent between all pieces, just this sight is pure art.
The Rolex looks good by itself but when compared against the Seiko and Omega, it behaves like it's dial.......turns pale white against the competition. I've seen all 3 live in person and the Seiko and Omega just have that extra omph.
Yep. The Rolex crowd only buys for the name.
Stop using the phrase "Entry level". You guys sound like only millionaires have to like watches
The Rolex and grand seiko are entry level watches in their respective brands. That’s how the watch industry works.
I really think you need consistency with these types of comparisons. Either have them all on a bracelet or all on a strap. Mixing and matching creates vast changes in feel and wrist presence.
Omega needed to have a bracelet too. I agree
The Omega is a beauty! Definitely would be my choice.
You can get a GS hi beat model (such as sbgh205) for more similar price point to the Omega and Rolex. That should have been the comparison. Here they put an under $4000 GS against two over $5000 counterparts.
Actually Omega Seamaster Aquaterra was meant to compete with Rolex Datejust. Due to the brand image gap between two, the Aquaterra is currently compared with OP.. so sad
How do you know that
My boy a Grand Seiko and Rolex are not entry-level watches, these are thousands of dollars
If you showed Orient, Seiko, Timex, Citizen, Hamilton etc, that'll be more appropriate
People choose Rolex as mesmerized. Simple, rather boring Oyster Perpetual with an outdated movement, while clearly too small for their rather large wrists.
My choice would be:
1. Omega. The most advanced and versatile out of three.
2. Grand Seiko. Perfect finishing, reliable movement with high power reserve.
3. Rolex (see above).
The 39mm OP would a much better fit for sure.
I hv booked my Omega Aqua Terra in black dial, rubber strap, not available in Oman at present, arriving from Dubai next week ( 3rd October 2020). So excited.
These are your own opinion, I don't find the Rolex boring. These watches are all great and you will be happy with which ever one you got. We have to stop having this stupid watch debtate
That Grand Seiko is sharp! Debating that and the Explorer 1
Omega & Rolex to impress others,
Seiko to impress yourself.
I've never met somebody who has recognized an Omega, other than fellow watch enthusiasts. Rolex on the other hand, is to impress others.
Agree with Mitch, Omegas in the US at least are for watch guys. Just grabbed a Nomos, and am getting the GS snowflake next. Cannot wait.
Why do I get the feeling that if the other watches were in precious metal with complications, they would have still chosen the Rolex?
In case you don’t know, Hodinkee can be based sometimes
They chose the most boring and basic grand seiko for a reason i think...
If mainly for resale value, will go for Rolex. If preference is supreme watch making craftsmanship, then the choice is definitely GS!
Your title needs to be changed, should read "entry level watches for high-end watches". Grand Seiko is a high-end Seiko watch...
You're forgetting that they put "in house movements" in the title. They're not comparing your off the shelf $100 fashion watches that buy cheap movements in China and slap a case on it
Grand Seiko’s entry level is their quartz model
GS best looking of the 3 my opinion
Entry level is insulting and snobby.
I'd choose the GS if it were a spring drive... those things are sexy...
A spring drive is not entry level for GS though but I get what you mean, Spring drives are amazing
Better title would have been "Entry Level Luxury Watches"
Regardless all three watches are great and if you do buy one it should be based on your own personal taste.
Never buy a watch to impress others buy what you love.
What if you love to impress others? Kidding lol
Rolex? Omega. Beautiful!
Omega>Rolex>Grand Seiko for these models. The 8800 co-axial movement is amazing. I like the Rolex bracelet the most. I like the drilled lugs and polishing of the Grand Seiko.
That Omega with the white variant & leather strap all day for me
Man these “Entry level” watches sure make a lot of money exit our wallets 😂
entry level at those price points - only at Hodinkee
The white OP in 36 mm is what I am saving for. Number two would be a GS but with a spring drive movement
Rolex guy says "this watch keeps time, and that's it" in 20 sentences, amazing.
Don't forget "legible." He says that a lot about the Rolex.
Rolex = boring
@@ToolwatchBoutique Well stated!
Is it just me or is the Omega obviously the sexiest of the bunch? The dial is so unique.
GS is my favourite brand, and while I love their current line-up, I also wish they made some more models too choose from with lume and a slighly sportier aesthetic.
For 1 out of these I'd have to go with the AT (and get the bracelet for it as well).
My gut/heart says GS, but my brain says «go sportier». Optimal solution would be to get the AT AND the GS 😊
@@BurntPlaydoh Yes. There are a few in their sport collection, but I wish they made more to choose from. Preferably some with a heritage-collection case shape as well.
Wow. A lot of people sore here in the comments over the use of the term entry-level. You know right off the bat it's not going to be cheap when the three brands are Rolex, Omega, and Grand Seiko. I agree though that the title could have been more accurate along the lines of "entry-level Rolex, Omega, and Grand Seiko watches". In the grand scheme of things in the watch world these are probably lower end of the mid-tier.
Take Snowflake with Spring Drive and competition can go to hell
Great picks! Love all three of them. I own the black Aqua Terra in 41.5 mm size and also have the Rolex in 36mm with the blue 'Explorer' dial. The GS is a lovely addition. I always wanted to have a Hi-Beat movement in a GS but these pieces are to big for me. So this 37mm reference does look very good! If I should pick just one it would be the Rolex as well I think. Timeless in appearance and value. Thanks for this relaxing watch talk guys!
Entry level???😂 When i was growing up (in the late 70s) you could actually buy an Omega from Argos
Strong arguments for all three watches! I agree with James, an easy three watch collection. Also, there are lots of similar versions of different vintages and price ranges, so there is something for everyone. Gotta love the classic steel three handers!
In other words, GS is better made, (way) more handwork, significantly cheaper, better dial, power reserve dominant and I would buy Rolex.....what????
It's easy. Probably non-disclosed sponsorship. That's how the Hans Wilsdorf Corporation rolls.
@@otobotrecords DON'T LOOK INSIDE THE CASE. THAT LITTLE CROWN ON THE DIAL IS ALL YOU HAVE TO KNOW. YOU WILL BUY ROLEX. NOW PROCEED TO YOUR NEAREST ROLEX BOUTIQUE, AND STATE YOUR BUSINESS AT THE DOOR. "JUST LOOKERS" WILL NOT BE ALLOWED ENTRANCE. IF WE DEEM YOU WORTHY OF WEARING OUR TIMEPIECE, YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO PURCHASE WITH NO MARK UP. IF YOU DO THE UNTHINKABLE AND ASK FOR A DISCOUNT, MENTION ANOTHER BRAND, OR QUESTION OR SUPERIORITY IN ANY WAY, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REMOVE YOU BY SECURITY. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOUR WARRANTY CARD WILL BE HELD AS COLLATERAL, SHOULD YOU VIOLATE OUR TRUST BY ATTEMPTING TO SELL YOUR WATCH WITHIN ONE YEAR. WELCOME TO THE KING OF WATCHES!
Omega just blows the others away - in my opinion. Not to mention the time zone jumping feature. Also I don't consider any of these "entry level".
Nothing else out there compares to these Omega coaxial movements especially Cals. 8800 and 8900 and similar. The specs speak for themselves.
Three great choices. I don't particularly like that rubber band on the Omega though.
You can get it on a bracelet as well.
I've collected Rolex before, so I get the allure and while their strong resale values effect the overall ownership cost, the idea of shelling out $5400 for a watch with sloppy dial work and poor movement finish irks me. It seems like just ten years ago they were still making their bracelets with stamped clasps, but people still bought them anyways because of the name.
@Christopher Wood -MDH- hahahahaha!
@Christopher Wood -MDH- if you have owned other brands of luxury watches you will know that's far from the case my friend
@Christopher Wood -MDH- And yet Rolex happily ship watches with misaligned bezel inserts and misaligned rehaut as was the case with my Hulk. Stop talking shit.