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Grand Seiko vs. Rolex: Who Makes Better Watches? (You Might Be Surprised)
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- Опубликовано: 3 сен 2021
- thetimetellers...
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As an owner of both Grand Seiko and Rolex I can say this: both produce amazing watches and I love both brands. However, Grand Seiko will give you a £7,500 watch for £5,000. Rolex, on the other hand, will give you a £5,000 for £7,500 - and that's at RRP (if you're lucky enough); on the second hand market, the contrast is even greater.
This is why I own two Grand Seiko and only one Rolex.
You've said it as well as it can be said.
But what models are you comparing? Grand Seiko what against which Rolex?
But the market sets the price right? If people didn’t think it was worth it they wouldn’t pay the money. I ,Sam you can’t really say an F.P Journe or H. moser & Cie and really worth that much. What about AP Royal Oaks…. Talk about rips off, but to so,e the must be worth it,
Thats why I hate rolex eventhough I begin my hobby as a Rolex collector, why the fuck I have to be lucky to spend few thousands dollars, if I spend 10000 usd on a watch, I want to walk into a shop, I want them to invite me chocolate and champagne, and I want them to flatter my handsome ass even when Im just an ugly fat guy
But Noooo, I have to be lucky , I have to be worth it , fuck no
I miss 2011 when I walk into an AD, get 20% discount on the submariner, chocolate and wine, and the beautiful sale lady gave me her phone number too, the good old days
What do they do besides tell you the time? For those kinds of prices, Rolex and GS would have to have a feature that blows me and makes me a sandwich afterwards.
It looks like someone shaved Jory's head and didn't brush the hair off his shirt.
OMG i just spend the whole video watching that exact thing :D I did noticed it in other video as well
😄 🤣
LOL
I genuinely thought he had just buzzed his noggin
Haha.. I was thinking the same thing! 🤣🤣🤣
*I hope to own a Grand Seiko one day...*
*Couldn't care less about a Rolex.*
I have a Rolex and couldn’t care less about a wanna be GS. Loved Rolex since my boss received one as a reward for having #1 in sales back in the 70’s.
I love the Datejust with gold and stainless, with a champagne dial and jubilee bracelet. However that particular watch is much more expensive than my favorite GS, the snowflake.
@@samiam619 "wanna be GS" You realize none of GS designs are remotely similar to a Rolex, unlike the plethora of mid-tier Swiss brands making divers, right? GS literally makes a completely different internal system (springdrive) compared to Rolex which are only automatic. Their shapes and characteristics are also completely unique to them. A "wanna be" is something that tries to mimic another. GS created their own niche. They don't make a homage divers. You sound like someone who's never even looked inside a GS catalog.
@@deejay1534 well said..
@@samiam619 Used cars, or double glazing? :-P
Prefer Grand Seiko myself. The design and craftsmanship is amazing.
I respect and honor the craftsmanship put into GS watches.
That's jewelry
@@KBD-ONE yes, I'd rather buy a jewelry that carries its honor and respect for its craftsmanship than a machine robot 🤖built manufactured watches. It's becoming rare now adays, but I value the spirit of craftsmanship more.
@@KBD-ONE it’s called marketing. The real factory looks nothing like it
@@KBD-ONE jewelry watches are not reliable, Gs Spring Drive is much more reliable than any rolex mech
@japanwatchconnection dude ya we get that. I don't think it's being implied that every piece of metal is hand made and that the metals are being casted by hand near a furnace and all that. There's just a lot more human involvement in the making of a GS than a rolex. That is what, in my opinion, gives the GS a lot more character, appeal, life, and a "soul".
That's a no contest. Grand Seiko wins hands down. The Japanese have beaten the Swiss at their own game. However since my foray into watches I have noticed it can take
" Watch experts " 50 years or more to identify a good watch ! 🤓
Kind of like Lexus? I think those are amazing cars but many people call it an overpriced Toyota.
Funny we forget Cadillacs are over priced Chevy's
Actually, Grand Seiko started as a sub brand of Seiko, and Seiko is older than Rolex by a couple decades. Also, I would think Spring Drive watches last longer than any mechanical movement because there are no parts banging away at each other. The regulator is completely frictionless which reduces wear.
but at the same time, with more speed you have friction that causes wear by increasing heat (albeit slightly). I think it is indeed a better drive and will last longer being more precise, but how "longer" it will last it is open for the future observations.
@@ryche.rising I think that would be a negligible amount of extra heat if there was any at all. And surely it's not much faster than the speed at which a balance wheel swings back and forth, nor would I expect it to produce much more friction either. I would think there would be less friction overall because there are no parts making contact there. The glide wheel is braked by a magnet. The escapement mechanism on the other hand has multiple parts constantly rubbing, pushing, and hitting each other and they all force the entire movement to stop and start. The energy stored in a mainspring is quite a lot and to have that force constantly stopped by these tiny pieces, I would expect, would cause a lot more wear and tear than a simple spinning wheel that spins at a constant rate and is slowed by an electromagnetic brake.
@@aozf05 you know the heat I'm talking is ultra-small, only to be considered as increased energy dissipation in the form of heat, right? it is thermally almost impossible to measure without a lab. But it is ultra localized.
@@ryche.rising Yes I know which is why I said it was probably negligible. The thing you have to understand though is that watches use jewel bearings which are practically impervious to heat and provide extremely low friction even without a lubricant. The concerns you're bringing up are likely not going to be a big problem for this movement.
@@aozf05 "negligible" maybe (only future observations could tell for sure), but energy dissipation is a thing, all movements use jewels do lower friction and reduce wear, not to mention proper lubrication. But rocking movements "can" be better to keep the lubrication a just little bit more. So, let's see the results in the years to come.
GS is the most underrated watch brand ever
Because they not really as good as the fanboys hype
@NRM Now that’s an intellectual response. Your parents must be so proud!
A watch with individual handcrafted polish that I can buy immediately vs 40 year old design, machine made, celebrity endorsed status symbol that you have work your way up a "wait list" to buy.
Exactly.
Like Rolex, GS doesn't make you feel like you have to feel special and important to buy one of their products. Rolex couldn't be more self aggrandizing.
Just make sure if you buy a GS you buy it from a dealer that also sells Rolex. That way you can get credit for the call on a Rolex SS, which you can probably sell one day, the profit from which will pay for your GS. Smart.
Why do people think Rolex’s are 100% made by machines? Such a dumbass opinion. And GS (like Rolex) are hand finished but also use a lot of machining. People need to do research that’s not just on RUclips before posting.
I Own Three Spring Drives and One of my decisions was the Fact the Spring Drive movement is much smoother with less friction.
Rolex/GS doesn't have to be such a divisive debate. "Better" is always subjective as you can approch it from so many perspectives. Sweep smoother movement has nothing to do with friction, it's all about the frequency. You can find the same smoothness in a cheap Bulova Precisionist movement from Citizen. Springdrives are amazing, of course they are, but the friction is there because you have moving gears like you have in any other mechanical movement. Even with modern oils they use today, Springdrives need to be serviced, like any other movement.
@japanwatchconnection Hi there, thanks for the feedback. Well, everybody can learn and nobody knows everything, that goes for me and for you too. I was just arguing that a Springdrive suffers the same wear and tear on the gears as a traditional non-quartz regulated automatic, friction on moving gears is a irrefutable fact, so in no way I was disparaging the quality of Grand Seiko, or even Bulova. I do appreciate what GS has been doing, it's a revolution, amazing watches, beautiful dials, unbelievable quality and technology. I just believe that it's not necessary to demean a Rolex movement to appreciate a Grand Seiko Springdrive, it's not a personal fight, they coexist. Obviously there is a market dispute, but let's leave that to the competing corporations. When I used the term cheap for Bulova, I didn't mean to refer to quality, but to price even, with no derogatory meaning. Any watch that works and shows the time with some accuracy is a miracle of human technology. Thanks again for the feedback and also for the info about the specs, man, my best wishes! Have a nice weekend as well!
@@juniorgallo8786 Actually, from what I've read, the reduction of friction is one of the benefits of the Spring Drive system.
I just prefer Grand Seiko because I think a lot of their engineering feats are more impressive than Rolex. I would love to own a Spring Drive watch one day.
i have a spring drive and have not changed to adjust the time in 6 months incredible....................
Yeah and that quartz mvmt they use in GS is nothing to sniff at either. Dear god that's acurate.
Same my dude 🤩 really want one
If you really want accuracy you can just buy a $15 Casio FW91.
@@jalanc5095 but that is something completely different thats also a nice watch but it is easier to make then a spring drive and u get a lot more than the Casio watch
The finishing of the case and hands and the dial is so incredible
The spring drive movement inside the Grand Seiko watches puts them light years ahead of Rolex.
Yeah light years, like when quartz was invented in the 80’s lol. What’s next a flux capacitor!
@@jalanc5095 Remember, the future isn't written. It's what you make of it, so make it a good one.
-Doc
@@JOYJIT92 touché!
Well if you’re going to build a time machine in a car you might was well build it in a Delorean!
It pushes them back to the 80’s quartz watches.
@@jalanc5095 and it almost wiped out the whole swiss watch industry, lol
I could never buy either, but from what I've seen I would choose Grand Seiko.
And at the end of the day, you are wearing a Seiko. Lol!!!
@@jamespope6795
Sounds like you care more about impressing others with a name brand than the actual quality of a product
@@jamespope6795 you have no idea what you’re talking about
“you buy Rolex to impress people, you buy Grand Seiko to impress yourself”
@@jamespope6795 You clearly have zero knowledge about watches.
Yep Grand Seiko is the better watch for being hand finished, as you say it has a soul, if you want indestructible just but a Gshock
Yes, I'm with GS with this one. The craftsmanship is amazing. Hands down to GS. 👌👏
lets not forget GS has the 9F quartz. A hand assembled movement with 9 jewels, fully serviceable, and upwards of a 50yrs service interval due to some parts being hermetically sealed. if the question is which will last longer: A GS quartz wins by a mile.
9F are very underrated. I am generally staying away from expensive (1k+) watches because I don't want to deal with service, but 9F deals with that very well. So cool
Man, you just nailed it, I think the 9F is the best option to those who really enjoy the brand but are somehow cautious about the "only serviced in japan" issue.
Depends on the model. My Gs has 33 jewels.
Rolex build a good watch. The prices that they command however, are not directly related to the quality or value of the watch, and are more due to the fact that the majority of buyers aren't interested in horology, but in attention whoring.
That said, the style of most Grand Seiko watches just doesn't appeal to me as I prefer tool watches. My interest in watches started with my love of motorsport and the watches that drivers wore.
The fairly recent phenomena of "flexing", which often involves a Rolex, has soured my enthusiasm for the brand. I don't want to pay a price that isn't commensurate with the quality of a watch to end up being associated with the industrial scale douchebaggery of people I find to be insufferable.
Rolex has become the Ed Hardy of watches to me.
think of it as a trophy watch
And you got this opinion from valid research? Or from siting on the toilet watching RUclips vids while having a wipe?
@@jalanc5095 The only funny or interesting part of your comment was that to you, it apparently made sense.
What specific "valid research" would one do to form an opinion that Rolex build a quality product? Is there some dispute about this? If you're referring obnoxious and vapid douchebags who know nothing about watches buying a Rolex because it's "fancy" and will earn them validation, I hardly think that's open to debate either.
Is "valid research" necessary to determine what style of watch does or does not appeal to you? The amount of time spent on "valid research" necessary to decide that Grand Seiko isn't a brand that offers watches that I particularly like enough to spend what they cost on one would be roughly the same as it took to type this sentence.
Further, I don't think there's much to debate about the trend of "flexing", or that recent, inflated Rolex prices are due to some spectacular leap in quality or a paradigm shift in features or technology.
As for toilet habits, if you enjoy sitting in your own fecal stench and watching RUclips videos, that's your business, but your being fixated on what other people do in the bathroom is disturbing.
With regard to types of people I find irritating, you can add people who post unsolicited and inane replies to RUclips comments to the list.
Oh you're forgetting that Rolex prices are still going up ifdecide to resell
Yeah, erm, Ed Hardy vs Rolex? That’s like comparing YSL to a supermarket bag. As for saying “trophy watch” I’m sure the majority of people with Rolex’s are interested in watching hip hop stars flexing with Rolex, anyway what’s wrong with having a watch you can flex?
Simple: The Company that spends more money on Advertising will have a lesser quality product. $6000 Rolex Vs. $6000 GS give me break GS Wins hands down. But if you desire Status and Clout Buy a Rolex. "LOOK AT ME I OWN A ROLEX". I would rather Have an Omega Speedmaster and a Snowflake.. Oh wait I Sold a Sub and Bought both with MONEY LEFT OVER!!!!!!!!!! One Boring Sub with a Name, or an Omega and a GS, No brainer for me.
Quality wise they're both proven solid good watches and both factories make beautiful pieces for the market. GS has achieved perfection in dial configuration and finishing while Rolex is more like a tool watch with sturdy movements. But like Jory said GS and Rolex are not super high-horology compared to F. P. Journe, H. Moser, Hajime Asaoka, Laurent Ferrier, Patek and so many others. Marketing wise, well, I don't think Rolex really needs to spend money to prove anything or to get more clients, I mean, the real need for advertising, at this point. I'll give you an example, unlike Omega and some others watch brands I also appreciate, Rolex has never paid to have its watches featured in movies. Dennis Hopper, Paul Newman, Michael Cane, Guy Pearce, Chistian Bale, Bill Murray comes to mind but the list goes forever. Quality is definetely there for both, and I believe GS will be more desirable for the non-geeks like us in the future because the brand deserves recognition, but for this to happen their watches have to be serviceable not only in Japan. This will take some good time.
@@juniorgallo8786 rolex is not a toolwatch anymore... it used to be a toolwatch long time ago with accesibles prices, but with higher prices it can't be a toolwatch because is now a luxuty watch...
@@RickyRicon2023 I'm a contractor (who actually works, not just an owner), and the first month I cleared $50k net, i bought a Sub. I have literally thrashed that thing, and have thrashed my other 2 as well. I've instinctively stuck my hand into concrete to grab a punch that I dropped in it. I've had to have it polished several times and I think soon the bracelet will have been polished so much that it falls apart. I've never had any issue with any of them. When I had my first $100k net month, I bought a gold pres DJ that i don't wear while doing construction, but I still treat it more like a tool than any other person would even treat a Tag. For a businessman, a Rolex is much more important than a Seiko. It's a Seiko. Period. Very few people will know that it's an amazing watch. I do think it's an amazing watch, and I will get one soon, but most people don't know that. Whether people like it or not, Rolex is THE watch.
@@littlejackalo5326 you are one of a few ppl you use your sub in a construction but not the 90 maybe 95 won't, and maybe you do cus you get money easily and you don't care if your watch scrach or not you could pay a service and they will bring it to you like new. but the most ppl won't do what you do. believe me. that is your experience and it is cool...you use your watch in your house or whatever you go. I respect you opinion.
$6K watches will be a large part of what rolex makes, but it’s far from all they make and they do produce close to a million watches a year. i’ve no idea the range of prices in GS, or how many they make. anything gem set and hand finished will still be there in the rolex range, at very high profit margin with low production. any rolex is a very clear advert in itself, too.
I have 3 Grand Seikos. They are fantastic. No Rolex, because I won’t pay double for an already premium priced watch. I don’t buy brands, I buy quality.
I would take a Grand Seiko spring drive any day.
Lol!!!
The cheapest digital watch keeps better time than either Rolex or Grand Seiko. We wear a watch as a piece of jewelry. That being the case, wear the watch that makes you feel better.
This comment section is solid, full of individuals that know and appreciate the minutiae of excellence GS puts into their pieces. I like that.
I actually really liked your intelligent comment. When you buy a Grand Seiko the second feeling after being literally wowed by its striking beuty is appreciation
Well put.
In my arrogant opinion, Rolex are over rated and over priced. Most people buy them as a status symbol. I'm much more impressed with GS. As a comparison to Rolex, GS are a cleaner design, better built and more pride and innovation goes into making them. Some people are just stuck on the whole Swiss thing, and that because they are Swiss, that makes them better. Not true.
L
Appreciated your arrogant comment 👍
I'd also say if GS was Swiss made the price would likely go double or triple or maybe even more
Nice comment.
Appreciated for your opinion about Rolex.
I would definitely not want to spend that kind of money and then find myself wearing a Seiko every day.
@@jamespope6795 Silly statement. GS is its own thing. You are just concerned that others might not know the true value (monetary and craftsmanship) of the watch you are wearing.
I would argue that GS Spring Drive would last longer due to less friction being involved in the energy transfer process. Having said that Spring Drive is a more complex system.
Exactly! Grand Seiko uses frictionless braking system which separates the spring drive from any other mechanical movement
The most over rated watch brand in horological history is Rolex of course.
And yet I still love love LOVE my 114060 :-)
Based on what? Listening to RUclips vids that have an ulterior motive to promote certain watches. FFS This channel will tell you. $100 Chinese watch is good!
@@jalanc5095 Based on real world evidence
@@certainly2509 great… provide the evidence… help me help you, start with “for example…..”
@@jalanc5095 No time. I'm confident you can find it yourself.
People that love Grand Seiko and hate Rolex cant afford a Rolex and thats just a fact but watch collectors that own Rolex will usually dabble in Grand Seiko.
Buy a Rolex if you want to impress others, buy a Grand Seiko if you want to impress yourself.
I'm debating between whether to get a Rolex or GS for my 30th birthday. I'm leaning towards to GS because of their affordability and accessibility. On top of their amazing craftsmanship. But who knows. Thanks for another great video!
@Bongo Abovethelaw that's awesome! I'm between the GS SBGN005, SBGN019, and Rolex 36mm OP. Also, the Omega AquaTerra as a wild card.
I'd go Grand Seiko, but depending on what you want don't bet on affordability. Mine cost me €11,201. Yes that's a 1 at the end... don't know why, maybe exchange rate! Lol!
@@brianmsahin haha for sure. I'm leaning GS because I can actually get my hands on them. Plus, it's hard for me to justify a Rolex at the moment.
Depending upon when your B-Day if you Go Rolex you had better get your name on the waiting list.
@@Lamattack I just got the SBGN005 for my 42nd and I love it. Pictures don't do it justice, it's beautiful in person!
GS > Rolex.
Hardcore Rolex fanboys are always the worst kind of people.
Rolex > GS
Hardcore GS fan fanboys are always the worst kind of people.
So true Rolex fanboys are the worst. At least Hublot fanboys don’t pretend to care about watchmaking, they just like what they buy; which I have more respect than Rolex fanboys who buy Rolex purely because speculation and nothing else matters.
I hear ya. They are shallow, narcissistic, craving attention and validation. I know of a few personally.
The Brolex guys are annoying AF. They sound like a bunch of girls giggling about $20k handbags that probably cost $1k to make.
I assume you can’t afford Rolex’s then lol.
Rolex does a great job at catering to people who know nothing about watches
That's pretty much perfect way of viewing it, I think grand Seiko, like Patek are an enthusiast brand, along with brands like Ball and Doxa
Yep - As Federico said, Rolex is the Toyota of watches
They do but they also cater for real watch enthusiast
By getting featured in movies.....
@@realdaybreaker8013 all watch makers do that. Rolex are the only ones that don’t pay for it though.
I have just one comment on your presentation. The presentation was accurate, a bit overextended with impracticable side stories, but nonetheless interesting. You forgot to mention that Grand Seiko makes watches priced at US $ 250k which is made entirely of gold. This watches are made of only 50 pieces, and are made entirely by hand. Also I have known comercial divers that prefer to use the Seiko dive watches since they have experienced their Rolex submariner crack and flood, by bumping while working underwater, this includes a gold rolex worn by a Comex comercial diver in the late 70's. Seiko tuna has an outer shell that prevents this. Also note the Tuna emperor which was reissued in 2018 has been certified for 1000 meters, it has been tested to about 5k meters without a problem. Also note it does not need a helium escape valve unlike the sea dweller does when in decompression chamber. What I like about my Seiko Tuna Emperor in that the crown is at 4:00 a must to prevent bending or taking it out entirely by an accidental bump while working underwater. Thank You for the presentation.
If I had the money for luxury items I’d buy GS without a doubt.
Having both, the GS is like owning a Porsche while Rolex is like owning a Acura. The GS is amazing.
Is Rolex the DeBeers of watches? Creating artificial scarcity?
Ya
Who buys a watch as an investment anyhow? I own 3 Omegas for life and I couldn't care less what any of them are worth from year to year.
Playing a dangerous game then. Not being able to buy a Rolex to commemorate my 60th, I’ve bought watches from other brands, probably spent twice what I would have spent on a Rolex. When/if they become available again, I’ll buy another Rolex, but only if they don’t go crazy on price gouging.
@@denisdaly1708pp😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
It never fails to surprise (and amuse) me how tribal people are. They are watches fellas. Not football teams. I own a couple of Rolex' along with a lot of other marques. However.... Grand Seiko is an absolutely wonderful timepiece. I would be more than delighted to own one. Rolex and Grand Seiko are two of the world's finest watch companies. It ain't a mutually exclusive thing fellas ;!
I maintain that if Grand Seiko had gone with the Credor marque instead, they'd be eating Rolex' lunch. But Westerners cannot wrap their heads around paying $8K for something that says "Seiko" on the dial.
The only time a Rolex watch gets to interact with a watchmaker is when it’s sent in for service.
😂😂😂
😂👍🏽
Because they are so well made.
When a GS has to interact with a watchmaker it goes on holiday back to Japan because that’s the only place they service them!
@@jalanc5095 So do all true high horology watches, complicated PP, AP, VC, ALS. That’s not even true now that GS can be serviced domestically.
Rolex is legendary. Grand Seiko is EPIC. That's higher than legendary. The fit and finish of every component of a Grand Seiko is just that much closer to perfect. The Japanese cultural tradition of mastering skills to the highest level and delivering the finest workmanship imaginable is a perfect fit for the art of watchmaking.
I can't afford either.
if you cant afford grand seiko you obviuosly can afford Seiko or Casio....they are also japanese made.
@@whitewolf2767 That's not the point. A Porsche 911 is basically a VW built to a higher standard. I don't want a VW, either.
@@Turboy65 what watch do you want then???
You should put on a clean shirt after your haircut.
thats what i was thinking
it’s the design..
@@tampa687 It's the joke..
I’d be happy with the new SLA023 Marine Master over a Rolex submariner.
Me too
20,000 usd for a sub is stupid, you have chosen wisely
@@minhkhoinguyen88 thank you 😊
I need a good dress watch, I’d love to have a GS snowflake. I have a field watch (Hamilton Khaki) diver (Orient Mako USA II) and a G Shock as my beater. A dress watch is all that’s missing.
Get you a Tissot gentleman powermatic 80 silicium. Wonderful watch !
snowflake is not a dress watch is about 12.7mm or something 13mm hight but snowflake is an icon, you could get an skyflake it is more dressy with a leather breacelet 40mm instead of 41 of snowflake
I really like the look of some of GS's gmts but they got no loom. I need my watches to have loom. Even dress watches. I've spent to much time in a hospital bed not to recognize how crucial having a watch that can be read in the dark can do for your sanity.
@@loganholmberg2295 Lume
My iPhone works perfectly for me.
I could get a GS tomorrow but at the moment I can’t afford it in my current situation. I’ve had my eye on a GS , several of their iterations and hopefully I’ll be able to pick one up sometime soon in the future
So you could get a GS if you could?
@@trevbarlow9719 yeah but since I’m planning on moving abroad soon I can’t buy whatever I’d like atm. I been looking at their GMTs and their HiBeat watches.
I'd love to own a GS but in all honesty I have to be practical and an ASTRON SBXY017 in titanium is probably the only "high end" seiko I'll ever be able to afford. Hopefully I'll have enough saved up for it when my 45th comes up in a couple of years.
It depends what you mean by "better." If you don't care what the watch looks like, and you're just going to assess its quality of craftmanship, Grand Seiko wins. But that's not really worth much when you're talking about what watch you want to actually wear. If there's a Rolex design you're in love with (and it's not a DateJust 41), Grand Seiko doesn't offer any comparable alternative. I mean even you're not at all interested in brand prestige, once you have your eye on a Rolex sport model, any GS you compare it to will either be too big, too thick, too dressy, or all three. And that would make Rolex the better watch for you, quality be damned.
That's a good point when it comes to the type of watch you want, but even then, there are better tool watches than the mass produced Rolex imo.
I have a 54 year old Rolex that still keeps perfect time. I used and abused the crap out of that watch and have only serviced it 3 times.
Sounds like a keeper! When I buy a quality product, I usually keep it forever.
I have a Lotus quartz, I work on a building site, it's had 4 straps and two batteries, it cost £18...😂😂
My next $5-8 grand is going for a grand seiko.
My money isn’t good enough for Rolex, and I’m all gooood with that 👍.
For a watch enthusiast, Rolex kinda sucks unless you’re one of the chosen ones
what do you mean "not good enough"
Long Story short, GS is the only company that can provide high-end watches with 3 driving systems such as Quartz, Mechanical, or Hybrid "spring drive"..... The rest either mechanical or quartz.
The dumbest thing I have ever heard anyone say is dealers saying it takes a year to make a rolex, thats nonsense and not a sustainable business model
It’s all artificial. What other brand is doing the same?
I think the best way to compare the two brands is:
Rolex is like Iphone, having same new watch every year and people still go crazy aboht their products
GS is like Samsung, new innovative things coming out every year, offering best watch in the same price tag tier. GS's fan always mock swiss watch fan on how swiss watches are boring with the same watches being produced all the time
I own both, they both good but my most recent purchase has been The GS SLGH003 and now paid in full for the Spring Drive version GS SLGA007. The 9SA5 3600 VPH dual impulse escarpment movement is extremely advanced, also the 9SA2 5 day Spring Drive with dual barrels design borrowed from the Constant Force Tourbillon is amazing. GS for me, I'm buying the watch not the brand.
@japanwatchconnection I attended the GS9 event in New York and spoke with Joe and a few guys who wore their watches 003, they all claim accuracy without issues, my runs a bit fast but I honestly don't wear it enough like others as I have lots of watches. The key is to wear it in for at least two weeks straight which I'm doing know. If it's settles in at plus 3-4 Seconds a day I'm good as my OCD is under control, Lol. It's a great piece but a whole new animal.
After reading these comments, I laughed as I put on my Rolex President with shorts, t-shirt and flip flops. It is a 1981 model ( not built by robots) that my dad gave me. He wore it as an every day watch. Neither of us are snobs about anything (except Single Malts). The Rolex was the pinnacle of watches not too long ago. If you wanted a great watch, it was a Rolex. I wear it because it is part of my family's life I'm old enough not to care about what people think about what is on my wrist. By the way, over the last month, the watch is running 20 seconds slow total! It's not all hype.
@@ermanngies1914 Not the 18, but I do like the 12. Prefer Islay smoke and peat.
Rolex never was the pinnacle of watches despite the hype and the advertising, but they was and still are great watches specially great tool watches. The big difference is the price they were sold and the actual price for practically the same watch, for example a submariner costed in the 80's around 1100$ at the AD not 15000$, your rolex president probably costed the same, it was an "affordable" luxury entry watch, very great value for the money at this time, now not so much
Im a watch guy in the 2-4k per watch collection and im far more interested in the Grand Seiko for a grail watch and if I want a nice watch comparative to a Rolex id rather give my money to Tudor. I don't like how Rolex operates and what they offer is not unique enough to put up with their (IMO) shady business practices. Growing up I always wanted a Rolex (Milgauss especially) but seeing how they have handled themselves in the last 3-5yrs I can honestly say I will never give them a penny. I fully know they couldn't give a crap about my money and im totally cool with that.
Grand seiko > Rolex (and pretty much every “hype” brand). Here’s why, the craftsmanship is amazing, the price better, easier to purchase at retail which is a huge deal, will last just as long if not longer, looks just as good , different spring mechanics, quality is great. You are paying for the watch not the name, where as a lot of these watches you are paying for the name (yes they’re still nice but the name is what costs you more money ) at just point the only reason you got one of those watches is to sell it or bc you want to show off and care what ppl think of you despite you saying you don’t care… have had both and with no question the GS was better then the Rolex
It has been said before and I'm going to say it again. "Buy a Rolex to impress others - Buy a Grand Seiko to impress yourself"
If You like it and can afford it. Buy it, if You can find it.
PS probably a Casio fw 91will outlast anything for 30 bucks
As long as you don't wash your hands with it on.
@@littlejackalo5326 why? The fw 91 is water resistand 30m.
Also who would damage a watch from few splash of water when is washing its hands? Even a dress watch can survive that
I own several of both. Grand Seiko hands down!!!
I was told by a dealer that in 20 years he hasnt seen any spring drives come back for anything and he wished he could see one!
20 years without servicing is it possible??
Old wives tales.
Put a down payment for the SLGA007 this week! Can’t wait!!
Oh wow, Congrats!
Me too I just dropped 30% deposit Friday.
@@MegaFclef we gotta wait until December tho 😟
@@mmcallery thanks 🙏🏻
@@nomanor7987 yeah we do… 🗓🌬⛄️
People who know watches will get the GS instead of the robot made overpriced crap. Appreciate this kind of content telling the ugly truth about rolex and driving more people to make the right choice. I will go get a few more rolexes now
GS are for people who have real knowledge about watches, Rolex are for people who want to show off what they can afford. Give me a GS everytime.
Mindlessley restating the same tripe other RUclips commenters have written is how shall I put this? Mindless. As someone who owns Rolex and GS and Omega and others I can say you have no clue about what me and I suspect decide on how we spend our money on watches.
@@davidr2802 Calm down David, go take a breather. This wasn't aimed at you specifically, I've had a few people cursing others about their watch collections & all they have is money & no knowledge about watches. They tell me that that Rolex is a far more superior watch due to its price tag. Now this might make sense to you David, or you may have some knowledge & know different. Now each to their own David, but many people who come into cash will buy a Rolex due to the name & curse most everything that isn't a Rolex or costs as much. Before you begin getting upset again, I'm not saying YOU are one of these people, but there are quite a few of them. I stick behind my generalisation, GS are for people who know about amazing technology & time pieces, Rolex are for those who want to show what they can afford.
Don't be angry with me David, the world is in a mess, there's more important things to be angry about rather than watches.
Enjoy. Bless
Workout watching, I’m saying Grand Seiko. Spring Drive as a game-changer alone , finish and dial just look better on a decent and for sale Grand Seiko.
My issue with Rolex is that there are so many identical looking replicas everywhere that naked eyes can't tell apart. Until a few years ago there were ways to tell apart but they have gotten so good and are getting better at copying that even the watch experts are being baffled by the similarity. So, when i see someone wearing a Rolex, i always have a question whether it's fake or real! Some Rolex fans may say "they don't care what other people think, they wear it for their own satisfaction", but that's like a woman posting a picture of her half naked in an Instagram and saying "i wear these clothes not to attract or impress others but for my own satisfaction".
then clearly you care about what others think too much. Only the owner himself is going to know if his watch is real
Ultimately I agree with you time teller. Fascinating to learn about the systematic uncreativity of rolex. I would take a grand Seiko any day of the week over a rolex. They're for old fat dudes playing golf. Wish you would have expanded more upon how the wearer affects the watch, you mentioned it right in the beginning and never went back to it.
Yes, this was a horrendous review. Mate, quit the jokes, make it more informational. If I want a stand up comic, I’d watch something else. Look at how Teddy Baldassarre does his reviews.
Amazing…a bunch of GS enthusiasts posting to congratulate themselves on their choices.
As one poster said ‘both brands want to sell you $900 watches for $7,500’….
One thing though…this is above all a consumer product. Branding counts, and is critical.
GS should take a page from Japanese auto companies. The reason they (and Hyundai) launched premium brands, was because research showed, even if they gold plated a top line sedan, people (at the time) would not pay $40,000 for a Toyota.
Ask yourself, why does Swatch group, or Richmont keep all of its’ brands alive? And if they created a watch like a Patek, would you pay $50,000 for a Grand Timex?
Perhaps just adding a superlative adjective to a name works in the Japanese language/culture, but it generally doesn’t hold the same connotation in the west….otherwise General Motors has been wasting its’ time with Cadillac and should just market ‘grand chevrolets’…
i've got 2 Sgrand Seikos.
i realize it'll never impress anyone or be recognized, but i know how precious they truly are.
No question for me. Rolex all the way. It doesn't matter if GS makes "better" watches when I don't like their design. Of course Rolex is very conservative concerning their designs but eventually this is one of the reasons they're so successful.
For me I love both but the reason I still love Rolex is the dials are classic and amazing looking. Especially the symmetry of something like the submariner. Some people love the history glad they are making the same. Still the spring drive is a great movement.
If you want image and resale value go with the Rolex. If you want refinement and innovation, go with the Grand Seiko.
I've never owned a Grand Seiko or a Rolex (except for a fake one I bought from a street vendor in Manhattan like 25 years ago). I, myself, will never pay more than $500 for a watch. I just can't, in my right mind, justify it. Now with that being said, I am in awe at the engineering that goes into making a watch. I am of a practical mind and will spend money things that serve a practical purpose that enriches my life. Watches, after a certain price-point, are not practical in my opinion. They may be works of art but that's not what I'm about.
I have experience of both DJ and GS and can say both are amazing. The movements are accurate enough for anyone and the finishing luxury on both. I think though when spending such a huge amount of money on a watch the perceived luxury is important. Any luxury product is only “worth it” because of the perceived prestige. In that regard Rolex wins , but GS may catch up and for many they are more interesting and technical.
Buy what is pleasing to you and enjoy it.
Most people don't even pay attention to what is on your wrist, so the priority should be to buy what brings you most joy.
I've owned a GS in the past and my biggest complaint is that they are too thick (13mm for a more dressy watch).
When I look down at my wrist, I can never tell how thick my watch is and 13mm will easily slide under s cuff.
Ya, a weakness. They have slimmer movements now.
Just ordered a Grand Seiko Tokyo Lion (SBGC275) for apx 12,000 USD, delivery due in July. It's stunning. Rolex doesn't come anywhere even close to the finish and movement of this watch. It's a work of art.
It's a silly question! Grand Seiko by a mile!
grand seiko makes some nice watches, but with their current offerrings, i can never take them over rolex.
After owning GS watch I had experienced defect with the finishing of the bracelet I have to say Rolex has better QC and better quality than GS. GS hand finishing is not precision as they claim to be period.
Many have said the exact same thing about Rolex.
The comparison should be between Grand Seiko & Patek, not Rolex.
I have a 1969 and a 1971 grand seiko hi beats and both are running fine and within or close to the advertised +3/-5 seiko claimed in those years for the hi beat. I agree that the Rolex will pro probably last a bit longer but by that time I will be pushing. up daisies with my 1969 hi beat will still be keeping almost perfect time on my cold dead wrist :-)
What about servicing of gs?
I love GS, but they do need to pay more attention to the 36mm to 38mm market. Beautiful watches though.
Summary in quality sense: Grand Seiko begins to be like Patek Philippe.., and Rolex begins to be like Citizen Watches...
that's a ridiculous comparison
Rolex for sure makes complications: the independently adjustable 12-hour hand on the GMT (I think they even invented that), a great automatic chronograph, a crazy regatta timer (yacht master 2), and a calendar with unique user interface (sky dweller). On innovation you might want to look into chronergy escapement and parachrom hairspring.
People buy Grand Seiko because they love the watch, people buy Rolex because they love the name.
And they want to make money.
If watches were currency Rolex is the dollar, recognized and accepted everywhere. GS is the yen. It is convertible to be sure but you will probably be asked first if you have dollars instead.
The only problem with Grand Seiko is their often ridiculous proportions on their sport watches. Otherwise they're 1 step above Rolex in terms of craftsmanship alone
Yeah its kind of weird that a country full of smaller than average people love big watches. Just look at Gshocks and Protreks. I'm 6'6" and half my Protreks are realistically to big for even me.
@@loganholmberg2295 So I have a Protrek PRW6600Y and it being big is practical, since it's more legible and has features like a compass and Altimeter. If it wasn't big those features would be hindered in their use, especially if I was say, skydiving and needed the altimeter. GS sport watches are just huge. Like the SBGJ239 is 44mm x 14mm which is massive for most wrists. Much larger than a Rolex GMT Master which is only 40mm
It seems the question is who you're buying the watch for, yourself or for others. As as kind of been said, people will see the GS and say "nice Seiko" , maybe one of the prettiest I've ever seen, whereas they'll see the Rolex and say wow, that guy has a Rolex.
I bought a 2019 GS Spring Drive Chrono. When I operated the Chrono the watch ground to a halt (I wish Watchfinder checked it before selling it to me). Luckily it was still under warranty and is currently in Japan getting fixed. I might get it back before the end of the year 🙁.
Beard's looking good. And the short haircut should stay.
Great content as usual. Thanks
I've ot a Sub and a GS as well. In more than 10 years i never needed to bring the Rolex to service, never. The GS tho, even if i have it for 8 years now, i got to bring it to service twice already. Reality is, GS is still well made, and Rolex is made by robots (lol), but there is a reasson why the Rolex retain his value so much. It's still a superior watch in my personal expierience. (and 100 times more iconic, but that's another story)
We have to keep in mind that most Rolex models are simply not available at the stores new, so the only option for most people to get one is to massively overpay for a second hand Rolex. To me that is a lousy deal.
Good video and a conclusion that is perfectly understandable. My son, a couple of weeks ago, was shocked when I showed him why GS are better than Rolex from a finishing standpoint, but the overall question is much more complex.
You do Sacrilege so eloquently.
It's okay, Jory, we're all just biological robots programed by genetic determinants and highly variable and chaotic environment events, only partly conscious of our emotional motivators and fairly limited in our logical processing abilities and capacities, but we all pretty much dream of obtaining Rolex status and Grand Seiko aesthetical poetry such as seen in their Omiwatari. Is it possible to have both at a mid-tier price? Possibly. I'm sure your viewers have some suggestions.
Check out the big brain on David! 😉
When are you going to get a modern grand seiko? Very keen to know which one you’ll choose
I know a couple of guys who have bought Rolex with no intention of ever wearing them, basically just as an investment, it's true the dealership s are playing a game with customers, basically they inflate demand, much like de beers do with diamonds, they'll offer you a certified second hand watch or put you on their waiting list, when in reality there are plenty of new units to go around, it's just a scam
Your antics and outbursts are getting in the way of the delivery of your message; not sure if I am alone in feeling that you are no longer as serious as you once were; especially given all the newcomers into the review space. Good content on this but you might want to be careful with your antics...
Jokes on you- I’ve NEVER been serious. 😩🙌
@@thetimeteller Damn! And I missed that all along!
GS is boring
So spring drive is boring?
@@blakefrost8303 it is
@@blakefrost8303 extremely. It fills a hole in the market that doesn’t exist.
Boring can be good 👍🏻
@@nomanor7987 true. I didn’t say they’re not good.
4 Shrek movies
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2 TV Holliday Specials
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“GS makes better watches than Rolex”…. I agree with you especially when you compare them in the same price range. A similar question to me is which watchmaker offers best value for money. I think GS comes to the top. But another brand I really think worth the money is JLC.
GS needs better clasps/bracelets. I understand their current clasp is more of a design decision, and I respect that, but it's been nearly impossible for me to find a great fit on my Grand Seiko watches. Some sort of micro adjust would be very helpful
Good video (as usual).
On another note; your t-shirt gives me the impression you went for a haircut, the hair fell on the t-shirt...
and you left it like that for the video! Nice!
You buy a Seiko to check the correct time. You buy a Rolex to flaunt to your friends your financial success.
I think you did not directly address this, but a huge difference is, Seiko doesn't own a million-and-one brands. Seiko sells Seikos and Orients.
Citizen just owns too many brands. Citizen would have more of a following if they stopped making so much variety.