Grand Seiko vs Rolex GMT Watch Comparison Explorer II 226570 vs SBGM247 Head to Head Review
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
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SKU: 4716635
Today, Tim reviews and compares the Rolex Explorer II Ref. 226570 and the Grand Seiko Sport Collection Automatic GMT SBGM247.
For complete details, watch the full Rolex Explorer II and Grand Seiko Automatic GMT comparison by Tim Mosso!
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Tim before the explorer 2 there was a watch called the Seiko Navigator Timer GMT with a 24 bezel circa 1960’s. Pre 1971 Explorer II, in case you wanted to go back a little further.
I will take my G Shock over both of these
no you wouldn't
For design , style also size GS for me ,but with blue dial.
Tim, I thoroughly enjoyed your head to head comparison. I would like to see more head on comparisons like this.
Hi Danny - you can find them all in one place here: ruclips.net/p/PLZIR3m4hrJQTctdVMNCRGlBhMKsLdaKPJ
Thanks for your support of our Channel!
--Team WatchBox
@@the1916companywatchreviews Thank you, I will check them out at your site.
I agree, the straps and clasps on Grand Seiko are cheap in comparison to the Oyster bracelet, I have a Pepsi on Jubilee bracelet and it also feels flimsy and cheap, I prefer Grand Seiko as a watch fan not someone who just wants to own a Rolex.
I like the look of the Grand Seiko over the Rolex, most Rolex dials are boring they do have some cool stuff in the lineup but not compared to what Grand Seiko puts out. I think both are great I'd take a the GS in this case as price wise it's 1/2 as much, as getting a Rolex at retail price is a trick. But in the end the Rolex is a better watch which I would hope it would be considering the large gap in price.
It sounds like you like the looks of the grand seiko better, but in the end, the Rolex is a better watch. What are a few things besides the bracelet that make the Rolex a better watch?
It is a better watch in that is got some micro adjust, it has a better clasp, a better bracelt, is significant thinner on the wrist, has a great value retention and is the original steel bezal gmt and a better movement. In what way is not better. You could argue the dial if you prefer olive
Great review. For me, I'd go with the GS all day long. It's a piece of art. If you want a status symbol, go with the Explorer II.
A watch that fidgets around on your wrist rather than stay planted just because it’s thick, is not a piece of art. It may even prove to be a headache to wear.
@@hsheuw nonsense. Greatly depends on wrist size and what you’re used to. I wear a Breitling Avenger Seawolf which is 18.4mm thick and 45mm wide. It doesn’t flop around or slide around and it stays planted and secure. I wear it on a bracelet which are nearly always worn looser than straps.
@@californiacastle your wrist and that Breitling are best seen as an exception rather than what can be considered normal 🤣
@@hsheuw I’ll grant you that. I also do have rather large wrists. I just wanted to state that not all thick watches are a pain to wear. Have a great evening.
@@californiacastle watches with GS-like thickness are anything but comfortable to wear. It can't ever hope to look elegant (let alone graceful) either. Like it or not, (Most)Rolexes do keep its thickness in check while still ensuring its movement stay reliable. Sadly, this is a simple USP that very few other brand cares to get right.
all great points - what amazes me is people (like in politics and other things today) seem to take it as black or white --- either love Rolex hate GS, or hate GS love Rolex. Both are great watches I own 4 Rolex- Polar explorer(216570), one high beat MT Iwatsu burgundy, GS thinking of adding a spring drive or another mechanical Seiko (For the dial ) -SBGA413 (Cherry dial), they are what they are, but can get enjoyment from both. For me, the hand finishing on Case-Dial hands-indices make them for me- GS came out with a nice blue manual wind Spring drive - but I have so many Blue I think i like the unique Cherry Seasons watch - As usual great review with facts!!! than your opinion - all factors pointed out so others have a good basis to make decisions on --- hey did you do a review on the 413 seasons, gotta look! ;-)
Get the same movement in the SBGM221 and don't deal with a $50 GS bracelet. It's a different genre of watch, but it's the value gem in GS's lineup.
If only SBGM221 had a 100 m water resistance…
The Explorer II is probably the coolest, low profile Rolex ….great tool watch for everyday (work and leisure) (under the cuff) and traveling.
I want to like GS, but whenever I try one on, it never feels right on the wrist. Maybe it’s the case thickness or the weight imbalance of the case vs the bracelet clasp. Every Rolex I’ve tried just feels so right on the wrist. They sit flatter and wear comfortably. It could just be that my wrist size and shape are better suited to a Rolex.
100%. I feel the exact same way. I have both, and the GS looks great, but the Exp looks awesome and feels great on the wrist. After owning many brands, I always return to RLX, regardless of the model.
So many are talking about GS stealing Rolex's design, but besides the bezel their are no similarities... I don't see what you're looking at. The case design, dial design, clasp...its all different, and if honest better executed. Even the bracelet design is different... similar but different. Regarding the bracelet, Rolex doesn’t hold the patent on brushed oyster style bracelets. If that's the case, hundred.... probably thousands of watches should be target as stealing Rolex's design too.
The Bezel was also introduced by Seiko in1960.
Rolex copied it
The GS for me, no doubt, any time of the day. I don't like what Rolex stands for but I do like what they make so a Tudor might suit me better in that perspective lol. I just love almost every aspect of the GS (since no watch is perfect), at first sight it was the dial colour and very close behind that it was the numerals on the bezel that did it for me. There is one thing that I like more on the Rolex and that is the design of the indices, on the GS these are too dressy for a watch like that but the way GS executed these makes it a design 'flaw' that is easy forgiven.
all the little boys and girls that can’t afford Rolex at the current prices are stomping their little feet with ‘yeah I don’t even like Rolex anyway mommy!!!’
@@johnd8701 well I actually do like Rolex that is no secret. The thing is when anyone wears a GS I know it is a watch enthousiast when on the other hand someone wears a Rolex I am not so sure. Bigger chance it is a posh person claiming not anyone can afford it. I can only guess, considering your reaction, where you fit in of course but I do have an idea...
I, too, owned both of these watches. I actually like GS more.
This is a rare time when I think I’d take the Rolex. It’s an original design and feels like the GS is homaging, to an extent, the Rolex. But normally I’ll take GS all day every day 😮
Aesthetically the Grand Seiko is the stand out in this comparison .
I will take the grand seiko. It looks more beautiful and relax. 😊
The answer is the sbgn027 - the quartz grand Seiko gmt - wears better then both - fraction of the price same high quality finishing and high accuracy quartz makes much more sense for a true gmt
Excellent and objective comparison Tim!
Great review of two amazing pieces.
I like the grand seiko bezel
I'd get the Rolex money no object and if money was an object I'd get a blackbay pro. I don't want the baggage, though. So maybe go for the Tudor in any case?
I don't know why but GS designs don't look balanced to me. It looks like Rolex designed the perfect watch and other brands are just trying to create something similar but different enough to be distinctive but end up looking "not quite right"
Just me?
Owned both RLX and GS in the past, and 1000% RLX looks and feels better than GS. Value, GS wins due to lower cost. But RLX retains its value better.
First time on this channel. Very informed review. Thank you for the content!
Personally like the GS way more.
I would have to agree, Grand Seiko takes the cake all day.
$29 bracelet loses it, I am afraid.
The Grand Seiko looks unbeatable for the price. But that thickness to me is a difference maker. Would easily take the Rolex for the wait list, & much higher cost. Rolex models keep their value & most appreciate in price if taken care of. If Grand Seiko gets their thicknesses in their GMT's down to 12mm-13mm range & keep the cost similar as now.. The tables could turn IMHO & this decision being easy YES for Rolex, to easy YES for Grand Seiko!!
For me the GS takes too much from the Rolex design in terms of the bezel and with exception to the dial messes the rest up. Too think, bracelet, clasp. I prefer the ceramic bezel version but it still has the thickness and bracelet to contend with. Wish GS would slim things down and think even smaller with their sport watches. They are crushing in with their dressier watches.
Great to see another head to head comparison.
13:51 seals the deal. I sold 2 GS to make room in my watch box for a white Explorer II.
The GS has an inner 24hr ring. Is that just to aid the readability? Does it rotate to display a third time zone (that would be awesome)
It’s for a.m. or p.m.
Whilst I don’t particularly like some of its brand associations, I’d pick the Rolex by a fairly thin margin.
The Exp 2 looks AMAZING on a Rubber B. I don’t think my bracelet will ever get matched back up with my watch.
Been thinking about picking one of those up for my Coke GMT. The old style bracelet is a little flimsy.
GS for me.
Incredible GS piece.
Cool comp….Explorer II wins…you can tell bracelet and build quality is superior than GS.
The hands better on Rolex for sure as well as the orange; holds value....never can go wrong with Rolex sport watch!
Where you go wrong with Rolex is….. can’t get them and you pay way more. As far as resale value … yes Rolex is the one but you dish out way more money up front for a better resale value ? Grand seiko and omega are available and have nothing to envy Rolex as far as quality. Not the same re sale value but you’re not laying that much cash up front to begin with.
@@rl7487 it's just not on my list to own A Grand Seiko...
As Far as Omega, I would wear that ploprof and the Ultra Deep blue Summer Ss in a minute.
Amazing pieces!
Neither, a pity that GS is so thick and the bracelet is shoddy in relation to the excellent work on the watch case otherwise he would have won
I’m sorry I disagree as an owner of both Grand Seiko bracelets are far from shoddy…
both are amazing
YUP !!! Perfect comparison.
It's impressive what the Grand Seiko can do at its much lower price (5700 vs 9500), and how it actually beats Rolex at a few things (dial, case finishing).
But in other aspects, it's clear the price tier separates these greatly (bracelet, clasp, movement, thinness, refinement in design).
Value for money, Grand Seiko here probably wins, but the Explorer II is just the better watch.
Interesting video, wish it would have included the Christopher Ward Sealander GMT, which is on par with both of these for a fraction of the price.
The GS is nice, but the date at 4 ruins the balance of the dial.
There's a giant grotesque pimple on the Rolex's crystal, but sure the date at 4 ruins the symmetry of the GS.
@@nathancortes3722 the date magnifier doesn’t ruin the balance of the dial.
@@petestowne Yes it does
@@petestowne If that's the case, your original comment is null and void.
@@nathancortes3722the date magnifier is still not a part of the dial. Whether you dislike the magnifier more than the date at 4 is entirely up to you of course. I prefer the magnifier over having the date at 4 since it disrupts the straight lines as it is set at an angle. The magnifier, while sometimes controversial, does not have the same effect.
This is actually a battle I'm having...sort of. My next major watch purchase will likely be an Explorer II. Other similar options are also up for contention. If I get a GS though, it MUST be a Spring Drive movement. That's what makes GS unique. Yes, they do hand craft at an amazingly low price point, but there ARE other companies that do hand polishing. There are no other companies that do Spring Drive, so if I'm getting a GS, it'll have that movement.
That said, I think every person should have a Rolex, if they can swing it. If you're into watches, you should own at least one Rolex during your life. If you aren't into watches, it's a symbol of "achieving something important" unlike anything else, and everyone will hopefully achieve something worthy of a Rolex. So for my unique situation, I'll be going Rolex. This is the only Rolex I'm interested in (that I can actually afford), so it basically has to be my one Rolex. (I'm also a total sucker for white dials.)
Follow up! Turns out I got the call last weekend! And in only 6 months, with no purchase history. Despite the economic conditions and new Rolex plant coming online, that was still a surprise. Was planning on 2 years total wait. Timing was perfect though, as my 40th birthday is only a couple days away!
I was looking at the Ex II as well and comparing with the GS (but blue dial). I was ready to pull the trigger on the Ex II but decided to get the GS and a hesalite Speedy instead - both for the same $ as the Ex II. Best decision I made.
@@californiacastle Sounds like a great combo!
It's not even close. The Explorer 2 is the superior watch.
only superior in price. That's not a good value to tie up that much investable cash. I don't care how rich you are there are infinitely better things to do with $15K. I bought my first Submariner for about $4500. These Rolex prices have jumped the shark. I'd rather put the $15K towards my grail Vacheron.
Seikos unabashed deign theft is a dealbreaker
Aye, I can barely tell them apart
Dial is different. Hands are different. Date window is different. Case is different. Crown is different. Bracelet is different. Hmm what else is different? Lol only thing close to looking the same is the bezel, and even that is quite different lol
When you copy your friends homework but you change it just a little, lol love the design
Sorry, GS fans, but this one isn’t close. The Dauphine hands and dress hour markers without lume clash terribly with the GMT bezel and case. The date window at 4 really unbalances the entire dial. And the bracelet is far too flimsy for what this watch is intended for. Love what Grand Seiko can do, but in an attempt to maintain some differences from the explorer 2, they can’t decide if they want to be a dress watch or rough and tumble sports watch. They just don’t seem to be willing to go all in on this one.
Agreed. The GS design seems conflicted. No crown guard on a watch that tips its hat towards the active lifestyle? A classic style dial on a watch with a utilitarian function? Seems off to me. I see the Explorer 2 design as fully integrated around its intent.
I am a total GS fanboy. That being said, my Explorer II Polar gets more wrist time than anything else in my collection. Take what you will from that.
Crown at 4 ...GS
Grand Seiko is the better lookin watch here
so much marketing in his presentation :D
Generally, I prefer Grand Seiko, however, that green dial is hideous.
all the little boys and girls that can’t afford Rolex at the current prices are stomping their little feet with ‘yeah I don’t even like Rolex anyway mommy!!!’
Oh man if the Rolex didn’t have the old man magnifier, it would be perfect.
Stamped bracelet < many micro brands...major fail...its' not just a "detail" its' like putting the least expensive tires you can find on a 7 Series, an "S" class or A8....at the factory, no less...
I could live 4 lifetimes without needing to see another set of mercedes hands and round hour markers. Man is that a boring. I can't get over this overt social media hyping of nearly the same dial on Tudor BB's. That Grand Seiko in blue SBGM245 is such a sharp looking watching. Just not a fan of a stainless bezel for daily use when ceramic is durable.
The fact that there are now lots of comparisons between Rolex and GS means that Rolex are now running scared
I beg to differ....the newer generation rolex models are way better...new exp2 has same black lacquered dial as new sub and the gmt movment is rock solid and then if not enough, rolex put double gasket on the screw down crown for real 100m rating. Then polished white gold hands and accent and new sub and exp2 now have anti reflective coating on the underside. Even though it's double the price vs the seiko, the exp2 is a cut above. Not to mention there's hardly any value associated with seiko or any other brand unlike rolex.
Does anyone own a Rolex that is more accurate than any watch with Spring Drive?
@ boom lol
its not just about the accuracy, if you own both watches you will know the difference. grand seikos feel much cheaper than rolex watches. bracelet is worse than my bad mont blanc sport watch.
@@Kimchi203010 I only brought that up because he said the accuracy on the Explorer was comparable to Spring Drive.
GS loses for the 4 o'clock date position.
Seiko love em, but hate em. The grand Seiko as a brand is such a hot mess. Great internals, total fail on cases, bracelets and pricing. I was looking at one the other day, $15k CAD, zero magic, basically the brand is trying to imitate Rolex, with a cira 2007 giant watch aesthetic, with unnecessary thickness, 50mm+ case lengths and crap bracelets. Every time I try to look at the brand again it's just insulting. Couple list with immediate loss of value makes it forever no for me. And that day I picked up a spb317 (week before got the speedmaster racing).
So many Rolex haters mentioning status if by status you mean Icon than yeah the Rolex Explorer GMT is an icon! It’s not recognizable at all and it’s the perfect tool watch. Love my 216570 Polar have been wearing it for 5 years it’s only been noticed by 2 super nerdy watch guys, flies under the radar all day. That GS design and bracelet are hideous imo too thick also! I really love some GS models like white Birch or their high beats but this one is a dud sorry 🤷♂️
Neither.
Safe bet always ....Rolex Sports Watch
Swiss Made
Rolex is nice but i dont want to get stabbed and killed, i wear other watches all 18k solid gold and im always undercover, because people never heard of the brand, vs Rolex, everyone knows what it is.
You can clearly see where Seiko took turns to save money here when compared to Rolex. Different price points for different folks for that would buy these watches.
Nice vs between this 2. Rolex i feel will be a better built watch Great in depth reviews Tim.
As much as I love grand seiko, the rolex is a clear winner for me
The GS is a beautiful watch. But directly copying an iconic design such as the Explorer 2 makes the watch look like a cheap knock off. It hurts the GS brand image. I owned one of these watches for a few days and just couldn't live with the Explorer 2 bezel being grafted onto a Grand Seiko GMT dive watch. So I sent it back at considerable expense and inconvenience. Maybe it's because my uncle had an Explorer 2 that he loved so much. Maybe it was being accosted by Rolex copy watch hawkers in Hong Kong on Nathon Road. Whatever it was, this watch leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. I'm no Rolex fan. But Rolex design should be respected, not appropriated. Shame on you Grand Seiko.
Put in a Google search for Seiko 6117-8000.
Seiko started with this look in 1960 , Rolex is the one that copied
Obviously this particular gs is a copy of Rolex… Better go for snowflake or some other models that are being genuine
Rolex all day long, everyday.
Market wise the better option is Rolex. It holds value while GS doesn't
I’m a big grand seiko fan and honestly, as a brand, I much prefere it to Rolex. But I have to say there is no real contest… In this case Rolex blows Grand Seiko away.
*How?*
@@joeskeptical4762 full disclaimer… I own the Explorer II 226570 and the Grand Seiko SBGM 221 and if I had to keep only one, I don’t know which one it would be. Now to your question… bracelet and clasp - there’s no comparison. I’d just be stating the painfully obvious. Finishing on the case very close between these 2, I’d have a very hard time deciding. Dial: if it’s anything like the SBGM 221, GS all the way. Now the main diference is the movement… having experience with both and though the 9S66 is excellent, I have to say that the 3285 is significantly better in terms of accuracy, shock resistance, anti-magnetism. Just to give an exemple, If you’ve handled the jumping hour on both you can easily feel that the Rolex is clearly of higher quality. The same goes for the date change.
My conclusion, if they were identical price I’d go for the Rolex all day everyday. Considering the price diference, it becomes a very hard choice. If you’re going to pay secondary market prices for the Rolex, then my choice would be GS.
@@BenNS1971 *Thanks for the good explanation.* 👍
There’s nothing ‘Grand’ about Grand Seiko bracelets. Otherwise, awesome watch.
Why?
@@bigbrotherwatchesdannyboy306 the bracelets aren’t comfortable. Awesome watches, shotty bracelets!
@@clark2275 is it too light? thanks for the feedback!
@@bigbrotherwatchesdannyboy306 the links will pull hair out like a cheaper watch would. It’s just clumsy.
@@clark2275 thanks Clark! I appreciate this kind of feedback! 🙏 cheers!
GS copied Rolex. The new Tudor looking like a vintage explorer is fine because it's Rolex copying themselves, but copying another company is lazy.
No contest . Rolex all the way. Better made better looking with the heritage of this model. But then it does cost more. So hardly surprising.
Better made? seiko is hand finished on the dial and case
agreed, grand seikos have some of the worst bracelets per dollar. watch just feels cheap on the wrist.
Propotionally speaking, the rolex wins
Grand Seiko bracelet sounds so cheap and hollow.
Rolex case is just a machine-made slab. No comparison in that regard.
They are both machine made, and hand finished.
@@ralex3531 that is wrong
@@jswede1 Nope it is not, Hodinkee confirmed it during a Rolex watch tour, the movements are also hand assembled and indices are hand placed. 0024watchworld also confirmed this on a tour. Go look it up.
@@ralex3531 hand assembled with the aid of machines is not the same. There is no hand polishing of anything on a Rolex. Look at a micro shot of any part of any dial on a GS and then on a Rolex. It’s laughable that anyone would make the comparison.
@@ralex3531 here you are brother: ruclips.net/video/hKrJOMaFuyA/видео.html
Horrible... First time I say this...
#BrunoBodyModz
No brainer …….piece of crap V brilliance
@@SampleTracks2224…..stupidly awkward & bizarre comparison & you’ve just highlighted the fact
I don’t like Asian watches … not my thing, but they have some decent designs that they’ve taken from us Europeans. If people would take a moment to look into the history of time measuring devices (clocks, timepieces, dials), then they’d quickly realize that Europeans harmessed the precision & technology. The Japanese then replicated our tech; same with cars & electronics.