Who did it better? Just to stir the pot a bit. :)

[polarinda]

Ok I'm a brand freak, i confess.


Hence, Seiko for me.

[Starbucksboss]

Originally Posted by eightbore

Now, another question....is it worth an extra 50-60% on top of the GS price to get the Rolex? Is there value for money in another $2500-$3500?

Legit question....not trying to troll for an argument.

Yep...becsuse Id wear the Rolex and enjoy it. After all its not just about yelling the time...is it?

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Explorador

I have never seen this watch before. That's exactly my kind of watch. And to me, this is Seiko's answer to the question: which is the coolest GMT watch? I think there is nothing wrong with getting different answers to the same question. Watches don't get jealous of each other, only our girls do. Now you got me all curious about this particular watch.

You might enjoy these clips...

[landroverking]

Someone should photo shop a GS with Rolex logo and name of the dial and see what happens

[Furbo]

5 or 6 different fonts on all those Seikos just kill me..

[Pete26]

& sold it, it just didn't sing to me like Rolex. Superb watch, but much more fragile in my eyes than any Rolex. mine had a non-screw down crown and I would have never felt comfortable swimming in it, even though it was rated to 10 bar wr. I feel I can do anything with my Explorer that the GS could never do. The fit and finish were not that great IMHO, at least to justify the price and I never bought the samaurai zaratsu polishing BS either. Seiko watchmakers are not samurai sword makers No lume was a killer as well. Beautiful dial though.

I also prefer the higher grade of steel used by Rolex, Seiko use 316L as opposed to 904L by Rolex as can be seen in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UuDJl93Z1g

Rolex use white gold markers, Seiko use steel. My Explorer is far more accurate than the GS was as well. GS is a nice watch but I think like a lot of brands there is a lot of hype around them.

I have been following with amusement a thread on another forum around the Seiko SBDX001 MM 300 and what improvements that could be made to it. I have also owned and flipped this watch several times so a little bit of interest for me there. One of the common issues with the MM is the use of hardlex instead of sapphire. Seiko confirmed years ago that this was done to keep the price down. A lot of folks compare the MM to the Rolex sub, but funnily enough the biggest issue for MM owners is the crown. Jack from IWW who was one of the first in the USA to service MM's reckons the MM should have a triplock crown like Rolex. Also if you cross thread the crown you are up for a whole new case. For me in Oz, I would have to send the watch to japan for servicing.

I was talking to an AD last year. He only stocks Rolex and Tudor, and there is an Omega Boutique across the road. He told me that he used to stock some other high end brands, including Omega and he said that he no longer does as less Rolex come back with issues as well as RSC servicing is top notch.

This is not to disparage GS at all, but to some having to send the watch back to japan to be serviced is quite a task.


So Rolex for me IMHO

[BMAN8]

No contest...Rolex. Seiko's bezel, crown guards, lugs and date window look weak. That doesn't leave much to like in this particular Seiko, IMHO.

[marfaboy]

Comparisons are odious...

[GB-man]

I'm taking the explorer er'yday.

[threemonkeys]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Between those two particular models, I prefer the Rolex. I do not like the case design or crown guards of that GS.

This GS is a lot nicer, imo, as well as being a hi-beat.

I would choose this over the Rolex. I don't really like the crown guards on the model posted above.

[venom43]

On white dials...what about the omega great white?? For me the one that looks like the older model explorer 2. And with the cheaper price tag and wave dial....the better buy. Just my

[venom43]

Originally Posted by MP5

OK, I love that Grand Seiko Polar GMT- It is stunning but the CGs throw me off. I think the Polar EII Wins this round. BUT......
The one to have that beats the Black version of the GS GMT and the Black EII is the SBGM001


Differences are subtle but make all the difference- the CGs are smooth and the indicies are square instead of oval. Also the dial hashes instead of the rehault track makes the whole package perfect

I agree....that black dial and case make a beauty.

[jnkay]

Surprised (and impressed) that the comments have been mostly thoughtful and not automatically in favor of the brand for which this forum is named. I'm not a fan of the Seiko's hand or hour marker designs, nor the narrow bezel and funky crown guards and lug shape. Exp. II for me.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by threemonkeys

I would choose this over the Rolex. I don't really like the crown guards on the model posted above.

Me too.

The hi-beat gmt that I posted is a real stunner. Like any other brand, GS has some really nice models and some duds.

[Onikage]

GS finishing is first rate. The dauphine hands and baton markers kill it for me. They really don't go on sports watches with sporty crownguards and numeric bezel. Imo of course. What I want on my sports watch is lume and utilitarian hands/markers to go with the utilitarian numeric bezel and crownguards! I also don't want to send them to Japan.

[floater156]

Originally Posted by Bernie.H.

Personally, I slightly prefer the looks of the GS, however had is been the 42mm Explorer in the contest that would definitely be the winner for me. (PS, really nice to see balanced posts so far)

X2

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

[jjnd08]

GS minus the crown guards.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Starbucksboss

Yep...becsuse Id wear the Rolex and enjoy it. After all its not just about yelling the time...is it?

It is if you are the Town Crier...

[Docar]

Boy, am I in the minority.

I prefer the GS over the Explorer and I bought the model GS I now
own-SBGR031- because it has the crown guards.

[alexwatchenthusiast]

WTF? Rolex Explorer II obviously... it is swiss v japanese... it's like comparing a high quality european car like Mercedes or BMW to a high quality Jap car like a Lexus- I would never by a non swiss watch unless spending less than $200...

[Syed117]

The ignorance never ceases to amaze me.

Between those specific models, I would go with the Explorer. That being said, there are several GS models that I would take over it in a heartbeat.

I know this is the Rolex forum, but there are way too many people who are just interested in a name. It's great if that's what makes someone happy, but if Rolex didn't spend more on marketing than any other brand, things might be different.

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Syed117

The ignorance never ceases to amaze me.

Between those specific models, I would go with the Explorer. That being said, there are several GS models that I would take over it in a heartbeat.

I know this is the Rolex forum, but there are way too many people who are just interested in a name. It's great if that's what makes someone happy, but if Rolex didn't spend more on marketing than any other brand, things might be different.

With all due respect, I doubt there are many here interested in Rolex mainly because of the name. Sure there are plenty of people that buy a watch because it says Rolex on the dial but to find and join a forum and participate in discussion about watches there's got to be more substance to it for most every member.

[Lew Archer]

I prefer the look of the Explorer II. I own that model, so, admittedly, am biased in its favor. I'm sue the Seiko is a very fine watch, but it's looks don't grab me.

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

With all due respect, I doubt there are many here interested in Rolex mainly because of the name. Sure there are plenty of people that buy a watch because it says Rolex on the dial but to find and join a forum and participate in discussion about watches there's got to be more substance to it for most every member.

I agree with you, or I want to. I think Rolex as a brand is a victim of it's own success.

I don't think anyone doubts the quality of a Rolex watch. There are fantastic. The problem is when it's elevated to some extreme pedestal while other brands are dismissed based on nothing but personal bias due to brand perception.

In this case, it's all the people dismissing Grand Seiko simply because it's a Seiko, a Japanese company.

There is a direct correlation between brand perception and marketing. Rolex spends more on marketing than any other brand. They spend almost twice as much as their first competitor. They have spent more on marketing than any other brand for 13 years consecutively. They are everywhere.

For example. Last week I met up with a friend for dinner. He's about to start a new job and was possibly getting a signing bonus. We started talking about watches. He said that he wanted to get something nice. He doesn't know much about watches, but his first choice was a Rolex. When I asked which model he was considering, he simply said "the one with the black face".

When I asked why that model, he simply said that it was a Rolex and a very popular one. I obviously didn't sway him one way or the other. The Sub is a fantastic watch.

For every one guy on the internet who cares more about quality or horology, there are a hundred or a thousand who just want something expensive and popular to put around their wrist.

People who believe that 904L is magical and go crazy over every piece of marketing jargon Rolex throws out. There are millions of watches out there that aren't made of 904L steel, they don't use Parachrom hairsprings or paraflex shock absorbers. Advancements are great, but Rolex isn't the only company making them.

[eightbore]

Originally Posted by alexwatchenthusiast

it's like comparing a high quality european car like Mercedes or BMW to a high quality Jap car like a Lexus- I would never by a non swiss watch unless spending less than $200...

Without getting into models rather than just brands, I don't think you can say what you are saying. It might be like comparing Honda to Mercedes for instance...but which model? Imagine the new NSX compared to a Mercedes SL. The latter might be a great car, but probably doesn't perform on the level of the former. Does that mean one is "better"....depends on why it is being bought I suppose. Personally, having read a bit about the manufacturing, I have a theory that Seiko loses money on every GS it produces, but sees the sub-brand as a point of pride. That makes me want one badly.

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

that's the one!!!!

Agreed - love that black dial GS in the first pic

[submariner123]

Originally Posted by Syed117

The ignorance never ceases to amaze me.

Between those specific models, I would go with the Explorer. That being said, there are several GS models that I would take over it in a heartbeat.

I know this is the Rolex forum, but there are way too many people who are just interested in a name. It's great if that's what makes someone happy, but if Rolex didn't spend more on marketing than any other brand, things might be different.

Agreed

[submariner123]

I love the Grand Seiko. Definitely prefer it over the old Explorer II. That watch does nothing for me.

[Starbucksboss]

Originally Posted by Syed117

I agree with you, or I want to. I think Rolex as a brand is a victim of it's own success.

I don't think anyone doubts the quality of a Rolex watch. There are fantastic. The problem is when it's elevated to some extreme pedestal while other brands are dismissed based on nothing but personal bias due to brand perception.

In this case, it's all the people dismissing Grand Seiko simply because it's a Seiko, a Japanese company.

There is a direct correlation between brand perception and marketing. Rolex spends more on marketing than any other brand. They spend almost twice as much as their first competitor. They have spent more on marketing than any other brand for 13 years consecutively. They are everywhere.

For example. Last week I met up with a friend for dinner. He's about to start a new job and was possibly getting a signing bonus. We started talking about watches. He said that he wanted to get something nice. He doesn't know much about watches, but his first choice was a Rolex. When I asked which model he was considering, he simply said "the one with the black face".

When I asked why that model, he simply said that it was a Rolex and a very popular one. I obviously didn't sway him one way or the other. The Sub is a fantastic watch.

For every one guy on the internet who cares more about quality or horology, there are a hundred or a thousand who just want something expensive and popular to put around their wrist.

People who believe that 904L is magical and go crazy over every piece of marketing jargon Rolex throws out. There are millions of watches out there that aren't made of 904L steel, they don't use Parachrom hairsprings or paraflex shock absorbers. Advancements are great, but Rolex isn't the only company making them.

You really are over thinking this...you don't have to like a Rolls just because you know all about its engine. Its quite simple...Folks aspire to a Rolex .... Because its an aspirational brand...just as Rolex intend it to be...nothing to do with any else...people love em!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Bernie.H.]

Originally Posted by Syed117

I agree with you, or I want to. I think Rolex as a brand is a victim of it's own success.

I don't think anyone doubts the quality of a Rolex watch. There are fantastic. The problem is when it's elevated to some extreme pedestal while other brands are dismissed based on nothing but personal bias due to brand perception.

In this case, it's all the people dismissing Grand Seiko simply because it's a Seiko, a Japanese company.

There is a direct correlation between brand perception and marketing. Rolex spends more on marketing than any other brand. They spend almost twice as much as their first competitor. They have spent more on marketing than any other brand for 13 years consecutively. They are everywhere.

For example. Last week I met up with a friend for dinner. He's about to start a new job and was possibly getting a signing bonus. We started talking about watches. He said that he wanted to get something nice. He doesn't know much about watches, but his first choice was a Rolex. When I asked which model he was considering, he simply said "the one with the black face".

When I asked why that model, he simply said that it was a Rolex and a very popular one. I obviously didn't sway him one way or the other. The Sub is a fantastic watch.

For every one guy on the internet who cares more about quality or horology, there are a hundred or a thousand who just want something expensive and popular to put around their wrist.

People who believe that 904L is magical and go crazy over every piece of marketing jargon Rolex throws out. There are millions of watches out there that aren't made of 904L steel, they don't use Parachrom hairsprings or paraflex shock absorbers. Advancements are great, but Rolex isn't the only company making them.

Good post.