Would you trade a Rolex for a Grand Seiko

[Rexplorer214270]

I know kind of where the responses will go in this part of the forum. I am thinking of trading an Explorer for the Grand Seiko SBGA413 Spring Drive Four Seasons Spring 2020. Aside from having to change my username, I like my Explorer, and the SBGA413 that dial is just off the charts (it is the pale pink to look like a cherry blossom). Happy to get people's feedbacks on this.

[Cru Jones]

Looks like you have also have a Sub? That GS would make a great pair with it.

[CKizzy]

Not a fan of the Explorer...love the GS offerings!

[DVR]

If you have one Rolex left I would do it
In fact I did, I sold 5 of my 7 Rolexes and gradually added more GS.

GS has become the dominant brand in my collection and couldn't be happier.

Sometimes I think about selling the 2 remaining Rolex watches as they are never worn.
But not yet ready for that step.

[Rexplorer214270]

Thanks, really my main concern is retained value when it comes to Grand Seiko. The Explorer is my first Rolex and still do enjoy it but the GS is really tugging at me. Unfortunately, I can’t at this point just outright buy the GS. I would still have a Submariner.

[Rexplorer214270]

Originally Posted by DVR

If you have one Rolex left I would do it
In fact I did, I sold 5 of my 7 Rolexes and gradually added more GS.

GS has become the dominant brand in my collection and couldn't be happier.

Sometimes I think about selling the 2 remaining Rolex watches as they are never worn.
But not yet ready for that step.

Any regrets on selling a Rolex considering the Rolex market right now?

[JTL31]

When I purchased my OP 36 white dial, I was torn between that & GS Spring edition. The OP has since been discontinued, but not a week goes by when I can’t help but remember the AD called to offer me the GS. They’re now getting harder to come by...
Let us know what you decide.

[DVR]

It comes down to being a watch enthusiast or not. Nothing wrong if you are not.

Would you have bought the Rolex if you knew it would drop 50% in value ? If yes buy the GS.
If not. Keep the Rolex.

When I bought my watches, also Rolex, it was a given you would loose money.
I lost money on several , YM, DD, DJ, the list goes on. I owned maybe 20 different Rolexes over 30 years or so. Some made money (3 Daytona's) but most lost.

I believe Rolex today is first and foremost loved because of value retention.
And no, I do not regret selling them. If it doesn't bring you joy whats the point?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Rexplorer214270

Thanks, really my main concern is retained value when it comes to Grand Seiko.

Originally Posted by Rexplorer214270

Any regrets on selling a Rolex considering the Rolex market right now?

Personally I would make that trade in a heartbeat but sounds like you're mainly caught up with the financial side of it, so maybe better just enjoy your investment.

[munichblue]

I have a Sea Dweller 16600, an Explorer 16570 and an Explorer 214270. The first two have to go because I have two additional beautiful GS on the radar. Enough said?

[kutime]

If you still have a sub then I would definitely do the trade. In fact, you could probably get 2 GS for a Rolex.


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[Oyster Sauce]

GS/Seiko appreciator here: if you keep the Sub, it certainly makes sense to trade the Exp for a GS, if you really like it.

That being said, regarding that particular GS I wouldn’t be inclined to make the specific trade, mainly because I like the Exp more than the SBGA413. Like many I’m blown away by the beauty of the dial (a work of art!), but would see myself wearing the Exp more given my boring style preferences. There are other GS that I would trade the Exp for (the Elegance line, for example) though. Best wishes on your decision!

[Rollieo]

Personally I think that GS looks incredible. From a finishing and technology standpoint it beats out the Explorer in too many ways.

The explorer is a big watch, so you might want to try on the GS to make sure it fits the way you expect.

[Rexplorer214270]

Originally Posted by DVR

It comes down to being a watch enthusiast or not. Nothing wrong if you are not.

Would you have bought the Rolex if you knew it would drop 50% in value ? If yes buy the GS.
If not. Keep the Rolex.

When I bought my watches, also Rolex, it was a given you would loose money.
I lost money on several , YM, DD, DJ, the list goes on. I owned maybe 20 different Rolexes over 30 years or so. Some made money (3 Daytona's) but most lost.

I believe Rolex today is first and foremost loved because of value retention.
And no, I do not regret selling them. If it doesn't bring you joy whats the point?

All very good points. The explorer still brings me joy as it was my first Rolex.

[Rexplorer214270]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Personally I would make that trade in a heartbeat but sounds like you're mainly caught up with the financial side of it, so maybe better just enjoy your investment.

Yea, it is a tough one because I still do enjoy and love the Explorer as it is my first Rolex. I would be getting some cash as well as part of the trade.

[Rexplorer214270]

Originally Posted by Rollieo

Personally I think that GS looks incredible. From a finishing and technology standpoint it beats out the Explorer in too many ways.

The explorer is a big watch, so you might want to try on the GS to make sure it fits the way you expect.

Thanks. I think the Explorer is slightly smaller it is 39 mm, and the GS is 40mm I believe.

[BNA/LION]

Nope. I wouldn't make that trade.

[rollex4me]

Never ever!

[Rexplorer214270]

Originally Posted by rollex4me

Never ever!

To just this trade or Rolex for a Grand Seiko in general?

[Maxy]

I think Spring seasons will maintain value without much loss. I don't usually recommend swapping Rolex to GS but this one can be done easily!

[TimeAZ]

You'd be crazy to consider that trade. I deeply respect GS, but they are still far behind Rolex in terms of case design, bracelet, and clasp. Ignoring all other aspects (brand recognition, value, market conditions, etc.) the Rolex is still objectively better on wrist.

Keep your Explorer, enjoy its perfect oyster case and its incredible, perfectly engineered bracelet and clasp. Let's not forget the dial, which seems so simple on the surface, but leaves no room for error and is executed flawlessly, resulting in a timeless, classy, sophisticated and masculine appearance that is the ultimate form of utilitarian versatility, suitable for sport, dress, work, and play.



(PS: I'm also a little hesitant about servicing from GS especially for such a niche movement as a Spring Drive, whereas Rolex has plenty of servicing options and avenues, plus a longer warranty. This is why I'd lean more towards the high quality quartz options from GS, the 9F models are great and can go 50 years without service, and they won't cost you an arm and leg, you could get a 9F GS and still keep your Explorer)

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by Rexplorer214270

Thanks, really my main concern is retained value when it comes to Grand Seiko. The Explorer is my first Rolex and still do enjoy it but the GS is really tugging at me. Unfortunately, I can’t at this point just outright buy the GS. I would still have a Submariner.

RED ALERT

If value retention is of any concern whatsoever, immediately discontinue any thought of trading a Rolex for a GS.

I currently have (5) Grand Seiko's. I paid well under retail for every single one of them and enjoy them in my collection.

That being said, I wouldn't trade in a Rolex for any of them.

The issue with the GS that I could see affecting resale value is that they are really cranking out limited editions that celebrate...something. In time these could get diluted and the watch that was once hot could readily become forgotten and lose value.

There is also the liquidity issue. GS is not a widely accepted brand, so not EVERY dealer will accept them in trade as they don't know about them, don't believe in them...etc. The Rolex is universally accepted EVERYWHERE and is never a "pass" from a dealer in terms of being able to sell or trade it.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

You'd be crazy to consider that trade. I deeply respect GS, but they are still far behind Rolex in terms of case design,...

Not in my opinion. The SBGA413 has one of the more interesting case designs from GS and has its roots in the 1960s 62GS, and the early days of Taro Tanaka's "Grammar of Design", and GS has many other equally interesting case designs. There's a reason so many people bang on about Zaratsu polishing. The Explorer's Oyster case has basically just been used across the range from ladies Datejusts to sports models since forever and is really pretty stale now in terms of design language.

[bondtoys]

I love my SBGA413 and I am moving more and more away from Rolex.

However!

Don‘t give the Explorer away until it‘s clear in 1 week, if Rolex does something with the Explorer ( eventually discontinue it)!
The Explorer trade value should be ~2000 higher than msrp of the GS
If the Explorer is your only Rolex, I‘d keep her

And wanted to add, that in hindsight, I regret giving away any of my Rolexes in order to raise funds for a purchase. They‘d be all more valuable than what they are worth today.
My rule has shifted, that I‘ll not give Rolex watches away anymore.

[Goin2drt]

Not in a million years.

[Jack T]

I would not trade out a Rolex, try figuring out another way to acquire that GS.

[bondtoys]

Originally Posted by Rexplorer214270

All very good points. The explorer still brings me joy as it was my first Rolex.

Never sell your First Rolex.
It‘s a milestone in your life and you‘ll regret it soon

[winst]

No way baby!

[1William]

I am a fan of both brands and currently own 11 Rolex watches and 10 plus Seiko's but not a GS at the moment. I have owned several GS watches and always found them to be excellent. With that said, I would not trade the Explorer for the GS. If you can figure out the GS lineup and where they are going please let me know as I can not get my arms around the brand, the marketing or the values. So many LE/SE watches and they just keep coming. If it is possible to have brand fatigue I think I might be there with GS/Seiko. A simple exercise would be to contact a few of our Trusted Sellers and offer the GS you are thinking of buying for an Explorer and see the numbers. That is your answer if money plays into it. Keep the Explorer, see what comes out on April the 7th and then start saving if you still want a GS. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[ap1]

I much prefer the spring edition to that explorer, disco or not