Rolex vs Grand Seiko - The Ultimate Decision

This week we're talking about Rolex's new Datejust dials and how they compare to those of Grand Seiko. Don't forget to let us know what you thought in the comments, and subscribe if you want to see more! You be the judge: Rolex vs Grand Seiko - The Ultimate Decision

[thehrethgir]

I've never seen either dial in person, but from pics, the Grand Seiko dials blow the Rolex dials out of the water. The texture they have is so much more interesting that lasered dope leaves.

[nepats]

The ultimate decider is that you can walk into a Grand Seiko AD and actually purchase a watch that day. Try that with Rolex and let me know how it goes!

[iangeorge]

I'm impressed with both Grand Seiko and Rolex. For me there is a huge difference though - Grand Seiko are bought by those that appreciate their fine design and attention to detail, and when worn they discreetly slide under the sleeve. Rolex are bought as a status symbol and as a speculative investment and are either worn boldly or hidden away in a safe. I know that's a bit of a generalisation, but I'd suggest it isn't too far from the mark. The other key difference of course is availability - I can walk into a Grand Seiko dealership and walk out with one on my wrist. Even if I wanted a Rolex, I can't and at best have to go through a lengthy and expensive pantomime to buy one. And I'm too old to play those games.

[jonk]

I bought a GS Toji SBGE269 (winter solstice) about 6 weeks ago. It is my first "high end" watch, but is my 10th watch in my collection. The first time I wore it out, we visited some friends at their home for dinner. The light was low, and from 15 feet across the room my friend (a watch novice) noticed how amazing it was. The Zaratsu polishing is amazing in low light, the dial is perfect, and the spring drive movement is mesmerizing. It flies under the radar in the right way, and has a human touch to the design that you can only get from Japan. It doesn't ask for attention, but receives it in spite of that. While Rolex are great financial investment pieces, that's not what a watch is for me, and Grand Seiko has it right.

[terry]

Grand Seiko's dials are works of art. Once you own them, you just keep looking at the watch and how beautiful they are.

[Endureromex]

It's hard for many people, but GS is superior to Rolex. The main difference regarding the dial is that GS creates art, Rolex decorates.

[galatians]

Here is the Difference: Hey everyone look at my Rolex, compare that to "Look at my Grand Seiko" and you can't take "YOUR" eyes off that Dial and on top of that the smooth sweep of the Spring Drive. Sold My Sub and Bought 3 Spring Drives, that's right 3 For the Hyped Value of the Sub. The Spring Drive is far and above A Higher Quality, more efficient Movement.

[jeremycorrao]

That palm dial Rolex is one of the ugliest things I've ever saw. Why they would put that on a watch dial is beyond me.

[faisalingalong]

As the owner of both brands, I’ve got to say I would hand it to Grand Seiko for the dial work pretty much every time.

[inscrutablechicken]

Regardless of whether you like the pattern or not, a "laser-etched" anything just doesn't say luxury to me - it's fast, cheap and easily replicable.

[rodsalvador]

OK here's the difference. Palms and meteorites have nothing to do with Switzerland or Hans Wilsdorf. The snowflake, four seasons, etc. are tributes to Japan and their whole cultural awareness of man's place in nature. It's commerce vs. nature, in a way.

[sakikogookheng]

You hit the nail on the head with the Rolex, evil laser point, They looked at GS, saw that their nature themed watches were popular, so tried to emulate it; only they're so out out touch. They went into the lab, behind their retina scanning volt door, and took a look at a computer generated palm leaf. Then, they went to their femtosecond laser and etched an AI designed dial into mass production, using their automated factories. They did it, yes, a nature themed watch - but it completely defeats the object.

Btw... this was so funny to watch! I really enjoy this conversational setup for the Decider series, as well as how well informed and well-thought your opinions are.

[mattc]

Truth is GS make the better watch and in Spring Drive they achieved the ultimate goal of combining perfect accuracy with automatic power. BUT Rolex is Rolex and everyone including non watch people ( lets call them muggles) wants one.

[rukasusan]

Whenever I see a GS on someone’s wrist, I know it’s real.

Whenever I see a Rolex on someone’s wrist, I always wonder if it’s real or fake.

Personally, I prefer GS watches as they’re almost impossible to replicate and fake. It’s not financially feasible for rep factories to attempt spring drive, hi-beat, and zaratsu polishing.

As covered previously on this channel (Rolex Daytona Panda), Rolex replicas have gotten soooo good that fakes have become indistinguishable to the naked eye. That’s right. $800 counterfeit Noob Daytona looks just as good as a 30k genuine one.

This is a huge hit for brand equity, and they should start getting tougher with counterfeiters. But perhaps it’s too late.

[darrenaquilina]

The GS blows the paint off the Rolex in every aspect. Movement, finish under macro, dial, looks and what not. Both are robust on the same level, only area Rolex is slightly better is in the bracelet, which is nothing…

[Madster_NL]

Bought a Snowflake a few months ago. Absolutely loving it. The finish and accuracy is on another level compared to Rolex.

[bbwt]

What is the most succinct way I can put this? OK. Rolex a €2, 000 watch for €9, 000. Grand Seiko a €9, 000 €9, 000.

[Astragoth]

I bought a gmt GS in 2018. SBGJ201. I was looking for a different dial, but I was able to visit an event where they had several different models. I saw the white mt iwate dial and i was ab-so-lu-te-ly smitten. What a dial!! Bought it on the spot, never regretted it. Mt Iwate dials are AWESOME.

[akasnoopyking]

“Palm in the corner and parquet floor” best watch joke I’ve heard in a while!😄😆😂😅

[adityasambhare]

Grand Seiko dials somehow seem rooted in their culture. It is hard to imagine them being anything other than Japanese.