Rolex vs Grand Seiko: GMT Master II Pepsi vs Spring Drive GMT SBGE257 Comparison Test

Rolex SKU: 4381604
Grand Seiko SKU: 4394508

The Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" 126710BLRO is encased in 40mm of stainless steel surrounding a black dial on a stainless steel Jubilee bracelet. Features of this Rolex GMT-Master II "Pepsi" include hours, minutes, seconds, date and GMT. This Rolex watch also measures 12.1mm in thickness and 48mm from lug-to-lug.

The Grand Seiko Sport Collection Spring Drive GMT SBGE257 is encased in 40.5mm of stainless steel surrounding a green dial on a stainless steel bracelet. Features of this Grand Seiko Sport Collection Spring Drive GMT include hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT and power reserve indicator. This Grand Seiko watch also measures 14.6mm in thickness and 48.4mm from lug-to-lug.

For complete details, watch the full review by Tim Mosso!

[andreasachilleos]

While this is a versus video, I think these two could happily exist in the same collection

[JJPanozzo]

Thanks Tim. I purchased my GS 257 a few weeks ago. Wearing it on an Erikas Original strap makes it wear like nothing at all. I didnt purchase mine with resale in mind but simply bought it because it makes me smile😁 Isnt that what this hobby should do for us

[realitynuggets]

Probably the best watch salesman I’ve seen on YT.
Not a wasted sentence. Interesting comparison. Thank you!!

[KLeBoutillier]

He is right. Rolex is all about the 'wrong' attention these days, especially a big, shiny red and blue bezel Rolex. "You must be rich." "Is it real?" Etc etc. Wear it in London or Barcelona and see how long it lasts on your wrist. My quartz GS is understated, beautiful to look at and no one notices, and it keeps perfect time.

[JamesMaccarone]

I'm blessed to own both of these and this review is spot on. Both fantastic pieces.

[niravc]

While the Pepsi GMT is iconic, there is just something great about being able to walk into the GS boutique and pick up the GS257. No need to spend a certain amount to be placed on a waitlist. The sheer availability, and a fraction of the price no less, is what did it for me, even if the Rolex has stronger brand value. Plus, the movement of the seconds hand on this thing is smooth like butter.

[colemanhoyt]

I have the SBGE255 (same but blue instead of green) and I love it. Better yet, like Tim said, you can simply buy it at retail (now GS even has an online store in the US too), no waiting, no buying another watch you don't want first. I like the Rolex, but the GS has a better case, dial, and movement, and even when comparing retail prices it costs a lot less. Rolex is a better brand, but GS makes the better watch.

[WatchmakerErik]

Your conclusion is so well said and I completely agree. The Grand Seiko is my choice. Grand Seikos have Terroir. They have characteristics of where they are from and I like that in manufactured goods as much as I do food and drink.

[theonlyredspecial]

Tim you outdid yourself with this one. Learned quite a few things here. Superb analysis. I do hope you are well and keeping safe. From Ireland. All the best !

[mikep]

If you are a watch nerd like me you'll appreciate the GS more. That dial, hands, indices are spectacular and the hand finished case is truly stunning. Love the GS bracelet which is fancy without being blingy like the Rolex. And the movement on the Grand Seiko is unbelievably accurate. And finally you can actually get the GS and save a LOT of money in the process. GS for the win!

[CubanBBQ]

I could listen to tim talk about watches day.

[rip_varo]

Good lord, that impeccable second hand movements.. I love the spring drive..

[photobriangray]

I have the SBGE257 and it is so fantastically comfortable and unique. Definitely a lifetime piece for me...

[mesomaxl]

Purchased the SBGE257 last summer short after its released and haven't had a single doubt about the decision ever since. Wears great, finishing is pretty great and the green ceramics does amazing things depending on the light that it reflects. And whilst living in Zurich, you can imagine how many people you see showing off their Crown Subs and GMTs

[dademack]

Great comparison. Just got my GS 255 2 weeks ago, absolutely love it. Hardest choice was which color, they all 3 look amazing. I bought a watch loupe to enjoy that fantastic dial.

[scottwexlin]

Both beautiful, desirable pieces. Considering the Rolex is almost impossible to get unless you go grey, I'd rock the GS all day. I like the size, and the bracelet. It's very masculine.

[blaketaylor]

Both amazing watches, but I'm prone to go GS on this one. Tough decision, tho.

[AlexOsha]

Great video - however, isn't the Explorer 2 a better comparison, given the non-rotating bezel?

[bbrebozo]

At less than 1/3 the cost of the Rolex (except if you’re Eric Clapton), the GS is the better buy for sure. I have the eagle GMT (the same watch as the green except for the dial and bezel). Very comfortable and if you like accuracy, nothing beats spring drive.

[patrickhurley]

I have both and love them. GMT has a rotating bezel which GS does not, and the sizing is easier with the GMT. The accuracy is unbelievable on the GS. IMO for the cost difference of $3500 the GS is a great value.