The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Rolex General Discussion

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11 June 2013, 10:57 PM   #1
ninotcs
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: PIttsburgh
Watch: Rolex 14060M
Posts: 453
Grand Seiko vs Rolex Explorer I (39mm)

I know it's not a Rolex, but I was wondering how many of you are considering
taking a plunge on Grand Seiko, now that's coming to the U.S.

I was set to get an Exp I (39mm) from AD (great deal, 20% of sticker) and when i saw grand seiko SBGA001 at the same AD, i was stunned. What an amazing piece of art. It's the same price range as Rolex Exp I, but based on the looks, movement, finishes, dial/hands, it puts Explorer I to shame in my opinion. So now I'm torn.

What are you guys thoughts?
ninotcs is offline  
Old 11 June 2013, 11:03 PM   #2
GradyPhilpott
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GradyPhilpott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Seiko #SRK047
Posts: 34,460
If in your opinion the Grand Seiko puts the Rolex Explorer to shame, by all means, buy one.
__________________
JJ

Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner
GradyPhilpott is offline  
Old 11 June 2013, 11:04 PM   #3
kilyung
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
kilyung's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Cave
Watch: Sundial
Posts: 33,940
I'd buy a used GS over a new ExpI any day.
kilyung is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 08:12 AM   #4
Frogman4me
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Maryland
Posts: 6,268
Quote:
Originally Posted by kilyung View Post
I'd buy a used GS over a new ExpI any day.
+1

GS all day
Frogman4me is offline  
Old 18 June 2013, 04:56 PM   #5
Singslinger
"TRF" Member
 
Singslinger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: singapore
Posts: 6,424
Quote:
Originally Posted by kilyung View Post
I'd buy a used GS over a new ExpI any day.
Yup, so would I.
Singslinger is offline  
Old 18 June 2013, 05:06 PM   #6
adt
"TRF" Member
 
adt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Real Name: A
Location: SEA
Posts: 473
Fantastic bit of history on Seiko there Padi
__________________
"Collecting is the only socially commendable form of greed" ~ Gene Shwartz
adt is offline  
Old 11 June 2013, 11:14 PM   #7
69mach351
"TRF" Member
 
69mach351's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Midwest
Watch: 116900
Posts: 1,066
I am probably looking at this different than most, but I could never see myself spending Rolex money on a Seiko. Its not that they are not nice watches, it is that they also make <$100 watches. That would be like Kia making a $100k car to compete with the S Class. Unless it is A LOT nicer and I planned on enjoying it for awhile, I wouldn't do it.
69mach351 is offline  
Old 11 June 2013, 11:36 PM   #8
kilyung
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
kilyung's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Cave
Watch: Sundial
Posts: 33,940
Quote:
Originally Posted by 69mach351 View Post
That would be like Kia making a $100k car to compete with the S Class. Unless it is A LOT nicer and I planned on enjoying it for awhile, I wouldn't do it.
Wouldn't that be called the Hyundai (Parent company of Kia) Equus?
kilyung is offline  
Old 11 June 2013, 11:43 PM   #9
padi56
"TRF" Life Patron
 
padi56's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Real Name: Peter
Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng
Watch: ing you.
Posts: 53,063
Quote:
Originally Posted by 69mach351 View Post
I am probably looking at this different than most, but I could never see myself spending Rolex money on a Seiko. Its not that they are not nice watches, it is that they also make <$100 watches. That would be like Kia making a $100k car to compete with the S Class. Unless it is A LOT nicer and I planned on enjoying it for awhile, I wouldn't do it.
Well Ferrari is owned by the Fiat and both make very fine cars and afraid you just cannot compare a Seiko grand to the normal high street Seiko.Trouble today many are stereo typed by a name, same today many don't wear a watch they wear the brand name.
__________________

ICom Pro3

All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only.

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever."
Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again.

www.mc0yad.club

Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder
padi56 is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 12:50 AM   #10
Cru Jones
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
Cru Jones's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 35,300
Quote:
Originally Posted by 69mach351 View Post
I am probably looking at this different than most, but I could never see myself spending Rolex money on a Seiko. Its not that they are not nice watches, it is that they also make <$100 watches. That would be like Kia making a $100k car to compete with the S Class. Unless it is A LOT nicer and I planned on enjoying it for awhile, I wouldn't do it.

your car analogy is a bit off.

think of it is as:
* fiat making ferrari,
* vw making porsche or lamborghini,
* mercedes benz making both smart cars and rolls royces, or
* bmw making minis and bentleys.
one company can make different ranges of products. the key is to find the "apples" from each company and to compare them.

anyway, despite all that, i would go with the explorer in this case, as i prefer its look and history to the GS's.

Cru Jones is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 01:24 AM   #11
69mach351
"TRF" Member
 
69mach351's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Midwest
Watch: 116900
Posts: 1,066
Quote:
Originally Posted by kilyung View Post
Wouldn't that be called the Hyundai (Parent company of Kia) Equus?
The difference there, is that the Equus is $30k+ cheaper than than an S Class, which is supposed to be its competition. At 2/3 the price, even if it isn't quite on par with the S Class, it is there is a lot of room with an extra $30k in your pocket. I am a big fan of what Hyundai is doing.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lion View Post
Quality of an item should be the most important factor regardless of stereotypes.....
I agree, it SHOULD be, but how often is it an emotional decision over a logical one? People SHOULD go for the best value when it comes to purchasing goods. What is the highest quality you can get at a certain price point? With a watch hobby, that kind of goes out the window.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cru Jones View Post
your car analogy is a bit off.

think of it is as:
* fiat making ferrari,
* vw making porsche or lamborghini,
* mercedes benz making both smart cars and rolls royces, or
* bmw making minis and bentleys.
one company can make different ranges of products. the key is to find the "apples" from each company and to compare them.

anyway, despite all that, i would go with the explorer in this case, as i prefer its look and history to the GS's.

I completely agree, but I am not seeing a $15k Ferrari running around. The same thing applies with the other brands - when you get to the higher end brands, they are not mass producing cheaper products.

I am all for buying a high quality product at the best price (value) but if I am going to spend money on a luxury item, I would be lying if I said I didn't appreciate a little exclusivity to the name. Yes, I know that Rolex mass produces watches, but they are still not something you see out and about on a daily basis at least not where I am from. I don't brag about my watches, I don't show them off, but I do get a smile knowing that I am not going to see 20 rolex watches when I got out to dinner.

I knew my opinion would not be a popular one. I think the GS is a gorgeous watch, I would just look at other watches before it at that price point.
69mach351 is offline  
Old 14 June 2013, 12:15 AM   #12
rr-nyc
Liar & Ratbag
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Real Name: Renato
Location: NYC / Miami Beach
Watch: Rolex Daytona
Posts: 5,344
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cru Jones View Post
your car analogy is a bit off.

think of it is as:
* fiat making ferrari,
* vw making porsche or lamborghini,
* mercedes benz making both smart cars and rolls royces, or
* bmw making minis and bentleys.
one company can make different ranges of products. the key is to find the "apples" from each company and to compare them.

anyway, despite all that, i would go with the explorer in this case, as i prefer its look and history to the GS's.

Not to get into the weeds but VW owns Bentley, not BMW. And BMW owns Roll Royce, not Mercedes. But in any event, the parent company doesn't make those products, they are owners of those brands which are typically run autonomously.

But that goes on to my point, which [I think] 69mach351 was making and one I made in the GS thread: people are brand conscious. Most, but not all, people have a hard time paying Rolex money for a Seiko because its branded as a Seiko. If Swatch rebranded Breguet, or any of their other brands, as a Swatch, their sales would drop 90%+ because people will pay top dollar for the Breguet that heads of state and royalty wear but they won't for a "Swatch" that is synonymous with inexpensive plastic watches.
rr-nyc is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 04:30 AM   #13
F.Works
"TRF" Member
 
F.Works's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Spain
Watch: PAM 343
Posts: 102
Quote:
Originally Posted by 69mach351 View Post
I am probably looking at this different than most, but I could never see myself spending Rolex money on a Seiko. Its not that they are not nice watches, it is that they also make <$100 watches. That would be like Kia making a $100k car to compete with the S Class. Unless it is A LOT nicer and I planned on enjoying it for awhile, I wouldn't do it.
Audi makes the A1 and the A8 . Seiko makes the best automatic in 100$ and the same Expensive watch like Rolex. In Japan Seiko is considered like Rolex in top watches but in Europe still are further due to the bad Marketing . The people only knows the basic watches.
F.Works is offline  
Old 16 June 2013, 08:04 PM   #14
Gerardus
"TRF" Member
 
Gerardus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Real Name: Gerardus
Location: often in the air
Watch: ♕
Posts: 12,142
Quote:
Originally Posted by F.Works View Post
Audi makes the A1 and the A8 . Seiko makes the best automatic in 100$ and the same Expensive watch like Rolex. In Japan Seiko is considered like Rolex in top watches but in Europe still are further due to the bad Marketing . The people only knows the basic watches.
Same opinion
__________________

♕126610 ♕126333 ♕116300
Gerardus is offline  
Old 11 June 2013, 11:32 PM   #15
GradyPhilpott
2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member
 
GradyPhilpott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Seiko #SRK047
Posts: 34,460
Seiko makes watches that are comparable to Rolex watches, so there's no reason they shouldn't charge Rolex prices for their Grand Seiko line.

People often talk about having a Rolex that flies under the radar.

The Grand Seiko truly does fly under the radar.
__________________
JJ

Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner
GradyPhilpott is offline  
Old 11 June 2013, 11:41 PM   #16
FremStar
"TRF" Member
 
FremStar's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Real Name: Sam
Location: Gotham City
Watch: Wall Street
Posts: 9,954
I have read a lot about the GS models and finally got the chance to see the line in person at Basel this year, their Minute Repeater is pretty nice... With that said I would stick with the iconic Explorer in this scenario... Good luck!
__________________
"Wealth is of the heart and mind, not of the pocket!"

"A Watch Is An Emotional Object, And So, It Is The Responsibility Of The Brand To Create Emotion Through It's Products" - Georges Kern

"In the 1950s and 60s, they made the Ref 8171, which is a cult collectible—now that’s the ultimate Rolex you could own with a calendar and a moon phase.” - John Reardon

"Heh, heh, heh..." - Michael Kilyung
FremStar is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 12:07 AM   #17
Lion
"TRF" Member
 
Lion's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Leo
Location: Midwest
Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI
Posts: 21,461
Quality of an item should be the most important factor regardless of stereotypes.....
__________________

SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#)
THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!!
MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley
MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum
Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!
Lion is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 12:14 AM   #18
psv
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: USA & France
Posts: 11,078


I know we all should appreciate Grand Seiko's but I just don't find the design that appealing, certainly not enough to part with my money. An Explorer at 20% off on the other hand...
psv is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 01:01 AM   #19
ninotcs
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: PIttsburgh
Watch: Rolex 14060M
Posts: 453
Quote:
Originally Posted by psv View Post


I know we all should appreciate Grand Seiko's but I just don't find the design that appealing, certainly not enough to part with my money. An Explorer at 20% off on the other hand...
I love the look. Beautiful watch, great pic.
This would be my 3rd watch from the AD in 2 years, so he offered me 20% discount (but he told me he can do that because its an old stock, when they were $6,200 MSRP last year).
ninotcs is offline  
Old 14 June 2013, 01:40 PM   #20
427shark
"TRF" Member
 
427shark's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Real Name: JD
Location: Jersey
Watch: Dj2 tt, 126610LV
Posts: 772
Quote:
Originally Posted by psv View Post


I know we all should appreciate Grand Seiko's but I just don't find the design that appealing, certainly not enough to part with my money. An Explorer at 20% off on the other hand...
Damn this makes me want an explorer
__________________
It's not easy being green
427shark is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 01:02 AM   #21
Watchdog
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Real Name: Junkyard Dog
Location: The Doghouse
Watch: I can't tell time
Posts: 6,822
I would rather have the Grand Seiko all day long.
Watchdog is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 01:05 AM   #22
tinger
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: weehawken
Posts: 847
The SBGA001 is a spring drive which can be bought from Seiya @ $4300 (prob less from competing sellers).
The exp1 with a 20% is around $5250ish.

Our favorite youtube reveiwer Paul Pluta sums it up best for these type of comparisons. 'A watch is not just a thing to tell time, its a status symbol..'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wl3K2XXmDQ (1:15mark)
:)
tinger is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 01:12 AM   #23
Art 1
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Florida, Canada
Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega
Posts: 30,244
I would rather have the Explorer, especially at 20% off.
Art 1 is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 02:23 AM   #24
SLRdude
"TRF" Member
 
SLRdude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Real Name: Chip
Location: Dallas TX
Posts: 6,194
An AD by my house in north DFW has GS and GS Spring Drives in stock and I even tried some on the other day.

I used to owned a Spring Drive but this was my first time seeing Grand Seikos in person.

They were absolutely amazing in real life and I almost bought this one. Bad photos in bad lighting just don't do it justice.





Back to the original question, I would pick a GS over an EXP I but I would not pick a GS Diver over a Sub.

Not because of the name or the build quality (which is as good or better) but because I simply like the Sub styling better.

The shop owner/salesperson was wearing a GS diver.

__________________
Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try.
Yoda, Jedi Master
CHIP
Member # 87
SLRdude is online now  
Old 12 June 2013, 02:32 AM   #25
tinger
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: weehawken
Posts: 847
Quote:
Originally Posted by slrdude View Post
back to the original question, i would pick a gs over an exp i but i would not pick a gs diver over a sub.

Not because of the name or the build quality (which is as good or better) but because i simply like the sub styling better.

[/img]
+1
tinger is offline  
Old 14 June 2013, 03:59 PM   #26
Blue Owl
"TRF" Member
 
Blue Owl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Real Name: Leo
Location: Planet Earth
Watch: 16610LV 116610LV
Posts: 989
An AD by my house in north DFW has GS and GS Spring Drives in stock and I even tried some on the other day.

I used to owned a Spring Drive but this was my first time seeing Grand Seikos in person.

They were absolutely amazing in real life and I almost bought this one. Bad photos in bad lighting just don't do it justice.





Love this one! How much it?
Blue Owl is offline  
Old 14 June 2013, 04:03 PM   #27
Blue Owl
"TRF" Member
 
Blue Owl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Real Name: Leo
Location: Planet Earth
Watch: 16610LV 116610LV
Posts: 989
Quote:
Originally Posted by SLRdude View Post
An AD by my house in north DFW has GS and GS Spring Drives in stock and I even tried some on the other day.

I used to owned a Spring Drive but this was my first time seeing Grand Seikos in person.

They were absolutely amazing in real life and I almost bought this one. Bad photos in bad lighting just don't do it justice.



Love this! How much it?
Blue Owl is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 06:24 AM   #28
GermanyMatt
"TRF" Member
 
GermanyMatt's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Real Name: Matt
Location: Northern VA
Watch: 126711, 126610
Posts: 1,803
that GS on the nato strap looks outstanding!
GermanyMatt is offline  
Old 12 June 2013, 06:31 AM   #29
SLRdude
"TRF" Member
 
SLRdude's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Real Name: Chip
Location: Dallas TX
Posts: 6,194
Quote:
Originally Posted by GermanyMatt View Post
that GS on the nato strap looks outstanding!
The owner/salesperson of that small shop is a real WIS.

The place is the size of a master bedroom and it looks like a library. It's pretty awesome!

I know of no other place in Dallas (this is technically Frisco) that carries Grand Seiko and Muhle Glashutte.
__________________
Try not. Do... or do not. There is no try.
Yoda, Jedi Master
CHIP
Member # 87
SLRdude is online now  
Old 12 June 2013, 09:06 AM   #30
Swift_Movement
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2013
Real Name: Jon
Location: Kitchener, Canada
Watch: The Throne
Posts: 375
Explorer 1
Swift_Movement is offline  
Closed Thread


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Wrist Aficionado

My Watch LLC

WatchesOff5th

DavidSW Watches

Takuya Watches

OCWatches


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.