Grand Seiko vs Rolex Explorer I (39mm)

[RolexDivers]

Originally Posted by Nidal

A fully loaded Accord vs. Benz E class.
It's a matter of taste at the end.

They'll say "nice Seiko". Or "wow, is that. A Rolex?"

Again, and at the end it's what you like.
Think of resale value too.

Very true indeed!

Originally Posted by Daytona-Dan

This is exactly where I stand on any Seiko. For me it's about the brand and I buy watches based on personal choice and for me a Seiko (grand or not) will always be a Seiko. Is my decision or choice misinformed? Probably, but no amount of research into Seiko will ever change my mind so I don't even bother wasting my time.

I appreciate they are probably fine watches, they are just not for me.

I agree with you. Seikos are good watches and the GS may even kick a Rolex's butt when it comes to technology and finishing but it is not worth it to me
for thousands of $$ -- it will always suffer from its parent name Seiko -- a company known for making good, everyday, mediocre watches.
ROLEX on the other hand is known for putting their heart and soul in every model they make, except for may be Cellini .... but there is a reason
the world worships ROLEX and no other watch brand....Like some said here a while back, "in the world of watches, there is only one king --- and the
king wears the crown".

[CKL1213]

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

"in the world of watches, there is only one king and the king wears the crown"

nice line

[padi56]

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

Very true indeed!




I agree with you. Seikos are good watches and the GS may even kick a Rolex's butt when it comes to technology and finishing but it is not worth it to me
for thousands of $$ -- it will always suffer from its parent name Seiko -- a company known for making good, everyday, mediocre watches.
ROLEX on the other hand is known for putting their heart and soul in every model they make, except for may be Cellini .... but there is a reason
the world worships ROLEX and no other watch brand....Like some said here a while back, "in the world of watches, there is only one king --- and the
king wears the crown".

Perhaps your little world worships Rolex and no other brand,but expect many others don't, myself one of them.And just like one of the most respected experts on Rolex watches James Dowling I can see further than a name on a dial irrespective of the $$$££££.

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

I agree with you. Seikos are good watches and the GS may even kick a Rolex's butt when it comes to technology and finishing but it is not worth it to me
for thousands of $$ -- it will always suffer from its parent name Seiko -- a company known for making good, everyday, mediocre watches.
ROLEX on the other hand is known for putting their heart and soul in every model they make, except for may be Cellini .... but there is a reason
the world worships ROLEX and no other watch brand....Like some said here a while back, "in the world of watches, there is only one king --- and the
king wears the crown".

[diver2012]

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

but there is a reason
the world worships ROLEX and no other watch brand....Like some said here a while back, "in the world of watches, there is only one king --- and the
king wears the crown".

[The Prodigy]

Originally Posted by diver2012

No worries. I think he's been trolling everyone of us for months.

[ecsub44]

Originally Posted by The Prodigy

No worries. I think he's been trolling everyone of us for months.

I'm not convinced. But I go back and forth on the topic.

[Frogman4me]

Originally Posted by The Prodigy

No worries. I think he's been trolling everyone of us for months.

+1

I just ignore the comments now

[The Prodigy]

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

Very true indeed!




I agree with you. Seikos are good watches and the GS may even kick a Rolex's butt when it comes to technology and finishing but it is not worth it to me
for thousands of $$ -- it will always suffer from its parent name Seiko -- a company known for making good, everyday, mediocre watches.
ROLEX on the other hand is known for putting their heart and soul in every model they make, except for may be Cellini .... but there is a reason
the world worships ROLEX and no other watch brand....Like some said here a while back, "in the world of watches, there is only one king --- and the
king wears the crown".

I can't read your posts anymore, sorry.

I think about A. Lange & Söhne, Blancpain, AP, PP, VC and sooo many more brands, which can be appreciated (at least) on the level Rolex is (at least).

Many years ago I fell in love with a DSSD but even more with the Hulk. Such beautiful watches, but I can't picture myself buying them, because of guys like this. I would never ever like to have a conversation about a watch with a person who thinks there is only Rolex and nothing else. I would feel uncomfortable and embarrassed just because no other brands has these Justin Bieber fanboys. And I know a few people who think exactly like me what's really really sad, because Rolex does make such beautiful pieces.

[Billywiz]

Originally Posted by The Prodigy

I can't read your posts anymore, sorry.

I think about A. Lange & Söhne, Blancpain, AP, PP, VC and sooo many more brands, which can be appreciated (at least) on the level Rolex is (at least).

Many years ago I fell in love with a DSSD but even more with the Hulk. Such beautiful watches, but I can't picture myself buying them, because of guys like this. I would never ever like to have a conversation about a watch with a person who thinks there is only Rolex and nothing else. I would feel uncomfortable and embarrassed just because no other brands has these Justin Bieber fanboys. And I know a few people who think exactly like me what's really really sad, because Rolex does make such beautiful pieces.

Wow

[Daytona-Dan]

Originally Posted by The Prodigy

Many years ago I fell in love with a DSSD but even more with the Hulk. Such beautiful watches, but I can't picture myself buying them, because of guys like this. I would never ever like to have a conversation about a watch with a person who thinks there is only Rolex and nothing else. I would feel uncomfortable and embarrassed just because no other brands has these Justin Bieber fanboys. And I know a few people who think exactly like me what's really really sad, because Rolex does make such beautiful pieces.

I'm a proud to admit that I am a Rolex only "fanboy" and I can't see myself buying anything else. If you don't ever want a Rolex, why are you posting on these forums? You're only lying to yourself...

I'll choose the stigma associated with Rolex (assuming it's a bad one? ) over the stigma associated with a Seiko any day. It's unfortunate, but true and I'm not the only one.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Daytona-Dan

I'm a proud to admit that I am a Rolex only "fanboy" and I can't see myself buying anything else. If you don't ever want a Rolex, why are you posting on these forums? You're only lying to yourself...

I'll choose the stigma associated with Rolex over the stigma associated with a Seiko any day. It's unfortunate, but true and I'm not the only one.

Sorry the only stigma associated with a Seiko or any other product is only in that persons head that thinks products like Seiko have a stigma in the first place.But that's fine perhaps one day some will learn to appreciate there are many different products around that are equal or better but just differently named.I have been wearing Rolex watches for well over 30 years,and I wear several others even a Alpha mechanical chronograph that cost just $60.Perhaps a bit wiser and I can appreciate the many brands of mechanical and quartz watches around today myself not blinkered by a brand name.

[Bangel]

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

.... but there is a reason
the world worships ROLEX and no other watch brand....

I've just read through the entire thread.

I've encountered some comically outlandish comments, but did I really read that???!!!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Bangel

I've just read through the entire thread.

I've encountered some comically outlandish comments, but did I really read that???!!!

Afraid most leopards seldom change there spots,especially those that admit products like say cars,or watches are better made.But will buy another product not so well made, mainly because of the name on the product bonnet/hood or dial.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by Nidal

They'll say "nice Seiko". Or "wow, is that. A Rolex?"

Again, and at the end it's what you like.

Actually someone once asked me "Is that a Rolex" while I was wearing a GS. One of about five times in my life someone has commented on my watch out of the blue. If it gives the Grand Seiko nonfans any consolation, they were decidedly less impressed once I said "Grand Seiko."

But the watch is there to impress me and not strangers -- it really is about what you like. Some people like impressing people, and I can't hate on people doing what makes them happy.

Originally Posted by RolexDivers

there is a reason
the world worships ROLEX and no other watch brand

There's also a reason the world worships Justin Bieber more than Yo-Yo Ma, I suppose.

But yeah, nobody worships Audemars Piguet. That's for sure. Or Patek Philippe. And every time Kilyung puts on one of his Langes, I bet he gets a huge frown on his face, because the letters "R-O-L-E-X" don't appear in succession on the dial.

[submariner66]

[QUOTE=powerfunk;4218730]Actually someone once asked me "Is that a Rolex" while I was wearing a GS. One of about five times in my life someone has commented on my watch out of the blue. If it gives the Grand Seiko nonfans any consolation, they were decidedly less impressed once I said "Grand Seiko."

Thats kind of the problem I would have with owning a Grand Seiko, but also the thing that I like most about them to- I suppose is that they are very much like Rolexes in their design.

Having worn the "cheap" Seiko watches since I was in the 5th grade up until recently- i liked them because they looked like my dads Rolex from 1957. But I think the Seiko's I wore were mechanical, you had to shake them, they had no batteries?

Out of all the Watches featured in the annual wrist watch catalogue there were very few that sung to me besides Rolex, and they were, the classically designed ones like the Omega, VC, JLC, I think the PAM are designed well too, but a little too retro for me.

I really like the GS diver photo shown at the beginning of this thread, that I think I would own, probably i like divers better. The other GS look like DJ's without the cyclops. Nice, but would probably choose the EXP 1 over them too.

[floater156]

Originally Posted by Nidal

A fully loaded Accord vs. Benz E class.
It's a matter of taste at the end.

They'll say "nice Seiko". Or "wow, is that. A Rolex?"

Again, and at the end it's what you like.
Think of resale value too.

Keep in mind, most people will think you're a douche for wearing a Rolex and consider it a waste of money.

[Billywiz]

Originally Posted by floater156

Keep in mind, most people will think you're a douche for wearing a Rolex and consider it a waste of money.

Not in my world ?

[MaxCargo]

Originally Posted by floater156

Keep in mind, most people will think you're a douche for wearing a Rolex and consider it a waste of money.

LoL

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by MrLee

I've always had 'respect' for GS from a hybrid movement point of view

You're really hammering home the Seiko = quartz thing. You realize that Grand Seikos aren't all Spring Drive, right? The SBGA001 is Spring Drive, but many are 10bps automatics. Seiko existed almost 90 years before making its first quartz watch; viewing Seiko's history as "the quartz guys" is a bit arbitrary.

Originally Posted by padi56

several years ago when this forum was first started we had the Rolex Tudor, Rolex saga.But now down to the education by the many members on TRF, many can now see the merits of the Tudor brand with the brand recondition it deserves.

Perfect analogy, Peter! A few years ago there was a rather pervasive "Tudor? Psshhh whatever, it's no Rolex" mindset on here. I didn't use to appreciate Tudor but now I do.

Originally Posted by Billywiz

WRONG !
I NEVER SAID ROLEX WAS BETTER...I indicated that I prefer and would choose any Rolex over any Seiko without a thought...Slow down a little and read more slowly and relax.

Please don't tell people to read more slowly and relax; this forum is a better place without condescending comments like that.

[Billywiz]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

You're really hammering home the Seiko = quartz thing. You realize that Grand Seikos aren't all Spring Drive, right? The SBGA001 is Spring Drive, but many are 10bps automatics. Seiko existed almost 90 years before making its first quartz watch; viewing Seiko's history as "the quartz guys" is a bit arbitrary.



Perfect analogy, Peter! A few years ago there was a rather pervasive "Tudor? Psshhh whatever, it's no Rolex" mindset on here. I didn't use to appreciate Tudor but now I do.



Please don't tell people to read more slowly and relax; this forum is a better place without condescending comments like that.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by Billywiz

Do you have a question, Billy?

[MrLee]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

You're really hammering home the Seiko = quartz thing. You realize that Grand Seikos aren't all Spring Drive, right? The SBGA001 is Spring Drive, but many are 10bps automatics. Seiko existed almost 90 years before making its first quartz watch; viewing Seiko's history as "the quartz guys" is a bit arbitrary.

Yep fully aware of that, but this thread is about comparing a spring drive to an explorer so that's what I'm comparing

Although quartz is the defining technology in seikos history which is nothing to be ashamed of, it's just not particularly what I want in a prestige watch, but there are exceptions to this rule obviously, the omega chrono quartz/albatross/Montreal springs to mind

[improviz]

Originally Posted by MrLee

Yep fully aware of that, but this thread is about comparing a spring drive to an explorer so that's what I'm comparing

No, not true: you have made several statements to the effect that the Grand Seiko line is a quartz-driven mechanical movement and if you'd like I can produce the quotes.

[MrLee]

Originally Posted by improviz

No, not true: you have made several statements to the effect that the Grand Seiko line is a quartz-deiven movement and if you'd like I can produce the quotes.

Yes the GS we are comparing in this thread!! Produce the quotes!

[improviz]

Originally Posted by MrLee

Yes the GS we are comparing in this thread!! Produce the quotes!

Will do.

[HL65]

One comment I will make is that it is all too often we see people feeling the need to put down another brand to prop theirs up. I for one can appreciate the merits of ownining and attributes of many brands. A truly great brand or watch house should be able to stand on their own merits without the need to slam another watch house. There are plenty of great watches out there and many options for us all to choose from. Have a great Father's Day all and enjoy your watches regardless of what brand they are! Cheers,

[benlee]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

One comment I will make is that it is all too often we see people feeling the need to put down another brand to prop theirs up. I for one can appreciate the merits of ownining and attributes of many brands. A truly great brand or watch house should be able to stand on their own merits without the need to slam another watch house. There are plenty of great watches out there and many options for us all to choose from. Have a great Father's Day all and enjoy your watches regardless of what brand they are! Cheers,

+100. Very well said!

Have to say all these threads about Grand Seiko got me very curious. Have a trip to Tokyo later this year and will try to check them out.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by Daytona-Dan

Wearing a brand like Rolex makes me feel better about myself.

Valid point, Dan. I can appreciate that social perceptions and brands influence what we truly like, whether or not we're trying to impress others. Having a Rolex on does "feel" mighty good! And Rolex is certainly my favorite watch brand. But, Grand Seiko is a solid #2 for me.

Originally Posted by Billywiz

Agreed...Analogy to Lexus / BMW...both great cars of equal quality. One I find dull and boring the other puts a smile on my face every time I climb into it. ( Guess which one )
Its just choice and part of choosing is whatever stirs your emotion.

I'm with you there - I think that's actually not a bad analogy! I chose Lexus though.

[Daytona-Dan]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

Valid point, Dan. I can appreciate that social perceptions and brands influence what we truly like, whether or not we're trying to impress others.

Having a Rolex on does "feel" mighty good! And Rolex is certainly my favorite watch brand. But, Grand Seiko is a solid #2 for me.

If everyone liked the same things the whole world would be extremely dull! I appreciate the banter, I wish more forum goers could realise the difference between friendly debate and abusive argument!