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Old 20 January 2020, 05:49 AM   #1
Tangier11
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Question for those who own BOTH Rolex and GS

I have the opportunity to one heck of a deal on a Grand Seiko. To be honest I have never ever even considered the watch. However the deal seem really good. I have heard the quality of GS compared to Patek!! So my questions for any of you guys and gals who own both brands, what can someone used to Rolex and Omega expect quality-wise from a GS? Thanks in advance
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Old 20 January 2020, 05:55 AM   #2
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Which reference GS?
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Old 20 January 2020, 06:05 AM   #3
Tangier11
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Which reference GS?
SBGA387
w/Blue Snowflake Dial
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Old 20 January 2020, 06:08 AM   #4
SS Oyster
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Superb craftsmanship, exceptional timekeeping. However, you have to like the aesthetic


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Old 20 January 2020, 06:10 AM   #5
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Had a GS and wore it for almost 4 years straight. Its a awesome brand and extremely accurate. If you like the way it looks it cant be beat for the price.
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Old 20 January 2020, 06:11 AM   #6
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Superb craftsmanship, exceptional timekeeping. However, you have to like the aesthetic


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Thank you. Vs a Rolex's quality and durability?
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Old 20 January 2020, 06:11 AM   #7
cerendigit
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In my experience, don't buy something because "it's a good deal".
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Old 20 January 2020, 06:13 AM   #8
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In my experience, don't buy something because "it's a good deal".
Great point, I guess I should elaborate a bit. I LOVE the light blue snowflake dial!
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Old 20 January 2020, 06:14 AM   #9
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Just be prepared for the bracelet to not be as good
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Old 20 January 2020, 06:20 AM   #10
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Quality is excellent, I don't think anyone in the <$30K does better dials. The finish, be it high polished or brushed, on the indices, hands is absolute top notch. Static photos can't do justice to the lively depth of finish and movement on their textured dials.
The quality of case finish, be it brushed or polished is fantastic with clean sharp lines and edges ( although if I'm honest, my eyes can't tell between a regular polish and zaratsu polish ).

that said, I only only one at the moment, SBGE201 because many of the styles, being around 40mm, feel and look a bit small on me. If that's your size though and you like the style, don't hesitate from a quality POV.

Bracelet is just fine BTW, not up their with IWC but on par with the Oyster.



not a great pic sorry

dial detail


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Old 20 January 2020, 06:22 AM   #11
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Just be prepared for the bracelet to not be as good
This is a good point. One thing that is easy to get used to, is the quality of the modern rolex bracelets. You only really realize how good they are when you try to buy a non-rolex.
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Old 20 January 2020, 06:43 AM   #12
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The SKX is the only Seiko family member to own. And it's discontinued, so it will go up in value by at least 30% over the next few years.
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Old 20 January 2020, 06:47 AM   #13
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Finally a quality thread on this forum.

Does anyone have a hot take on the reliability of GS movements vs Rolex? I heard the 36000 is more susceptible to wear because of the high frequency.
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Old 20 January 2020, 06:55 AM   #14
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While I don't own a gs, I do have interest in them. Agreed with other comments. The craftsmanship and finish are absolutely top notch. Bracelet is only average and feels very light. The dials are amongst the best I've seen on any watch, especially their blue dials.
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Old 20 January 2020, 07:42 AM   #15
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I've had many GS. GS quality surpasses Rolex in some details such as hand/dial and case finishing. But in the end, I still choose Rolex for their superior choice of materials, bracelets/clasp design, and ease of servicing.
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Old 20 January 2020, 07:53 AM   #16
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GS blue dials are stunning



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Old 20 January 2020, 08:06 AM   #17
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I own both. For me, GS is the most comparable brand with regards to putting on a watch and getting that same feeling you get when you put on a Rolex. The fit and finishing are superb. The dial is crisp and legible. It just feels right.

With regard to movement reliability, the spring drive in the sbga387 is going to be more accurate than any rolex. For the poster who commented on the hi-beat movement , yes in general hi-beats from any brand in theory are going to suffer more wear and tear. I haven’t had any issues with mine though.

As far as the SBGA387- first, this is not a blue “snowflake” dial... so if you haven’t seen it in person, then you may be getting something you aren’t expecting. This is the one GS I owned and sold (luckily without taking a loss) because I just never bonded w the baby blue color and the reflectivity of the kirazuri dial. With that said, I may be in the minority as this model gets a lot of love on TRF.

One final point - I always think twice when I find myself thinking about buying a watch because of a “good deal” unless it was the watch at the top of my list that I would have purchased with or without a “deal”.

Good luck w your decision!


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Old 20 January 2020, 08:13 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by notchview View Post
Finally a quality thread on this forum.

Does anyone have a hot take on the reliability of GS movements vs Rolex? I heard the 36000 is more susceptible to wear because of the high frequency.
I've owned several vintage GS with 36000 movements that were still running perfectly after 50 years. The couple that needed an overhaul came back running like new, from a private watchmaker, with no replacement parts required. I expect the modern ones are even more durable.
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Old 20 January 2020, 08:14 AM   #19
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The GS finishing and detail work is far, far beyond Rolex - they're in a totally different league. However, Rolex watches are reliable workhorses that can last a lifetime, and can be serviced many places. With GS, who really knows?

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Old 20 January 2020, 08:37 AM   #20
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I don't think the overall quality is comparable to Patek---in my honest opinion, GS has been hyped up quite a bit by the internet.
Owning both Rolex and GS, I'll say this, GS has some of the best hands & dial finish (better than most Rolex to my eyes).
The case finish is very good as well, as good as Rolex.
Movement finish is very so-so, below Omega (again, to my eyes).
Bracelet is very mediocre--old design, not particularly handsome and very generic clasp.
Overall, I feel like GS/Seiko haven't evolved that much in terms of design and tech.
They've been sitting on the design & formula they already had 10,15 years ago.
Just my .02
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Old 20 January 2020, 08:57 AM   #21
Brny11
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It is superior in everyway, (exception is the bracelet - they are the worst), and are super cool to talk about to those interested. You will find yourself studying the history, technology and if you are getting a spring drive, you will be memorized by that sweep.

However, I just always went back to my Rolex / Omega / Tudor. Bought two, sold both. What makes them great, also makes them tough to own. The case polishing is too delicate for me to enjoy wearing. If you can get over bracelet and your not too concerned about the condition over time, go for it. Absolutely wonderful from horological perspective.

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Old 20 January 2020, 09:08 AM   #22
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It is superior in everyway, (exception is the bracelet - they are the worst), and are super cool to talk about to those interested. You will find yourself studying the history, technology and if you are getting a spring drive, you will be memorized by that sweep.

However, I just always went back to my Rolex / Omega / Tudor. Bought two, sold both. What makes them great, also makes them tough to own. The case polishing is too delicate for me to enjoy wearing. If you can get over bracelet and your not too concerned about the condition over time, go for it. Absolutely wonderful from horological perspective.

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I really like the bracelet on my sbgt235, it feels more secure, lighter, smoother-opening and closing, and better finished than my Milgauss bracelet. The only downside is a lack of easy adjustment.
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Old 20 January 2020, 09:09 AM   #23
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If I’m not mistaken I think it comes on a strap so the weakest link is eliminated. It’s a beautiful watch and will likely be an incoming for myself soon. Get it don’t think you will regret it
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Old 20 January 2020, 09:10 AM   #24
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I've owned multiple of both, and I find Grand Seiko to be more interesting as it's newer and the dials typically have more personality due to the texture, but I'll always prefer to wear a Rolex.

Grand Seiko makes very few good sports models. The SBGE201 which is posted above is one of my absolute favorites in the line, and I'd include the SBGE245, which was the maroon dial LE in there. Each are about $6K, so if I wanted a sports watch in that range with a complication and bezel, there isn't a Rolex to compare.

Most Grand Seikos are comparable to all steel datejust models. The SBGA387 (which I did have for a year) is right around the same price as a DJ36, but obviously has a cooler movement and more impressive dial. If that's what I had to spend, I'd be choosing the Grand Seiko without a doubt. Now if we compare it to a DJ41 with a fluted bezel, I'm choosing the DJ as I love the look of the bezel, and it isn't like the Rolex dials aren't good. They're very good, but traditional.

As others have also said, Rolex bracelet is by far superior. Not only do they feel like they are better constructed, but the EZ-link extension has ruined most other bracelets for me. I live in the south. If I eat crawfish, I need those 5mm. When it goes from 65 and chilly to 90 and all humidity, I don't want to go to the AD to get resized. That could be weekly.

In the end, but what you want. If you want that 387, get it as there aren't any more available. If you regret it and want the Rolex, you'll get your money back to go buy it.

Best of luck.
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Old 20 January 2020, 09:13 AM   #25
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This is a good point. One thing that is easy to get used to, is the quality of the modern rolex bracelets. You only really realize how good they are when you try to buy a non-rolex.
Agreed.
Personally, I only consider a GS if it's going on a very nice strap. Everywhere else and for the most part the GS watches seem to be turned out better than a Rolex.
The one thing I think that currently lurkers in the background around GS is their commitment to longer term parts availability. That's all
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Old 20 January 2020, 09:16 AM   #26
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Lack of adjustment is a problem i have. But they are beautiful timepieces.
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Old 20 January 2020, 10:02 AM   #27
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I've had many GS. GS quality surpasses Rolex in some details such as hand/dial and case finishing. But in the end, I still choose Rolex for their superior choice of materials, bracelets/clasp design, and ease of servicing.
Finishing is very subjective...I also find Rolex superior in every way . Rolex really excels in the design/style category......everyone tries to copy their timeless designs..

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The SKX is the only Seiko family member to own. And it's discontinued, so it will go up in value by at least 30% over the next few years.
You must have one of those crystal balls..... I’m going to buy 20 tomorrow!
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Old 20 January 2020, 10:03 AM   #28
Tangier11
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Finishing is very subjective...I also find Rolex superior in every way . Rolex really excels in the design/style category......everyone tries to copy their timeless designs..



You must have one of those crystal balls..... I’m going to buy 20 tomorrow!
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Old 20 January 2020, 10:19 AM   #29
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GS blue dials are stunning



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I like that what’s the reference for that?
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Old 20 January 2020, 10:34 AM   #30
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I would think long and hard before deciding unless, as others have said, it was originally on your radar. For me, I have pondered over and over about GS, almost pulling the trigger a few times but when I sleep over it, I always wake up with less enthusiasm.

On the other hand, deciding to get a particular AP RO, zero hesitation, zero regret. It’s probably what others meant by when a watch sings to you.

My 2 cents.
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