So I've been itching for a Rolex Sub or Datejust lately but I love Japanese made stuff and never really buy European for no reason really. What would be the Seiko equivalent of these two models and what are your personal opinions about each brands respective quality, movement, and value?
Rolex vs Seiko
afrothang
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Agree with the technical remarks but comparing 7S26 to Rolex makes zero sense. Can only compare Rolex to Grand Seiko, did you ever worked on any of these?
Yes...and impressed with some calibers...although they are not as inherently service friendly. The vast majority of Seiko's are under-achievers compared to Rolex...and I believe the thread is titled "Rolex vs Seiko"?
You have to ask yourself if it is ignorance or arrogance...but why does Seiko market $2000+ watches under (almost) the same name (Grand Seiko) as $200 watches (Seiko)? I would have a SpringDrive in my own stable...(which is mostly composed of movements I consider to be technologically significant)...but for the fact it is $2000+ and bears the name SEIKO...
At least Rolex had the good sense to market it's consumer grade as Tudor... Then there is that chicken/egg thing...the high end brand...Rolex...was developed first...then Tudor was rolled out in 1946.
You sell a lot of consumer grade products if their heritage to luxury is conveyed in an appealing way. Developing a luxury brand from a consumer heritage...???...not good marketing psychology...
As for the issues of serviceability, retained value, durability and performance...don't expect me to acquiesce. And the interesting thing is that I'm not necessarily a champion of Rolex...go figure...
Regards, BG
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I suspect that the reason is simply that it has always been like that and it works for them. Seiko traditionally used a lot of brand names and GS is just one. There is no distinct technical separation and even the other names or lines are mixed or used liberally, like Prospex, Presage, etc.
The OP simply asked which particular Seiko is comparable to a certain Rolex. Going beyond that and insisting in comparing the brands across the line is a bit silly considering that 99% of Seikos of any age and type are much less valuable that any Rolex. Watches and money go hand in hand all the time but sometime people likes to forget that.
Very interesting, the comments.
Although, the main similarities is that they are both divers, I would nominate the mm300 to be the sub counterpart. It's quintessential, a staple of the brand. Of course not as well known, but similarly transcends its genre and brand's customer base.
As for the Datejust, it would have to be a grand seiko dress watch, which I've never owned one. Settling on a datejust is pretty simple compared to a grand seiko which has so many models, variants, LE's, movements,. etc. Its as confusing to me as looking into Panerai
Although, the main similarities is that they are both divers, I would nominate the mm300 to be the sub counterpart. It's quintessential, a staple of the brand. Of course not as well known, but similarly transcends its genre and brand's customer base.
As for the Datejust, it would have to be a grand seiko dress watch, which I've never owned one. Settling on a datejust is pretty simple compared to a grand seiko which has so many models, variants, LE's, movements,. etc. Its as confusing to me as looking into Panerai
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I think in all fairness, Reflex''s initial intent was simply to suggest that in the "DIVER" category, the Rolex Submariner can be compared to the SKX007 as two great diver watches on either end of the cost spectrum. It's not necessary for me to list the specs. of either piece, they are well known and easily attainable by all. The Seiko is within reach financially to a far greater number of potential customers looking for a dive watch that is beautiful to look at in its own right, has a pedigree as long as your arm, and if regulated, can be deadly accurate at keeping time. Is the Seiko in the same class as the Sub ? Obviously not. Let's not let semantics drive this conversation. The Sub and the SKX are in the same "DIVER" Catagory but not in the same "CLASS" of price, luxury, fit, finish, snob appeal etc.
I think they both provide a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction to their prospective owners, whomever they may be. If its the Sub or the SKX or one of the other many options in the "DIVER" catagory, in this instance, afrothang gets to decide
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There are hundreds of combinations with the Datejust. That is a big reason why they sell more DJs than all the other models combined.
Dials, Bezels, choice of Super Jubilee/Oyster/Strap and within that more choices. Mind boggling.
With the DJ, it's the same two cases either the classic 36mm or the 41mm of the Datejust II, the same movement. Yes, lots of combinations but It's pretty simple to decide on one, depending on the look one likes. The variations are dials, bezels, case materials, bracelets, which are all interchangeable. It's basically the same watch.
Not the same with the Grand Seiko, different mechanicals, automatics, spring drives, cases, case materials, LE reissues, ...phew!!! Just the current ones.
But that said, it is what compares to the Rolex datejust. Both are dressy and high quality. It depends on what one chooses to spend their money on..
I am a young collector and while I love my GMT Master II, I find it inconvenient to wear most of the time because of the worry that accompanies it. That being said, my baby tuna is probably my biggest go to. I find it rugged enough to wear without worry and it also gets a lot of positive attention.
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I don't think I ever received a positive comment about any of my Rolex watches over the years. I did on several Seikos and a vintage Heuer, though.
From someone that only knows Seiko and Rolex by name and that Rolex = Luxury, I find myself liking way more Seiko watches than Rolex. They just look more modern, sleeker, nice IMO.
Now will I ever own a Rolex? I plan to as a gift to myself after grad school. You know...the "I made it" purchase. But I certainly would never give someone crap for a Seiko! They look amazing.
Now will I ever own a Rolex? I plan to as a gift to myself after grad school. You know...the "I made it" purchase. But I certainly would never give someone crap for a Seiko! They look amazing.
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Both are reputable brands. Some people like both, some don't. It all depends on how deep your pockets are and what you want from a watch.
There are plenty of people that own both a Seiko and a Rolex. Usually Seiko Divers as they are the most iconic Seiko time piece.
There are plenty of people that own both a Seiko and a Rolex. Usually Seiko Divers as they are the most iconic Seiko time piece.
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Seiko's...good quality and good prices.....
Rolex.....also ok
Rolex.....also ok
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I have two Grand Seikos (SBGA011 and SBGR083) and a Rolex Submariner. When I compare the two Seikos with the Submariner the comparison tends to favour the GS, but one can't unequivocally say that one is better than the other. The truth is that a GS has advantages and disadvantages, just like the Rolex.
The Zairatsu-polishing of GS is unrivaled. It's undoubtedly one of the hallmarks of Seiko. Also the texture of the dial is impeccably well-made. The movements are roughly the same quality. The 3130 movement of Rolex is very accurate, within one second a day. This is more accurate than the 9S65 movement of my SBGR083, but the watch is a couple of years old and maybe in need of servicing. For the bracelet the Rolex has the advantage. The five-link bracelet of GS is a little bit too loose in my opinion, while the Submariner has a more sturdier bracelet. Overal I would give the advantage to the GS but the build quality of Rolex is very high, I only think that they're overpriced (which Rolex can do given their market situation).
The Zairatsu-polishing of GS is unrivaled. It's undoubtedly one of the hallmarks of Seiko. Also the texture of the dial is impeccably well-made. The movements are roughly the same quality. The 3130 movement of Rolex is very accurate, within one second a day. This is more accurate than the 9S65 movement of my SBGR083, but the watch is a couple of years old and maybe in need of servicing. For the bracelet the Rolex has the advantage. The five-link bracelet of GS is a little bit too loose in my opinion, while the Submariner has a more sturdier bracelet. Overal I would give the advantage to the GS but the build quality of Rolex is very high, I only think that they're overpriced (which Rolex can do given their market situation).
I would have a Seadweller if I could muster the will to spend that much money on one watch or if someone gave me one, but I always come back to the simple math of accuracy.
There are 86400 seconds in a day and Seikos (7s26) accuracy of -15 seconds is 0.017361111111111% of perfect and A rolexes accuracy of -6 is 0.0069444444444444% of perfect. Statistically those numbers are so close to Zero that they are meaningless so other than spending that much money for as someone else mentioned some kind of significant example of technology I can't find a good reason to waste my money on a Rolex when I can buy dozens of significant Seikos and wear a different watch every day for the same money. I wouldn't trade enough of my Seiko collection to buy a Rolex so why should I spend that money outright on one?
It's not that I can't afford it, I have Omega's Breitlings, Tag's they all cost far less than a Rolex though. I just don't see how Rolex has earned my hard earned money.
I suppose before I die I will have to buy a Rolex just so I have one, I've worked of a few over the years, didn't find them that remarkable a little over engineered for the task but the same can be said for Omega and their co-axial movements too and I already own one of them...
I'm always reminded of "The emperor has no clothes" when I think about buying a Rolex and I just know I'll have buyers remorse for doing it...
There are 86400 seconds in a day and Seikos (7s26) accuracy of -15 seconds is 0.017361111111111% of perfect and A rolexes accuracy of -6 is 0.0069444444444444% of perfect. Statistically those numbers are so close to Zero that they are meaningless so other than spending that much money for as someone else mentioned some kind of significant example of technology I can't find a good reason to waste my money on a Rolex when I can buy dozens of significant Seikos and wear a different watch every day for the same money. I wouldn't trade enough of my Seiko collection to buy a Rolex so why should I spend that money outright on one?
It's not that I can't afford it, I have Omega's Breitlings, Tag's they all cost far less than a Rolex though. I just don't see how Rolex has earned my hard earned money.
I suppose before I die I will have to buy a Rolex just so I have one, I've worked of a few over the years, didn't find them that remarkable a little over engineered for the task but the same can be said for Omega and their co-axial movements too and I already own one of them...
I'm always reminded of "The emperor has no clothes" when I think about buying a Rolex and I just know I'll have buyers remorse for doing it...
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What has to be addressed is that Rolex has been rated as the #1 brand name in the world.
I read that again recently, but don't remember the actual reference. However, the top 100 brands were listed, and it was not a watch industry survey, just international brand names.
I own multiple examples of both brands and, to me, they both exemplify superior watches. However, for my rowing training and racing, I prefer to wear a less expensive watch that can be replaced without breaking the bank.
I read that again recently, but don't remember the actual reference. However, the top 100 brands were listed, and it was not a watch industry survey, just international brand names.
I own multiple examples of both brands and, to me, they both exemplify superior watches. However, for my rowing training and racing, I prefer to wear a less expensive watch that can be replaced without breaking the bank.
There's no BIG difference ...Rolex, too much bling-bling for nothing and you pay for the name more than other things and it's too expensive. Seiko is a sober and quality brand too but without too much bling-bling. And today, Seiko manufactures very precise watches.
Personally, I have nothing against the Rolex brand, on the contrary but I never wanted a Rolex And I will never have any, and I will never pay the big price for a watch that is supposed to give the time. A hundred dollars (in Euro I do not know how many) for a quality watch like Seiko is correct.
WONDERFUL!!!!!!
YOU ARE DEFINITELY RIGHT
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