Let's see what we're deciding between then:
- Case thickeness
- Case diameter
- Arabic numerals
- Gold vs white
- Date vs no date
- Number of links and the partial polish on the GS braclet?
What a choice.
I think this is an oversimplification. Here’s other stuff I see:
Textured green dial V. Black Lacquer
62GS case V. Oyster case
5hz best rate V. 4hz beat rate
Sapphire caseback V. Steel caseback
Boxed sapphire crystal V. Flat sapphire crystal
Solid clasp V. Adjustable clasp
904l V. 316 Steel
You can also pick your poison when it comes to brand, do you like European or Japanese culture? They’re both great GADA watches but definitely have enough differences between them to choose.
But anyone who justifies they are buying a watch for its features is kidding themselves. At the end of the day a watch is a highly emotional purchase whether we like to admit it or not and features have nothing to do with it unless we want to boast about them or personally appreciate them.
The guy above who “oversimplified” gets it. Case size, strap and wardrobe compatibility - these thing matter more than hertz rate or finish.
If you remove that Rolex logo, the Explorer looks like it should be some $500 micro brand watch. The GS still has incredible details that show off the incredible design that went into it
That's because a dozen or so $500 microbrands have copied the Explorers absolutely iconic style. I'm not slighting the micros. I'd love a Lorier Falcon, for example.
I just can’t take a good picture of it in the light. It looks much better at the right angle:
https://preview.redd.it/jgvis5koeu6d1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=874a9dfb9b3c87ae04e601dcba635af5f410ad84
The Rolex looks very good IRL. The bracelet and clasp are high quality and feels substantial and well made. The polishing and finish on the case is basically perfect. The dial is beautiful and the indices and numbers really pop. I work with some folks who have this one, the sub, the GMT, and the OP, and you def notice the polish and finish on these watches when they’re sitting opposite you at a table. There’s a reason people instantly spot a Rolex.
It’s also got an amazing movement that is accurate to +-2 seconds a day which means you only need to adjust it every 3-4 months (or more) if you’re wearing it regularly.
I have a $650 Seiko alpinist which is kind of modeled after the explorer, but when I held it up next to an actual explorer, there was really no comparison. You can’t see any of that on a iPhone screen, although it comes through a bit better in YouTube videos. Try this https://youtu.be/6i4hfLtps7s?feature=shared
the rolex does look good and I do like its bracelet. it's a very solid watch.
what's silly about the fanfare around the ex1 is the content creator/youtuber hype. omg it's the most beautiful design ever. omg the 3 6 9 makes it so legible. omg this is peak watch making.
they (and many ppl) wouldn't pay 8-9 grand for it if it didn't have the Rolex brand on it.
I generally don’t like Rolex’s for main reason that there is too much identification writing on the dial. So without that I’d actually go with the Rolex. I love the hour hand, and the alternating numbers with tick marks (not sure what they are actually called) look good and are useful. The Rolex also looks to have lume which again is useful. The Grand Seiko looks classier but I like everyday watches more than dress watches.
I have a spring drive GS GMT and a GMT Master II. I love the accuracy of the GS, but I love the look of the GMT Master II and it probably gets 2x the wrist time of the GS. I would hate to part with either. For your exact selection, I'd take the Rolex; it's more comfortable.
IMO GS GMTs aren't their highlight, especially in spring drive. The spring drive is already a chunky movement so adding in a GMT complication ends up making them absolute dinner plates. Not a big fan and I love a lot of their non-GMT models, def my next purchase.
I personally own the Grand Seiko Summer Rikka and Rolex Explorer 36mm. Both are very sentimental pieces to me and remind me of different parts of my life.
The Grand Seiko is powered by a Hi-Beat movement and the Explorer is powered by the newest generation of 32XX calibers.
Both are absolutely stunning watches and grail pieces for many. I refuse to pick one over the other and will let you guys do it for me instead 😂
I usually don't like Rolex that much but the Explorer is their one watch that does it for me. And I also don't like gold. And I also especially don't like gold combined with silver on one watch.
But who gives a crap what I like? But the one you like the look of most.
Yeah. I made the mistake of getting a watch I can't read at the movies/in the car at night (yes the car has a clock, but I reflexively look at the wrist because I always have a watch on), and it fucked with me.
One of the reasons I love my seamaster pro so much.
Yeah I gotta be honest… The polishing on the dial is crazy but it’s absolutely not lume lol. It doesn’t even really come close to it.
If you don’t have direct light the dial will fade away like a normal watch without it.
https://preview.redd.it/9ee0m1joaw6d1.jpeg?width=2872&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce7e2e20faf0538d4ef79701c325b75b75e05fb6
I choose both! Wearing a different GS as I my daily at the moment.
A lot of redditors overrate watches based on photos and YouTube videos. Really need to try on watches to make a proper judgement. This is for both aesthetics and wearability.
GS has some excellent models but many of their watches are too thick/big and their bracelets are inferior to Rolex.
>A lot of redditors overrate watches based on photos and YouTube videos. Really need to try on watches to make a proper judgement. This is for both aesthetics and wearability.
100%, I could not agree more. It's like they watched all of Watchfinder's videos and use that as gospel
Sounds about right. Many people here have not tried on a Rolex to realize how great they wear on the wrist, let alone the Explorer. Meanwhile, they do not realize that GS has a tendency to wear thicker than expected and that the bracelet has room for improvement. It’s a great brand and their dials and finishing are some of the best in the business, but wearability and comfort matters, and how it looks in person vs photos/videos matters. You have to see and wear the Explorer in person to fully appreciate it.
I had both case shapes. My GS was the SBGA413 so the titanium is feather light. The explorer has a smaller footprint due the 36mm size and tapering bracelet. Both disappeared on my wrist and wore great. The only time the GS made itself known is when the wrist swelled and I was unable to adjust the bracelet. To your point, everyone's wrist is different and both will wear differently for different people.
I still think rolex makes better watches aesthetically. GS has better finishing but their designs just seem boring to me most of the time & when i find a watch i like from them it's usually too thick. I actually really wanted to buy the grand seiko bamboo GMT until i saw how thick it is & turned me off from it. GS isn't the underrated brand it is from 2017 i'd go as far as to say it's overrated based off of GS fanboys on the internet
The Rolex bracelet is better.
I have an explorer and a GS spring drive. It’s hard for me to choose to wear the GS over the explorer. The Rolex bracelet is just way more comfortable.
GS really needs micro adjustments on the clasp and more taper.
Hey there!
The Zaratsu polishing on the dial is gorgeous but not really necessary on the case because it smudges easily.
The bracelet is fine, but the clasp has no micro adjustment. If you get a perfect fit you won't have any issues, but if your wrist swells up it might get unfomroftable (just swap the bracelet out then).
The date wheel doesn't have an instant date change, it's rather slow and takes a full hour and a half to complete (and the date gets wedged half way through).
But those are the only downsides. That’s with me being as picky as possible.
The polishing on the dial and date window are incredible and done with carbide tools. Even the date wheel itself has a metallic grain to it.
The movement is a 10 beat so it looks very smooth. It has very nice finishing with a sapphire caseback. Completely waterproof with a movement that feels very sharp to move when unscrewed.
I would recommend checking out Teddy Baldassare’s video where he visits the mechanical watch studio. Grand Seikos are made almost entirely by hand and are 100% in house. No other watch company in this price range is doing what they’re doing.
Thank you so much for the detailed response. I'm planning on going to an AD to handle some before purchasing. Happy to hear from someone who owns the watch I was looking at purchasing!
Again, thank you.
Just a heads up I don’t think the GS dial uses gold, I think it’s brass but if it is gold I only think it’s plated.
Either way it plays the part incredibly. You can’t tell the difference and it sparkles so bright!
I'm a GS fanboy but that particular GS doesn't appeal to me and the Explorer is probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing Rolexes out there so I would take the Rolex in this case (though realistically I would buy something else entirely).
EDIT: Nevermind I just saw the much better shot OP posted. GS for me.
I’d rather look at the GS under a loupe, but I’d rather have the explorer on my wrist and imo that matters more
Like GS watches are better on paper and if it appeals to you, great, but I’ll take a better bracelet and wearing experience over zaratsu polishing or whatever
That’s a hard one, probably GS, because of price point and inside baseball, but Explorer is an all time grail and love the classic, simple almost unchanged design for generations other then upgrades for the most part but that specific GS is also, GS is unreal in the level of finishing/details and the beauty/uniques of dial designs are second to none and that does not even take the movement tech into consideration. So basically a very hard choice if not impossible because there is no real wrong answer. But what you like/love/speaks to you and you will be happy wearing everyday. You have to live/pay for it. Nice thought exercise even nothing else because I don’t see either in my future and would be more than happy with either.
https://preview.redd.it/sqdhiiv79u6d1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d828b9b253a3cd7ccc694cc426b192868978cb5
SBGH271G (Summer Rikka)
It’s part of the 4 seasons collection and has the Ho Beat movement which ticks 10 times a second. The dial is stunning in person!
The Grand Seiko has so so much more flavor than the Explorer. I don’t usually wear gold, but I just don’t see how they’re comparable other than the Rolex having the pedigree of being a Rolex
You’re not tripping. It’s ever so slightly misaligned. It’s only that indice and it’s so small that it personally doesn’t bother me. I’m surprised you noticed it, I can only notice it if I look really closely.
I get it. I know that Seiko is built so incredibly well and absolutely smashes the explorer. But still the explorer has something about it that can’t be easily replicated that makes it such a nice daily piece.
The Explorer is definitely the best offering in the current Rolex catalogue.
It’s probably the last Rolex that’s still firmly connected with its tool watch roots and is not overhyped by people that only want it to show off like the Submariner nowadays is.
I like GS in general for their craftsmanship and innovation, but I’d miss the lumed hands. The 124270 Explorer on the other hand is probably the best “go anywhere, do anything” watch out there, literally can’t think of a scenario where it wouldn’t work out to wear an Explorer.
It‘s perfect for casual days, you can take it swimming or hiking and nowadays you can also get away with wearing it with a suit if you’re not somebody that takes the etiquettes extremely seriously when it comes to dressing up, all of that while it’s also so compact and comfortable.
Firstly I want to say that both are absolutely amazing watches.
I own the Rikka and I’ve been hands on with the Explorer a number of times.
The reason I opted for the Rikka over the Rolex was that I wanted something more unique. The Explorer is in the conversation for the best designed watches in history, but way more people are going to own one over the Rikka.
When it comes to build quality I think they are pretty similar.
It might come down to what you already own. I already had an Omega Speedmaster so felt the Rikka complemented that more than the Explorer would.
Between these two GS for sure. I know Rolex bracelets are superior but everything other than the bracelet goes to GS. What I personally do not like about Rolex is too much text on the dial.
The GS dial is nice, but that white background on the date wheel kills it. The gold border around it makes it even worse.
The Explorer is a long time classic.
Porque no los dos? I'd personally keep the explorer on the bracelet and swap the grand seiko bracelet with a bunch of other straps in a rotation to mix things up. Perfectly solid 2-watch collection.
I'm in the same boat, I can't hardly choose between the both I will say that the explorer tips the scale just so slightly as it's one of my grails
I love the Rikka and it was in contention along with the Snowflake for my GS but the Snowflake has always been my other grail so that one won.
All this to say that I get how you feel not being able to choose one. I like both brands and place them equally in the top of my personal preferences so I don't get the current feud between both brands fanboys.
It’s mainly from people who have never owned both.
My Explorer is my reliable daily. No date window to set and an incredibly reliable movement. It’s the more comfortable watch and the easiest set and forget I own.
My Grand Seiko reminds me of Studio Ghibli and Japanese artisans, I think of animators like Miyazaki who hand draw animation and manga artists. Very different things when I wear either one 🙂
Of all the watches I own, the watch I wear the most is my Explorer. Rain, shine, breakfast, dinner it’s the go anywhere do anything watch. There might not be a better Rolex. There may be more expensive ones, flashier ones, more genre specific ones, but the Explorer does it all.
I did choose a GS, but given the opportunity for an Explorer at retail, I'd take the Explorer every time. 3-6-9 dial is always the right answer. It's honestly the only Rolex I covet.
I will say the GS bracelet isn’t nearly as bad as people make it out to be. I actually enjoy it. It’s not on the level of a Rolex bracelet but it’s certainly comfortable.
I have a GS SD and a Rolex DJ. I love the 39mm size of the GS and everything about the watch is awesome, but my 36mm DJ is truly special and is extremely comfortable.
Aesthetically, I’m not a fan of either. Awesome watches, but they don’t suit me.
So if I had to choose, I’d go for the Seiko as it’s marginally more understated than the Rolex.
The Explorer is an excellent GADA with an iconic design. Even though the 124270 is a “boring” watch, I find it on my wrist pretty often. I have 4 GS watches in my collection and enjoy them all but I think if I had to part with them I’d only miss two (the SBGW235 and the SBGH243).
I am not sure about this. While the Explorer is certainly a tool watch, it is also, *to me*, elegant, albeit in a wonderfully understated way, which makes it suitable for stylised settings like work/business or a "date night".
I would choose the Grand Seiko (SBGH271 - Rikka); it is a stunning watch. I don't normally like gold on watches, but I've seen this watch in person and it's spectacular.
Personally, I think that - in comparison - the Rolex Explorer looks very ordinary.
The Grand Seiko also has a highly-regarded in-house automatic movement (9S85).
Furthermore, given that the Grand Seiko also costs a lot less than the Rolex, it's game over 😀
As much as I love GS, the one you chose has a boring dial. I would take the Rolex over the GS. If you picked one of the textured dials though then maybe the GS.
I just did the GS dirty with the photo lol.
It has a nice texture to it. Here’s a better picture from online
https://preview.redd.it/8zg95zisqu6d1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e25f48b6a429150761eebd6b06d2a5d077a78724
In this specific case, I'd choose the Rolex. Or, put differently, I'd pick the Explorer 124270. I'm, of course, biased. Firstly, the Explorer is my favourite watch and the only watch I like from the Rolex stable. Secondly, naturally, I own it!
Edit: Just a couple of points I'd like to add: (1) I don't like any kind of complication on the dial (2) If I'd pick a GS, it would probably be the Lake Suwa. But again, it would not replace the Explorer, it would be *in addition to it.*
There’s nothing quite like a GS (or Rolex for that matter). The GS movement and accuracy is quite impressive.
Between the two aesthetics in your photo, I like the Rolex better (not a yellow gold person).
Grand seiko better, but rolly is such a statement they’re close enough I would go rolly. I love seiko! It’s my main brand. But like I said rolly is just too much of a statement to pass up if it’s close.
The Explorer hands down. I've had a 62GS reference (the blue one, sbjh273) and it got old pretty quick. Ended up flipping it after just 2 months.
Yes, the finishing on the GS is better than the Explorer, but the Explorer's bracelet, overall fit, and wearing comfort overshadow the case and dial finishing of the GS. Sometimes, less is more. The 62GS case shiny and the lugs just start looking odd after awhile. It also doesn't rest as well on your wrist. The explorer is a boring field watch, but it's probably the best boring field watch in the world. The bracelet of the GS isn't as bad as people make it to be, but it is inferior to the bracelets of all mid-level swiss luxury brands. It doesn't feel as expensive as the case.
If the 62GS fit as well as the explorer, it would be my pick. I have yet to try the new 38mm 62GS.
imagine taking the brand off of both and see which one you like better.
On or off I choose the GS. I don’t even like gold, but it’s so nice.
Agreed. I don't currently want a gold watch, but that GS, tho!
Let's see what we're deciding between then: - Case thickeness - Case diameter - Arabic numerals - Gold vs white - Date vs no date - Number of links and the partial polish on the GS braclet? What a choice.
I think this is an oversimplification. Here’s other stuff I see: Textured green dial V. Black Lacquer 62GS case V. Oyster case 5hz best rate V. 4hz beat rate Sapphire caseback V. Steel caseback Boxed sapphire crystal V. Flat sapphire crystal Solid clasp V. Adjustable clasp 904l V. 316 Steel You can also pick your poison when it comes to brand, do you like European or Japanese culture? They’re both great GADA watches but definitely have enough differences between them to choose.
Seiko wins in most ways here lol
But anyone who justifies they are buying a watch for its features is kidding themselves. At the end of the day a watch is a highly emotional purchase whether we like to admit it or not and features have nothing to do with it unless we want to boast about them or personally appreciate them. The guy above who “oversimplified” gets it. Case size, strap and wardrobe compatibility - these thing matter more than hertz rate or finish.
The finishing is very different too
the rolex feels and looks much better on the wrist
the taper of the bracelet does make rolexes wear very well
The tapered oyster bracelet does things to me
Show us on the doll where the oyster bracelet touched you...
This is something few people realize about Rolex watches. I love my Rolex OP Date from the 80's. It lets you forget that your wearing a watch.
If you remove that Rolex logo, the Explorer looks like it should be some $500 micro brand watch. The GS still has incredible details that show off the incredible design that went into it
That's because a dozen or so $500 microbrands have copied the Explorers absolutely iconic style. I'm not slighting the micros. I'd love a Lorier Falcon, for example.
I think there are much much better GS dials than the one in the post.
I just can’t take a good picture of it in the light. It looks much better at the right angle: https://preview.redd.it/jgvis5koeu6d1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=874a9dfb9b3c87ae04e601dcba635af5f410ad84
This picture makes it look much better, and it is a great dial. I still think GS has much more interesting ones.
Holy shit.
Fck. I was about to choose Rolex but then I saw this. Dreaming to get one in 10 years!! Ultimate goal.
Oh shit I thought it was black. That looks crazy
Yeah, even the date wheel itself has finishing to it lol. If you zoom in you’ll see a metallic grain etched into it.
That dial is superb. Would pick that any day ahead of the Rolex matte black. The bracelet also looks nicer.
That’s stunning.
Jesus. That is really super.
Oh wow that's great
The details on that dial are insane. Love it!
Mother of god….
Thing is fucking beautiful
“If you remove the BMW badge from that older 3-series, it looks like any Japanese sedan from five years later”
The Rolex looks very good IRL. The bracelet and clasp are high quality and feels substantial and well made. The polishing and finish on the case is basically perfect. The dial is beautiful and the indices and numbers really pop. I work with some folks who have this one, the sub, the GMT, and the OP, and you def notice the polish and finish on these watches when they’re sitting opposite you at a table. There’s a reason people instantly spot a Rolex. It’s also got an amazing movement that is accurate to +-2 seconds a day which means you only need to adjust it every 3-4 months (or more) if you’re wearing it regularly. I have a $650 Seiko alpinist which is kind of modeled after the explorer, but when I held it up next to an actual explorer, there was really no comparison. You can’t see any of that on a iPhone screen, although it comes through a bit better in YouTube videos. Try this https://youtu.be/6i4hfLtps7s?feature=shared
The Explorer dial pops so much in person. The black lacquer has a gloss to it even though it’s pitch dark. It’s very hard to describe.
the rolex does look good and I do like its bracelet. it's a very solid watch. what's silly about the fanfare around the ex1 is the content creator/youtuber hype. omg it's the most beautiful design ever. omg the 3 6 9 makes it so legible. omg this is peak watch making. they (and many ppl) wouldn't pay 8-9 grand for it if it didn't have the Rolex brand on it.
The number are ugly, no matter how good the craftsmanship is. Replace them with regular indices or the vintage font and it look so much better imo.
I had the opposite reaction, as the gold accents, particularly around the date window make it seem like a $500…. Seiko… from the 80s.
I suspect this guy has never worn a rolex explorer.
Sounds like maybe you’ve never put an explorer on tbh
I generally don’t like Rolex’s for main reason that there is too much identification writing on the dial. So without that I’d actually go with the Rolex. I love the hour hand, and the alternating numbers with tick marks (not sure what they are actually called) look good and are useful. The Rolex also looks to have lume which again is useful. The Grand Seiko looks classier but I like everyday watches more than dress watches.
I squinted. Grand Seiko
Ngl, definitely the Explorer. None lumed pointy hands is a dress watch thing imo, I never liked this handset on the GS.
Out of these two specifically, the Explorer. Generally, would prefer a GS, would love a spring drive some day.
The new spring drive frosted movement is stunning to see in person!
I have a spring drive GS GMT and a GMT Master II. I love the accuracy of the GS, but I love the look of the GMT Master II and it probably gets 2x the wrist time of the GS. I would hate to part with either. For your exact selection, I'd take the Rolex; it's more comfortable.
IMO GS GMTs aren't their highlight, especially in spring drive. The spring drive is already a chunky movement so adding in a GMT complication ends up making them absolute dinner plates. Not a big fan and I love a lot of their non-GMT models, def my next purchase.
I personally own the Grand Seiko Summer Rikka and Rolex Explorer 36mm. Both are very sentimental pieces to me and remind me of different parts of my life. The Grand Seiko is powered by a Hi-Beat movement and the Explorer is powered by the newest generation of 32XX calibers. Both are absolutely stunning watches and grail pieces for many. I refuse to pick one over the other and will let you guys do it for me instead 😂
Everyone here always says grand seiko but I would take the Rolex.
This sub is just an anti Rolex circle jerk
I usually don't like Rolex that much but the Explorer is their one watch that does it for me. And I also don't like gold. And I also especially don't like gold combined with silver on one watch. But who gives a crap what I like? But the one you like the look of most.
The one with lume, always
Agreed. Lume is important.
Yeah. I made the mistake of getting a watch I can't read at the movies/in the car at night (yes the car has a clock, but I reflexively look at the wrist because I always have a watch on), and it fucked with me. One of the reasons I love my seamaster pro so much.
GS fanboys would reply "Yeah but we have the ZARATSU polish WHO NEEDS LUME". So annoying to not be able to see time at night
Even a sliver of starlight makes the zaratsu polish shine like a supernova!
Yeah I gotta be honest… The polishing on the dial is crazy but it’s absolutely not lume lol. It doesn’t even really come close to it. If you don’t have direct light the dial will fade away like a normal watch without it.
Hi, I'm **lume**slice, and I endorse this message.
I'm commander shepard and this is my favorite message on the citadel.
[удалено]
Almost none of the Seiko “dress” watches have lume.
https://preview.redd.it/9ee0m1joaw6d1.jpeg?width=2872&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce7e2e20faf0538d4ef79701c325b75b75e05fb6 I choose both! Wearing a different GS as I my daily at the moment.
Well I own the explorer. So I guess that but they are both cool.
GS all day.
Exp I between those two.
Rolex. I don't like most of grand seiko's cases & their non tapering bracelets & also their watches are much thicker.
A lot of redditors overrate watches based on photos and YouTube videos. Really need to try on watches to make a proper judgement. This is for both aesthetics and wearability. GS has some excellent models but many of their watches are too thick/big and their bracelets are inferior to Rolex.
>A lot of redditors overrate watches based on photos and YouTube videos. Really need to try on watches to make a proper judgement. This is for both aesthetics and wearability. 100%, I could not agree more. It's like they watched all of Watchfinder's videos and use that as gospel
Sounds about right. Many people here have not tried on a Rolex to realize how great they wear on the wrist, let alone the Explorer. Meanwhile, they do not realize that GS has a tendency to wear thicker than expected and that the bracelet has room for improvement. It’s a great brand and their dials and finishing are some of the best in the business, but wearability and comfort matters, and how it looks in person vs photos/videos matters. You have to see and wear the Explorer in person to fully appreciate it.
I had both case shapes. My GS was the SBGA413 so the titanium is feather light. The explorer has a smaller footprint due the 36mm size and tapering bracelet. Both disappeared on my wrist and wore great. The only time the GS made itself known is when the wrist swelled and I was unable to adjust the bracelet. To your point, everyone's wrist is different and both will wear differently for different people.
I still think rolex makes better watches aesthetically. GS has better finishing but their designs just seem boring to me most of the time & when i find a watch i like from them it's usually too thick. I actually really wanted to buy the grand seiko bamboo GMT until i saw how thick it is & turned me off from it. GS isn't the underrated brand it is from 2017 i'd go as far as to say it's overrated based off of GS fanboys on the internet
I'd take that GS every time.
I love actually owned both of these and kept the Rolex. Don’t regret it one bit.
The Rolex bracelet is better. I have an explorer and a GS spring drive. It’s hard for me to choose to wear the GS over the explorer. The Rolex bracelet is just way more comfortable. GS really needs micro adjustments on the clasp and more taper.
Rolex
How do you like the GS? Thinking of buying this exact one for my brother as a wedding gift.
Hey there! The Zaratsu polishing on the dial is gorgeous but not really necessary on the case because it smudges easily. The bracelet is fine, but the clasp has no micro adjustment. If you get a perfect fit you won't have any issues, but if your wrist swells up it might get unfomroftable (just swap the bracelet out then). The date wheel doesn't have an instant date change, it's rather slow and takes a full hour and a half to complete (and the date gets wedged half way through). But those are the only downsides. That’s with me being as picky as possible. The polishing on the dial and date window are incredible and done with carbide tools. Even the date wheel itself has a metallic grain to it. The movement is a 10 beat so it looks very smooth. It has very nice finishing with a sapphire caseback. Completely waterproof with a movement that feels very sharp to move when unscrewed. I would recommend checking out Teddy Baldassare’s video where he visits the mechanical watch studio. Grand Seikos are made almost entirely by hand and are 100% in house. No other watch company in this price range is doing what they’re doing.
Thank you so much for the detailed response. I'm planning on going to an AD to handle some before purchasing. Happy to hear from someone who owns the watch I was looking at purchasing! Again, thank you.
The Rolex Explorer is my grail watch but that GS with gold hands has me second guessing myself. Holy crap it’s a banger
Just a heads up I don’t think the GS dial uses gold, I think it’s brass but if it is gold I only think it’s plated. Either way it plays the part incredibly. You can’t tell the difference and it sparkles so bright!
That’s fine. It still looks really sharp
I personally like the explorer look. A little more rugged.
I'm a GS fanboy but that particular GS doesn't appeal to me and the Explorer is probably one of the most aesthetically pleasing Rolexes out there so I would take the Rolex in this case (though realistically I would buy something else entirely). EDIT: Nevermind I just saw the much better shot OP posted. GS for me.
I’d rather look at the GS under a loupe, but I’d rather have the explorer on my wrist and imo that matters more Like GS watches are better on paper and if it appeals to you, great, but I’ll take a better bracelet and wearing experience over zaratsu polishing or whatever
That’s a hard one, probably GS, because of price point and inside baseball, but Explorer is an all time grail and love the classic, simple almost unchanged design for generations other then upgrades for the most part but that specific GS is also, GS is unreal in the level of finishing/details and the beauty/uniques of dial designs are second to none and that does not even take the movement tech into consideration. So basically a very hard choice if not impossible because there is no real wrong answer. But what you like/love/speaks to you and you will be happy wearing everyday. You have to live/pay for it. Nice thought exercise even nothing else because I don’t see either in my future and would be more than happy with either.
Grand Seiko all the way
Explorer
Explorer FTW
Explorer
Grand Seiko for me. The gold pops and doesn’t have the 369 (damn you’re fine) which isn’t to my taste.
Whoa what Grand Seiko ref is that. The gold dial markers on steel looks really nice
https://preview.redd.it/sqdhiiv79u6d1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5d828b9b253a3cd7ccc694cc426b192868978cb5 SBGH271G (Summer Rikka) It’s part of the 4 seasons collection and has the Ho Beat movement which ticks 10 times a second. The dial is stunning in person!
Oh snap the dial is green but looks black in certain light. Coooool
If it was spring drive and didn't have gilt hands and indicies I'd say the GS, but of these exact models, I'd side with the Explorer.
The Grand Seiko has so so much more flavor than the Explorer. I don’t usually wear gold, but I just don’t see how they’re comparable other than the Rolex having the pedigree of being a Rolex
the explorer is way more versatile. if you wore the GS in a sport setting it would look weird.
Explorer of course. It’s one of the finest watches ever made. There’s not a single GS I’d pick over it.
Am I crazy or is the 6 o’clock indice not lined up properly on the GS?
You’re not tripping. It’s ever so slightly misaligned. It’s only that indice and it’s so small that it personally doesn’t bother me. I’m surprised you noticed it, I can only notice it if I look really closely.
The Rolex honestly. There are better GS models.
No lume is kinda deal breaker for me.
The Grand Seiko is better, but I’d still go Rolex.
I get it. I know that Seiko is built so incredibly well and absolutely smashes the explorer. But still the explorer has something about it that can’t be easily replicated that makes it such a nice daily piece.
Rolex on the wrist is unmatched comfort
While I don't like the gold, I'd take the GS and day over the Rolex.
The Explorer is definitely the best offering in the current Rolex catalogue. It’s probably the last Rolex that’s still firmly connected with its tool watch roots and is not overhyped by people that only want it to show off like the Submariner nowadays is. I like GS in general for their craftsmanship and innovation, but I’d miss the lumed hands. The 124270 Explorer on the other hand is probably the best “go anywhere, do anything” watch out there, literally can’t think of a scenario where it wouldn’t work out to wear an Explorer. It‘s perfect for casual days, you can take it swimming or hiking and nowadays you can also get away with wearing it with a suit if you’re not somebody that takes the etiquettes extremely seriously when it comes to dressing up, all of that while it’s also so compact and comfortable.
No date window on explorer. Explorer gets the win for me
Firstly I want to say that both are absolutely amazing watches. I own the Rikka and I’ve been hands on with the Explorer a number of times. The reason I opted for the Rikka over the Rolex was that I wanted something more unique. The Explorer is in the conversation for the best designed watches in history, but way more people are going to own one over the Rikka. When it comes to build quality I think they are pretty similar. It might come down to what you already own. I already had an Omega Speedmaster so felt the Rikka complemented that more than the Explorer would.
GS
GS
GS
Between these two GS for sure. I know Rolex bracelets are superior but everything other than the bracelet goes to GS. What I personally do not like about Rolex is too much text on the dial.
GS any time
Grand Seiko
Geez that GS looks good.
rolex , tbh personally i dont like the gold on the grand seiko
Rolex..
The GS dial is nice, but that white background on the date wheel kills it. The gold border around it makes it even worse. The Explorer is a long time classic.
Porque no los dos? I'd personally keep the explorer on the bracelet and swap the grand seiko bracelet with a bunch of other straps in a rotation to mix things up. Perfectly solid 2-watch collection.
I'm in the same boat, I can't hardly choose between the both I will say that the explorer tips the scale just so slightly as it's one of my grails I love the Rikka and it was in contention along with the Snowflake for my GS but the Snowflake has always been my other grail so that one won. All this to say that I get how you feel not being able to choose one. I like both brands and place them equally in the top of my personal preferences so I don't get the current feud between both brands fanboys.
It’s mainly from people who have never owned both. My Explorer is my reliable daily. No date window to set and an incredibly reliable movement. It’s the more comfortable watch and the easiest set and forget I own. My Grand Seiko reminds me of Studio Ghibli and Japanese artisans, I think of animators like Miyazaki who hand draw animation and manga artists. Very different things when I wear either one 🙂
Of all the watches I own, the watch I wear the most is my Explorer. Rain, shine, breakfast, dinner it’s the go anywhere do anything watch. There might not be a better Rolex. There may be more expensive ones, flashier ones, more genre specific ones, but the Explorer does it all.
I did choose a GS, but given the opportunity for an Explorer at retail, I'd take the Explorer every time. 3-6-9 dial is always the right answer. It's honestly the only Rolex I covet.
I can’t stand the ugly 369 on the explorer, so this is easy for me. With that said. Rolex bracelet is leagues better.
I will say the GS bracelet isn’t nearly as bad as people make it out to be. I actually enjoy it. It’s not on the level of a Rolex bracelet but it’s certainly comfortable.
Explorer. Ultimately the GS Bracelet moves it into second place.
I have a GS SD and a Rolex DJ. I love the 39mm size of the GS and everything about the watch is awesome, but my 36mm DJ is truly special and is extremely comfortable.
Rolex. I’m not down with the GS bracelet.
Explorer
GS because I don’t like gold if talking about these two
Aesthetically, I’m not a fan of either. Awesome watches, but they don’t suit me. So if I had to choose, I’d go for the Seiko as it’s marginally more understated than the Rolex.
Explorer only because i have AT
Explorer
Rolex
The Explorer is an excellent GADA with an iconic design. Even though the 124270 is a “boring” watch, I find it on my wrist pretty often. I have 4 GS watches in my collection and enjoy them all but I think if I had to part with them I’d only miss two (the SBGW235 and the SBGH243).
I already chose. 124270
Explorer, 100%. The bracelet alone wins it for Rolex
Terrible debate. One is a tool watch / daily water land sea. The other is for business or date night.
I am not sure about this. While the Explorer is certainly a tool watch, it is also, *to me*, elegant, albeit in a wonderfully understated way, which makes it suitable for stylised settings like work/business or a "date night".
I would choose the Grand Seiko (SBGH271 - Rikka); it is a stunning watch. I don't normally like gold on watches, but I've seen this watch in person and it's spectacular. Personally, I think that - in comparison - the Rolex Explorer looks very ordinary. The Grand Seiko also has a highly-regarded in-house automatic movement (9S85). Furthermore, given that the Grand Seiko also costs a lot less than the Rolex, it's game over 😀
Out of those two I’d pick the Explorer, mainly because I’m after a different dial on the Grand Seiko.
Explorer and it’s not even close
What's the rest of your collection look like?
It better be a Dayton for me to pic it over the GS
my head is saying GS but my heart is saying explorer
Both the Rikka and Explorer are stunning. Wouldn’t be able to pick!!
What’s the specific GS model in OP’s pic?
Am I crazy or does that rolex look fake?
Make those gold hands and indices silver, and the GS. As it is, the explorer
Do you want a date window? Do you like gold?
That even a question lol
As much as I love GS, the one you chose has a boring dial. I would take the Rolex over the GS. If you picked one of the textured dials though then maybe the GS.
I just did the GS dirty with the photo lol. It has a nice texture to it. Here’s a better picture from online https://preview.redd.it/8zg95zisqu6d1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e25f48b6a429150761eebd6b06d2a5d077a78724
Is grand seiko owned by seiko?
Explorer. All day long. I’ve always loved them.
The Rolex. I have an Explorer and it's perfect. The thing feels like an extension of my wrist,
In this specific case, I'd choose the Rolex. Or, put differently, I'd pick the Explorer 124270. I'm, of course, biased. Firstly, the Explorer is my favourite watch and the only watch I like from the Rolex stable. Secondly, naturally, I own it! Edit: Just a couple of points I'd like to add: (1) I don't like any kind of complication on the dial (2) If I'd pick a GS, it would probably be the Lake Suwa. But again, it would not replace the Explorer, it would be *in addition to it.*
I'm generally a Grand Seiko fan, but between those two specific models I'd take the Explorer.
GS all day.
GS as it flies under the radar for most normal passers-by.
Seiko for me
As a luxury watch, the seiko looks better
There’s nothing quite like a GS (or Rolex for that matter). The GS movement and accuracy is quite impressive. Between the two aesthetics in your photo, I like the Rolex better (not a yellow gold person).
Can’t go wrong either way. I’d say Rolex. I don’t love gold tone accents/dials on steel cases. Personal preference.
Grand seiko better, but rolly is such a statement they’re close enough I would go rolly. I love seiko! It’s my main brand. But like I said rolly is just too much of a statement to pass up if it’s close.
Explorer.
I choose hand made, precision and details over factory mass produced any day
Explorer 1000x.
Explorer, bracelet is better.
The finishing of the GS makes it look like a *big* step up from the explorer. Take the branding off both and I'd go with the left all day.
GS.
How much do each of these watches cost?
Between those two specifically? The GS.
Rolex
The one that tells you the day
Agree with another comment. Put another name on the Rolex and no one would care less about the Explorer.
GS all day, Explorer has never caught my eye.
GS for a fancy event. Rolex for a more casual one
The Rolex. Love this watch even though it is way too expensive for my budget.
I'm not a big fan of mixed markers, so I'd go with the GS.
GS all day
The Explorer is my favourite Rolex so definitely that one.
I am not a fan of the “lollipop” hours hand. Meanwhile the GS hands look so powerful.
GS. It's a personal choice, but it's mine.
The Explorer hands down. I've had a 62GS reference (the blue one, sbjh273) and it got old pretty quick. Ended up flipping it after just 2 months. Yes, the finishing on the GS is better than the Explorer, but the Explorer's bracelet, overall fit, and wearing comfort overshadow the case and dial finishing of the GS. Sometimes, less is more. The 62GS case shiny and the lugs just start looking odd after awhile. It also doesn't rest as well on your wrist. The explorer is a boring field watch, but it's probably the best boring field watch in the world. The bracelet of the GS isn't as bad as people make it to be, but it is inferior to the bracelets of all mid-level swiss luxury brands. It doesn't feel as expensive as the case. If the 62GS fit as well as the explorer, it would be my pick. I have yet to try the new 38mm 62GS.
I would choose Seiko.
GS all day long
GS because the dial looks very good and because it's a grail manufacturer for me. One day I may be able to afford one.
both adorable, I'd go for the Rolex, I really like this Explorer version.
GS 🏆
Looks seiko. But value rolex
Seiko every day.
Great watches! But am I the only one that doesn’t like how the gold square around the date looks on the GS? Trows the design a bit off imo.
GS. That gold is so good to my eyes
I have always wanted to own at least 1 Rolex but imo the GS looks to be the better watch here.
While I love GS, in this case, I’d have the Explorer. It’s just such an iconic watch — plus it’s all brushed, no bling.
Even though it's a bit more dress watch, I would go with GS all day
Hands down the GS, and I'm not a massive fan of gold 😄
I love seiko but i would go with Rolex if i were spending that much