Author Topic: Grand Seiko vs Rolex  (Read 24420 times)

Offline SLK

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Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« on: April 21, 2017, 03:19:20 PM »
Hi MWF!

I'm considering adding a vintage watch to my collection.
I've narrowed it down to between getting a Grand Seiko (5646 series) or a Rolex ( oysterdate or datejust).

Any opinion on which would be the better option?

Looking for something that won't break the bank, probably RM7k and below.

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.


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Offline Cocas

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2017, 03:28:37 PM »
If only 2 choices of either vintage rolex or vintage grand Seiko, I will go for vintage rolex first.

Offline dualcarb

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2017, 03:38:13 PM »
Looking at your criterias, I would happily suggest a GS. I got mine for under RM6K. GS for that time period was at the top of the watch game, producing watches that performed above the standards set by the Swiss chronology society. If you dug a little and read up on the history of GS, you will be more than impressed. I have several modern six digit Rolexes, therefore my comments are not coming from a Rolex hater/basher. Just plain facts and a love for all things that tick. Here is my little vintage beauty.


Offline SLK

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2017, 01:24:38 PM »
Looking at your criterias, I would happily suggest a GS. I got mine for under RM6K. GS for that time period was at the top of the watch game, producing watches that performed above the standards set by the Swiss chronology society. If you dug a little and read up on the history of GS, you will be more than impressed. I have several modern six digit Rolexes, therefore my comments are not coming from a Rolex hater/basher. Just plain facts and a love for all things that tick. Here is my little vintage beauty.



I love the history of both these watches but I must say I'm more inclined to getting the GS.

My only concern for the GS is that if it will it be able to hold its value? I'm pretty sure that if I ever decide to sell the watch in the future, the Rolex would probably be able to hold its value better than the GS.

Do correct me if my assumption is wrong.


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Offline SLK

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2017, 01:25:40 PM »
Looking at your criterias, I would happily suggest a GS. I got mine for under RM6K. GS for that time period was at the top of the watch game, producing watches that performed above the standards set by the Swiss chronology society. If you dug a little and read up on the history of GS, you will be more than impressed. I have several modern six digit Rolexes, therefore my comments are not coming from a Rolex hater/basher. Just plain facts and a love for all things that tick. Here is my little vintage beauty.



And I must add that is an amazing looking piece


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Offline Cocas

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #5 on: April 22, 2017, 02:16:53 PM »
Vintage Rolex movement normally still remains very good condition despite decades passed.

Offline SLK

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #6 on: April 22, 2017, 04:33:31 PM »
Vintage Rolex movement normally still remains very good condition despite decades passed.

Definitely no doubting the reliability of a Rolex.
Will most likely end up with both a vintage Rolex and GS at 1 point.

Just not sure on which 1 should I get first


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Offline dualcarb

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #7 on: April 22, 2017, 07:46:57 PM »
Oh yes...absolutely, Rolex will always be a watch which will hold its value better than most. But my question is, do you buy a watch because you love it? Or because it will hold its value better so that you can trade it someday? Or because you love the history or the watch? Or how it makes you feel when you wear it? No wrong answer here. Just buy what you like, your only job is to make sure that you are happy.

If you ask me, I prefer modern six digit reference Rolexes and vintage Seikos. To be honest, vintage Seikos seem to be appreciating in value too.

Offline SLK

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #8 on: April 26, 2017, 02:22:29 PM »
Appreciate all the feedback!
Will begin the search for my first vintage piece!


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Offline jimmyang

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #9 on: April 26, 2017, 04:15:27 PM »
I love the history of GS but I'm more inclined for their Spring drive. Their vintage collection doesn't appeal to me aesthetically.

The vintage datejust however is just classic. One of the most imitated watches in history and one of the most recognizable. The 4 digit vintage datejust can fall under 6k if you have some patience. 
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Offline Timeless

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #10 on: May 05, 2017, 06:14:53 AM »
Be prudent of purchase any vintage Rolex, there are plenty of incomplete original parts and beware of those "makeup artist" who can make the dial and hands aged in cosmetic way.

Offline Cocas

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #11 on: May 05, 2017, 07:08:27 AM »
@Timeless bro :thumbsup:

I was told a spider web crack crystal vintage Rolex fetches higher price. But I once questioned the preowned shop, it can be easily achieved by exposed it under the sun nonstop till it crack. And above all the spider web crack looks so ugly to me. :D

Offline SLK

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #12 on: May 05, 2017, 10:51:20 PM »
Be prudent of purchase any vintage Rolex, there are plenty of incomplete original parts and beware of those "makeup artist" who can make the dial and hands aged in cosmetic way.

Thanks! Appreciate the warning!

Offline blackatana

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #13 on: May 07, 2017, 09:23:18 AM »
rolex for me ... :o

Offline kbng

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #14 on: May 25, 2017, 08:37:39 AM »
I like both, but comparing the two, my heart feel that Rolex with more value.

Offline yaptimming

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #15 on: May 31, 2017, 12:58:24 PM »
GS for more bang for buck...I owned a datejust and was surprised by how well made the GS was when i purchased one this year

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Offline opp61

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #16 on: July 14, 2017, 10:39:11 PM »
Go with the Rolex. The 6694  or DJ are timeless pieces.  They are super reliable top and are not terribly expansive.  Sill hold the resale better than the Gd.

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Offline mico

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #17 on: July 18, 2017, 09:31:08 AM »
I will go through with Rolex first  :)

Offline opp61

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #18 on: July 18, 2017, 10:39:27 AM »
HI Mico,

For me, the GS is a good watch and a good following. Really good and reliable.

However, I would go for a Rolex first and then move on to other brands later.

Again that is me .

Offline Cocas

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #19 on: July 24, 2017, 08:51:10 PM »
Just an info sharing.

I ask the same question to the old watch shifu. He recommended Rolex (and only) too.

Offline nivek

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #20 on: July 24, 2017, 09:19:22 PM »
Rolex for the win from every angle.

Offline jasey

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #21 on: August 11, 2017, 12:16:33 PM »
I say Rolex but Can you really get a vintage Rolex for 7k?

Offline jimmyang

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #22 on: August 11, 2017, 12:35:44 PM »
I say Rolex but Can you really get a vintage Rolex for 7k?

Truthfully, yes. I got my 1601 two tone for a bit less than that but without the bracelet. Just the head.
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Offline mongourou

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #23 on: August 18, 2017, 02:49:51 PM »
I could go for any GS without procrastinating on which one to get whereas for Rolex I will be very careful and probably get a very simple Datejust without exotic particularities (tropical, flat 4, spider web, transition model...). Those have been built by the millions and it should be easy enough to get one that wasn't altered.


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Offline WatchAmateur

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Re: Grand Seiko vs Rolex
« Reply #24 on: August 18, 2017, 03:29:25 PM »
save up a 'lil' bit and get the 2 liner submariner