Very helpful. I've been hesitating on buying a Grand Seiko due to complaints about the bracelet, but maybe they are overblown. I prefer the 2-button mechanism of the GS; it's more convenient to open.
I love this contrarian video topic! Despite being a huge GS and Seiko fan, I still believe firmly that they should make a big investment in improving their bracelets, but that‘s what straps are for…
The comparison usually comes down to GS’ limited approach to micro adjust, and the additional looseness in the links. While I think micro adjust, and in fact, quick adjust should be standard, I think the “looseness” is misunderstood. GS bracelets are designed to be comfortable when worn with a more snug adjustment. The looser link is intentional so that the bracelet can flare at the wider part of the wrist. Tight linked bracelets like those found on Rolex watches can’t be worn in that snug old-school way without discomfort.
Extensive showcase. It's a good reminder that a better clasp and taper does not necessarily mean a more comfortable bracelet. I am also in the GTA and maybe will run into you sometime.
Oftentimes excessive taper leads to balance issues especially with say, the Rolex sports models or the new Omega Speedy 3861. No such issues on lighter cases like the DJ or OP though I must add
Might be a subjective thing but I too find the GS bracelet very comfortable. The clasp as you mentioned isn’t the best but at the same time it works and might be part of the comfort. I would also add that GS bracelet (same with Omega) tends to have some play at the case and/or looks out of place.
My biggest bug bear 🐻 is with male end links. Especially for us smaller wristed people. They have ruined otherwise excellent watches on many occasions. I wish my op had female end links.
So true, when it comes to wearability! I've started to realize that a female end link is really difficult to pull off in a visually cohesive way... Thanks for watching as always, my friend!
Thanks for the video. There's a lot of group think going on in the forums and watch groups about how GS bracelets are bad and rolex bracelets are the best with no nuance whatsoever Other than microadjust my own opinion is that GS bracelets are some of the most comfortable I've worn while Rolex bracelets on the other hand have tended to eat into my wrist due to the sharpness of the bracelet edges and just not provide very good fit due to the excessively long swing arms There's also been an inability to objectively assess the quality of the milling/finish on GS bracelets which you have rightly pointed out are of a very high standard and not worse off than a Rolex which many would like to believe
I will take a GS over a Rolex 99 out of 100 times. I will give kudos to the Rolex clasp though. It feels extremely secure and fits with the bracelet nicely. The GS clasps are easier to engage and disengage. On a diver or tool watch, the Rolex clasp is a slightly better fit. The lack of the trigger on the side also looks more elegant.
I use to have the same opinion with the braclet and clasps until owning a GS, when you understand japanese mentality then you realise why these braclets are the way they are, basically if you want them to be more Swiss then just buy a Swiss watch in the first place.
Ah the comparison continues… I wish I could compare a Rolex bracelet to Grand Seiko one first hand for a significant period of time. The truth is that I own 5 Grand Seikos and Zero Rolexes. The reason? Can’t find them at retail. On the other hand, being a fountain pen collector/enthusiast, once I discovered Japanese trio of Sailor, Pilot/Namiki and Platinum/Nakaya, I pretty much gave up on Mont Blanc. Although, I still love Pelikan and Graf Von. Just the brand name alone doesn’t interest me anymore. I would love to buy a couple of Rolexes at retail and compare them myself. I wait for the day…
In my experience, the Rolex oyster bracelet is my favorite. Comfortable to the point I forget I'm wearing a watch. I've never worn a GS bracelet long enough to know how comfortable they are because all three I've owned lacked adjustment haha. Still, just in handling them, I didn't think they compared favorably to Rolex bracelets. That is just my subjective and limited opinion LOL. Great job, Sanjay!
Great detailed comparison Sanjay. It’s rare to see such an extensive comparison review on bracelets so it was refreshing topic. By the way, did you see that Grand Seiko released small 44GS case SBGW303? What is your thoughts on that?
Thanks so much for the kind words, my friend. I did see the SBGW303. It's a gorgeous dial with my fav GS case design. My main gripe with these models was the shape of the hands but I think I'm starting to warm up to them 🙂
Great presentation and discussion. I'd be perfectly happy with either bracelet. Although I do think the Rolex is better engineered and more practical for the wearer.