I have a Seiko Spring that I purchased 15 years ago (Feb 2005). This SNR005 is so dependable and reliable that it has been running continuously for 15 years without any maintenance or adjustment. The accuracy is exactly the same as new, about -1 second/week, power reserve is 3 days.
@@michaelkazlo627 What are you on about? The servicing costs have been incredibly reasonable since Grand Seikos have become widely available through formal channels in western countries. Here in the UK, an official Seiko service will only set you back £350 ($400) for a basic 3 hand spring drive. Much more reasonable than anything on the same tier (Rolex, Omega etc.) and even considerably cheaper than swiss watches in lower tiers like Tag and Longines.
I bought the SBGA211. 1. You can buy one without paying a watch scalper. 2. The spring drive is amazingly accurate and the sweep of the seconds hand mesmerizing. 3. The dial on Grand Seiko watches are the most beautiful available.
They both have their pros and cons, I have the Explorer and almost bought a Snowflake but decided to get the Spring from the seasons collection. The Explorer is a classic watch with all the good Rolex attributes but the GS high intensity titanium and Spring Drive (-15+15 a month) is also up there.
When you said your family was blown away by the price of snowflake, I thought you meant they thought it was too cheap. With the technology and finishing of snowflake, it should have been much more expensive!
I have owned the Explorer Model you reviewed for over 3 years now and I have to complement you on the accuracy of your review, based on my own experience wearing this watch. I would still love to own the Grand Seiko Snowflake, if for no other reason than the spring drive movement, but since I already have a Grand Seiko Quartz on a crocodile leather strap I just can't justify the additional cost. Yes, I wish it wasn't the quartz model, but the watch on a crocodile leather strap is very light, comfortable, and of course even more accurate than the spring drive. Again, nice review.
Have both watches - as much as I prefer the GS dial, zaratsu polishing, spring drive movement and overall better specs, I would pick the Explorer if I had to choose between the 2. I just can’t quite place why other than the better comfort and fit of the Rolex bracelet but to me it’s a clear cut winner once you actually wear it. Both are amazing timepieces nonetheless.
When I first tried on the snowflake I put it right back down as, while it was beautiful, the titanium made it feel cheap and like plastic. I went back to my submariner and waited. Finally I decided I want a GS and that dial, and the spring drive, made it the choice. I bit the bullet and bought. Love it. Love love love it. The light titanium is now what I like about it - it feels somehow higher end that a steel watch (which it is) - was just a mental barrier. Same with the bracelet. No micro adjust, but don’t fool yourself - it’s a much higher grade material, made with much much more attention to detail, no matter how it “feels” - same with the case - no comparison. It’s a dress watch with the titanium bracelet, and with a Barton blue silicone it’s a sports watch, and the Barton blue sail cloth, a casual wearer.
Got the Snowflake and a black dial Explorer 2, not exactly the same comparison I guess, but honestly I couldn’t part with either. GS is actually a bit more blingy IMO, Explo feels more toolish, but both will handle anything you throw at them.
@archie baldwin like the IC in G shocks and any other well made quartz watch will be junk? You think they can’t be replaced even if they are? I’m not having a go at your opinion, it just sounds like you’ve never owned a spring drive or actually looked at one. It’s almost all mechanical, just with an electronic regulator. And honestly, mine has been everywhere and never missed a beat, whereas every Rolex I own has to go back every three or four years for something or other.
I like the brushing on the Grand Seiko more. I think it looks nicer, but more importantly in my experience a smoother brushing shows scratches way more than a rough one
The snowflake is a bit too big for me and doesn’t wear as well on my 7in wrist. Having said that I owned the sbga053 which is a similar comparison and while it’s a great watch and half the price of the Rolex- it was almost too perfect and I didn’t get with it. The Rolex Explorer has character and the bracelet and clasp are the best in the business, plus the Rolex looks good even after you’ve worn it for years and it’s a bit beaten up. Having said that I love the snowflake and am often tempted by the 39mm GS spring drives again, as they are such great value.
I had some reservations about the power indicator on the dial of my GS, but no more. I rotate watches I'm wearing pretty frequently, but the GS has become my reference standard because of its extraordinary accuracy. It stays out on top of my dresser and I just check the power reserve periodically and give it a quick wind when needed. I will also admit that I like watches that are a little different from run-of-the mill. I've got at least a dozen "clean dial" watches and seldom wear any of them, perhaps finding them a little boring.
Unfortunately you do. Straight out of the box you’re £1000 to £1500 down 😢. The older ones start from £2000 secondhand while 36mm Explorers from the year 2000 are still £4000+ beaten up or not. I love the Snowflake but if I get one I know it won’t be new but secondhand. My Explorer is 2023 new from the AD and I got it to add to the collection as it is so understated and could be any watch that just copied the design so not a thief magnet.
Id personally take the snowflake. I just think the concept behind the movement is really cool and you get that display back. Honestly you should get what you enjoy on wrist more
I will take the Rolex. In 30 years I will still be proudly wearing my Explorer, and your Snowflake will be thrown to the trash bin due to aged integrated circuit board which is out of production and refused to be serviced by GS. GS has only a 10 year part availability policy, it's on their manual. Biggest regret in my life.
yun wu never thought of it like that, long term. I suppose you’re right, but i have no experience with higher end luxury watches being serviced and what not so I wouldn’t know.
@archie baldwin with GS money everyone should be buying an Omega speedmaster man on the fcking moon, maaaannnn on the FUCKING moon ! how's that, Archie?
@@yunlongwu8071 That's 10 year post discontinuation, and only theoretical. I'm willing to bet they are not going to be discontinuing Spring Drive in our lifetimes. I have nothing against Rolex, in fact I own both of these, but your understanding of this is lacking. FWIW most quartz from the 80s/90s still function in original form, easy 30 years. GS will still be around, even with new SD calibers they'll still be able to service previous calibers.
Another nice thing about Snowflake is that its dial _sparkles_ like real snow. This effect is not easy to demonstrate using typical studio lighting because a very _pointlike_ light source is needed (like the Sun with real snow), so cannot use any softboxes, only a _single, strong, bare_ light bulb with the filament as small as possible. There are practically no videos on YT showing this effect, unfortunately, as most lighting is set up to render people's faces nicely, not watches :-)
Grand Seiko because it has better finishing, technically superior and is more subtle. Rolex has a stigma in the real world depending on where you are. I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it at work. Even people with no interest in watches know a Rolex is a very expensive watch.
I will take the Rolex. In 30 years I will still be proudly wearing my Explorer, and your Snowflake will be thrown to the trash bin due to aged integrated circuit board which is out of production and refused to be serviced by GS. GS has only a 10 year part availability policy, it's on their manual. Biggest regret in my life
Great review. I have to say that I am biased because I own and really love the Explorer. That said, I would like to experience a GS in the metal. It does look like an impressive watch.
I have the Explorer and was about to buy the GS Snowflake. Went into the boutique when the GS came in. Wanted to like it but I couldn't because of the titanium construction and light weight. The case was also much thicker than I expected for what is obviously a much more dressy watch. The Rolex just feels so much better on the wrist and functions well as a utilitarian everyday watch.
I've had both, and will pick snowflake HANDS DOWN. The Explorer is an incredible watch, don't get me wrong, but the GS is damn-near perfect in my book. The ONE edge the Rolex has is the easy-link clasp extension. I do wish the GS had some easy micro-adjust on the clasp. But that being said, the whole titanium case and bracelet make the watch significantly lighter and more comfortable to wear.
Hi Oleg, since you are in watches and I am pretty sure you owned plenty of polish finished bazel like your Rolex or a watch case of a mirror finish. How do you react to those unintentional hairline or micro scratches? Do you ignore it or do something about it? Thank you if you have time to a feedback.
Regardless of the cost the Grand Seiko is on another level. Another video looked at both under an electron microscope and the Grand Seiko made the Rolex look like a Timex. For the price the Omega Aqua Terra is a better watch than the explorer. Then you have Rolex’s supply shorting games.
excellent personal comments and evaluation on Rolex and GS. Awesome job, Oleg! thanks a lot. I already own two Rolex, and I always wanted to own GS (specially this snowflake), but ...... I just can not make myself to love the bracelet & clasp of GS. With all that much of attention to detail and technologies that GS has, why can't they develop something like Rolex's bracelet & Glide lock style clasp? I wonder..... Thanks Oleg
You prefer a heavier watch. A worse finish. No date. I have both. I wear the Grand Seiko. I love the power reserve indicator. I like to know if it will stop overnight.
Simon Wright When you say ignorant things like that it makes me think you’re probably a sexist, homophobic, privileged white male!!! As a transgender, trans race person I can tell you I’m highly oppressed in this incredibly backwards country!
The Rolex Explorer 14270 is my grail watch; but having seen both in person, the GS blows most watches out of the water. When you actually hold it, it is just so smoooooth in all aspects. Nonetheless, I still want the Explorer. 😀
Great comparison. I'm "waiting" for a 214270 to come for me at my AD...who knows how long that will take, but hopefully by christmas...but on the other hand I'm considering a GS instead. I like the shadow soko spring drive. steel and 39mm. I'm sure you know the one I mean. I agree, I like feeling a bit of weight from my watch
Which I would prefer?? Ehm... Both 😊😊. You cannot go wrong with one of these. They are both amazing. The Explorer is maybe the more favourite because you can wear it casual as dressed up. See you next week Oleg 😊😊👍👍
GS are great, but too me, I will always pick the RLX. That white dial never catched me, sorry. Thinking about white dials, I think of „Polar“ an Panerai Luminor. That’s it. Eventhough, AP RO, and PP Nautilus in white are very nice too. But Polar and PAM are best to read. Greetings and kind regards from Germany, Sascha
Very good video! I too have the same Rolex Explorer and love it. I have a Grand Seiko "Snowflake" on order and it is coming on Tuesday (3/23/21). I can't wait!
Branding is such a large percentage of Rolex pricing. Wouldn't be caught wearing one and don't care about impressing others with brand. The GS is simply superior quality.
I have an Omega Aqua Terra which could position somewhere between the two. But it's bracelet also doesn't feel as substantial as I would've liked. Great video!
My first and only Rolex (until now) is the Explorer, It's a very beautiful and unrecognized Rolex. I enjoy your videos. Greetings to Mr. Bond and stay safe, Holger
I love the spring drive but I hate the fact that they have no micro adjustments and I HATE pin and coller links. Most of my watches are leather or rubber. I have to change it when I am outside as it is still very warm, and indoors I have to make it a little tighter. I could not deal with putting in a half link in and out everyday, it would drive me nuts. I have seen Grand Seiko watches in leather some even 14K Gold. Oleg, one thing people think about when buying is in 10 years if I buy a Grand Seiko, how much money will I lose from when I bought it where as on your Rolex, you will probably be able to get more than you paid for it. If you are looking at it as an investment Rolex hands down. I like tech, so I like the spring drive better but as you said it is nearly impossible to get it serviced here. The technology is very high and from where I live I would have to buy from Japan and send to Japan for any work on the movement. Which will take months.
My actual plan is to save up for an older Grand Seiko SBGT003, then after that my next goal is an older 14270! Hope you, Mr Bond and the whole family stay safe, take care and thanks for the content.
Aside from brand recognition nothing else in favor of Rolex here and because I only care about the object at hand and not recognition, GS 100% at least from my perspective.
I think both can have a place in a collection. If I were to choose one as my only watch, then it would be the Explorer. The ezylink bracelet and lume makes a big difference for daily use. The Rolex Explorer is also the most understated of all the Rolex sports model. And finally, you are basically being paid to wear the Explorer as it will appreciate over time. But the Snowflake dial and spring drive sweep is really enticing.
The snowflake wears too big . I’ve compared it to the datejust 41 the seiko looks much bigger . We have to remember the the datejust 41 is actually just over 39 mm and snowflake wears big for its dimensions so it dwarfs the datejust . In my opinion datejust looks far more elegant ..
I have a GS Sbgh269 and the Explorer. The Explorer has been a far better ownership experience. Both GS and Rolex make great watches. However, whenever any of my Rolexes or Tudors or JLCs have needed service they come back correct. My GS came with misaligned hands and running out of spec. It came back from service with a damaged dial. The saga has been continuing for months with GS being non responsive and the AD doing its best. I just do not think GS provides the service or quality control to back up the prices.
I don't own either, but the Rolex is hands down the watch I would chose between the two. It looks better to my eye, and the size is definitely more to my tastes.
I own both these watches & you cannot really compare these two. Both excel at what they are designed for. It simply comes down to preference & image. If I had to pick one it would be the Explorer
Yes, recognition is an issue. A colleague ( only wears Rolex) was with a friend ( also wears Rolex) on an alley smoking & a scooter raced down & tried to grab one of the Rolexes. Grand Seiko : super smooth second hand but the spring drive display - no, thanks. In fact , apart from the dial it needs a bit more pizzazz ( hands/ indexes,?) smaller case & some lum for that lucre.
Before SBGH 269 came out as 900 pieces limited Snowflake was my favourite, but there are some other GS that are simple amazing from top to bottom as well
This is the problem that I am trying to solve, my mind is telling me Grand Seiko Snowflake (price, movement, potential value raise), but my eyes are telling me Date Just 41mm Black Dial, Jubilee... heart goes both ways on these, pleas help!
Unpopular opinion but whilst I think the Snowflake is a beautiful watch... I just don’t like it that much😕 If I didn’t have the Air King 116900, I’d definitely choose the explorer!
grade 5 titanium in raw materials alone costs about $20 per gram. The fact that a Snowflake comes in full titanium, means that the sheer materials of the GS, is already more expensive for Seiko, than the whole production cost of the Explorer for Rolex. Yet some people will associate "lighter watch = cheaper feeling".
I sold my Explorer - wonderful watch but for me it was always a little bit small. I have an Air King now which has a bit more presence. I’m not really a spring drive / quartz fan, but I would take the snowflake as I like a little larger.
I hate to admit but the GS bracelet (5 piece link?) Is hands down more attractive / eye catching, than the Rolex. If the price is close, I'd stick with the Rolex. I've always felt that Rolex is like a Corvette. How many times I've had people tell me, "I wouldn't own a Vette if you gave it to me!" Same with Rolex. Yea, right. Merry Christmas, Mr. Bond. You too Oleg and your better half. Thanks for a great year of watches and reviews.
@@Z070084 Already been done sunshine, IWO make a replica apple watch complete with apple style stickers, you can't copy a GS because the technology is either way too expensive to replicate or the alloys used are bespoke to Grand Seiko.
I can't afford either one right now, but you compared my favorite watches of these two brands. So ill just watch your video over and over for now. Thanks
@@brodybawden3544 hve you looked into vintage grand seiko? You can pick up a vintage 1969 “ seiko grand quartz” the quartz revision of grand seiko for around 500-700 bucks online with a similar snow flake dial and same mirror polishing. It looks awesome and you have a piece of history
I really like the explorer because of its timeless versatility and robustness but I hate what Rolex is doing with their pricing model. Technically speaking, the GS is a much better watch but it’s not as versatile as the explorer
Are these considered the same price range? I see myself getting a snowflake first but this is a hard choice, I want both one day!! If it was truly not about the money, I would go with the explorer. I see it being my daily beater that I wouldn't mind scratching up with character. The snowflake will be my party piece. I'd wear it to nice outings, be flashy with it and talk about it every chance I get
I once had the same dilemma and held them side to side, but as soon as I did, I knew the Explorer was the one for me. The power reserve indicator on the GS completely ruins the balance of the dial for me. All the small, unnecessary shiny pieces (end link lip, bracelet...) make it look tacky, and the bracelet simply feels flimsy and cheap. I got the feeling that GS is all about aesthetics (dials and polishing) and they neglect the build quality (especially on the bracelet and clasp). The Explorer looks simple compared to the GS, but it's built like a tank, is one the most timeless and stylish designs available, and it has a huge heritage. I've had my Explorer for over a year now and it's by far my favourite watch (not the most expensive though). I know two persons who bought a GS and one of them already flipped it for an Aqua Terra, the other one is seriously considering to sell it...
The GS Snowflake really wears very clunky.. and the titanium looks dull and feels cheap due to its lightweight... I tried to like the snowflake, but after I tried it on I was really turned off
I have no watch by GS. This is my favourite dial that is in regular production from GS. Titanium is not my bracelet material of choice but I would chose this GS over the explorer I. It wasn’t posed as an option, but I’d choose the white dialed explorer II over both.
In this case, I would go for the GS. In general the GS design language doesn't resonate with me much, but I also don't find the 39mm Explorer does anything for me. If it were the 114270, I'd chose it over GS (and most watches) everyday.
The thing I really dislike about Rolex is the hype surrounding the brand, but that is not a fault of Rolex themselves - they ride the hype, of course, but their job is selling watches, so anything helping to sell more watches is very... helpful. Between these two specific watches, I would be hard pressed: the Rolex Explorer is maybe my favourite Rolex (together with the Oyster Perpetual), so it's a bit of a draw. As a dress watch, anyway, I would choose the Grand Seiko over the DateJust.
If my AD can actually get the Rolex which I requested in Feb than I will get that because simply I do not give a shit what other people think and it is a fairly understated watch an I just like the look of it, simples.
I know you happen to have the Snowflake on hand but I think the SS GS models should be compared more often. Also, the GS I think in general is more interesting but as a single luxury watch, almost everybody likes to be able to say they own a Rolex.
Great video as usual. One point, at 1:36 u say rolex is made of 304L. I take it you mean 904L? In comparison to your standard 316L steel, 904L as used by rolex contains a bit more chromium, twice as much molybdenum and a hint of copper (the latter two giving it greater corrosion resistance). This is not necessarily an exotic material; its used in piping systems where corrosion is a risk, and heat exchangers. The GS on the other hand uses titanium which is even more resistant as well as being stronger. That being said, both are great watches for what they do, and as you say a better comparison with the GS would be a date-just. Still, there is only about £200 in difference between the two on retail price in the UK and they are both good to 100m, so a comparison is not completely meaningless. You state that "I have to love the Rolex cos I spent a lot of money on it". This is known as the "sunk cost" fallacy, and you need to think about it. I suppose since I own a couple of GSs u might say I'm biased, but I had a chance to compare with rolexes before buying... And brand means nothing to me. In my opinion a watch boils down to 4 components, and an objective comparison can be made on that basis... 1. Movement... Well you can't really compare the GS spring drive 72hr reserve with rolex 3132 48hrs (is this not a distant relative of ETA movements pre-swatch?) 2. Case... This is subjective so you might prefer the Rolex design or GS finish. Call it a draw 3. Dial & hands... Another no brainer. GS by a mile 4. Bracelet... Definitely rolex So in my opinion GS wins by 2.5 to 1.5... This would be the same if you compared it with the date-just to be honest.
Respectfully disagree on the following: . Rolex will need more servicing over time. . Size is subjective and GS has 39mm versions. Lighter watch is better. Power reserve discrete, cool, practical. Cheers.
I have the snowflake. I have been thinking about selling it and buying a Rolex. My wrist is 6.5" so the Snowflake is just a bit too big for my preference.
Would not buy either of the two. The explorer is not a sports watch. It sits between a casual every day watch and sports watch. Having that said imo 39mm is on the big side for such a watch. It just creates too much wrist presence for a rather plain and simple looking watch. Maybe if you have like 8 inch wrist it can do justice at 39mm. Same thing goes for the design of the seiko. It sits even more on the formal part of the spectrum. But now the flaw is even bigger. Not only 41mm, but also thicker. The last thing seems to be an issue with almost all seikos watches. Furthermore, I would not touch a brand that does not have service centers around the globe. I consider it as a poor service and a risk.
I prefer the Grand Seiko, but I wouldn't put it past myself to take the Explorer in the end just because of the Rolex logo. I know, I know. (I actually hate the Explorer 1, I'd take the GS but could see myself taking the Rolex if it were a Datejust)
The Grand Seiko is cooler, the Rolex is just great classic watch but, it’s not a great apples to apples comparison though. That said great video as usual. I’m with you, GS really needs to get rid of the power reserve indicator, it just takes one of the most beautiful dials and throws it off the balance. Thank you for the great work
Awesome review and very accurate; I have both of these watches and love them both. I think if you have to go through a checklist on movements, dials, finishing, etc., I think the Snowflake should win on technicality but if you actually wear it on your wrist, the Explorer just feels right for me. Perhaps its the 39mm size, steel weight (instead of titanium), and the bracelet is just hands down better than the GS bracelet. If I have to pick one, I'd probably go with the Explorer but the Snowflake is a hard beauty to turn down.
you can pay $5 in China to get exactly the same brush result like rolex, but you will need pay 10 times more for titanium brush and not many people will take the order. Imo, the titanium brush is on another level, but ofcouse if you prefer the stainless steel looking , you can spend $25 to get the exactly same replica for the 316 SS chain on the rolex, it is simply impossible to tell the different with today's technology . But again, it's still difficult to deal with titanium, even for most of very high end watch maker.
Lack of lume is a no-go for me at the moment. GS looks like amazingly, but Explorer is so good as every day watch. GS looks a dress watch for me, what is nice. I still would like to give GS a chance one day, just to try it. Who knows maybe I'd fall in love. Nice video.
Great vid Oleg. It's great to have something to aspire to and that GS it for me. One day , one day maybe I can get one. You say Mr Bond likes watches , I can tell , he can barely contain his enthusiasm 😂. All the best mate.
Sorry for my English I like both watches If I don't have a rolex I will go for a rolex because it was one of my dream and every watch collector dream Since I have a rolex I want grand seiko too and I hope I will get it next year
![Which One Should You BUY? Grand Seiko Snowflake vs Rolex Explorer [SBGA211 vs 214270]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
