Grand Seiko Tentagraph: Rolex Daytona Killer?

Is the Grand Seiko Tentagraph really a Daytona alternative? At £12,500, it costs almost exactly the same as Rolex’s prized chronograph. Is it worth the money?
Register to hear first about events, merch and giveaways here:
US www.watchfinder.com/newslette...
UK www.watchfinder.co.uk/newslet...
Featured Watches:
Grand Seiko Tentagraph SLGC001
Rolex Daytona 116500LN
Shop now for Grand Seiko watches:
www.watchfinder.com/Grand%20S...
Shop now for Rolex watches:
www.watchfinder.com/Rolex/wat...
Connect with us at: linktr.ee/watchfinder
Watchfinder is the number one place to buy, sell and exchange premium pre-owned timepieces. Discover more exceptional watches at www.watchfinder.com

[@watchfinder]

We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder

[@rahulrrvp]

Bendict watchfinderbatch

[@thedudeisgreat]

Yooo facts

[@jamesbyrontaduran3738]

damn straight

[@patrickr4762]

A good observation Sherlock or Dr. Strange explaining the time stone to mere mortals.

[@rafaron7761]

Nailed it!

[@shanemcnicholas6172]

Benedict Cumberwatch

[@fiend7777]

As much as I am a GS fan, this one missed the mark. While it might operate really well, people want thinner GS sport models!! The decision to use a modular chrono was just not right IMO

[@rayleeaustralia]

I'm with you here

[@ennigmaa]

tota lee agrees

[@Treviscoe]

I agree. For what they want for watch, I don't think it's a good buy and I think chronographs are overrated anyway. I'd go for a GS Spring Drive instead.

[@user-zx5yd4cf3y]

We have B01 a pure integrated chrono movement with vertical clutch, column wheel. It is way cheaper and ppl still complain about Breitling. Ah yes its because these days its all about resale value.

[@pete6705]

Ya, the thinness of the Daytona is one of the things that makes it so nice. This GS is nice though too. I do not like it better than a Daytona, but the Daytona prices are crazy

[@Hoppetakeyama]

This GS price is also crazy. 😁

[@chrispunzalan7471]

​@@HoppetakeyamaI concur

[@Cinoism]

If you get the call to pick one up from an AD, Daytona is what you want. Not only it wears well, it wears well with everything. t shirt, shirt, sport jacket, suit and tuxedo.

[@alvinmick218]

I really like when you compare one watch against another. You give both the pro’s and con’s without bias and then leave the choice up to the viewer. In this instance, the GS looks really fantastic and I like the technical aspects of it as well over the Daytona. Well done 🥃

[@ShadowPoet]

Nice watch. Would buy if it were smaller 40-41x11-12mm

[@backpackmc]

GS are definitely punching, and the Tentagraph is a fine watch... Don't understand why they are being so lackadaisical about the bracelet/clasp; they do very good ones on regular Seikos, so why not put some effort with GS. My $200 Citizen has a better clasp than my £6k GS...

[@Megatraum504]

i honestly prefer san martins and pagani over seiko for this very reason. Embarrassing bracelets.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

I heard there was an elite team working on the bracelet/clasp to be ready for Watches and Wonders, but one of them was disrespectful about the new ‘Lake Suwa on a Humid evening during a thunderstorm’ dial, and the dial ninja took them all out while they slept 🥷🏾 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸 💀

[@kart182]

@@alfieakaronaldoglol

[@kart182]

They recently introduced an on the fly adjust clasp but only on their lion watch which is extremely expensive:/

[@garyboyle695]

No it doesn't. You're full of crap.

[@mendipfox1650]

I’ll be buying that Tentagraph when someone puts it in the sale @ £8,000. Might take a couple of years, but I’ll be having you my little Japanese hi beat friend.

[@JustMeTalking]

I bought a Tentagraph today. Uk 🇬🇧 Very nice watch, joined the GS9 Club 😊

[@jha77jha77]

Very nice, but I prefer the Omega Speedmaster 57 over these two 👍

[@leonardoluc6362]

Agree.

[@mi626]

Very straight and to the point comparison with much needed details. Thank you 👍🏼

[@Gigantor-fq4rr]

The closest Grand Seiko had come to a mechanical chronograph before was the 6S37 movement, found in such rarities as the Flightmaster Automatic (SBDS003). Cool movement!

[@johnkidd797]

Thanks Andrew, thanks a lot. I have the "older"GMT chronograph and now I have to buy a new Tentagraph cos mine isn't as good as I thought. I love my 2018 watch and I'm going to keep it. I wouldn't knock back a free Tentagraph however and you can keep the Rolex.

[@gotshpilkes]

I have an 8.5 inch wrist and I hate bracelets. Another nice feature of the GS is that I could actually buy one. If I had the money. Which I don't.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

So you could buy one if you could buy one? Stunning logic. Spread it around. I think it will be popular

[@user-gy1yu9dh8t]

@@alfieakaronaldog Shut up

[@alaindeleon5417]

GS sports line has some pretty nice pieces, but they are soooo big, maybe some day they will get that point 40-42 mm is the sweet spot

[@hugohernandez3651]

I don’t think rhe Daytona has to worry about this killer...😂. With that being said, I prefer a Zenith Chronomaster instead.

[@jaimerivera2545]

I am right with you. I wish I have the money to buy that excellent piece of engineering!

[@Ratyz1]

I love this channel and it has really sparked my watch itch which is good and bad because I now want every watch I see 😅

[@kresimirpleic]

Looks nice, and I am a GS fan, but this modular movement chronograph in a 43.2 mm case that is also 15.3 mm thick may be many things, but a competitor to the Daytona it is most certainly not.

[@exp2745]

I still wish they released a SpringDrive based chrono with a less busy dial.

[@Caledfryn]

Should’ve chucked the sapphire sandwich Speedy into the mix. Not as refined as the GS, but the 3861 is a lovely looking movement, the watch is timelessly iconic and it’s half the price! Is the Daytona too blingy?

[@kurtnunn6116]

Beautiful but a beast That case design of the Daytona is so wearable with its slim 12.4 mm height.

[@carlmullender2941]

I have a Zeniuth el prem chronograph, the tentograph is just too big 😢

[@ivanharlokin]

The Tentagraph is a (literally) big miss, with silly dimensions, and the usual bad GS bracelet. The biggest problem is that GS makes arguably the loveliest DIALS in the business, which a chronograph ends up obscuring with sub-dial clutter.

[@adrianlovett3483]

No date on a Daytona always bugs me but if you can get it at RRP it’s a no brainer because of its resale

[@shuycg]

4hz chronos measure 1/8 of a second? How? Reading either the sub-seconds markers or the gap between them?

[@rich-atl7425]

It looks very much like the blue dial Tag Heuer Sport Chronograph 44mm.

[@yvelf]

beautiful watch! but its too big. GS needs to make their sports watches around normal wrists.

[@chriscraft999]

I love my Seiko Spring Drive Landmaster. I also love my Daytona Homage watch. The Daytona is the perfect every day wearing size.

[@silveriver9]

Seiko landmaster is cheap and won't go up in value. Main thing is that you love it.

[@sunrisejak2709]

Everyday watch with no date? Nope.

[@colhunt76]

The smooth sweep on the Seiko spring drive is ludicrous.

[@JustMeTalking]

You're right... but just for clarity, the Tentagraph isn't a Spring Drive.

[@thomashenryirvin]

Andrew, I just wondered if you had ordered a Bel Canto?

[@richardhead2318]

No one will be faced with that decision.

[@jpdemer5]

The Daytona is considerably more wearable .... but vastly less attainable. You'll need at least $20k, or else fluff your AD just to get on a waiting list, which will cost at least that much. The thing is, nobody buys a Daytona because they need to time anything - they buy a Daytona so they can wear a Daytona. That's why it comes in gold and platinum (and diamond-studded adamantium with an unobtaninium bracelet.) GS can't compete, when the very goal of the contest is to score a Daytona. For those of us who just want a really good chronograph (and don't ask us why we "need" one), the Tentagraph is a pretty high-end option. I'd settle for Omega, or Zenith, or Breitling, and keep the change.

[@garbermatt2]

Just saw this watch in person and although the layout of the face is nice, it's not a very good looking dial. I'd take the Zenith Chronomaster any day.

[@astorbeijer9424]

Frankly, I wouldn't have either chrono. They're both way too chonky for me. I would go with either the new Breitling glass box or the new retro Zenith chrono. They may not have GS quality of finishing nor the 1st class spring drive nor even Rolex's flex, but they're wearable for me without making me look like I'm wearing an Invicta from a distance.

[@Nachovalenti899]

200% agree.

[@DonLee1980]

chonky??? the Daytona was always a 39mm watch, nearly a ladies watch

[@astorbeijer9424]

@@DonLee1980 It's true that I've not tried one on my wrist so I can't say 100% that I'm right. It just looks like a 39 mm that's taken too many steroids.

[@Megatraum504]

@@astorbeijer9424 i have 6 inch wrists and my daytona clone fits perfectly fine. Hardly a difference than other 36mm watches i own. Hell its the whole reason I got the clone. Affordable SS (mechanical) chronographs are practically non existent in a size that I can wear.

[@cecaju9516]

Both the watches you mentioned are chunkier than a Daytona.

[@chilledwalrus]

The biggest problem with the spring drive is that it's vulnerable to an EMP blast or very strong solar flare. If you want to keep time after the apocalypse (and who doesn't?), the spring drive is not for you.

[@mindfulawareness1]

No one will care after the apocalypse 😂

[@garyboyle695]

That's really stretching a point.

[@chilledwalrus]

@@garyboyle695 The apocalypse is imminent so it should be upper most in everyone’s mind.

[@jono8884]

It should match or beat on the accuracy.

[@dellboy1035]

Hi I like your videos Can you please make a review of Tag Heuer Monza. Thank you

[@MsFleshgear]

Jlc Polaris Chrono is the better watch . In the price range there is also the Glashütte Seaq Chronograph that beats everything.

[@kevinclaes1838]

I saw one in a shop about a month ago and I would really really really want it (if I could pull it off)

[@brandonjoseph3422]

I think grand seiko made a mistake by pitching tentagraph as a Daytona alternative. If money isn’t an issue, then most watch enthusiasts will buy the Daytona because of its more wearable size and its cult status. However, if this tentagraph were of 40 mm case size, then maybe it would have been a winner. I think it’s hard to beat rolex in their dive watch and chronograph category. And I say this despite being a gs fan boy.

[@jamied931]

The GS is a chunky block of a watch

[@Megatraum504]

totally agree. andrew said it best. If its too big, doesn't matter how awesome or gorgeous it seems. I have abnormally thin wrists and below average income so I'll never see the likes of either lmao

[@Megatraum504]

god bless China

[@garyboyle695]

Have you seen a Daytona in the flesh, it's tiny. It looks like a toy watch.

[@Megatraum504]

@@garyboyle695 ya ive got a clone. im too poor to sniff a real one. And i've also got tiny wrists. It is the most wearable (mechanical) chronograph for me that is accessible.

[@EricZ726]

Got on the GS hype back in 2018 and made a boutique special purchase. I also own several Rolexes, Tudors and a single Omega. I was never able to shake off the feeling that there is always something off with Seiko and GS watches. Regret my purchase and badly want to get it out of the collection. You know you enjoy a watch and justify the purchase when you actually keep wearing it. Not the case with GS here. Also the bracelet, extremely underwhelming.

[@ehsandarian2301]

If it was 40 mm I would choose it as my next chronograph.but with 6.5 inch wrist!! Not gonna be mine

[@brittle1]

Running seconds at 3 is the easiest to implement movement-wise for a chronograph. Seconds at 6 and 12 are much more difficult.

[@Maanatai2041]

As Rolex costs now about 30tht and GS is about half of it, there is not even competition.. it's of course Seiko. Only if you are looking for investment, then it's different situation. And of course size matters.. GS is a big watch.. it needs some wrist to carry it.

[@GroppeljohannKlotenkempe-vr6oh]

01:25 no it‘s NOT a Quarz drive powered by a spring! It is in fact a mechanical watch using a quarz to replace the escapement

[@bash44]

grand seiko hibeat dual impulse escapement is the greatest mechanical movement ever made period, it seems similar to george daniels co axial escapement but its completely different and way better and more efficient

[@Megatraum504]

Here I am with my 6inch wrists, and normie bank account. With my sub- $1k daytona clone appreciating the chinese for offering such quality experience i would otherwise never have.

[@TMike293]

GS as many mentioned is thickness. As beautiful as their dials and movements are, they lose a lot of point by being as thick as my wrist 😂

[@mediathunder2109]

I will go to Zenith chronograph , cheaper hi beat eye catching watch and it is movement is the mother of all automatic chronograph movement and used to supply rolex with Daytona movement , even Daytona movement cal 4130 & 4131 are take so many thing from zenith

[@clintmiller1]

I love GS, but there's 2 things about the Tentagraph I don't like... the 4:00 date window and the name. The Tentagraph name is a little silly. I wouldn't mind if they called it that, but then they went and stamped that silly name on both the front and back. I could live with the size and bracelet issues. But for my tastes, the 4:00 date window and name on the dial are showstoppers.

[@clintmiller1]

My favorite chronographs are still from Omega (moonwatch and especially the '57) and Breitling.

[@raypolakowski7172]

Pretty sure the GS ate Rolex’s lunch on this one (outside of the case size). That said, there are easily 20 brands that outclass the marketing monster that is Rolex. Yet lemmings still buy them in droves.

[@GriffXJ]

If I had the money, this would be my go-to watch. That Tentagraph is gorgeous!

[@damirbajic4579]

If you had the money... You would buy Rolex.

[@GriffXJ]

@@damirbajic4579 nope, I'm not a fan of Rolex to be honest. I'd sooner pick an Omega, Grand Seiko, or IWC before I would pick a Rolex

[@damirbajic4579]

@GriffXJ NO you wouldn't. Trust me. One day you will have the money and before you know it you will be browsing internet, looking at those brands you just named with Submariner on your wrist. And you will feel good knowing you picked not only the best but the one that will never go out of style or lose you money.

[@retardinho5048]

⁠@@damirbajic4579Dude, chill. Rolex watches are far inferior to nearly all competitors in their price range. And they don’t even use AR to make their watches more blingy. No enthusiast goes for new Rolex watches.

[@GriffXJ]

@@damirbajic4579 sorry, you're wrong, although I do appreciate the optimism you expressed towards me. I just don't like the style of Rolex watches, the same way I don't like Patek Philippe and some JLC watches...it's just not my style. I'd be happier with a Speedy on my wrist that's beaten to crap because I wear it everyday than a Rolex Submariner that's in pristine condition. I might make a concession for a Daytona, but that would be it. I have too many other expensive hobbies, and in all honestly, I'll probably never own any of those watches. I pour thousands of dollars into my firearm and ammo collection every year.

[@bignz721]

Honestly ... for everything luxury, is an automatic chrono worth it? If you truly need a functional chrono, I cannot see having anything but a quartz. Your typical G-shocks are perfect .. reliable any time you pull out of the drawer. This is the only thing preventing me from considering an Omega Speedy, as it is truly the apex iconic chrono, IMHO.

[@Megatraum504]

"worth it" can be quite the conundrum in the watch world. It has to be worth it to whomever specifically is interested. For instance, (personally) I don't find a ton of appreciation or value in brand heritage, though it is a major selling point for many.

[@sarangu8867]

Had never seen your face before! Been watching your videos for god knows how long lol! Nice to put a face to the voice lol

[@ricchrono5907]

Never liked Daytona (lucky me), but this GS is way too thick and bulky.

[@rodcarr3119]

I tried one on. It's wonderful, luxurious and impeccably well-made. But it's not elegant in any way - the handset spoils the balance of the dial and feels cumbersome comapred to the fine detail elewhere on the watch face. Although very comfortable, and light, it sits awkwardly, and the transition between case and bracelet is a bit clunky (sorry GS!). It;s a mechanical tour-de-force, but not a classic. An El Primero delivers 1/10's, in a much thinner movement. Shame - I wanted to love it, but it left me feeling a bit 'meh'.

[@DouglasRosser]

Tentagraph, like many GS's is just too chonky.

[@robotstobor3388]

I'd buy the Skipper.

[@rayleeaustralia]

GS makes some mighty fine watches. I'd rather park my money into their dress watches like that white birch. That's one magnificent watch

[@genuinetool]

That date window positioning... Whyyyyyyyyyyyy??

[@jackprick9797]

What are some of your favorite writers/books?

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

As much as I would love to say so unfortunately the answer is not yet: design is awesome but the watch is way too thick, especially when the Daytona is so slim and feel so good on the wrist. And sorry but to me a modular chronograph will always be behind a fully integreted one, nice try still and I wish some day GS will make a better watch than the Daytona

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Underrated Brand and Unloved by Many.

[@rayleeaustralia]

I love GS but just not this one

[@darthbroda]

are people going to wait years to have the GS Tentagraph like they do for the Daytona? There is your answer to the title

[@Aztec1050]

Watchfinder offered me 30% of retail price to buy my slightly used Grand Seiko, what a joke

[@bennymarshall1320]

If I had to chose between my own life or the continuity of Grand Seiko, I'd be running up a pretty large credit card tab in the Maldives...

[@LogicKidroy]

I prefer GS but that Daytona 😍

[@PabloTBrave]

I've owned a chronograph for 6 years , I've used it thrice , I thought I'd use it all the time.

[@mindfulawareness1]

Purely aesthetics. I daresay few owners use the chronograph functions. Same with GMTs. It's just a way of marketing to sell more styles.

[@PabloTBrave]

@@mindfulawareness1 I love my Chronograph and wear it all the time but don't use the function, at least I use my dive watch functions

[@garyboyle695]

You obviously don't cook as I use mine all the time.

[@mindfulawareness1]

@@PabloTBrave nice looking watches, definitely.

[@mindfulawareness1]

@@garyboyle695 😂

[@Solution-Design]

It's the same at GS as it is at Omega. The watches are too thick and thus lose their elegance. That has always been the interesting thing about Rolex, to have found the absolute measure. I have a 7.7-inch wrist, but watches that are too thick remind me of outdoor activities. Whereas, 41-42 mm I consider optimal for my wrist circumference (flat wide wrist, and not a thick one due to overweight). BTW, the build quality of a GS, and then in titanium.... 🙂

[@soundselections648]

As long as I can fit it under my sleeve, 15mm or 16mm vs 12mm isn't a big deal... these aren't miles, they're millimetres.

[@boop8621]

Bingo

[@user-ue5tm4dd2i]

Without any doubt, Rolex is the best selling watch and, as we all know Ford is the best selling unit in the world but, Toyota or, Honda will outlast your Ford clunker all day every day in the heat and cold. Movement wise and the overall presentation of Grand Seiko Tentagraph is inviting itself to be compared to the Daytona, great job GS. Not to mention Zenith 36000 VPM which is Rolex baby daddy, Daytona is El Primero's son, so sit down get in the back seat haha, If I like to invest Gold Silver and Platinum stacking is where the ticket is, USD has been going down just like Rolex.

[@giovanniandrean6229]

43mm x 15.3mm… I’ve said it all

[@ecco04041985]

Takk!

[@belle6631]

Hi, I’m from the future…the tentagraph did not murder the Daytona

[@protonjicari5990]

Rolex Daytona didn’t even knew tentagraph existed 😢

[@davidcouzens6287]

Fabulous looking thing. The Rolex isn't in the same league for me

[@kbeightyseven1783]

I love how GS just choose a design or function and completely masters it, making the swiss look lazy and silly

[@magstheonlyone]

The aliexpress homage is gonna be fire

[@eahmhelmoa]

This is a competitor to the AP RO offshore or any Panerai chrono...not to the Daytona

[@venrocking]

With all my love for GS, I'd still get Daytona every time - thinner, smaller, screw down pushers, great bracelet.

[@thor_86]

The gs is a good watch on paper, and sort of good looking looking too. But I'd be crazy to buy it over the daytona. Jesus christ. Unless I already had another daytona, it would not even be a question.

[@gmshadowtraders]

Make the GS 39mm wide and 12mm thick. Then we'll talk

[@ofmanynicknames]

Grand Seiko don’t make your sports watches absolutely gigantic challenge 2024 because they sure won’t be doing it this year

[@spuckuk7039]

simply grow bigger wrists

[@ofmanynicknames]

Usually I get that kind of message in my spam folder, though not for my wrists.

[@Juanjo191]

I feel like GS is loosing one of their strengths, which was that they were no braines against Rolex, better quality and lower price. Now seems that they’re saying well, it still cheaper than the Rolex you can buy now… on the grey market

[@chriseyre83]

I just don't like the hour hand on the GS

[@75619630]

Daytona kills it, looks and size

[@teenracer16657]

Lost me at 15.3mm

[@Moon_in_Flames]

Would you have bought otherwise?

[@Megatraum504]

@@Moon_in_Flames I wouldn't, but im poor. Completely unwearable for me too though.

[@gentelmenschannel5028]

Is it the only chronograph in the market which beats 10 times a second?

[@LMGLUDA]

Of course not, the Zenith El Primero are also 36000BPH, Tag Heuer has used also some El Primero base movements years ago, as well as other brands. But they are not common. And certainly, not needed. You are losing already more than 1/10th of a second just by pressing the pusher.

[@komae1999]

Did you know SEIKO has double meaning?, Precise(精工) and Success(成功) That's why Japanese old bussiness person chooses Seiko for succes.

[@daytonarol3x]

Prefer the Daytona its smaller and thinner, The GS is just too big for my wrist

[@Shimra8888]

Why can’t GS make smaller watches? If it was 40mm then maybe.

[@ehrenkrause9861]

It's a great looking watch but for the kind of lifestyle I have those lugs needed to be rounded down otherwise that's going to be a hang up for me. NEXT 😊

[@hanumarn7882]

It’s big and chunky like an Omega. You should compare it to an Omega.

[@DavidDatura]

It’s definitely better looking than GS ugly duckling of a Spring Drive chronograph. Still, apart from the dial finishing. It looks like a generic chronograph wristwatch, nothing distinctively GS about it, it’s still too large and has that eyesore of 4:30 date window. A great looking movement though.

[@e36boy]

I'd buy the GS if they made them 41mm max.

[@williamxchau]

I think GS jacked up their prices too quickly, almost like overnight they now position their prices above Omega, IWC etc. 🤔🤔🤔 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’m not sure if they have built up the brand power and prestige yet to command such a price. It’s like Lexus is successful as it cost maybe 20% less than a Merc and BMW and comes better optioned. I don’t think Lexus would have enjoyed such success if they priced themselves at Mercedes prices. Brands like Breitling have been in the game for a century and still dare not charge such crazy prices. I’m not paying 15k for that, there’s a lot to chose from at that price, even in precious metals.

[@gordtulk]

Tentagraph and the spring drive chronos are just too big.

[@seanhickling7340]

I'd take a Speedmaster over both of those.

[@raypolakowski7172]

100%

[@zachtan]

Imagine if it were sub-40mm

[@Megatraum504]

im more worried of the thickness. if it were 40-41 it would be stellar, but the short lugs help with that. Its just so damn thick .

[@azed1685]

It doesn’t even compete with the Zenith

[@sea-watches]

nice

[@jackominty3633]

It's hard to imagine paying 4 figures for a watch bearing the name Seiko, never mind 5.

[@user-fi5fr9us2t]

I still choose the Daytona.