Rolex 16570 vs Grand Seiko SBGE285: GMT Battle

[@pelilin2519]

One was made by hand(35k unit per year) the other one made by machine/robot (1million unit per year) you know which one have more soul in it if we are talking about art piece. Rolex is just mass produced watch with a cartel like business model.

[@PaddyMcMe]

When you just put them side by side it REALLY emphasises that the only reason someone would pick the Rolex is because of brand name recognition.

[@mrector23]

This is so true and you can actually read it in the comments. I’ve always wanted the Polar Explorer II and find the GS superior in pretty much every way, possibly with the exception of the bracelet if only barely. And I still struggle with the magnetism of Rolex, they are way better at selling their brand than their watches.

[@seanlinehan1136]

When you put them side by side, the grand seiko looks much more appealing. Movement? Grand seiko. But when you wear them (and I’ve worn both), you also realize why ppl choose Rolex: the feel. Grand seiko is light, but it’s bulky and cumbersome. Rolex has a way of mixing function AND form. Their bracelets are more comfortable, the cases aren’t too bulky, and the weight it well balanced. I’ve loved the grand seiko I’ve owned, but they don’t wear as beautifully as a Rolex with an oyster bracelets

[@PaddyMcMe]

@@seanlinehan1136 Did you get a chance to try a GS which wasn't made of titanium to see if that improved the bracelet wearing experience?

[@linzitazim]

The GS looks so much nicer. Love the case shape and dial.

[@gg.komorebi]

I like the Grand Seiko much more. And the Grand Seiko also has a more innovative movement than the Rolex.

[@kenanorabi6767]

i have both but i'll go grand seiko all day everyday

[@ken4747]

I used to be close minded about GS bracelet shapes, but now I understand the aesthetic they’re going for and it has grown on me a lot. The only thing they could improve on functionally is micro adjust capability on every clasp.

[@andersjensen1499]

I have both even though my explorer II is the version with the black dial Love both watches - probably because they are both so versatile and comfortable to wear. I have had the explorer for 18 years now so I have a lot of memories with that watch. The grand Seiko is new to me but the more I wear it the more I like it. During the summer I was surprised how it looked in bright sunlight ☀️ and also how beautiful the lume was. The GS is also a watch that is not so mainstream and more under the radar which to me is just positive. If you know you know 😉

[@whywecollectwatches]

The Grand Seiko hands down is the winner. Just look at that beautiful dial face and the spring drive is more accurate than the Rolex.

[@millersciencesms762]

I like the Grand Seiko so much better. The bracelet is a draw back, but I'd put it on a quality strap.

[@steveyrock1]

I so miss the 10 and 2 podcast but I'm happy for both of them for moving on. Nice to see you, Kat

[@wornandwound]

Yay, thank you!

[@4oclockcrown882]

The Evo is my favorite line in GS. They look great in hand and on wrist!

[@wornandwound]

Good choice!

[@spektrograf]

I'm probably one of the few that loves that the Evo 9 series bracelets don't have the taper that YT reviewers clamor about. Great video and thought share, as always!

[@wornandwound]

Glad you like them!

[@simonwright6882]

Foe me the grand seiko is on a different level.

[@jlyt18]

GS needs to figure out how to get the spring drive movement into a thinner body

[@oleg274]

Totally agree. They do have slim profile spring drive movements, but those are manual winding

[@chakapon7757]

Agree, GS watches with 9R66 always have thickness problem, should replace by 9RA* family. But it seemed no GMT 9RA* movement yet… 😅

[@steventogami898]

Grand Seiko: Please make micro adjustments to the clasp. Love the open case back to see the spring drive movement.

[@user-mr9yy3yf9q]

I just got a GS Spring Drive dress watch and it won’t be my last. Having owned Rolex GMT IIs in the past, this one is VERY tempting. Bought two Omegas also in the last month, so need to reload the money gun first.

[@CarComparos]

The BIGGEST difference is that Rolex does not make a watch lower than 10,000$, Seiko does. If Seiko wants to be perceived to be as valuable as Rolex they need to stop selling watches cheaper than Rolex by the name of Seiko. Watchmaking and mesmerizing dials they got covered.

[@DDWGG1]

Only if the bracelet wasn’t so wide on the GS! Also been loving all the video content y’all have been putting out these last few months. Much more engaging them some other watch outlets 😉

[@wornandwound]

Appreciate that!

[@UnseenHero]

I got to try on the grand Seiko earlier this year. I was excited to try it on as I thought it was a killer release. What definitely left an impression on me was the case design. I wasn't a fan of the bracelet and at that price point the bracelet is definitely a considerable selling point.

[@aman803]

I love the GS so much but the 22 lug width kills it. I can’t do it.

[@deskdiversthlm]

Both great watches and would love the GS. But having tried them both I found the Polar to fit my wrist better. But apart from that I’d consider switching to the GS.

[@jerryglasses2229]

Ive seen both of these in person and theres no comparison. The GS is finished so much nicer. A literal tool watch vs a fine high end luxury watch

[@rodsalvador3608]

The Evolution 9, Explorer I, and a Tank. That's it, the 3 watch collection for life. Maybe a BB58 for fun.

[@fabiansuarez523]

Agree in three of the four mentioned

[@joshuakaplan5726]

both are amazing pieces, but i'd take the 16570 over the mist flake. i have the bb pro and absolute love it, and the 16570 is the best version of the polar explorer in my opinion. rolex is king when it comes to sport watches, even though if i could have one rolex it'd be a DJ 36 with fluted bezel and jubiliee bracelet. GS is doing great things in the sport watch realm, but i think their best models are in the SBGW elegance series. They do some of the best dress pieces around, and i own the SBGW287 Boshu.

[@ericmoss8344]

I loved this GS when it came out until I actually tried on on. It just didn't have that "it" factor for a $9K watch. GS please update your braclets... give them some taper and add an an-the-fly macro adjust please! Also not a fan of the GS power indicator obstructing that otherwise gorgeous dial. I'll keep my Rolex 216570 Polar as my daily for now and hopefully GS will make some updates down the road.

[@speedyfett6528]

16570 gets my vote as it’s the watch on my wrist right now

[@danielbercovici5202]

The explorer 2 is more of a heritage and homage to a time gone by.....😔

[@RedwoodAggie]

I came closer to getting an SBGE285, but in the end went with the black dial Explorer II 226570. The price difference was not that dramatic (and was almost identical when the 226570 came out in 2021). I feel like the sibling SBGE283 needs some texture on the dial. If it had the same texture as the SLGH017 "Night Birch" model, I might have gone with that watch. I'd also have liked GS to include some micro adjust in the clasp like on the SBGM245, which is another Explorer II-like GMT I considered. It's puzzling why some GS models get micro adjusts, some get lume, some don't. It comes off as there are different teams within GS and they all have different priorities on what they should have on a watch. Even within the Evo 9 line, this SBGE285 has amazing multi-colored lume when the "Birch" models don't have any. They are all sport watches, so it's just frustrating as an outsider wanting to find that perfect GS model.

[@protonjicari5990]

I like Grand Seiko but I LOVE the bezel size on the Rolex !

[@kimchiwasabee]

Good vid. Thx. Greets from Warsaw.

[@wornandwound]

Thanks for watching!

[@visionarystyle_]

16570 timeless design

[@cohan.forcer]

Enjoyed guys!

[@iHorology]

If I had to choose my first watch, I will go with Grand Seiko due to its pricepoint and unbeatable finishing and attention to detail. I will only go with Rolex if I ever want to consider reselling the watch. Thus for this GMT battle, its pretty easy to make a conclusion. Grand Seiko wins this round as I would prefer going through life experiences with it as I will not be looking to sell the watch.

[@shenxshe0249]

In any ways other than the brand reputation, GS is pretty much superior all over. My money is on GS. End of discussion.

[@amadeus5491]

Throwback to tenn and two podcast!

[@mell3109]

And all GS needs to do is introduce a micro adjustment on the fly fro the bracelet and they will sell far more

[@kongmw]

The Exp 2 wins hands down, no contest. The awkward power reserve on the dial, the larger clunkier size, the lack of tapering in bracelet are solid Ls of the GS.

[@limeem]

16570 wins this watch - however 226570 with 50mm lug to lug, I think i would go with Mistflake. Shame that Rolex increased size on exp II, i guess they wanted GMT Master II to have no competition

[@skzion2]

Since you're so concerned with awkward elements on a dial, what do you make of that oculus?

[@vibr0314]

Look at the Grand Seiko's second movement-it looks like it's gliding. If I had the money, I would buy one.

[@DrNitin14]

Between the two I'd pick the mistflake but second hand because GS's depreciate a lot. They do need to sort micro adjust on the bracelet at least if not on the fly then they would be a true great all round brand.

[@Cinoism]

You can fly to Japan, get the watch and have vacation there. It would still be cheaper in the states.

[@user-of1qo3zt5s]

​@@Cinoism any suggestions for a store to get this watch? For example in Tokyo.

[@Cinoism]

@@user-of1qo3zt5s Grand Seiko Boutiques or most chain department stores like BIC camera or Yodabashi (10-15% discount). Not sure about situation now because I got my Mistflake in Malaysia for about a couple hundred bucks more. I only spend a day there. If I were to go to Japan, it would have been 3 days at least.

[@sunandwind2983]

The Seiko makes the explorer 2 look like a dinosaur.

[@vadergrd]

gs looks better

[@Kenji-Tsuyoi]

Grand Seiko

[@carlkim2577]

My head says Grand Seiko. My heart says Rolex. It's fortunate that the current Explorer II is too large for my wrist. So I'm going GS.

[@edjack1993]

Old Rolex for me thanks. I tried on this GS at my AD. Like the Tudor GMT’s, it’s just too thick (IMHO). Felt unbalanced on the wrist. Such a shame because it has so many characteristics of a classic.

[@TedBarrera]

Surprised to see a gap between the lugs and the bracelet on the GS.

[@bigj324]

Rolex. SBGE285 looks amazing but it's thick and GS should have gone with white dial rather than this grey dirty snow dial.

[@aarons.watches]

Arizona here🥵☀️..Is it trolling if I would 100% pick the GS? Maybe I’m a troll geek?🤔 Cold in the studio? (bonus troll)

[@jlock8139]

What if gradseiko use the Rolex bracelet

[@Annoyedsince1986]

Assuming this means Kat sold her SBGM 221 for the, what, 3rd time now?

[@wornandwound]

🤣

[@demepenar3273]

I like GS than rolex because its something that you can get easily. Rolex AD will just play u around ask you to buy other garbage piece b4 they offer u rolex

[@charlieboylol527]

Grand Seiko all day long , thanks

[@VB-3]

If someone chooses the Rolex over the GS, they need their head checked.

[@fxdr1312]

GS all day long.

[@ultimatedouchebag6760]

I just brought a GS. I'm not buying a rolex ever....rolex are watches for noobs. Spend money on companies that cares about you not marketing hype.

[@dannyg6592]

I vote for the Explorer. I do not like GS bracelets or clasps.

[@anacquiredtaste3582]

I love my GS bracelet

[@dukes70]

Agree! GS bracelets little to no taper, clasps still no micro adjust except in divers. And then it’s not on the fly, you need a tool! Spend &10K+ and need a tool! 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@SuperBechti]

I fully agree with that, and I would add that the GS doesn’t look so proportioned. When looking at the Explorer everything looks so perfect.

[@nelitacanoneo2027]

howmuch

[@butch1dyke]

SBGE285 Got my vote and is currently on my wrist now. On an aftermarket strap obviously since Grand Seiko still can't do bracelets.

[@beatricesiobal5902]

How much

[@odawgbrazy14]

rolex ref. 16570*

[@stu632]

GS a better watch and finished to a higher standard. But it is let down dramatically by it's bracelet and GS need to do something about this weakness before they move forward any further in the world of horology. What is the point of having a beautiful innovative watch if it is uncomfortable to wear?

[@rousseau327]

This watch is not uncomfortable to wear, by any measure. There’s room for improvement, especially with the need for microadjustment, but this GS has a very high quality bracelet. And to bring up the GS bracelet without even touching on the frankly cheap feeling (by comparison) bracelets on the 5 digit Rolexes? Seriously?

[@shenxshe0249]

agree, if they do provide a nicer bracelet, then its goodbye to rolex

[@leonana11]

When you put them together, rOLEX UgLy aF

[@SuperBechti]

the Explorer II is way more esthetic than the GS to my taste. I don’t know why but I always find Seiko watches to be not charismatic and lacking of the thing that makes it exciting. In other words I find those watches to be not so special and not worth the price they sell for.

[@fieldwalker]

Thanks Blake and Kat. IMO - while sharing features, a bit of an odd comparison - a 10 to 20 year old Rolex to a new GS? And the Rolex can cost as much as 2x the cost of the GS given the whole Rolex 2nd hand markup. The decent condition 12-15 year old 16570s on C24 are still about 5k more that that almost new GS. Other random opinions - I'm one of the (apparently) rare types that likes a wide bracelet and dislike the looks a significant taper. thanks for the vid!

[@RoyalDudeness]

The Rolex is ugly and screams "poor guy trying to look rich" and the Grand Seiko is a great watch but has no soul. They are so many great brands, but Rolex is always great for clicks

[@gregschulte2953]

Rolex all day long, GS has no value in the market.

[@iandavies8616]

The Rolex over the Grand Seiko any day, likely to only increase in value whereas Grand Seiko's barely sell at all in the UK (and I've seen them heavily discounted). I love Seiko's budget mechanicals (and have owned many over the years) but in this price range it can't compete with Rolex (not even factoring in its fancy polishing!). That said I wouldn't choose this particular model Rolex as I think they have others in the range far more attractive than this one.

[@shenxshe0249]

LMAO, the world is not just UK. budget mechanics, i think you need to do some homework. ITS GS not Seiko. I have few pieces including Rolex, VC, AP, tell you what GS is so far my best favourite. Rolex may have better brand reputation but i dont think they deserve that price tag. Its an old man watch brand with so average craftsmanship. Over years the market will change if Rolex sitting and doing nothing.