Rolex vs Grand Seiko: GMT Master II Pepsi vs Spring Drive GMT SBGE257 Comparison Test

[@andreasachilleos4257]

While this is a versus video, I think these two could happily exist in the same collection

[@LeonChetsky3230]

Indeed mr.andreas !!! Handsome watches ....

[@gyang333]

I agree.

[@4liter]

This for sure

[@USS_Liberty]

No.

[@Hans-Georg_Buddne]

No. Why would you need two GMT watches? That can not be a balanced collection

[@realitynuggets6204]

Probably the best watch salesman I’ve seen on YT. Not a wasted sentence. Interesting comparison. Thank you!!

[@JJPanozzo1]

Thanks Tim. I purchased my GS 257 a few weeks ago. Wearing it on an Erikas Original strap makes it wear like nothing at all. I didnt purchase mine with resale in mind but simply bought it because it makes me smile😁 Isnt that what this hobby should do for us

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Thanks Joey! If you have a quick second, click through to our site and write a review of the watch. Our customers love to read about real world experience when shopping on our website. Here's the link: www.thewatchbox.com/shop/Grand-Seiko-Sport-SBGE257.html Thanks in advance!

[@niravc10]

While the Pepsi GMT is iconic, there is just something great about being able to walk into the GS boutique and pick up the GS257. No need to spend a certain amount to be placed on a waitlist. The sheer availability, and a fraction of the price no less, is what did it for me, even if the Rolex has stronger brand value. Plus, the movement of the seconds hand on this thing is smooth like butter.

[@NeuroticLobster]

I traded my wife to the AD for the opportunity to buy a Rolex. Problem is they still made me buy a two tone ladies model first to build up the relationship, even though now I have a stepson 🤦‍♂️

[@KLeBoutillier]

He is right. Rolex is all about the 'wrong' attention these days, especially a big, shiny red and blue bezel Rolex. "You must be rich." "Is it real?" Etc etc. Wear it in London or Barcelona and see how long it lasts on your wrist. My quartz GS is understated, beautiful to look at and no one notices, and it keeps perfect time.

[@chrisnelson1712]

Love GS quartz too!

[@Peltwerk]

More important than that even...... You can't purchase a Rolex these days even if you have the money. Walked into a Rolex store the other week and they had empty cases. The pointed me over a nearly empty case of Tudor and Breitling. You can have the most advanced tech ever but if it can't be produced enough to actually be obtainable then it may as well not even exist.

[@Aztec1050]

I wore my Rolex in London and got shanked you sir are absolutely on point

[@EnchiladaMan360]

@@Peltwerk It’s all about artificial scarcity, to make it seem like you’re getting a one-in-a-million deal. It’s the same marketing strategy that made diamonds so expensive and sought after, when diamonds aren’t any less common than sapphires - the big distributors just want us to think they are rare as to justify the astronomical prices.

[@PillBoy305]

😂😂😂😂😂 ok

[@IANSPA]

Rolex for the name GS for the watch.

[@robertschmidt9584]

It’s difficult not to like both. Both amazing in their own ways. I think this is to be continued (in six to seven years).

[@colemanhoyt5437]

I have the SBGE255 (same but blue instead of green) and I love it. Better yet, like Tim said, you can simply buy it at retail (now GS even has an online store in the US too), no waiting, no buying another watch you don't want first. I like the Rolex, but the GS has a better case, dial, and movement, and even when comparing retail prices it costs a lot less. Rolex is a better brand, but GS makes the better watch.

[@elonmust7470]

the gs case is ugly as can be.

[@colemanhoyt5437]

@@elonmust7470 bzzt wrongo

[@jpdemer5]

@@elonmust7470 Unless you have a sense of aesthetics...

[@elonmust7470]

@@jpdemer5 Yeah, for other watches.

[@JamesMaccarone]

I'm blessed to own both of these and this review is spot on. Both fantastic pieces.

[@WatchmakerErik]

Your conclusion is so well said and I completely agree. The Grand Seiko is my choice. Grand Seikos have Terroir. They have characteristics of where they are from and I like that in manufactured goods as much as I do food and drink.

[@mikep197]

If you are a watch nerd like me you'll appreciate the GS more. That dial, hands, indices are spectacular and the hand finished case is truly stunning. Love the GS bracelet which is fancy without being blingy like the Rolex. And the movement on the Grand Seiko is unbelievably accurate. And finally you can actually get the GS and save a LOT of money in the process. GS for the win!

[@elonmust7470]

gs is shit, boring shit at that.

[@CubanBBQ]

I could listen to tim talk about watches alllll day.

[@rip_varo122]

Good lord, that impeccable second hand movements.. I love the spring drive..

[@theonlyredspecial]

Tim you outdid yourself with this one. Learned quite a few things here. Superb analysis. I do hope you are well and keeping safe. From Ireland. All the best !

[@photobriangray]

I have the SBGE257 and it is so fantastically comfortable and unique. Definitely a lifetime piece for me...

[@zhizian]

GS is just a better watch... just saying...

[@jondrew1]

It’s actually unreal how much nicer the Grand Seiko looks, especially with that silky smooth seconds hand movement

[@AlexOsha]

Great video - however, isn't the Explorer 2 a better comparison, given the non-rotating bezel?

[@secretsanta9046]

Agreed.

[@mesomaxl]

Purchased the SBGE257 last summer short after its released and haven't had a single doubt about the decision ever since. Wears great, finishing is pretty great and the green ceramics does amazing things depending on the light that it reflects. And whilst living in Zurich, you can imagine how many people you see showing off their Crown Subs and GMTs

[@zacharyparis]

Appreciate the fair and detailed comparison. Not just another Rolex fan boy who thinks they are the greatest gift the world has ever seen!

[@dademack3544]

Great comparison. Just got my GS 255 2 weeks ago, absolutely love it. Hardest choice was which color, they all 3 look amazing. I bought a watch loupe to enjoy that fantastic dial.

[@scottwexlin6456]

Both beautiful, desirable pieces. Considering the Rolex is almost impossible to get unless you go grey, I'd rock the GS all day. I like the size, and the bracelet. It's very masculine.

[@okavipra]

Man Rolex is really legendary , i have respect for classic , BUT MY GOD THAT GS IS NICE

[@sidewinderxx]

Grand Seiko... please give us thin watches. My wallet is ready.

[@muldune]

The fantastic new GS mechanical movement is thinner and so are the resulting watches. Expect to see more in 2021.

[@antipartisan6921]

Because of waterproof Test grandseiko's watch its unbelievable results of waterproof

[@blaketaylor9317]

Both amazing watches, but I'm prone to go GS on this one. Tough decision, tho.

[@atodaso1668]

Rolex is for people that care what other people think, Grand Seiko is for people who appreciate handmade engineering.

[@georgescott6124]

No it’s more like Rolex is for people who want there watches to be worth something when thay go to sell it the GS you will lose 50 to 70 %

[@atodaso1668]

@@georgescott6124 Why would you be selling your watch?

[@akosbalog4363]

GS every day and twice on Sunday!

[@bbrebozo6417]

At less than 1/3 the cost of the Rolex (except if you’re Eric Clapton), the GS is the better buy for sure. I have the eagle GMT (the same watch as the green except for the dial and bezel). Very comfortable and if you like accuracy, nothing beats spring drive.

[@sergezerkin]

i think if you can get pepsi at the retail i would go for it ... but at the gray market no way .. cuz rolex can be a dress watch .. in some ugly way but it can .. this grand seiko never.. i will buy the sbga401 and put it on the leather .. lets see if it will work out as dress watch. if not will go for glashutte senator 3 hander black dial.

[@bbrebozo6417]

@@sergezerkin Tim’s camera never does the GS justice. The polished indices are much nicer that anything Rolex has to offer short of diamonds. The GS dials are much nicer than Rolex dials. Moreover the GS is so affordable you can get another dressier watch if you feel like putting on a dress. Their heritage lines or elegance line has dressy GMTs.

[@beaudoyle1063]

If you’re ever interested in selling that eagle let me know!

[@bbrebozo6417]

@@beaudoyle1063 watch box has one for sale.

[@bbrebozo6417]

@@beaudoyle1063 the guy in Boston also has one. European watch co.

[@hansenluu]

Now I want the GS so badly. I already owe the Tudor Black Bay GMT which is enough of a fix for GMT-Master II Pepsi. That spring drive sweep is sweeeet. and the green dial omg.

[@noddyholder6082]

Fantastic narrative. My first watch was a GMT in 1984 it cost me £680 new! It was stolen , I still love them but not worth their money now. Seiko is a better tool no doubt, but...ah. I wish I could afford my old gmt😢

[@stickshifter8]

Wouldn’t the Explorer II be a better comparo to the GS, due to its fixed bezel?

[@patrickhurley3705]

I have both and love them. GMT has a rotating bezel which GS does not, and the sizing is easier with the GMT. The accuracy is unbelievable on the GS. IMO for the cost difference of $3500 the GS is a great value.

[@rogerfleig4746]

I'll take the GS every time. Better made, better finish at 1/10th the cost.

[@johnd8701]

@@rogerfleig4746 all the little boys and girls that can’t afford Rolex at the current prices are stomping their little feet with ‘yeah I don’t even like Rolex anyway mommy!!!’ You have buy all the Seiko you want they are just for you.

[@henrywest7217]

A great comparo for the long anticipated return of-- versus--.

[@pedromolina7737]

Looking to buy the SBGE255 as my first Grand Seiko

[@kishore191078]

Just got my SBGE255, and excited to wear as an everyday watch. The thickness doesn't bother me at all. The bracelet is a perfect fit and the clasp is smooth with the right level of click on locking. The blue dial and sunburst is mesmerising and the hour markers are exquisitely GS and the cuts reflects light splendidly . The unique technology powering the watch is a pleasure to observe with the buttery sweep of the second hand. Of course I would love to get a GMT in the future if only the AD would consider selling to a mere mortal like me....!!!

[@lamadoo]

thickk boi

[@proper_gander3608]

The GS is sublime. The mastery of craftsmanship is just wonderful. That case.... Great summation, I agree wholeheartedly.

[@marcrapp4004]

GS is my choice. Love the face and attention to detail. I have a big wrist , I love the bigger width of the GS. Awesome comparo!

[@davenamba]

I prefer a thicker watch. The bracelet on the pepsi reminds me of a gaudy miami cuban bracelet. The Grand Seiko is a masculine, well polished sophisticated timepiece! The smooth sweeping second hand on the GS GMT is mind blowing.

[@elonmust7470]

the gs is ugly

[@malyu6374]

Surprise! First time a "Seiko" lost in the Lume shot! :P

[@kmc2317]

I am a GS fan. In fact, one of my favorite watches is my SBGM221. Having said that, on this one, I would go Rolex. No other reason other than this particular GS doesn't do it for me and the "Pepsi," hyped or not, excites me. Cheers!

[@ronaldverhaeghe8755]

Should be flattering to GS to compare a 6K Grand Seiko with a 22K Rolex Pepsi, and come out ahead on a number of important points!

[@SevGW]

I do love Grand Seiko but in this particular comparison I‘d go for the Rolex and the two reasons for that are the slimmer case a the more balanced dial. Great video Tim

[@patrickdaly5988]

Love the GS, except for that date window. It needs a frame to hide the cross section of the dial, which jumps out and looks ugly. Unusual inattention for GS.

[@ambroseathello]

Both great pieces. Not sure why, but I've always preferred crowns at 4

[@TheKlickitat]

The GS has got to be one of the most beautiful watches I have ever seen. I believe I have found my grail.

[@Chellfinancial]

If they improve the bracelet and get some more lume on the GS it’s a no brainer.

[@bbrebozo6417]

Most of the 44 mm GS GMT have the lumped sapphire capped bezel...Mosso has reviewed those too.

[@chrisnelson1712]

Two heavy weights for sure. I’m going Rolex all day because it is so iconic and classic. But if you have that watch already - I do - then GS should be in the collection too. SBGV245 for me - gorgeous dial, no maintenance, ridiculous accuracy. Cheers!

[@4liter]

Completely agree, have the 126710BLNR and the SBGE253. Both can be appreciated for what they are, way different takes on a GMT 👍🏼

[@lance4613]

Excellent video Tim, A superb summary of the 2 Watches. I have a Seiko MM300 SBDX017 and love it. Thanks, Lance.

[@ishoot4x5]

Regarding accuracy, most of us have found that the Rolex 3285 is much, much more accurate than +/- 2 sec per day. I check my Rolex accuracy from time to time, and variation is generally around a half second up or down every few days. Similarly, based on others' user experience, your typical Seiko Spring Drive is much more accurate than the rated +/- 0.5 sec per day. FWIW, I last set my BLRO to time.is in November 2023 and I haven't wound it or adjusted anything except the date and DST since then (as you know, the watch runs while you adjust those things), and my watch is currently +1.5 seconds *over the last 8 months* compared to time.is. Crazy accurate for a mechanical watch.

[@dorado0359]

That Rolex looks like a $100 Invicta.

[@ruddyteck]

I am a watch lover, but not a collector, I have the means to buy a Rolex in the $20s, however since it is only one watch, Rolex would not sell it to me, so they do not like me, and I do not like them since. I got myself a Seiko and I loved how I was taking care at the GS boutique. Now, i have no plans of buying a Rolex even if i am given the opportunity to buy the one i liked. I appreciate their watches, and the work they put in them, but their business model is not what i would expect from such a nice brand.

[@lingogringo]

Was lucky enough to pick up a SBGE263. Great dial and case polishing. The case is thick, however, once on the wrist, it wears quite well. Not as slim as the Rolex of course but enough to not pull my attention during the day. Would love to have a Pepsi in my collection as well, only at a retail price though (so probably never).

[@beaudoyle1063]

If you’re ever interested in selling it let me know!

[@lingogringo]

@@beaudoyle1063 will do.

[@SP-sl6dj]

I like these videos 🤓 Can you do the SBGW231 vs a swiss dress watch?

[@muldune]

Coincidentally, I watched this video while wearing my Grand Seiko SBGE257. I was sure you would pick the Pepsi and quite surprised you picked the Grand Seiko. Objectively, the Grand Seiko has much more value as a watch, but the Rolex has status, and that's what many of us buy (at ridiculous prices).

[@the1916companywatchreviews]

Thanks for sharing your opinion Mike Murphy! If you have a quick second, click through to our site and write a review of your Grand Seiko. Our customers love to read about real world experience when shopping on our website. Here's the link: www.thewatchbox.com/shop/Grand-Seiko-Sport-SBGE257.html Thanks in advance!

[@ctn830]

You buy a Rolex to impress others. But you buy a grand Seiko to impress yourself😉

[@jparker1901]

Spring drive’s second hand movement is beautiful

[@roderikvanl]

GS hands down

[@andrewgiblin3468]

I can get the GS new for $6K CAD the Pepsi not so much (Chrono24 the cheapest new unworn $26K CAD). This is not even a battle the GS kicks the Pepsi into next week and leaves it bleeding on the side of the road! Now if the AD called and asked if I wanted a Pepsi, absolutely then flip it and buy the GS and 5 digit Sea Dweller and still have $7K left over.

[@WatchmakerErik]

I thought quartz watches were less susceptible to magnetism because it's the hairspring that gets magnetized, so the GS would have more magnetic resistance. What are the stated magnetic resistance figures of the two movements? I found 4800 for the Seiko but nothing for the new Rolex.

[@ddeboy002]

GS-It's not even close. GS every min/sec of every day.

[@Kevins-Philippine-Retirement]

GS, especially the Spring Drive is my ultimate dream watch brand. I've had 3 Rolexes, and now only have a Datejust. My collection of Seikos is growing for good reason.

[@AriesUmbra]

the seiko would be a perfect watch for me if it was the tiniest bit thinner/smaller. it's also a tiny bit too modern looking to be my only watch (which is currently a spb143)

[@PukaHeadMan]

Btw, your SPB143 is a killer watch! I like it better than both watches featured.

[@dcxplant]

The G/S are available with a rotating bezel as well.

[@TheChadWork2001]

Hey Rolex, the nineteen fifties called... Yeah, they want their 70 year old watchmaking technology back: the cyclops lense magnifier for their small date window. They say you have the technology to make a larger date window, and to look at the German and Japanese watchmakers for examples.

[@AgonxOC]

The Rolex a better dress watch? The thing looks like a darn poker chip! I love the Rolex, but calling it a dress watch is a far stretch. It’s a tool watch. Also Blue collar watch? While being a pilot is a trade none the less. I am not sure in the 1950s or even today, being a pilot is considered a blue collar job. These are two wonderful time pieces! I rather have the GS; just not this color.

[@cyclemoto8744]

Buy Rolex if you want to collect or have been sucked into the Rolex marketing machine. Buy GS if you prefer function over brand equity

[@theopulentlife889]

Tim your reviews are the best! I'd still go with the Pepsi because the GS dial is just too cluttered for me and I don't like asymmetrical power reserve indicators or 4 o'clock crowns and date windows.

[@jamespalsson746]

GS always leave something to be desired, despite the value proposition

[@MrKeaneNg]

I agree. I really want one but there’s always a reason I don’t. For this one, it’s the thickness and the bracelet

[@patrickbrcr]

Their dials are usually awesome and their finishing is fantastic. The cases are generally bulbous and their bracelets leave a little to be desired. I want to like them too but the fact that many of their simple, three-hand watches have like 14mm case thicknesses is a bit ridiculous.

[@dr.kevinmoore8889]

You made the right call. That GS is exquisite

[@hammalamiri12]

GS fanboy but the Pepsi is something else. GS improving slowly with its sports watches

[@thp94001]

Excellent video! Given the choice of the two, I pick the Rolex. To me it just looks better and all other perks mentioned in this video. In reality, I would buy both if I could.

[@mrnobody1147]

I’ve got the sbge263 and love it and agree with everything you say in your conclusion. That being said… I wish it had a clasp as cool as the Rolex. That thing looks awesome.

[@beaudoyle1063]

If you’re ever looking to sell it let me know!

[@TheChadWork2001]

Hey Rolex, what's that big Monacle you are wearing on your crystal? A what? A cyclops lense? Why? The Grand Seiko has a large enough date window to see with the regular eye. Why are your Swiss watchmakers so far behind?

[@asiparks]

I get the similar size comparison, but would argue that the sapphire covered, rotating bezelled SBGE201 is closer feature-wise.

[@808Stevie]

I love the grand seiko but that thickness kills it for me. Sky dweller is about the same thickness and you get a more complications. Even that Rolex is too thick, but it needs to be.

[@shuycg]

Not sure about the date on a white background. Could a colour matched green date wheel with gold numerals (matched to the GMT hand) work? Subtlety wins over legibility.

[@alphaofalphas8121]

I agree, but one pro about the white background is that the date is easier to read.

[@MrKeaneNg]

Probably Grand Seiko but the easy link is hard to pass on for everyday wear.

[@andrestenstrup1042]

GS is a winner IMO because it is easy to get, more precise and there is a 5 years warrenty on all GS watches purchases in 2021, and it has powerreserve indicator. I do however think the Rolex is better looking, but since it is almost impossible to get at list price I do not care much for it.

[@josephharb4607]

I bought the blue dial version of the GS and the more I see the green one I feel like I made a mistake

[@Jon8931]

The blue is beautiful. I went with the black only because I already have a blue seamaster

[@torontowatches9709]

I love my 216570 Polar! If you can’t get a Rolex GMT don’t want to be noticed go for the Explorer 2 it’s super understated and works amazing as a GMT or 24 Hour time zone!

[@medroastt9888]

Design proportion and balance Rolex wipes the floor. GS's tiny bezel and oversized dial makes it look strange and unbalanced, not to mention its ridiculous thickness.

[@redatticus7606]

The problem with Grand Seiko is that their model lines with SBG etc etc are completely all over the place, they are trying to be everything for everyone.......A GMT here, a nature dial there, a diver with 3 different case sizes...and lets not get started with limited editions.....and those Grand Seiko "Overlap" models with Seikos...what are they doing??!!...they are on the way to losing the momentum they gained a few years ago big time. No one will buy this strategy. They should have MAX 3 model lines and stick to the classic aesthetics of the 45GS case shape and 5-6 dial variations based on whatever they want and make it a special moment, that purity IS Grand Seiko.... Their sport watches the GMTs and Divers, they are trying too hard and it shows, too busy dials, massive sizes (are they stuck in 2000s??)...just these watches will go down in history as ........nonconsequential. Their dress watches, maaan they are overplaying the Japanese aesthetic crap and shoving it down peoples throats whereas in the past it was free-flowing, natural and effortless. They are limiting themselves massively. Lets not get into those Hodinkee paid articles shall we (ugh!!) Apologies for the rant.

[@bentremy]

Bring back the “Versus” series please. Theme music, graphics and all.

[@SPQR-Z]

Great comparison. Owned both and if only could have one it would be the Rolex Pepsi all the way for me. However considering just how nice the new reduced GS GMT is and that you can buy 3 for the price of the Rolex really makes selecting one over the other more complicated. You can’t go wrong with either. You just can’t. Definitely try and pick the GS up preowned

[@brandonmcneil3555]

Man, I love that GS. I've got a spring drive already (Prospex Lux), and I can not stop staring at that smooth sweeping second hand, to say nothing of the accuracy. I wonder how this would fare against the Tudor BB GMT? I mean the GS is punching above it's weight taking on the GMT Master 2, but how does it stack up against the Tudor? I'm considering both of those in looking to add a GMT to my collection.

[@lizardking3979]

For me…GS wins😊

[@dmark2639]

Love the GS, but I wish they had a bracelet clasp that was on par with the excellent Rolex machined clasp. Also, why no rotating bezel on the GS?

[@impexRQ]

Nobody will take a GS vs a Rolex ... never ever ...

[@sdamico555]

You could not be more wrong. I have three GS, had an explorer... and sold it. Boring watch is boring.

[@LeonChetsky3230]

Guyssss ??? I think Mr.Tim is telling us to get both !!! I got the gmt2 coke 1988 .... & am going on a business trip to japan in a next couple of months .... grrrrr how do we explain the feeling ???

[@Bushy_P]

The GMTii looks great on aftermarket straps. Leather/skin, rubber, NATO. All good imho.

[@katmore9211]

They're both great watches but I'm gonna go with the Rolex

[@sidewinderxx]

agreed just based on the design.. I want to like the GS more based on the tech but it's fat and ugly if they made a GMT SBGA231 that was thinner and smaller.. then it's GS all the way

[@AdventureCoupleUK]

Great review - enjoyed your assessment of both watches. Rolex for me though - resale and look wins for me. Thanks.

[@MarcusGLovesWatches]

Welcome back Versus ❤️

[@Vern13green]

Buying the GS, although the thickness is giving me hesitation.

[@kingofpentacles3213]

Both are amazing. Of course the Spring Drive wins for advanced technology and accuracy. But the Rolex GMT is such a classic watch design. One of each, please?

[@deltamarquees8158]

Extremely well balanced review of two iconic watch brands. Better quality and value for money trumps brand status.Therefore I'd go for the GS. Hand -made wstch is also superior to mass -produced machine made watches.

[@RedloxBeats]

the Rolex dial is sharper. I would want to have the Rolex but every time a brand does this limited access bs makes me completely ignore them and save my money for something better

[@jeffreyb.1657]

Seiko frankly is a better watch, especially spring drive. Rolex pepsi's get too much attention....way too much. SBGE001 lume is amazing...even 10 years old....

[@metro2171]

Rolex all day baby

[@isbestlizard]

I don't like it when numbers flip orientation half way around the bezel. My brain is fine reading numbers upside down. It hates when numbers up/down flip though. The rolex does it right.

[@dado380]

Pound to Pound I would say that Seiko has bigger resale value than Rolex,example-ordinary semi sport-diver Skx which costed new 160$ now easily cost upwards of 500$ just like every diver from Seiko.

[@clarktheshark7523]

Want both, getting the GS now and still spending and waiting with my AD on jubilee pepsi/bat... The summary is spot on. I work in an industry where most clients can't afford a Rolex and it often doesn't send the right message to wear a flashy highly-recognizable one yourself. When asked, love the thought of saying I'm wearing a Seiko.