$10,000 Rolex GMT Vs. $475 Seiko GMT - is the Rolex really worth it?

[@Msgt_Slim]

"Cheap watches are getting better and expensive watches are getting more expensive" - Might be my next tattoo 😉

[@EsoRimerCz]

Let it engrave on your next watch.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

Comments being removed lol 😂 Truth hurts 🙄

[@BruceCross]

Great line.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

Have it tattooed guys. It will certainly be a conversation starter 😉 Personally I would put the money towards an expensive watch 👌🏻😎

[@watchpapi]

Yes!!! 🙌🏽 pleeeease do it 😂😂😂

[@SuperDojdoj]

A watch on wrist is better than 10 watches on wait list...

[@Fraggman666]

🎯

[@fontyyy]

@@SaintWill70 the incessant whining about wait lists, MSRP, blah blah blah. Jesus Christ, let's say you want a no date Sub. MSRP £8050. Availability? Zero chance as a new walk in customer. Cheapest c/w box and papers in stock at Chrono24? £8945. If you've got £8k to throw at a watch, you've got £9k! No? How about a 114060? Boxed and papers, in stock in the UK, £8k. They're not that different, it looks a lot more in pics than on the wrist. If you want a Rolex, you can have one, and probably the one you really want for quite near MSRP, and you can have it next week.

[@RobertoCarlos-tn1iq]

just buy one from a watch store. if you can't afford $12k, then you shouldn't be checking videos with rolex watches in them. stick to timex.

[@wristopia4101]

@SuperDojdoj Guessing you have never been on a waitlist and waited for a watch then? Just buy/wear the Seiko while you wait for the Rolex ; )

[@SuperDojdoj]

@@wristopia4101 i waited on list over 6 months for my bb54.. and it's much better on the wrist than on the list.. if i had gotten it sooner i wouldn't have bought other watches that are now resting in the watch box.

[@aslamc9288]

I’m glad you pointed out how silly this hobby can be. I remember one time talking to a person fortunately unaffected by watch enthusiasm and he mentioned that he’s known people who have spent “a lot” of money on a watch, “like $500”. I think it’s good to keep that perspective. Even a “cheap” watch is rather expensive and I think it’s great that you can get the quality of watches like Seiko and Hamilton and Tissot at that price point. But yeah, no way can it compete with a Rolex. That said, nothing that costs 23 times as much as anything else will be 23 times better. Law of diminishing returns always applies.

[@derell618]

There’s a grand Seiko for 6 grand that’s a GMT that’s more fair

[@aslamc9288]

@@derell618 For me, to be honest, I’d get a Tudor Black Bay GMT and be done with it. Which is what I ended up doing. Love my BB GMT!

[@derell618]

@@aslamc9288 I have a 70s zodiac gmt I wore because the previous owner had given my mom that watch and the Rolex and she gave me the zodiac. the Tudor is a better watch because the attention but I had people be weird about the zodiac so I stopped wearing it

[@JohnnyJohnJon83]

I hope they make a 38-40mm version GMT for the Seiko

[@derell618]

@@JohnnyJohnJon83 I think the Grand Seiko is 40mm

[@georgej6003]

I bought the Seiko GMT just for kicks and giggles. It’s the worst thing I’ve done since it’s made me question expensive watches! IT JUST WORKS FLAWLESSLY! It’s over a year now and I watch it everyday as it keeps time flawlessly. One of the best watch investments I’ve made. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@chrish5503]

That makes you 1 in a million; this watch is pure crap. The one I got from amazon was +36 a day and had a bracelet that felt like it was made from pot-metal. Not worth $100, and it's a still a Seiko - No better than an Orient, Invicta or any other watch people try to rationalize because it's all they can afford.

[@georgej6003]

@@chrish5503 From Amazon? 😲 Well, I guess I lucked out. I bought mine’s from an authorized dealer.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

What did you think it was going to do, explode when you masturbated wearing it?

[@arthurfraner3957]

Seiko is quality. I have a $150 recraft that maybe loses a minute every month. I don’t think if I had the money , I’d blow more than. $500 on a single watch.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

@@arthurfraner3957 Good for you dude. Why do you use the word ‘blow’ over ‘spend’? Who do you think cares how much you would spend on a watch and why? What other savings and financial spend details do you take to the internet to tell everyone about?

[@ricardocampos3383]

I’ve noticed an interesting phenomenon (maybe a personal one) in collecting over the last 10 years. You only truly realize how awesome the more introductory and budget watches are when you buy some of the more luxury offerings. Recently bought a white dial Daytona after many years waiting for allocation, and now more than ever I find myself wearing my Seiko Speedtimer 😂

[@Momo_8k]

Speed timer owner. Can you elaborate on what you expected from the Daytona and if it met your expectations? And why you came back to the seiko

[@edrader]

@@Momo_8k didn't have to wind the seiko

[@ricardocampos3383]

@@Momo_8k i don't think i had "expectations" really other than perfect finishing and a comfortable wearing experience. undoubtably the daytona, and other rolexes i own have easily met those expectations. more than anything what im trying to say is that luxury watches are great, and so are very budget watches and in different but equal ways i get excited for both!

[@Awkwardfruitfly]

The main similarities. Are both these watches are 💯 in house. Fully designed and manufactured in house. The fact the seiko, with its movement is able to do this is pretty amazing

[@arphos8328]

I once heard a while back when I started my obsess- er. . . collection, of watches that "You buy Rolex to impress others, you buy Seiko to impress yourself." I think about that a lot when I'm browsing various websites and retailers, and for all their little faults and fair criticisms Seiko remains as the majority in my collection despite additions, trades, and sales. Something about the entry to mid level Seiko appeals to me the most. They're more charming than they are elegant - a lot like me, in retrospect. I have little to no anxiety opening them up and fiddling around with the regulating pins, whereas with a Rolex I'd be sweating bullets, regardless of how easy or not it is to do the same.

[@arescuda7234]

Take the Rolex money and buy a 12 month U S Treasury bill at 5.6% while you wait on the Rolex list. Then you can have both.

[@RootBeerGMT]

No thanks, I’m not paying nor investing my money to benefit Zelensky Biden. #BTC and gold.

[@cle_roknn3742]

You may never get that Rolex, but you’ll have more money thanks to patience and the time value of money…

[@oumuamua1963]

The dollar is going to zero never buy government bonds just google how much value the dollar has lost

[@word42069]

@@RootBeerGMTthis is satire, right?

[@MartinDiStasio]

@@RootBeerGMT moved on from Qanon champ?

[@fluttercrafts]

The pure joy of that Patron song! I love that SEIKO, it’s a deeply good watch for the money

[@BrittPearceWatches]

Bahahah! THE PATRON SONG! This is really a singing channel with a side of watches.

[@lapuk23rdf]

Agreed! I have the same Seiko 5 GMT. Punches way above its price point.

[@niloargudin3224]

Love your honest takes. Compare the Rolex with a Grand Seiko GMT

[@Ego_Katana]

Finishing and dial on the GS is nicer than Rolly.

[@calindor19]

If you buy GS is better seiko

[@Matt-mh5us]

So I just got my first entry level luxury watch. I was given a Tudor 1926 from my family for my 40th, it’s a lovely watch I am super stoked to have it. Now that being said, I’ll never spend more and $1000 on a watch. I do not see how my Tudor is significantly better than my Tissot or my Certina, or even my more expensive Seikos. I have seen and held even more expensive watches, Rolex, Patek, JLC and outside of precious metals I see absolutely zero value in a watch over the $1k mark. So by finally achieving an entry to the luxury watch space, I’ve learnt it’s not for me.

[@MaartenAnna]

I have a 22 year old Accurist with the jangliest bracelet, but I looooove it. It's sooo comfy. BTW the NH34 is super easy to regulate if it is in the region of -35 to + 40 secs/day, using a rubber ball to open the movement, a little screwdriver to push a tiny pedal, and an app on your phone to record the secs/day.

[@epbrown01]

You’re right about people getting de-sensitized to high prices. I was browsing just this week and ran across a new JLC variant and caught myself thinking “Hmm, only $20,000.” That’s insane, but when you’re watching videos like “Watches spotted at the Tom Brady roast” and everyone’s wearing 6-figure PP and RM models, you can lose perspective.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

I have a lot of Seiko watches And every one of them could just be the one watch, all you would ever need. I’ve also had 3 men’s Rolex, plus a ladies. I still have a Rolex Sea Dweller and vintage ladies watch. But most of the Seiko could be all the watch you need and not get mugged for them.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Also the early Rolex had cheap rattling bracelets even as far back as 2000 on my Sea Dweller So compared to that the Seiko is as good. My Willard save the Ocean Ltd edition is finished as good as a modern Rolex and has a milled clasp bracelet. Plus a Better dial

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

​​@@YorkshiremadmickThe Sea dweller has solid end links. So it should not rattle. My Rolex EXP1. 114270 has solid end links and the bracelet dosen't rattle or make any noise at all. Now my 14060m Submariner has hollow end link that rattles a little bit but the Explorer bracelet makes no noise whatsoever.

[@angrypenguin956]

I have a GMT Seiko and the bracelet is very average. Swapped it for a rubber strap. Also, at this price point, Seiko should offer sapphire crystal. That being said, I enjoy wearing that watch.

[@JDizzledum]

I like their in house NATO straps too, the UK has a nice grey and blue striped one that fits the blueberry perfectly

[@MrHav1k]

It doesn't come with a Sapphire Crystal? The F?

[@DemonSlayer-vh8uy]

@@MrHav1kyeah, seiko is cutting costs too, in its own way.

[@angrypenguin956]

@@MrHav1k No, it does not. In fact, if I am not mistaken, most, if not all, of their higher-up tier Prospex don't have it.

[@ednammansfield8553]

​​@@MrHav1kI am quite surprised at that too for the price. I purchased a Seiko Solar dress watch a couple of years ago for just under £120 brand new. Yes it does have a solar/quartz movement but it does have a sapphire crystal. It's a great looking watch and much more accurate than some of my other Seiko watches.

[@JDizzledum]

Top tip H Samuel also put the Seiko GMT on sale quite often, I got mine for £336

[@gamesetmatt23]

Completely understand what you're saying... some watches are just enjoyable to wear. Forget the spec sheet or the receipt, what brings you joy when it's on your wrist?

[@simonyu8838]

Much as I like the design of the Seiko GMT, it's become a harder value proposition in the last year or so as more microbrands get access to the Miyota GMT movement and regulate them. Makes it a great time to be a watch enthusiast unless you're still waiting for your preferred micros to be given access

[@fontyyy]

Since 2019 the average Rolex price is up 42%. Let's be fair here, no steel mass produced watch is worth £9000. I presume you've not seen the I Like Watches video where he shows under macro lens that a £300 San Martin is better finished than a Rolex?

[@StarStalkerGaming]

mass produced seiko's are up much more than that if you look at the prices in the same period. Many of my seiko's are up more than my luxury watches

[@fontyyy]

@@StarStalkerGaming because the margins are low, it's always the cheapest products that get hit hardest during a cost of living crisis. At all levels. Cheap supermarket brands are up far more (by %) than fancy big name brands because they can't absorb any cost as margins are tight. How much actual profit for Tissot the manufacturer (for instance) do you think there is in a quartz PRX? £50? Less? It doesn't take a big increase in manufacturing and labour cost for that to be gone.

[@fontyyy]

@@SaintWill70 2019, the watches haven't really changed much in the last 5 years. I agree now Vs 90's or earlier, pressed steel clasps, hollow bracelets etc. But as pointed out by "I like watches" KZbin channel a sub £500 San Martin is at least the equal of a Submariner or a GMT for external build quality. So there isn't justification for thousands of £ increase because there isn't thousands of £ of work building the thing in the first place.

[@RainCity3rd]

@@fontyyy Dont forget Rolex in particular has put a ton of effort into marketing. Rolex = luxury to millions of people who know little to nothing about watches. Accordingly its likely the first brand someone with new money will buy and the last someone with old money will. Rolex isnt worth the price other than they have more than enough people willing to throw money at them. They at least have heritage. Personally I'm interested what the likes of some of these Chinese brands are doing given how far they have come in a few years, lets see in 5 or 10.

[@autolycus_fox]

Couldn’t agree more with this video. I’ve got a Rolex (which I love) but have been wearing my two Seikos mods daily since I got them. I hardly ever wear my Rolex now. I’d get this GMT but I don’t like the hands and dial. I’d swap the strap out on it too. I’ve got an Oyster style strap on one of my Seikos and a dark brown suede on the other. Both perfect for daily use.

[@David-nx2vm]

You make a great point Britt. If the Seiko does everything the Rolex does and has the same look, is the Rolex objectively worth 23x? Moreover, if there are so many viable GMT Master II substitutes out there, where is the on-wrist exclusivity and recognizability of the GMT Master II? One thing the Seiko and other GMT watches have over the Rolex is 24 hour markers on the chapter ring - makes tracking a 3rd time zone so easy. I have the SSK 003 and like it. Both my wife and I own Rolex, but they are not “hype” models and hence no substitutes orbiting the Rolex planet. The only other Rolex I would own is a polar dial Explorer II. If I were in the market for another GMT, I would get a Breitling Avenger 44 GMT with the blue dial.

[@vamark7751]

I am a long time Seiko collector and while I generally agree with the point of this video, I think the many weaknesses of Seikos should be mentioned. They include a stubborn resistance to upgrading crystals, frequent bezel alignment issues, lousy pin and collar bracelet links, and refusal to commit to reasonable accuracy standards and generic crowns. True they have an interesting history and vertical integration. But recent price increases without addressing longstanding issues are frustrating. If integration is not so important, there are many superior watches out there. Again, agree with your overall point and I frequently opt for my Squales and Steinharts rather than my Omegas.

[@collective-addiction]

The Seiko GMT has satisfied my watch buying needs until i can afford a Tudor. This thing is awesome!

[@dougscrib2448]

We think alike. I’m saving for the Tudor Royal with the chocolate dial.

[@collective-addiction]

@@dougscrib2448 I love the Royal!! Im seriously torn between the Royal or the new GMT, or even the Black Bay Pro. It will be a last second decision but theyre all soo good imo.

[@Momo_8k]

@@collective-addiction have you seen them in person? Tudors looks much cheaper (there's zero wow factor) than their pricing would suggest. The internet told me I wanted one (BB58), but once I got it on my wrist, it looked like a $1k watch. I guess it's the tool watch side of it. Ended up buying a Grand Seiko.

[@collective-addiction]

@@Momo_8k I havnt had a lot in my hands but hhis is actually how I felt about the Rolex Sub, I was very let down and honestly thought my Seiko GMT felt better. I really want a Tudor for the heritage and tool aspect. The bronze model is really peaking my interest.

[@Momo_8k]

@@collective-addiction definitely hits the tool aspect (to me). The sub also has the same toolish aspect and feel, especially when its been regularly worn. Best of luck on reaching your goal!

[@unclekrconzh85]

Over the past weekend I got myself the SSK001. I now own the SKX009, Seiko 5 SRPD55, and the GMT. I gotta say, there are a lot of things I love about it. The bracelet is decent, the glass bezel insert looks great, it only has the date complication. The red GMT hand and text on the dial also look great. I’m wearing it on the strapcode jubilee until I adjust the factory bracelet.

[@HighLifeWorkout]

The Rolex is not that much “better”, but I does one thing the Seiko can’t do. Rolex is a status symbol. Like it or not, people treat you differently when you are wearing a Rolex. The Rolex will give you an advantage in all social situations However, there is a time and place for inexpensive watches. I wear my PRX on my G Shocks when I’m in a rough neighborhood (I’m from Chicago 🔫), when I’m doing activities with my kids. or during situations when I don’t want a lot of attention

[@davidvanchu]

Probably also wouldn't want to wear a Rolex while negotiating during a car purchase or getting a quote from a contractor though 😅

[@ME-qr7hs]

Two quality watches at the opposite end of the $cale They both serve their purpose.

[@chrish5503]

You're lost. The Rolex, along with the Tudor GMT, are among the only "real" GMT functions out there. The Seiko does not hour-skip in position 2.

[@HighLifeWorkout]

@@davidvanchu lol. Yeah 🤣

[@HighLifeWorkout]

@@bosco1603 the majority of Humans are not really “watch people”. In fact, there are not enough “Watch people” on earth to sustain the watch industry alone. We need to be thankful that non-watch people buy watches, because if they did not, we would not have a “Watch industry”. My father had one watch his whole life, a Rolex date just. He wore it every day until he died and then passed it down to my nephew who wears it every day. Neither one of them are @watch people”, but that’s that make them loving their Rolex less valid?

[@d734-wy8kx]

Britt - a few vids back you were asking for content ideas and of course, that means more than a single video. I don’t know if anyone made this suggestion but this video prompted/reminded me to suggest… 1) The world of Seiko mods 2) Any other watch genres like Seiko Mods. 2 might prove a lot of work and I don’t know what’s out there, but 1 I definitely do and there’s plenty of makers, design variation and mind bending value+coolness to be had. And I’m not talking about the date-just or nautilus knock-off Seiko mods - I’m talking about the near infinite variation in genuine Seiko designs, colours, combos etc. I bought one about a year ago - and can already see another 6 variants I’d like…and we’re talking £200-300 per watch here. Worth at least one video I’m sure - but there’d be a big fan base for it.

[@lihanou]

my problem with the rolex gmt is I can't wear it like it's intended to be worn. I'm not comfortable traveling with $20k cash on my wrist, especially with all the mugging problems around the world. So what's the point?

[@alfieakaronaldog]

Just get the POS Seiko and feel warm inside with your justification. What will you spend the saved $19k on by the way?

[@RadicallyGreen]

He will spend on a retirement fund, stocks ,you know , something useful.

[@NinjaNovice]

What’s the point? Like where do you go / live that you’re worried about being mugged? Don’t go there then. Look, I have my hand chopped off all the time to steal my watch. I just grow a new hand back every time.

[@MrHav1k]

THIS. Even the Tudor Black Bay GMT gives me that issue at times. It's not as expensive, but it's still expensive and at a distance looks an awful lot like that $20K Pepsi mugger magnet.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

@@MrHav1k Funny nobody ever says wearing a San Martin GMT fakeage makes them feel nervous 🤔

[@PietroCozziTinin]

The pro the Seiko has above the Rolex is the 24h scale on the rehaut so easy for 3 timezones.

[@AirAdam13]

Huge pro - I use that feature a *lot* and am surprised more GMTs don't offer it!

[@PietroCozziTinin]

@@AirAdam13 Better still it makes the rotation of the bezel on Rolex useless in combination with the moving GMT hand.

[@qchang09]

The Seiko bracelet on the GMT is way better than I expected -- not Rolex quality, but we are talking $500. I have used the Seiko while traveling through Asia, and it did its job in that regard. The biggest dealbreakers for me was that the Seiko bezel doesn't click/stay in place, so I found that the bezel would move anytime it brushed up against something. Also no screw down crown? Seiko manual says it is water resistant to a degree, but I wasn't willing to take a chance.

[@Odin412z]

I have both watches, although my GMT Master II is the previous model. The Seiko spends its days on my wrist; the Rolex spends its days in a safety deposit box. The Rolex is a great watch, but I'm just not comfortable wearing it in public with the ridiculous prices in the Rolex secondary market, which makes me kind of sad to be honest.

[@welcomewrist]

I have both and they're both equally awesome!

[@manta972]

I have the Seiko since one year, I love it. It does the job, it is one of the watches I bring with me when I travel. My old Rolex GMT, I wear it at the office.

[@humblegent4741]

The gmt master 2 is my favorite daily watch. Definitely a master piece. I also enjoy wearing the Seiko gmt as well. No matter were you are in your watch journey you can enjoy a nice gmt watch.

[@Momo_8k]

Seikos are known as cheap watches amongst the masses, but respected by those in the know. Rolex is well respected amongst the masses, and _less respected_ by those in the know (compared to the masses).

[@PbA941]

I have a Seiko 5 GMT and I absolutely love it Remember this was the first GMT movement in a watch under $1000. It punches way above its weight with how well it’s performs with the accuracy of the watch. The Rolex is not 23 times more because you cannot buy it for retail if you can get it. The Seiko GMT is a very good watch that is reliable and not overly expensive and they are certainly not cheap.

[@mden2490]

Excellent comment!! I am not sure and at the same time am fairly sure why some who buy watches at very high price points like the Rolex are so quick to call the seiko at price of garbage. They don’t want to really think about what was said at the beginning of video, the Rolex is certainly better made, but a person is not getting a movement or materials that are 23x times better. You’re probably getting about 80-85% in theSeiko of what the Rolex has as a timekeeping device. I would consider myself an audiophile, and just like in that hobby there exists the Law of Diminishing Returns! There comes a point where you are just paying for the name! I just purchased this Seiko and I am by no means an expert in watches, but I suspect the diminishing return is about $3-4000.00, and I am being quite generous.

[@berniedmd1901]

I have both! I've never had someone come up and say "Nice Seiko". But with my Pepsi all the time. I wear the Seiko for example when I go car shopping. But wear my Rolex at functions were meeting people is Sooooo much easier. Love them both!!!

[@Jason-hv4eu]

Good video and comparison 😊 I agree with your points. Spend a few hundred more and pick up a microbrand GMT and the lines get blurred even more.

[@Not-a-bot222]

Having spent time with multiple Rolex’s…the finishing is ok. Not mind blowing. Grand Seiko, Cartier, IWC and plenty more even Oris have very good finishing

[@nextonthewrist]

Great summary, I can relate - it's hard to pinpoint why a watch is the one we pick to wear...it's kind of not tied to price or pros and cons or the facts and specs from a video review... but it's what the heart says and that's the truth.

[@patrickarmitageWWW]

I've worn my Seiko SSK orange GMT pretty much every night since I got it last November. The orange dial looks great in low light. The friction fit bezel is great always perfect alignment and tight. The shaded section of the glass bezel insert looks great. The bezel edge is raised slightly to protect the insert. This works real well. No damage to insert from knocks. You must choose one in person to make sure everything lines up. I tried out 5 different pieces from two stores before choosing one. I would have been happy with any color. Lucky I found an orange version where everything lines up almost perfectly. It loses -5 per day averaged over a week.

[@TheBimmer74]

Excellent comparison Britt. You should do a video comparing the Longines Hydroconquest GMT vs. a Rolex GMT. I bought the Hydroconquest at $2700, and it feels every bit as luxurious as a Rolex. It also has both a timing bezel and a 24-hour chapter ring, so you get twice the functionality. Plus 300 meters of water resistance and an outstanding true GMT movement. So now the only Rolex model that I am truly interested in buying is the submariner and only at retail.

[@AhavaJava]

I love the quality of Tissot and Hamilton. I have several Tissots and a vintage Hamilton. I choose a Grand Seiko Shunbun over Rolex for my Grail watch. I am not that attracted to Rolex. But I feel Grand Seiko have true magic, artistry, and engineering. Thank you for your videos. Love them.

[@張穎倫]

Don't forget TUDOR BLACK BAY GMTs are the good choice too!😉

[@G2z899]

I have (and love) both too! I got the Seiko with the orange dial, for me entry level watches are good occasions to buy a color or material combination that I wold not feel comfortable to get with a more expensive watch. When a lot of money is on the plate I tend to buy more “conservative” configurations (yes, I’m boring ahahahahahah).

[@Ardiwina2404]

It comes back to perspective and the necessity. Put in the scenario in driving toyota corolla vs bmw 3 series. Branding, prestige, pride vs functionaries

[@Omega30t2RG]

I think modern machining and computer technology has shortend the quality gap between these two companies,because Rolex finishing only goes to a certain level,because they are striking a balance within the limits of mass production,which ultimately caps their ability for high finishing.

[@PPN462]

GS is evidence with their incredible finish despite the mass production that Rolex could do better while maintaining production. The last few decades has shown that Rolex just can't and has chosen the easy way out by regurgitating their classics in precious material instead.

[@Omega30t2RG]

​@@PPN462doing a quick Google,GS makes around 50,000 watches per year. Rolex 800,000 +

[@Hrethgir]

Build your own and go even cheaper! I built a GMT watch based around the NH34, and was able to do it for under $300. Still nowhere near Rolex quality, but it's customized for myself, so I love it!

[@MountieHoo1105]

I have a caller GMT (the Seiko) and a traveler GMT. Setting the date and time on a traveler GMT sucks. If you love all the other features of a caller GMT, unless you're a true frequent world traveler, don't let a watch snob convince you that you need a traveler style GMT movement. I wish the Seiko had sapphire crystal and a screw down crown. I think the Christopher Ward and Monta offerings are great vs their price.

[@alfieakaronaldog]

I am not sure I have ever heard anyone actually say the words ‘you need a TRUE (oops sorry traveler 🙄) GMT’. It (like watch snobs) is all in your head, but you let it all out if it makes you feel better 🤕 Conversely, I would say don’t let a Watch Vagrant™️ tell you what to buy and stick his nose into your travel arrangements. Buy the better watch/movement if you want it.

[@ge48421]

I do have a traveler GMT, but it’s a Grand Seiko quartz so I don’t have the date issue, and it’s always ready to go. It also flies under the radar.

[@frankvigilante3423]

I agree Britt.I am a 61 year old married father of 4 grown children.I have ALWAYS loved watch’s.I started with my obsession with them in my early twenties and have never stopped.I do notice the quality of the less expensive brands get better and better while luxury brands prices keep rising.The Chinese brands like San Martin are huge value for price with good quality and companies like Tissot making beautiful watches

[@syktgrei]

I’m really looking forward to see your website! Always glad to see updates on the bump 😊

[@Degel262]

I feel like Seiko has the same appeal as Miata does: It’s good cheap dependable fun, and anyone who hates on them likely never owned one. Great review!

[@johnrbh]

I would disagree with the MX-5 comment. Yes, the MX-5 is less expensive than many other sports cars, but it is not some cheap knock-off. It’s a very high quality car, with great handling, fantastic fit and finish, and excellent reliability. My problem with the Seiko is that IMO, it’s essentially a cheap knock-off. The MX-5 is a unique car. It doesn’t look like any other sports car.

[@bananowyjestemsobie]

@@johnrbh The mx5 is a "knock off" (your words, I'd rather say "inspired by") of several classic British roadsters, so the comparison works very well. That was the actual design brief of the first gen car. And while reliable, as an owner I'm telling you for free that the fit and finish quality is average at best haha. It makes up in fun though. The mx 5 might be unique in today's market, but similar cars existed when it first came out. The Seiko GMT is no more of a Rolex knock off than any other GMT watch with a rotating bezel imho.

[@johnrbh]

I owned a TR6. Wouldn’t put the TR6 in the same category! The MX5 certainly is much higher quality, performs better, and much more reliable. All you have to do is look at the Seiko, and it’s obviously a knockoff of the Rolex.

[@dushkriti32]

One of the reasons I watch Brittney is because of the no-nonsense views. I would add a lil bit to it, there is a reason Rolex is the most recognised watch brand, at the same time, the world of Horology may not have seen things like quartz movement without Seiko (I said it, not everyone can afford mechanical watches). After a point, the value of a watch comes down to how you look at it, how it makes you feel when you look at your wrist.

[@RayuKold]

Does'nt Grand Seiko watches has better finishing than Rolex??

[@danross9543]

On their dials, Grand Seiko has better finishing. But the Rolex steel and metal finishing on the case and bracelet is better.

[@jpreacher66]

Now you should do a Seiko GMT vs Timex GMT - is the Seiko really worth it?

[@rlegenhausen]

I agree! I have the bat girl and a couple of different Seikos, and I love them all equally❤

[@shipjumper6068]

23 times the cost for pretty much the same materials isn’t worth it, but when one has the money to burn, it doesn’t matter. The funny thing is that quartz watches are way more accurate than any of these watches that cost tens of thousands oor even hundreds of dollars, but the one things about wind up and automatic watches will always survive any type of electromagnetic shock, but the folks can afford these over priced time pieces aren’t trying to live in an un luxurious lifestyle that comes with post apocalyptic life if an EMP strike ever happened.

[@CyberSammael]

Thank you for this! While you say 'obviously, the Rolex is better' that doesn't seem as obvious to a number of other KZbin watch channels, as there have been so many 'this x-brand watch beats a Rolex in every way' videos, and not only does that frustrate me, it totally misses the point! It shouldn't be refreshing to see a balanced, non-clickbait comparison, but here we are. On paper, a Rolex will always be better but never justify 23x the cost, but we don't buy watches on paper. My GMT of choice right now is the Frederique Constant GMT Yacht Timer, which is a ridiculous level of watch for the price.

[@borassictime918]

No. Rolex isn’t worth the SRP. It probably costs £500 for Rolex’s machines to make. The AD takes 40% of the SRP - those gin palaces have to be paid for you know! And after sponsorship, ambassadors, et al, you’re paying a very large chunk for the crown logo on the dial. As long as you realise that you’re paying a large ‘entrance fee’ to the brand and you’re happy to, fill your boots. It’s your money. 👍

[@Momo_8k]

The ambassadors and marketing take a large chunk of the MSRP.

[@theumbrellaman2954]

Well yeah the machining has been in place for decades, the BOM cost and finishing of a Rolex is for sure nothing even close to MSRP. It's the Name, name, name, oh and also the name. This goes for all luxury goods.

[@fj7509]

500 dollars to make? Are you smoking? The Chronometer certification costs them that much alone lmao. Then you have the in house testing and quality control conducted by their own watchmakers, the superlative chronometer certification, 5 year warranty, and them melting and using their own metals. The assembly, indices, and dial placement is done by hand. It’s not 10k worth of value you’re getting, but saying it’s a 500 dollar product is delusional.

[@theumbrellaman2954]

@@fj7509 It's machine production with a process that has been in place for decades, again yeah it's not $500 in BOM. But I'd wager that cost of production to end product retail price spread is much higher than the vast majority of BOM to Retail pricing in the retail market. The only way to weigh BOM to end production retail price is to measure it alongside other luxury goods that inflate end product retail price in comparison to product development to heighten the reputation of your brand in a high value marketplace.

[@PPN462]

@@fj7509 Micro-brands selling watches sub $500 with +-5s/day or sometimes even better is evidence that this whole certification process is mostly a charade. Rolex making their "own" 904L steel which is objectively a worst alloy for most people not living in a chemical plants than what everyone else is using is also a joke. You are buying the name and it's ok to admit it because we are talking about luxury goods. It's the same game as luxury cloths or luxury bags. My Rolex Datejust is about as accurate as my $100 Seiko SNK809 and probably a lot more fragile and less shock resistant and it's ok to acknowledge it.

[@mirekkudzia7052]

I recently bought an Islander Calabro GMT watch for £320 which has 200 m WR Miyota 9015 movement and AR on crystal. So, I do not think it is a bad watch for such a price. I also love the design

[@rowdyron4111]

Seiko bracelets suck. I wish they would outsource them from Strapcode so the customers wouldn't have to.

[@Matt-mh5us]

I agree but I think it comes down to more our own neuroticism than any significant difference. I have the stock bracelet on most of my Seikos and they’re perfectly fine, I do like my strapcode more, but is it really necessary when the stock one is comfortable but lacks solid end links or a fully milled clasp? 🤷🏼‍♂️ I think our own minds creat more differences than there really are, hence why luxury watches exist, they’re as Britt said not 23 times better, maybe 2-3.

[@arunkkarthick]

I Love ur videos. Its not just about the watches, u make me smile and I love the way u talk about the watches it brings out the child in me.

[@Hendra23155]

In Indonesia where I am coming from, many people buy Rolex purely for investment, it’s not uncommon buyers to ask watch dealer: “which watches will increase in value?”. My friends readily admit if Rolex or lux watches no longer increase their value/retail price they will stop buying 😂

[@JordanNichollsYouTube]

I’m new into watches and this channel is amazing for a novice. Thank you!

[@MrAndy76101]

Honestly, the Seiko is probably better for travelling around the world unless you just go to places like Monaco. And on that note, Wishing Charles lots of luck this weekend 🍀❤️

[@chrish5503]

No, it's not. It does NOT have a real GMT function; you can't hour-skip it as you land, leaving the second and miunutes untouched.

[@MrAndy76101]

@@chrish5503 my point was more about flying to cities around the world with a 450 euro vs 15k watch. I do understand and appreciate the difference in GMT types however, and take your point if a true GMT is the measure of importance. 😊

[@wkylehamilton]

I'm glad you have fun and are able to poke little jokes at the community and yourself. I've caught myself going down the "It's only $x,xxx dollars, that's not bad at all for a watch!" while lovingly holding my Seiko. Thank you for all the great content you make!

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

Own two Rolex and one Seiko and love both my Seiko Tuna Marine master Ninja SBBN035 is on the more expensive side. 7C46 high torque movement that's fully developed in Japan 🇯🇵

[@SickStyle201]

Have a GShock Rangeman and got a call from my AD for a submariner, prices are skyrocketing these days

[@Roddy1965]

I guess one advantage of the Seiko is that nearly nobody in London has organised a gang to spot it and violently rob you of it. What's THAT worth?

[@Valera_Scotland]

I wear a Smiths PRS-29A...36mm hand wind, lovely domed sapphire crystal, vintage looks, and well made case.... that watch cost me 15 times less than an Explorer, and I'm really struggling to justify saving for that Rolex.... having said all that, I know that some day I'll get the Rolex. There is something very special about owning a big brand watch... I love the smiths but the omegas and iwc I've owned in the past really were leagues ahead... in terms of the feeling they gave, not necessarily because the quality was so much better

[@GavinFisch-ec3hr]

I think this topic choice was superb. I have been privileged to collect high end watches for a long time. The pieces you compared were chalk and cheese. There are some superb way way cheaper pieces than the GMT by Rolex that are equally good watches. Absolutely ...it's about the wearing enjoyment vs the price. Some of my fave pieces are actually cheap watches.

[@jsusna1972]

I would match the finishing on my Grand Seiko "Katana", SBGA493 against any brand. I think "Zaratsu polishing" means "make it look like a mirror." My other watch is a Rolex GMT Master II, ref 16710 with the Coke bezel. It's also nicely finished, but not quite as well as the Grand Seiko.

[@captainmike3557]

Microbrands are using well tested technology and premium materials which are no more belonging to expensive brands. These are charging more and more for the same , you are right while so called cheap watches are damn good. Technology and materials are used widely and are no more reserved for expensive bullies. Its a positive trend , everyone deserves a good watch without slaving for it.

[@inlandwatchreviews5745]

I am retired I have 4 Tudors submariner, day date, Hydronaut 89190 and Tudor Pepsi GMT. I am so done. I think Rolex should make 100 watches and sell them for $10,000,000.00 bucks.

[@P8REN]

I looked at the Seiko GMT range a couple of years ago as I was travelling to 'crime ridden' countries so did not want to wear a Rolex. Maybe I've just been spoiled by Rolex but when I picked up the Seiko, it just felt very lightweight and dare I say it.. 'cheap'. I know, I cannot complain for the price and I cannot compare Seiko to Rolex, and I'm not. I'm just saying that it was not for me. However, for my scenario in terms of travelling to less desirable countries, I think the Tudor GMT is the sweet spot - good quality and much better price point to Rolex.

[@johnfarel3152]

You make a great point about getting desensitized to prices once you are in the a watch world. When I just started collecting I thought $200.00 was expensive and $500.00 almost unthinkable.

[@garyhand1982]

Great video, although you can have got a far better $500 gmt than the Seiko. Which would of had ceramic insert and sapphire glass and potentially a better movemnt but clearly still not going have the same finish or be as good a s Rolex, but the price just don't stack up if you actually want a watch and not a potential investment of brand name

[@WonderWusel]

With rolex you buy the brand more than you buy the watch(just like Omega these days). Are the watches good, absolutely. But in recent years, prices jumped to the moon and everyone went, yeah thats fine. Honeslty, I blame Hublot. They paved the way for brand and marketing over quality with insane prices in the watch world. Compared to a Seiko or Citizen, rolex prices dont make any sense, compared to hublot they do.

[@arnabbanerjee2186]

I will tell you something.. you are so very BANG ON TARGET... beautiful rendition... Stick to it ... Take out normal affordable beautiful timepieces n describe them...Kudos

[@williibach640]

I tried the Seiko at a jeweler cause im a fan of Seiko and really like the look. I´ve never been as disappointed with a watch as with this one, cause the bracelet felt as "cheap" as on my snxs79k. I couldnt believe how bad it felt for a 500€ watch. Also tried the Rolex GMT with black/blue bezel at a Rolex dealer (was looking for another model to try and they happened to have this one in the showroom) and I never understood the hype around the Rolex GMT until I had it on my wrist. You cant compare this two watches, its not fair for the Rolex and not fair for the Seiko. The Rolex is a totally different league and targets a different group of customer. It´s funny that the Seiko looks better on pictures than irl and with the Rolex it´s just the other way around, it´s so much more impressing irl than on pics or vids.

[@MrMustangrick]

Britt is correct. If you can afford a Rolex, it is the one to have.

[@wescobts]

As always another good video. I am glad you were able to being realistic and honest about a very touchy subject. Yes the Rolex is a better watch. It is not "Superior" in the fact that both watches ultimately perform the same tasks'. Yes the Rolex has a better build quality and is crazy accurate. With that said, I know no one who needs +/- 2 seconds, if you do, you are using a quartz or a satellite. The Seiko will provide a lifetime of very good service, and an affection will grow with each passing year. If someone is so wrapped up on the name of the watch, it really isn't about the watch then...

[@mariog7213]

I think the thing about Rolex is that most their watches aren’t missing that one thing that almost every other watch has that keeps it from being almost perfect to someone. Like the IWC xviii having lugs a tad too long for the relative size, omega having bracelets with little to no taper and polished center links, or Tudor being too thick with the bb pro, etc. Rolex, despite any subjective criticisms, makes watches that basically check all the boxes- they’re thickness and overall dimensions are ideal, quality is good enough, bracelets are close to perfection, and they’re designs are well thought out and executed. That being said, I don’t like what the brand represents and think they’ve lost their identity trying to go upmarket without really offering anything more than just their name. They’re no JLC

[@b_altmann]

I remember reading a comparison of a Mercedes S600 and a Fiat Panda. This is a bit like that 😂

[@BrittPearceWatches]

Bahahah! Yes it is! 6:11 I kinda tease myself and do a car comparison as well 😝

[@ericbird1760]

Great show Brit. Now do a review on a watch 1/23rd the price of the Seiko.

[@emrstar]

Hey Britt, while comparing these two watches maybe this can also be said: Seiko can display three timezones and Rolex can display two. This may not change the result dramatically, but it is just another differences between them.

[@e36boy]

As a watch enthusiast and owner of a few Seikos, i agree the Rolex is objectively better. However there are high end Seikos that are better than the gmt. Saying that, i would love to own a no date sub. It's not the brand that I buy, it's the look. I buy stuff that looks good to me but I cannot afford a Rolex at the moment. I will probably get one after 5 years or more.

[@drzaius844]

The fact that people say “Tudor is a poor man’s Rolex” tells you how insane this hobby is. Poor people wear Longines.

[@robquiz5150]

I work with people that make $500,000(US)/year, and think a Longines is expensive haha

[@romerojuniorarts]

A Longines Conquest is almost 3,000. I don't see poor people interested in spending this money on a watch.

[@drzaius844]

@@romerojuniorarts Irony: when the literal meaning differs from the intended meaning.

[@jaybee1196]

You ain't slowing down! Keep cranking 'em out. So good

[@Chopperdriver]

You’ve hit the nail on the head. I recently bought an Addiesdive for £65. Sapphire Crystal, lumed bezel, 1000m water resistance! Cheap watches are getting good! Rolex use a softer steel to get a higher polish, the crown winding is like butter and it’s movement is lovely (3135 or 3235). Buuuut - There is no way in hell it’s worth £13k. (The real 2nd hand price for a Pepsi or Batman)

[@MrGheath]

The Seiko 5 GMTs are the same build quality as a 60s/70s Rolex. Somewhere between a 4 digit and 5 digit. Best value for the money out there.

[@ayandey137]

2:01 On the surface..these two look calm and ready..

[@teruphoto]

Luxury brands are never about value; it's pointless to compare. You could buy jeans from Target or Balenciaga and they'd be functionally the same. Even going to a lesser extreme: Calvin Klein jeans cost so much more and do nothing more over generic brands.

[@seanjohansson4742]

I think it makes sense that you chose the F1 as it sits and fits much better on your arm 🙃🙂

[@Iveness922]

Seiko are definitely more expensive. The SKX line were a £200 option back in the day. I picked up my SARB033 For £230 new direct. Easy £400+ if launched today.

[@adipraja9835]

instead of seiko 5 gmt i would prefer seiko skf gmt as better choice: true gmt movement, better bracelet and solar powered so I dont need to worry about battery or winding, and +-15 secs/month 😊

[@DanMikulski]

Brit I’ve been watching you for ages and you honestly have the best content in the watch world. If I knew no better I’d assume you’d have a million followers with how your videos are made!

[@JamesPaulGomez]

Remember when you could buy Seikos at The Bay for less than $200 lol

[@andrzejkaczorowski9203]

By functionality any watch is just a watch so what is the reason to pay 1m at auction. Also if you have a cell phone with you or you can a person on the street what time is it?

[@mhtan318]

Perhaps compare the Rolex Daytona vs Zenith Chronomaster Sport?

[@emileevans9747]

At £450 the Seiko should have a sapphire crystal instead of Hardlex crystal.