Who doesn’t love an incredible GMT watch? They’re handy even if you happen to don’t journey typically and still have the attraction of a basic pilot’s watch. For my part, they’re simply enjoyable to personal and put on. One of the iconic GMTs is the Rolex “Pepsi” GMT-Grasp II, reference 126710BLRO. However at a premium value level, it’s out of many collectors’ budgets.
Enter the brand new Seiko 5 GMT, retailing for a way more accessible price. This head-to-head Seiko vs Rolex could appear unfair given the substantial value distinction, however is it actually?
Let’s dive in and evaluate the advantages of every watch.
Key Takeaways
- GMT watches are tremendous handy and enjoyable to personal, even if you happen to don’t journey a lot. They’ve received that basic pilot’s watch vibe.
- The Rolex GMT-Grasp II Pepsi is iconic however expensive. The brand new Seiko 5 GMT is an reasonably priced various that gives a number of bang on your buck.
- Rolex brings the warmth with premium supplies like Oystersteel and Cerachrom ceramic, whereas the Seiko 5 sports activities a snazzy up to date jubilee bracelet and a novel shiny bezel.
- Each watches are rocking mechanical GMT actions, however the Seiko 5 isn’t a “true” GMT. Nonetheless, mad props to Seiko for making GMT performance accessible to extra collectors.
- The Rolex has an extremely comfy jubilee bracelet with an Easylink extension. Rolex simply makes the very best bracelets, palms down.
- The GMT-Grasp II’s Pepsi bezel is a ceramic masterpiece, whereas the Seiko 5’s mineral glass insert is eye-catching however much less legible.
- Rolex’s new 3285 motion flexes a 70-hour energy reserve, whereas the Seiko’s 4R34 caliber is a stable performer for the worth.
- The Seiko 5 GMT is a loopy good worth, however the GMT-Grasp II is on a complete different stage. Retail value is not any joke, and aftermarket costs are even wilder.
- Each watches are versatile sufficient for any way of life. The Seiko 5 is nice for flying underneath the radar, whereas the Rolex is my go-to for making a press release.
Design & Construct High quality
The Rolex GMT-Grasp II is undeniably a stable, premium watch. It makes use of among the greatest supplies obtainable, together with Rolex’s proprietary Oystersteel and Cerachrom ceramic. Whereas the Seiko 5 GMT can’t match the Rolex’s luxurious construct, it nonetheless has a considerate design and a few upscale components:
- Up to date jubilee-style bracelet
- Distinctive shiny bezel end
- 100m water resistance, similar because the Rolex
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Each are mechanical GMTs with 4-hand dials. The Seiko isn’t a “true” GMT motion, however I commend them for bringing GMT performance to a brand new value demographic.
Consolation & Options
The Rolex has an ultra-comfortable, silky jubilee bracelet with stable finish hyperlinks and the Oysterlock clasp. I particularly just like the Easylink extension for on-the-fly micro-adjustments with out the necessity for any instruments—good in case your wrist fluctuates all through the day like mine. Rolex merely makes the very best bracelets, interval.
Nevertheless, the up to date jubilee on the Seiko 5 is a large improve over their earlier bracelets, with stable hyperlinks and a pleasant wrist presence. It’s spectacular for the worth level.
The 40mm Rolex case is a basic measurement, with a sapphire crystal, Cyclops date magnifier, and the long-lasting bi-color “Pepsi” Cerachrom bezel. The bezel’s crisp coloration transition pays homage to the unique whereas showcasing Rolex’s ceramic experience.
I like Seiko’s 42.5mm SKX-style case, which has rounded sides which are a bit smaller than the size counsel. The Cyclops isn’t as well-executed as Rolex’s, although. The shiny, dual-color mineral glass bezel insert is eye-catching, if much less legible than the Rolex ceramic.
Actions
Contained in the GMT-Grasp II is the brand new 3285 caliber, which has a powerful 70-hour energy reserve and environment friendly Chronergy escapement.
The Seiko 5 GMT makes use of a modified model of the 4R motion collection, the 4R34, with a decent 41-hour reserve. It’s not groundbreaking, however it’s stable for its value level.
Worth & Verdict
Total, the Seiko 5 GMT delivers a ton of fashion and performance for the worth. It’s superior to see reasonably priced mechanical GMT watches hit the market. After all, the GMT-Grasp II is on one other stage solely. At retail, it’s a major funding, and as of this writing, it trades for much more on the secondary market.
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However that doesn’t imply it’s unattainable to purchase at retail – that’s precisely how I received mine! In the long run, each are nice GMTs appropriate for any way of life, not simply pilots and vacationers. The Seiko is a pleasant low-key possibility if you happen to’re uncomfortable carrying the pricier Rolex out and about. Nevertheless, the Rolex nonetheless makes the proper assertion piece for vital conferences or occasions.
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Conclusion
Whereas it might appear to be an apples-to-oranges comparability, this Seiko vs. Rolex matchup demonstrates that you simply don’t want deep pockets to get into the GMT recreation these days. I believe each watches have a time and place in any assortment.
