Is this Steinhart better than the original Rolex!?
Yes. In this instance, yes it is.
Back in 1978 I bought a Rolex Explorer II (1655). Wore it for about 10 years.
This year I bought a Steinhart homage to it - the OLKO Special Edition Ocean 39 GMT.
Having owned and worn both, I can state, unequivocally, that the Steinhart is BY FAR the superior watch.
Why? Well here are a few differences: the Rolex's stamped clasp and foldover vs the Steinhart's milled steel. The Rolex's hollow end and middle link bracelet vs. the solid links on the Steiny. The Steiny's sapphire crystal vs. the Rolex plexiglass. The Steiny's VASTLY superior water resistance of 300 meters (I think the Rolex was 50). The Rolex had a 24-hour hand that was not independently adjustable whereas the Steiny has a GMT hand. Honestly, if that Rolex was on the market today as a Brand X watch, it'd sell for a few hundred dollars at best. Time has passed it by. The Steinhart is a huge improvement in almost every regard.
Except for one area (an area I don't really care about). As an "investment," the Rolex is ah-mazing. I paid $ 850 USD for it in 1978. Forty-five years later, they are going for $30,000 in good condition.
I dunno what the Steiny will be worth in 45 years, but it sure as hell won't be that. 🤒🤣
In short, given a choice between the watch I bought in 1978 for $850 or the watch I bought this year for $500, well, investment aside, it isn't even a choice. The Steinhart wins. Hands down.
High-end pistols and mechanical watches - art that PERFORMS! G-Shocks and Glocks are good tools - but they have no souls.
It's a bit harsh to compare materials and manufacturing from 1978 with today's processes
It's a bit harsh to compare materials and manufacturing from 1978 with today's processes
Harsh, or accurately comparing individual items?
People place some items on pedestals, every now and then it's good to see them taken back down to ground level.
I'm no Rollie fanboi, but I don't particularly care about any of these improvements. Of course in the modern day, they would merit better value in a purely objective comparison.
Nice watch! Steinhart makes good pieces for sure!
Is a Kia Forte better than a Ferrari Dino? In most objective ways including speed, a modern basic car is better than a 40+ year old super car. Does that make it a better product or experience? Depends on what you want. While it is fair to compare, they are different benchmarks. Legends of eras past rarely hold up to modern standards.
That’s a very nice homage and I hope it gives you many years of enjoyment.
Nice watch! Steinhart makes good pieces for sure!
Thanks! I'm really loving it.
Harsh, or accurately comparing individual items?
People place some items on pedestals, every now and then it's good to see them taken back down to ground level.
Looks like we will have to agree to disagree
It's a bit harsh to compare materials and manufacturing from 1978 with today's processes
Maybe true, but they both exist and can be compared weather it is harsh or not.