Do I really want to trade my Grand Seiko SBGA413 for a Rolex?
So I know someone who offered me a fair trade for his Rolex Explorer Ref 14270 (Swiss made) for my Grand Seiko SBGA413. There is a small amount of cash in the deal, but let's assume it's a fair trade.
Do I do it? This is less about comparing a decision to buy a 413 or an explorer. I love both, would own both, but can’t have both. It's more about which would I rather have in my current collection.
So now for some rambling: Probably more therapeutic for me than interesting for you, but I'll forge ahead all the same.
So what would this mean for my collection?
Weiss Watch Standard Field 38mm. I bought this preowned. It gets worn once maybe every other week. But, my last name is Weiss. And I can't imagine finding another brand willing to personalize their logo just for me. Even if it didn't have my name on the dial, it's still a really fun and easy piece. So it isn't going anywhere unless Cameron release a new version I like more. 38m titanium? Come on Cameron you know you want to.
Breitling Aerospace. Purchased earlier this year. Totally lives up to the hype. If you aren't afraid of quartz, would recommend you spending some time with it. However, it will likely get sold eventually to try something new in the solar / quartz arena. All part of the fun. But isn't really a factor in the Explorer vs Shunbun decision.
Grand Seiko SBGJ249 Shosho. Beautiful watch is an understatement. Has to been seen in person as it does not photograph well in my opinion. Definitely the dressier looking piece in my collection. It wears much thinner than specs with the crystal height and bubble back. Hi Beat movement rivals some high-ends and I've found I prefer its under 40mm dial. This watch was a surprise gift from my family last year for life milestone. I can't sell it. I don't want to sell it, but even if I did ... the ripple of ungratefulness cast upon me by multiple households would ruin this hobby for me. So it stays.
The Shunbun SBGA413 is fantastic. I prefer the spring drive movement over the high beat in the 249. The watch dial is stunning and a bit more subtle than the shosho. So easy to wear and the 100m water resistance with the screw down crown lets in function in many scenarios. I could write paragraphs about how great this watch is.
So why trade it for an explorer:
I'm not a Rolex enthusiast. I love the Sub, but would never want to own it for a daily wear. Hulks, Bat people, Smurfs, and other super hero watches don't really interest me. And I'm not into the hype and status the Rolex brand brings these days. In fact, it's a turn off (again for me). There is nothing wrong if you are ... power on ... just not my thing.
With one exception, I've always loved the Explorer. Specifically the 14270 reference that transitioned into the modern watch it is today. The watch needs no intro. One of the most versatile and clean looking watches I've come across. I've always loved the 3,6,9 design but have never purchased a similar dial as it always felt like an explorer homage. Of course all watch brands take from one another including the explorer. But I feel this dial has become an iconic look.
Why not both? Dollars, Benjamins, etc. Just not in the budget to have this amount of money in timepieces.
The Shunbun, again is fantastic. It's getting worn as my everyday. But there are times especially on the weekends where it feels too dressy. Again, personal preference. This watch is totally capable going for hike or coaching my kids sports activities. But it doesn’t always feel right when doing it. I tried to find some straps to make it more casual, but never liked the look of a strap on the 62GS case. The springbar sits low and at the edge of the lugs. Straps will look great from certain angles but at others, the watch gets a top heavy, almost clunky look.
The 40mm is not too big for my 7 inch wrist. But feels bigger than I want. Spring drive, titanium, 100m water in 38mm … sold. But unfortunately it doesn’t exist. At least not yet.
With the explorer I know I’m getting a manufactured piece that is far more common. Not of the special polishing, uniqueness, and craft I have with the Shunbun. But I feel for an everyday it knocks it out of the park. I can't think of a situation I wouldn't be able to have it join me for a precious life event. Either planned or unexpected.
Ideally I’d pair it with the 413 and have the bets of both worlds. But that’s not an option. At least not for today.
Wrapping up the ramble … finally:
Is this really a big decision? No, not at all. It’s a watch. An expensive luxury I don’t need where much of the world is worried about their next meal and a roof over their heads. But as enthusiasts this is our happy place. Where we can, for a moment, forget about the more pressing problems in our lives and in the world. And have a bit of an escape to have fun with others that share the same passion.
Cheers to those who made it through this post. What will I do? Not sure, but no decision today. Looking forward to hearing the supportive thoughts and suggestions from this group on either side. For now … time to go cook dinner and spend some time with the family. Right after I figure out what watch to put on.
My love of watches and the blend of design and engineering far exceeds my wallet. But doesn’t stop me from enjoying this hobby.
You can buy a Seiko SPRE and have it with you for every life event. Any understated watch design will do that. I would ask myself what it is in particular that attracts you to the Explorer.
Dude! Make the trade! Even though I am a GS fanboy, and have ZERO feels for Rolex, do it.
Why?
Do it. You won't regret it.
no you dnt. Problem solved :)
chants :GS for the win
You can buy a Seiko SPRE and have it with you for every life event. Any understated watch design will do that. I would ask myself what it is in particular that attracts you to the Explorer.
Agree. I love seiko 5's. The SPRE's under 300 ... amazing deal and so many dial variations. In the 5 series like many, the SNK809 was one of my first automatics and I enjoyed every minute, rather automatic second with it.
What attracted me to the explorer? ... je ne sais quoi, I saw it for the first time and it triggered a wow. I could rationalize it to instead being a seiko 5. Or rationalize the 5 to a I don't need a watch, I have a phone. Or a Casino F91W is all good (and it is). But something about the explorer got my juices going. Similar to how the SBGA413 did when I first tried it on.
Dude! Make the trade! Even though I am a GS fanboy, and have ZERO feels for Rolex, do it.
Why?
Do it. You won't regret it.
Dude! 😀 Always good to hear from you.
Love the perspective and truth be told, this is how I'm leaning at the moment.
Agree. I love seiko 5's. The SPRE's under 300 ... amazing deal and so many dial variations. In the 5 series like many, the SNK809 was one of my first automatics and I enjoyed every minute, rather automatic second with it.
What attracted me to the explorer? ... je ne sais quoi, I saw it for the first time and it triggered a wow. I could rationalize it to instead being a seiko 5. Or rationalize the 5 to a I don't need a watch, I have a phone. Or a Casino F91W is all good (and it is). But something about the explorer got my juices going. Similar to how the SBGA413 did when I first tried it on.
Make the trade. No logic in the world will cancel the Wow factor
Saw the 413 for the first time today , and feel strongly ... you should sell yours to me!
Great post, enjoyed reading. I'm so anti Rolex now I can't be unbiased in my suggestion. It was funny after a while I started thinking the 413 was a little on the small side on my 16cm wrist. I also was trying on some Omegas Seamasters and Tags Aquaracers that were comparative tanks.
So, I'll be contrarian with Mr. O-Nut: the excitement of the new explorer will fade quickly and then it's just a matte black and dull looking watch. The 413 will continue to be magic in color and movement even when you are bored with it.
That's my super superficial $0.02 based on having owned neither of them😜
It's a no brainer for me GS all day, every day, in the morning, afternoon, night, before sex, after sex and definitely with desert! Did I make myself clear.
OmegaNut has a great point. If you don't feel it with the Explorer there is a world of people who will buy it from you. I sold my Submariner years ago. I love my Seiko Divewatches more than any other dive brand. I do reserve a special place for RESCO - that's just nostalgia & a love of the Gen 1 Patriot. I digress.... I only own Explorer models from Rolex. I have an old Explorer II that I will never part with. I am fortunate enough to own a new 36mm Explorer I. I also own a Snowflake. The Explorer I is an everyday piece that just feels natural to me. There is something solid, classic, and smart about this simple watch. The Snowflake is just perfection that feels like a toy on my wrist. There is way more bling factor with the Snowflake. GS just does it next level! I am more at ease wearing the Explorer. I recently ordered a strap for the GS just to mitigate some of the bling with the Snowflake. Point here is : Explorer is a great watch . You will fly under the radar and still be wearing a legend. You fallback is that you can sell it and pick up a new Evolution 9 GS model!
Heresy! Sacrilege! Bro, say it ain't so!
The Shunbun is my first luxury watch, and it's my go to that I can and do wear for just about everything (except while on a bicycle, as I've mentioned elsewhere). It's the one that will never go (but I never sell anything, so nothing ever goes). The Shosho does wear a bit more compactly, thickness aside, but I think had has more to do with the slimmer lug profile than the .5mm smaller case diameter. And while Hi-Beat is cool, Spring Drive is the ne plus ultra. I have to have a Spring Drive.
But I get it. A guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta too. I'll only resent you a little.
Even though I'm anti Rolex I say go for it. If you find it's not for you it won't be hard further down the line to trade again and get a snowflake back in your collection
Make the trade. No logic in the world will cancel the Wow factor
I feel like this is the simplest and hardest to refute answer. When you see a watch, sometimes it just makes You give out an audible “wow” and you can’t explain it. Don’t try to, just accept that maybe that’s the one. And trade for it. As others have said, there’s not much downside to this trade as it’s a desirable watch and you could sell it easily
Get the explorer! sounds like you’ve already secretly made that decision anyway, also, it does diversify your collection a little better
No.
Here's a penny... give me your pound for it.
Just No.
The 415 is awesome. So similar to the 413 but yet, so different. If the Sunburn were the only GS in my collection, I don't think I'd be able to give it up.
Congrats and wear it well.
Just leaving this here for you to consider saving up money for the explorer instead of trading in the sbga413 :)
now imagine your GS gmt flanking the other side of the explorer and you’ve got a great trio 😂
Just leaving this here for you to consider saving up money for the explorer instead of trading in the sbga413 :)
now imagine your GS gmt flanking the other side of the explorer and you’ve got a great trio 😂
I love the idea. My bank account ... not so much (and wife). Too many other priorities to save for right now, but maybe one day. I'd flank the explorer. But then hey ... why not surround it!
That's a great pair in the pic. Is that the 114270 you sold?
TLDR
😖
Trade
Even though I'm anti Rolex I say go for it. If you find it's not for you it won't be hard further down the line to trade again and get a snowflake back in your collection
Oh, definitely. I usually buy watches for less than the sales tax of those transactions. At that level I would make sure that I get what I really want.
Agree. I love seiko 5's. The SPRE's under 300 ... amazing deal and so many dial variations. In the 5 series like many, the SNK809 was one of my first automatics and I enjoyed every minute, rather automatic second with it.
What attracted me to the explorer? ... je ne sais quoi, I saw it for the first time and it triggered a wow. I could rationalize it to instead being a seiko 5. Or rationalize the 5 to a I don't need a watch, I have a phone. Or a Casino F91W is all good (and it is). But something about the explorer got my juices going. Similar to how the SBGA413 did when I first tried it on.
I've seen videos where people got the Explorer and somehow expected "more", whatever that is supposed to mean. But if you surely like the design, size or simplicity, then it will likely continue to work in your favor.
Oh, definitely. I usually buy watches for less than the sales tax of those transactions. At that level I would make sure that I get what I really want.
Agreed. I think whether it's $60, $600, $6000, or even $60,000. Sometimes you have to wear and live with it to truly know. And even more, your tastes could evolve to something different. All part of the journey (and the fun).
I love the idea. My bank account ... not so much (and wife). Too many other priorities to save for right now, but maybe one day. I'd flank the explorer. But then hey ... why not surround it!
That's a great pair in the pic. Is that the 114270 you sold?
So many different watches, same (financial and wife) situation 😬
yup thats the one i sold. Where I’m from the prices for 114270 are slowly on a decline. FWIW, if it was a 124270 being offered for the SBGA413, i’d trade it!
TLDR
😖
Yep, I know. But it’s just too much fun going on and on and on and on …
WOW I just did this deal. I traded my SBGA011 Snowflake + some cash for a 114270 explorer (solid end links). Ive worn it every single day since. I honestly could see it as my one watch collection... the 011 was too big for my wrists and I prefer the wider bracelet on the 114270 compared to the current generation. DO IT! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! I'm a GS Fanboy for life and my next watch will be something to replace the Snowflake-but 99% of people will never notice that I'm wearing a Rolex when I have the Explorer on and I really like that.
If your contemplating, it means you're at least think its worth the trade ... make the trade.
I collect both GS's and Rolex's and both are incredible watches for very different reasons. You have the shosho already so I'd recommend adding variety to your collection with the explorer, a watch that you yourself said you can see yourself wearing it in almost any situation. Good luck on making your tough decision!
My collection includes a Rolex OP 41 and the GS SBGA407. I have a few others as well, but only one spring drive. For me, having an insanely accurate movement with a date function as my trusted has become a necessity. My Rolex loses about 3 seconds per day, which annoys me given the promised -2/+2 spec, but that is still within COSC standards which is good. But it’s not spring drive good. Having a spring drive that has deviated by only 1 second in over a year has totally spoiled me and I could never walk away from that. But that’s just me :-)
Heresy! Sacrilege! Bro, say it ain't so!
The Shunbun is my first luxury watch, and it's my go to that I can and do wear for just about everything (except while on a bicycle, as I've mentioned elsewhere). It's the one that will never go (but I never sell anything, so nothing ever goes). The Shosho does wear a bit more compactly, thickness aside, but I think had has more to do with the slimmer lug profile than the .5mm smaller case diameter. And while Hi-Beat is cool, Spring Drive is the ne plus ultra. I have to have a Spring Drive.
But I get it. A guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta too. I'll only resent you a little.
@wilfried You're after my own heart... I got my Shunbun already and eyeing the Shosho 💸
Sell everything and keep the Shunbun and Shosho 🤑
I'd say trade for a datejust vice an explorer but that's my personal preference