Being a Seiko Fan and a Rolex Fan Goes Hand in Hand
Lately I have come to an epiphany. When I first entered the watch world as a naive 17-year-old unaware of the empty space watch facts would end up taking up in my brain, I truly believed the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch would always be my grail watch.
Fast forward 18 months and I have been truly bitten by the watch bug. Naturally, Seiko was my first true foray into the watch world and I now own a few, including this Seiko 5 SSK GMT.
However, another watch fascination has been looming - this one with a watch company closer to the opposite end of the pricing spectrum. That fascination would be with Rolex - to the point where my current grail is a 18238 Day-Date.
(Image Credit: Grailzee)
Why might this be?
Ultimately I believe it boils down to the common values of Seiko and Rolex - at least historically. Both watch brands focused primarily on function and being an accessible tool to their audience. Both pursued watchmaking excellence and transformed the industry. Finally, both have iconic brand status that few brands can truly replicate. As soon as you mention the word “watch” to somebody, chances are they’ll either picture some sort of Rolex or some sort of Seiko - or something that looks similar.
Am I saying everybody who likes Seiko will like Rolex and vice versa? No. What I am saying is that there’s a good chance anybody who owns one can appreciate the brand values and the products the other produces.
Now, here’s to hoping I can add a Rolex to my primarily Seiko collection soon!
I have no idea what I’m doing. Actually that’s untrue now. I have a Seiko problem
Excuse any typos, it’s 2am and I can’t sleep
Good luck on your journey to getting your Rolex
Good luck on your journey to getting your Rolex
Thank you, it will be a rewarding journey I hope.
All the best in getting your Rolex!
Seiko floods you with sheer number of models available. I gravitate towards Seiko’s classic designs seen in their vintage watches, KS and GS lines - which look like the Rolex OP and DJ (without the fluted bezels). 😆
All the best in getting your Rolex!
Seiko floods you with sheer number of models available. I gravitate towards Seiko’s classic designs seen in their vintage watches, KS and GS lines - which look like the Rolex OP and DJ (without the fluted bezels). 😆
Thanks, it’ll be a fun journey and hopefully not underwhelming.
Ultimately, I think GS or KS will also be my next major Seiko Group purchase too, seeing as they are truly the next level up in terms of finishing, design and movement.
Thanks, it’ll be a fun journey and hopefully not underwhelming.
Ultimately, I think GS or KS will also be my next major Seiko Group purchase too, seeing as they are truly the next level up in terms of finishing, design and movement.
I actually prefer the look of the KS over a similar GS, it’s classic with a stronger 70s/80s vibe. Only thing is the movements in the KS are not as fancy.
Another thing the two brands have in common is that their biggest fans are often some of their most outspoken critics. However, all Rolex or Seiko need to do is release the occasional home run and all is forgiven.
Rolex & accessible.
Good one!
Usually it goes hand in hand because most start with a seiko that have similar visuals cues to a Rolex
Usually it goes hand in hand because most start with a seiko that have similar visuals cues to a Rolex
Ultimately if two companies are making watches for similar purposes there is always going to be some overlap regardless of market segment difference
Rolex & accessible.
Good one!
*Historically*
Another thing the two brands have in common is that their biggest fans are often some of their most outspoken critics. However, all Rolex or Seiko need to do is release the occasional home run and all is forgiven.
Wow this is more true then I ever realised. Those who love both brands the most often absolutely pan their new releases but you’ll never see anything else on their wrist
I actually prefer the look of the KS over a similar GS, it’s classic with a stronger 70s/80s vibe. Only thing is the movements in the KS are not as fancy.
KS I think is more style over substance while GS is a little more functional (generally speaking). That isn’t to say either is bad in either respect.
*Historically*
Historically? Sure. But there's a long enough recent history that pretty much wipes out the mid-century history of accessibility, IMO.
Young adults now have no knowledge of a Rolex that could be purchased from a teen's summer of lawn mowing.
I see no problem....i like and own both as well. If you have the opportunity, just go for it!
I see no problem....i like and own both as well. If you have the opportunity, just go for it!
That’s the plan. Both appeal in similar ways