Trying to pick a GMT...

Which would you choose and why? I have a pretty comprehensive pros and cons list for each which has honestly gotten me nowhere.

Seiko Presage Sharp Edge GMT

  • True GMT function
  • Stunning dial
  • Materially larger size

Christopher Ward C63 Sealander GMT

  • Caller GMT
  • More wearable case size
  • Reminds me of Rolex Explorer II (one of my favourite watches ever)

It should be noted I have not seen either in person, let alone tried either on. Perhaps someone who has experienced them in the metal can provide some further insight!

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I'd pick the CW, it's a more timeless design. 

The whole "fancy" dial thing isn't for me, and I suspect people will tire of them over time. 

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I have the C63 and love it. as said earlier, it’s a classic design and is super comfortable. I cannot speak for the seiko. But I love the on the fly bracelet micro adjustment and Seiltta movement is very realiable. I don’t change time zone very often and just set it to call my parents, so the true Gmt mov’t is not a deal breaker for me. good luck!

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Just realized the pictures are very blurry — sorry about that! Lol

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I would go with the Sealander GMT (Polar). It just seems to be a lot of watch for the money. (I'm actually planning on getting one...)

I've handled a total of one CW watch and it was an older one (Old logo). Having said that, I was very impressed with the quality. 

ETA- After looking at the Seiko closer, I'm even more sure about the CW. It's a beautiful watch and it has an awesome dial, but I'm not a fan of the sub-dial or power meter.

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CW Sealander 63 GMT

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MASP7GMT

I would go with the Sealander GMT (Polar). It just seems to be a lot of watch for the money. (I'm actually planning on getting one...)

I've handled a total of one CW watch and it was an older one (Old logo). Having said that, I was very impressed with the quality. 

ETA- After looking at the Seiko closer, I'm even more sure about the CW. It's a beautiful watch and it has an awesome dial, but I'm not a fan of the sub-dial or power meter.

Agreed.  There are Youtube reviews of the Seiko GMT that really show its warts in terms of quality issues (misaligned dial and/or bezel being the main issue).  Jody from Just One More Watch had a fairly unbiased and harsh review of this very Seiko.

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SaintWoody

Agreed.  There are Youtube reviews of the Seiko GMT that really show its warts in terms of quality issues (misaligned dial and/or bezel being the main issue).  Jody from Just One More Watch had a fairly unbiased and harsh review of this very Seiko.

Agree 100%

Alignment issues are unacceptable on a cheap Seiko 5. It's a downright sin on a Presage.

I don't understand why they haven't got a handle on this issue yet.

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I like CW but this one doesn't do it for me. I vote for the seiko for dial texture and design. I'd love the sbp225 that is hard to find.

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Great color and dial texture on Seiko for the win 🏆.

BTW - 

Are both similar for water?  For a traveller I personally would always want the versatility of a screw crown and 100m WR.  With those basics covered o never need to worry about it.  

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For me the CW. I have the 3 hand version in white and it wears perfect on my 7 inch wrist. The design is sporty but dressy at the same time. The build quality as with most CW watches is outstanding for the price, their bracelets are exceptional which is a bonus and the customer service is excellent, which is also a bonus if there is any issues. Seiko's customer service is pretty well non excitant and if the watch has issues you could be waiting months for the watch to be returned. The Seiko dial is it's biggest draw card as Seiko makes some of the most interesting and beautiful dials out there in this price range, but unfortunately their plagued with QC issues, hit or miss with Seiko and something I've not experienced with any of the CW watches I've purchased.

I'm a Seiko fan boy and have been since the 70's but over the past 5 years or so they have continued to disappoint me time and time again. So for under a grand I'd go with the Christopher Ward every time.

Just my opinion of course, each to their own and in the end you should always buy the watch that you like, not what others like, you will be the one wearing it remember.  

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Fieldwalker

Great color and dial texture on Seiko for the win 🏆.

BTW - 

Are both similar for water?  For a traveller I personally would always want the versatility of a screw crown and 100m WR.  With those basics covered o never need to worry about it.  

I believe the Seiko is 100m and the CW 150m, so both acceptable

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TonyXXX
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For me the CW. I have the 3 hand version in white and it wears perfect on my 7 inch wrist. The design is sporty but dressy at the same time. The build quality as with most CW watches is outstanding for the price, their bracelets are exceptional which is a bonus and the customer service is excellent, which is also a bonus if there is any issues. Seiko's customer service is pretty well non excitant and if the watch has issues you could be waiting months for the watch to be returned. The Seiko dial is it's biggest draw card as Seiko makes some of the most interesting and beautiful dials out there in this price range, but unfortunately their plagued with QC issues, hit or miss with Seiko and something I've not experienced with any of the CW watches I've purchased.

I'm a Seiko fan boy and have been since the 70's but over the past 5 years or so they have continued to disappoint me time and time again. So for under a grand I'd go with the Christopher Ward every time.

Just my opinion of course, each to their own and in the end you should always buy the watch that you like, not what others like, you will be the one wearing it remember.  

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Thank you for the in-depth and candid review!

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robstacam

Thank you for the in-depth and candid review!

Your more than welcome🙏🏻 It's all subjective of course, but it is good to get other peoples perspective from time to time.

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TonyXXX
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For me the CW. I have the 3 hand version in white and it wears perfect on my 7 inch wrist. The design is sporty but dressy at the same time. The build quality as with most CW watches is outstanding for the price, their bracelets are exceptional which is a bonus and the customer service is excellent, which is also a bonus if there is any issues. Seiko's customer service is pretty well non excitant and if the watch has issues you could be waiting months for the watch to be returned. The Seiko dial is it's biggest draw card as Seiko makes some of the most interesting and beautiful dials out there in this price range, but unfortunately their plagued with QC issues, hit or miss with Seiko and something I've not experienced with any of the CW watches I've purchased.

I'm a Seiko fan boy and have been since the 70's but over the past 5 years or so they have continued to disappoint me time and time again. So for under a grand I'd go with the Christopher Ward every time.

Just my opinion of course, each to their own and in the end you should always buy the watch that you like, not what others like, you will be the one wearing it remember.  

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This pretty much sums up my  thoughts too. For the money CW>seiko from a QC point of view

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A buddy of mine has the CW Sealander GMT, with the black dial. It's gorgeous and it seems well built.

The Seiko looks too busy, and although more advanced, is also more expensive.

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Christopher Ward has always felt like the name of a watch you'd buy in a department store for $50 - as do any watch brands named after some bloke - so I've never come close to even thinking about owning one.

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CW. Not a fan of that particular Seiko dial at all.