Good evening everyone!
Have you ever wondered, "Which brand should I choose from the many watch brands available?" Since it is quite difficult to choose from the many watches with similar designs, I think many people think, "Let's start by choosing from a well-known watch brand!"
So this time, we will introduce a particularly well-known
[ Rolex ] and [ Grand Seiko ]
I would like to compare them thoroughly and discuss them under the title "Which one should I buy?!" I will compare them from multiple perspectives in two parts , " Part 1" and "Part 2," so please read to the end.
Brand History
The History of Rolex
Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf. In 1926, they released the world's first waterproof Oyster case. There is an anecdote that Mercedes Gleitze swam the English Channel wearing this watch to prove its waterproofness.
In 1931, they developed the "Perpetual," in which the rotor rotates 360 degrees to wind the mainspring, and in 1945, they developed the "Datejust," which instantly changes the date display. These are known as the three greatest inventions of Rolex, and they had a major impact on the watch industry.
The History of Grand Seiko
Source: Grand Seiko official website
Grand Seiko's history began when it was introduced as a high-end model of the Seiko brand in 1960. Reflecting the company's ambition to "create the finest domestically produced watches that could challenge the world," it was released as the first domestically produced model that complied with Swiss chronometer testing standards.
In 1988, the brand released its first quartz watch, the 95GS. In 2004, it released the Spring Drive, which combined mechanical and quartz movements and attracted attention as the third movement. In 2017, it became an independent brand and has continued to grow as an international brand.
Brand design
[Rolex] Design
Many of the Rolex models have not undergone any major design changes since their introduction. This is the flip side of the fact that the design was already complete from the time of their creation.
Rolex watches are made with an emphasis on practicality, and the specifications of the bezel and dial are all different for each model (for each purpose), and the designs are clearly different. Of course, there are some similar models, but it is easy to find one that suits your taste.
[Grand Seiko] Design
Source: Grand Seiko official website
Grand Seiko designs are based on a design grammar called the "Seiko Style," which is based on the design of the 44GS, released in 1967.
It was created with an awareness of the harmony of light and shadow, and its greatest feature is that it emits a beautiful glow when exposed to light. In 2020, a new unique design grammar, the "Evolution 9 Style," was born, further evolving the brand.
Brand status
Rolex’s status
Rolex's greatest strength is its high name recognition. Even people who are not interested in watches know the name! I think most people would say that. It is often treated as a synonym for luxury goods in movies and TV, and it has an outstanding status, but on the other hand, when young people wear a Rolex, they are given negative impressions such as "insolent!" or "nouveau riche!" However, it can be said that the fact that it is recognized around the world as a "proof of success" is a great strength.
Grand Seiko’s status
Grand Seiko is well known in Japan as the best watch in the country, but it is less well known than Rolex when viewed from a global perspective. However, its image of being "serious and honest" does not give it the negative impression that comes with high status. In fact, it is such an excellent brand that, despite being a luxury watch, it gives off a clean impression that it is often seen worn by politicians who are most likely to be criticized by the media during Diet broadcasts and on television.
summary
We have compared Rolex and Grand Seiko from multiple perspectives. What do you think?
I don't think you can make a decision based on this information alone, so in the sequel, "Part 2," I would like to compare the two brands further from the perspectives of "functionality," "asset value," and "cost performance" and tell you about the characteristics of each!
Once again, I hope that this article will pique your interest in luxury watches!
see you!