$200 Watch vs $20,000 Watch - Seiko vs Rolex
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- čas přidán 17. 10. 2020
- Today we look at the affordable and available SRPD63 from Seiko and the discontinued and inflated 116610LV from Rolex. There are likely zero people in the world seriously cross shopping these two divers specifically. But I think this is a fun exercise in examining value for money, differences in detail, and the overall watch loving experience from an owners perspective. Are the obvious differences in quality reflected in the large difference in secondary market going rate? You be the judge.
Thank you to AB of the @watchcollectingstrategy channel for the video idea and for lending in the hulKX for the presentation. I appreciate it man. And congrats on your recent LANGE purchase :) A link to AB's channel is here-
/ @watchcollectingstrategy
If you want to help me create content, I would appreciate you checking out my Patreon group. I post exclusive weekly videos and do monthly giveaways-
/ brucewilliams
Absolutely fantastic job with the comparison! Congratulations on buying your grail brother.
We've both purchased grail level watches recently. Yours is outstanding :D
@@BruceWilliamswhich strap you using with seiko please reply ❤
If they strive hard enough one day Rolex could be a great brand like Seiko
😂
@@muhammadzayed8786 dont laugh you dont know the legacy of seiko
@@jeiols I love seiko. Infact It's my fav brand.
Damn straight misaligned chapter rings and +-15 accuracy and all 😂
@@ralex3531 i mean you have grand seiko if 15 second per month bothers you
The moment you said the price of the Sub, the Seiko won for me.
Sekio has a lot of bragging rights considering the price
1. Looks super cool
2. The brand is a luxury brand with 120 years of history with many great achievements in horology
3. All in house Japanese watch ( some consider this a badge of honour)
4. The sekio last lifetime
Who's sekio?
There is one thing Seiko will always have....the ability to be easily modified and personalized without the fear of killing its value.
True that
Check out Lume shot. His Bloodmoon is awesome!
@@facetiousmonkey5322Oh yeah, I've seen that one. Sporting a full sapphire, completely lumed PADI J Turtle, myself.
It could also be smashed with a hammer without killing its value. Kidding!
@@damachine3 LOL. No 2 year waiting list to get another, should that happen. :)
Next video, $100 Timex vs $100,000 Patek...
Timex will likely win
Bah humbug.
$20,000? c'mon...
In my opinion, either Seiko should cost the same as Rolex, or Rolex should cost the same as Seiko.
I think at this point, knowing what I know, I would stay away from Rolex. But I can't say that I do not think the Sub is the most iconic watch of the past little while. It is a great, great watch. I owned a few and believe it.
The journey to reach this destination in my collecting involved a lot of Rolexes. Down to one now, a 36mm Datejust, I see the folly in it all. The first SKX I bought made me feel just about how I feel about my current watch. And it held its value, too. But I was compelled to investigate and purchase and sell loads of watches. I did it. Had some good moments. But now I wish I would have used that cash to study a new skill or buy a van and travel North and South America. The more cash I spent the happier I did not get. But when I do things, travel, meet people, learn stuff about the world, I am happier.
Each person has there journey. I am not saying I am right and those who love and buy expensive watches are wrong. Because I have done it. I am saying that in my life, experiences > possesions, humanity > materialism. That's all.
--Michael
@@MPD90 Good point definitely. I am thinking if resources are limited like in my case. I think if I would have stayed put with a good, solid Seiko I could have allocated resources and time in more happiness- producing endeavors rather than amassing a bunch of redundant possessions. But yeah, your point is correct.
Well said
Well said🙏🏾🙏🏾
Rolex is an investment too
Great journey my man.
I don't have that much with materialism.
I found this vid, because i just bought this watch...
Wait for it.
the seiko.
And it does make me feel happy, but i made the choice, for buying something materialistic, Because it doesn't need any batteries ( and i appreciate the mechanism)
And, for me i guess it feels the same way as for others that bought their submariner dreamwatch.
Thanks for your story man.
I cant believe there’s a review for this comparison I had in my head. Thank you Bruce!
This video confirms what I thought about rolex. I owned a couple of them over the years, and their value do not justify their cost, other than being a status symbol like Louis Vuitton etc...Thank you!! D
Agree. LV is overpriced.
@@konliner9286LV is the same as rolex. If you think one is overpriced second is overpriced to
The Seiko is charming IMO because it's honest, reliable, and modest. It ticks all the boxes for me and it's maintenance-free for years to come. I have several Seiko 5's that are running within COSC specs, so that's really amazing for the price you pay.
in reality the rolex is a 10K watch not 20K..Its been exploited by flippers and grey market and its value has run up ..That being said there is zero comparison here ,ones a entry level so so watch VS a expert level big branded overpriced luxury brand . That being said which will you dive with ? Prob neither ,id take my Seamaster LOL Thanks for the vid,on a side note I prefer the older SKX vs this new model because its crown is not screwdown
I dive with a citizen pro master eco drive and a mako 2. The 14060m stays home, safe queen. The hulk is a 10k watch.
Omega SM 300M Pro is THE diver to buy.
1. Brand recognition second only to Rolex
2. Open caseback and a superior movement (except for the 25200 beat rate)
3. Attainable. Anyone with the money can get one, and often with a bit of a discount.
This last point may be the biggest reason the Rolex is more desirable than Omega in the eyes of the casual watch buyer
Of course Bruce knows that, since he bought his at retail (as did I) but that reality is in the past. It's discontinued, so he has to talk about what it would actually take to get one today. We could argue all of the reasons as to why and whether it's worth it or not, but that's simply what it takes to buy one today so that's what is relevant for someone who is comparing these two watches. You can blame it on flippers but there has to be a dumbass who's going to pay that much money for it. I would say blame them. They're the reason flippers exist.
@@derekshearer9049 Don't apologize for the reality we call life. Just because the majority of people cannot buy it for the price that THEY feel is correct, than it's hype/ garbage/ overrated/ sheep or whatever. Truth is, if the item is readily available, than only an "idiot" would pay MSRP.
@@derekshearer9049 What are you? Canadian?
I've had the Seiko you have here a bit now and i could not be more happy. I think the value is just so profound. I love their look, accurate, just good nice feel. The back glass where you can see the tiny parts doing their thing. Its just so great.
I think buying a Rolex is a great statement. But sticking with a Seiko when you have the capacity for a Rolex is the kind of thing that really appeals to me. Prioritising a trusted brand with a great reputation for quality and innovation without feeling that need for the validation from a Rolex. That hits different. To me.
And I thought I was crazy to do a video of my Tudor vs a Corgeut hommage 😂. Great video Bruce!
That Seiko is $300.00.
Another great video... thank you, Bruce. I love how you can evaluate any watch for its own qualities, irrespective of price.
I've been a watch addict for some time now, been there, done that. Had the most iconic pieces, from the major brands, fell into the Rolex hype and thought i accomplished my watch journey.
That was until i discovered the modified Seiko world, the utopia of this watch addiction, I'm here now and would never go back.
Great insight
Great job. I own several Seiko and currently 1 Rolex. I love them all. But you’re right there is not that much of a value difference. But agree that having both is the way to go no question as I enjoy putting both on my wrist.
About 7 years ago, I bought my dream car at that time. I enjoyed it, up until the attention, both good and bad, became overwhelming. I was approached by car enthusiast, bringing forth both good vibes and many with ill intent. I was pulled over 3 times in my first week, and not once during those times was I over the speed limit. It was small things like the tint is too dark or the car seems a little too loud (it wasn’t a modified car by any means). I found myself being photographed and popping up on social media on random occasions. I didn’t like nor wanted the exposure, and I knew it was just getting worse. Within 2 years I decided to get rid of it, I didn’t like the attention. At all.
Point being, Rolex is an amazing brand with quality of the highest of caliber. Unfortunately for many, it draws a lot of unwanted attention. Seiko brings good quality without risking unwanted attention. I have had several opportunities to own a sub, the one thing that stops me is attention that comes along with it.
It doesn’t diminish the quality of Rolex, it does however diminish the positive experience I would otherwise have owing a watch and enjoy it as my own.
Hope you are still enjoying a fun vehicle at least! Good for you in achieving your previous goal, must have been a good 'rush' when you first got it! (Sorry with the pun)
I was finally able to get my first Volvo several years ago, which was my own goal. I've always seen them as respectable but not ostentatious, kind of like a Seiko it turns out! I am new to horology but am happy to have just ordered this SRDP63 and just hope it isn't too big for my 6.5" wrist... 🤣
What a great video it was, your comments were spot on, thank you
This is a fantastic review thank you. Since I cannot afford that Rolex Hulk, I am now buying the Green Seiko.
or buy a tudor
Having both is actually a decent advice.
I have a skx which I use for camping/hiking or similar activities.
And my Rolex is for my normal daily use.
The orient kamasu is a really good choice for an entry level watch specially the green dial
Agree! Orient is the new Seiko. I went for the red kamasu though and I do prefer it over the new seiko 5s.
Agreed. The Triton is also a good choice
@@adamb3129 yep, the triton is a killer watch.
@@TheBoldHairspring Yeah it’s amazing what Orient gives for the money. Currently saving for one now. I like your channel by the way. Just subbed!
@@TheBoldHairspring The mini triton is a great watch as well if you can get it below 250 bucks
The Seiko rubber band looks very good.
Very good presentation and comparison. And some of your perspectives are really interesting. I mean most people buying Rolex dont even question the price relative to their income. And I believe it is a statement. I think I would buy one if I felt I had the money. I also rediscovered Seiko. My grandma used to travel to Japan in the 70'ies and brought back watches to me which were of a very high quality compaired at that time. I bought exactly a Seiko 5 Sports the other day because I wanted to have one in my collection and the history of the brand. Especially the fact that every piece in a Seiko unit is in house made just like Rolex. It's worth every penny in quality.
More impressive to see Seiko keeping up with quality and trends
I honestly thought you sold the Hulk to help pay for the Vacheron. Glad to see you still have this👍🏾 would you consider another video like this but with seagull 1963 vs omega speedmaster or any high end chrono?
Just purchased the same kind of seiko 5 sports just in black dial. My goodness for $200 u can’t go wrong with an automatic seiko. And for the Rolex, awesome timepiece that it’s out of my budget. 👍🏽
Hey Bruce. Great vid. Oddly enough, I was deciding between my Sea Dweller 43 and they Green 5kx just this morning. Lol.
Both great watches for what they are. Owning both sides of the spectrum give more of an objective and unbiased look. The extreme price difference isn’t justified... but... there is a LOT more work put into the Rolex. The movement alone, in my opinion, accounts for a few of those thousand. It’s an incredible piece of kit (as they would say across the pond). Free spring balance, Breguet overcoil, chronergy escapement, superlative chronometer.... Robust watchmaking at its best.
That being said, the Seiko is a great watch for the money. It will never be as exactingly put together as the Rolex, as accurate as the Rolex or as prestigious... but it kicks butt.
Nice comparison, thanks Bruce. Lume on your Subdate to me is PERFECT. Beautiful blue. It seems blue and green lume are popular these days, but all blue.... just does it for me.
I have this Seiko, my second mechanical watch and I am very pleased with it. The strap was swapped out immediately though, with a nice Ritchie caramel leather band. I am however feeling the itch to get something even more premium, I visited the Rolex shop in Santa Monica and the lady there was very welcoming and friendly and gave me several books to take home! I may not have been dressed in a suit and tie, but she treated me respectfully and offered me some water, kudos to the Rolex brand if they actively train their personnel to serve as ambassadors, I am happy to add one as my next piece (though I am also considering Tudor...)
Love Seiko Sports 5 and prospex range 😍...
Bruce; What a novel idea. Since I have one of each. I can honestly say that the Seiko will receive more wrist time as a percentage as opposed to the Sub Hulk. Indeed the Rolex is a better watch in every way it just doesn't feel right to wear in every situation. So...I guess there is "more" utility with the Seiko. What do you think?
I have the same seiko. I put a strapcode bracelet on it and is now a great watch for the $300 total I spent on it.
Maybe the green sumo would've been a better comparison but still this was a fun video.
At retail I would buy the Rolex gladly, even though I think it's already too expensive for what it is, but with Rolex sportsts SS it's a seller's market.
At 20K you can have beautiful, hand crafted pieces of art from the holy trinity or exceptional brands like ALS or Breguet so no, at that price a Rolex is totally not worth it no matter how hot.
Some people just want the name and the hype. I would prefer the top 3 even if they went unnoticed by Joe public.
The rolex market has been manipulated by rolex supply and flippers.
Only worth it at retail because the price was always well supported.
Hey man, where did you get the rubber strap for the seiko?
Good morning Bruce. Great video! I thought you did a fair assessment of both watches. I own 4 watches by Rolex and 1 by Seiko. I love all my watches and wear them all proudly. I am not a fan of the Super Case. I was very happy to see Rolex slim the lugs as they had previously with the GMT Master II line. Like you, I have tried on the new Subs and they are great! I’m on the list for that model as well. Keep the videos coming. Cheers,
This Seiko Hulk with Seiko's Jubilee bracelet is a amazing match.
Bruce what stood out for me in this comparison is the brand names on the dials. One is applied and the other is painted. We tend to think that when something is applied, like the brand name, it is luxurious. What are your thoughts on this? Cheers.
Hi Bruce. I know you like Rolex watches and wondered what you think of the invicta pro diver. Have you ever come across one, and if you did, what did you think of it. I bought one when me and my wife were on a cruise ship last year. it's in black and gold and I really like it.
My only issue with this specific color of Seiko is that the hands, logo, and writings are gold, while the rest of the watch is silver. Aesthetically, it would look better if there were some gold accents on the watch body and strap to create a more cohesive design.
I could listen to that Sub bezel all day, Bruce!
This comparison makes absolutely zero sense. There is no comparison simply because it’s two different classes of watches. Two different worlds.
I don't know why but when I saw your Hulk I was relieved. I was afraid you sold it for the VC.
I own a couple of Rolex submarines, 5513 and a 116610LN as well as a Glashutte 1-39-11-06-80-06. Although the movement on the Glashutte is more complex, I've never thought that the finishing , bracelet, or comfort scored above my subs . That being said , I also own a few Seiko's , my favorite that I still occasionally wear is my trusty SKX007J1. Absolutely love that watch and it has a lot of sentimental value as well . Beauty is really is in the eye of the beholder.
or other wear more the rolex if you live in a coutry taht people think you wear a fake and only you know that is original XD i got both in the end i sold cheap my seiko and wear my rolex
I got myself the same exact Seiko but with a black dial so it didn't look like I was reaching.. :D
I'm looking to buy a green Seiko 5. Can't decide between the 63 and 61 though. I'd love to see a video with the 63 and 61 side by side - I've seen the 63 in person, on a local AD. Can't find the 61 anywhere, it seems like a harder version to come by, even online. And I don't want to order it without knowing if I like it (in some photos it looks more blueish, in others it looks to be a more vibrant green than the 63). Green is my favourite color and I want a vibrant one, but without blue tones. Guess I'll have to wait and see if it appears on the ADs around where I live. Would you happen to have any experience with the 61? Thanks
Bruce, where did you get that strap for the 5kx? What's it called ?
Uncle straps just bought one for my skx. Long Island watch also has some but they aren’t same waffle pattern as Bruce’s
Bruce, it kind of reminds me of March madness. By nature I go for the under dog. Go Seiko....
Should do a comparison of green watches Bruce. Got the seiko , the oris , the rado, the Willard, and the rolex, could make a great vid out of just those ?
Where did you buy the seiko rubber strap?
Clearly the Seiko is superior in every way with the exception of value retention and Mojo power.
Aesthetically speaking....the skx is every bit as classic and beautiful on wrist as the submariner...of course the internals and final touches on the details put them in different price brackets
The great thing about this seiko is, you don't have to worry about attracting too much attention. Imagine getting mugged for your Rolex. All that money down the drain. Worse yet, Imagine getting killed for it. Now the seiko, You can just give it away.. it doesnt matter if you loose it, you can easily afford another. This sounds rather practical and demeaning I know, but it's realistic. This Seiko looks amazing, It has that beautiful sweeping second Hand that echos sophistication. Its not a manual wind, so just wear it and you're good to go. It's masculine!.
Great review!!. 10 out of 10!.
Love your submariner bro, youve kept it in good shape ..
It would have been really interesting to have a score for "value for the money" that in my opinion would be way under 8 for the sub. I love Rolex but their watches should be priced as Omega's +/- 10% to be fair. Very interesting and surprising comparison here. Good job.
A quickie would be to say that the Seiko with a score of 76 and costing around $250 would have a “value for money score at $3/point where the Rolex would be about $217/point…Seiko wins hands down lol
Rolex Hulk for my money. Although the Seiko would make a great beater.
Great video and commentary Bruce. I didn’t understand the hype around Rolex until I picked one up myself. Once I got one, I was smitten by it. All prestige and brand perception aside, they are seriously well made watches. Incredible build quality, classic and timeless design, unmatched durability and versatility, bang on accuracy, great brand heritage and history, and some of the most comfortable watches I’ve ever worn. I know that the brand gets a lot of flack from watch fans/snobs, but I would say don’t be so quick to turn your nose up at this brand and pass judgement until you own a Rolex and see it and enjoy it for the objectively quality watch that it is.
I agree with every word of this. Rolex haters largely haven't tried it. The steel is phenomenal & has a warmth to it.
Still we come to that point that this watch still is not worth almost 20000 euros. Of corse it is high quality, but you are paying brand first of all then quality. Dont tell me that it is worth 100 Seiko SRPDs , maybe 15 or 20. I know that you can sell it much more after some years, but this is just because bussines has its own percepcion and view. So what? He is made by Zeus or Thors hammer? I once tries Rolex Oyster and quality of watch is amazing far from cheap watches, but not that much as marketing claims.
For the money, even craftmanship to money ratio, the Seiko wins every single time. Don't waste your money. Life is too short...
No money vs new money
Just ordered the Seiko cant wait to get it
I’ve had it for a week and I love it. Gorgeous detail, buy it, you won’t regret it.
Great video. Why did you rate the Value category of the Sub 10/10?
I want the link of that black strap put on the seiko. Can someone please help me out?
In the past I loved Rolex but as the time passes, I realiced that Rolex is suffering a lot from replicas and the people are getting tired. The Seiko does not need to be replicated, so it´s more value to me personally considering the price.
What strap do you have on the seiko?
I just can't get excited about Rolex design, which is probably a good thing given that I'm flat broke.
Seriously though, the Seiko is a more striking design.
Where did you buy Seiko's rubber strap?
You should compare the Hulk with a Grand Seiko.
Misleading to put the "market price" of the Rolex on the title. It should be retail price for both watches instead. If the tables have turned and the Seiko has a long wait list, demand and hype for it, while Rolex becomes a "Tag Heuer" where it loses 40% of the value once you leave the shop, will the title be "$1000 watch vs $5000 watch"?
I personally have a seiko SPB083J1, and I find the thousand dollar mark to be a more respectable comparison to something as good as the Rolex. Skx money really doesn't get you that far (in terms of luxury/quality at least).
Not only are the dial/bezel significantly better looking / functioning, the indices much more pronounced, the case shape and polishing is absolutely magnificent, and the bracelet of a much higher quality with a scratch resistant coating.
You sacrifice on the movement, with a 'puny' 6R it doesn't satisfy the eyes as much as a Rolex with 8t/s or a high beat GS 10t/s movement, but it's very reliable and loses very little time in a week (ime).
You pay 4 times what you pay for an skx but you get 4 times the watch in graspable value and quality in return.
I've also had the lower spectrum of seiko's, an skx, a presage SARY057, and a black samurai. But the mm200 hits the sweet spot for me between affordability and quality.
That sweet spot is different for every individual, but it's an enjoyable journey that leads to a very satisfactory outcome most of the time.
I probably love my watch (nearly) as much as you love your hulk, everytime I glance at it, it gives me great pleasure.
What about a Grand Seiko SBGA231 vs Rolex Submariner? That would be interesting.
sorry but isnt the same got the change to buy GS and still love my rolex or buy another tudor
What’s the strap brand?
I own both Rolex & Seiko watches. Enjoy both & both are great at retail or below. I would never pay $20K for a $10K watch.
Where is a good site to buy the Seiko?
Nice video. I can definitely put a trigger for Rolex at a retail price but there are better watches for this price point IMO. And what about Seiko? Mighty SEIKO.
Just got my seiko 5 sport its really nice worth it. of course a rolex is a goal but for now seiko will do.
Quartz, automatic chronograph (arguably) , Springdrive, and recently a constant force tourbillon. Seiko has GS, and dont forget Credor. They cater for all price points. Anyway the submariner does look brilliant though , but not 100 times more brilliant. I wish they could be a bit more reasonable though.
Kinda off topic, but it did make me wonder if anyone actually payed $20.000 for a Hulk? There were some asking $30.000 for them, but it's not because they ask that price, that someone is willing to pay it. On Ebay for example you can see the past sales and most were around $15.000. And on chrono24 you can find them quite easily at $16.000. They are being offered quite regularly at $15.000 and even below, but those don't stay online very long...
Future video idea: battle of the sub-$1000 divers. Can you make this happen Bruce?
My suggested contenders would be:
- Doxa Sub 200
- Seiko Prospex SPB143
- Mido Ocean Star Tribute
- Longines Hydroconquest
- Yema Superman Heritage
- Baltic Aquascaphe
- Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba
I would love do do some sub 1k battles. Let me see what I can do
@@BruceWilliams I’m seriously considering the Doxa, the Baltic and the Yema. Would be nice to see how they stack up to each other.
I think the truth is that at a certain point, it goes from paying for quality from the brand to paying for the brand's quality.
The seiko is at a level that you generally pay more for the quality you want.
The rolex is at a level that you pay for the brand, knowing that the quality will be up there with the price.
I love Rolex but I would never buy one. I feel an Islander diver is all the watch I really need.
Buy 100 of the 200 dollar watches, give them as gifts to anyone you want to impress over the next 20 years. That's five a year.
Remember its not Always about Europe
Plus great video
I just bought the Seiko and returned it after just one day.
The easily and inadvertent turning of the poorly designed bezel is a deal breaker.
The poor bezel turns very easily and messes up my GMT settings.
Back to the drawing board for Seiko.
Where c can I buy that green seiko for $200?
its 20k due to Rolex game since only difference from regular submariner is green color, what a world we live in.
The entire world wearing seiko waches...seiko is the most beautiful watches in history...
Great comparison… your green Rolex is absolutely stunning in the sun. I have a 1986 Bluesy sub two tone I’ve had since new and plan to pass on. Can’t believe the prices now and I think you have to ask yourself is the submariner worth 100x the Seiko price. I just bought one and absolutely love it, but it doesn’t feel or look as good as my Rolex. You are correct to say you feel like you’re getting away with something just paying $200!
PS- The lume on this Seiko is absolutely fantastic. I put it right up there with the Rolex.
Seiko all day’ its not even a battle
One underrated thing about seiko. Diashield, my marine master 200. It’s really doing way better not showing scratches compared to my other watches
Agree, took of my spb149 at the airport recently into tray ontop my jacket, throw my jacket on only to realise my watch goes flying and smashes the hard floor pick it up without a scratch or knock.
Seiko, just as good at a fraction of the price. They always retain value and you don't have to worry about having someone wanting to snatch it from you.
They seem to both tell time for me
A better comparison would have been the Skx or Duro vs the Rolex, (I own all 3)...the 5kx in this vid is only a desk-diver with no screw-down crown, bezel lume pip or 200m WR. As a Physician with rather high-end watch collection, the Casio Duro is STILL the very best bang-4-the-buck dive & quintessential tool watch. It's truly an economical budget dive watch treasure. On every scuba adventure, the Duro goes with us, (& has never failed) while the far more pricey mechanical dive watches stay safely at home away from corrosive, salty, deep sea water. Collect whatever you enjoy, the vast majority of investment grade dive watches don't ever get close to the water & are treated like safe-queens. Back when I bought the Duro, the cost was only $25 & yet it's more enjoyable to wear than many other more pricy pieces. Cheers to you all! 🍻🍺🍺🍻🍺🍺
Do a $200 Vs $2000 and a $2000 Vs $20000 and compare the difference. How much does the 17 point gap diminish at the mid level of 2k and is it worth the price difference?
The law is diminishing returns…
Nobody thinks the watch is fake when you wear the Seiko. There are some nice Seiko around $1500 that offer lots for the money...great brand
Bruce has lost his mind!
What are you talking about
Put a Mako/Ray 2 instead of 5kx, best way to compare. Better options there.