Oyster Perpetual vs Grand Seiko Snowflake

CarProblem

Hi all (apologises in advance - I can't post links so will need to post model numbers!)

Looking for some opinions. Have one decent watch and am looking for something nice but more formal/classic looking. Have looked at piles of models and I keep coming back to the following:

- Rolex Oyster Perpetual (no date). Oystersteel or Blue colour
- Grand Seiko Snowflake (Model SBGA407)
- Grand Seiko Snowflake (Model SBGA211)

I also like really like the Grand Seiko SBGR261 (you can get one for about 25-30% off RRP through Chrono 24) but tbh the Snowflakes are really catching my eye (in particular the 407)

Just looking for others opinions and a few questions for the knowledgable

- is there much of a discount to be squeezed out on a Rolex, I have read various tales online from price is the price to ok levles of discount
- The Snowflake (Model SBGA407) appear to be a new-ish model (whereas the 211 is older). I think Weir's is the only AD in Ireland, should I expect them to stock it eventually and any idea of RRP? A few on Chrono 24 but I'd buy in Dublin after this pandemic if I could get a price close to Chrono 24

Obviously not being an expert I am open to suggestions of other watches people would suggest

Thank you all in advance

893bet

OP is a classic watch. No discounts from ADs really at the moment but with the current climate they may begin to appear.

I am not the biggest fan of the regular snowflake SBGA211. Not a fan of titanium in any watch and it’s just a touch too big.

The blue snowflake looks class. And steel so I assume will have a little weight to it in comparison to its predecessor. Beats an OP out the door IMHO. Buy it please (and flip it to me at the end of the year!).

But it’s not a Rolex. And that is important to some people.

Homer

If you do ever decide to flip the market in Ireland for a GS is infinitely smaller than for an OP. That may not be an issue if you intend to keep forever but worth bearing in mind if, like most of us, you might decide to flip at some stage. Both cracking options.

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Carproblem. All those watches are really nice. The OP is a classic, and the grand seikos are universally praised for the attention to detail and finishing. All "credible" "proper" "classic" "non ****ter" watches (please note quotation markes before any of the snipers get their nickers in a twist).

Discounts on a Rolex OP - maybe 2.5% if your lucky and the salesperson likes you, expect absolutely nothing.

I have some issues with the grand seikos. I look at photos of them online and drool. Then I put them on in the shop and am totally underwhelmed. Even the snowflake doesnt suit my wrist and looks very plain and boring. A rolex is a rolex, and there is always that cache with it, also they are a store of money and generally hold good value, although a OP will drop a little off RRP. While I appreciate value retention is not the be all and end all, it is nice.

Anyway, my advice is try them on and follow your gut. My experiance is few can pass the Rolex, for whatever reason but either way you will end up with a fantastic watch.

Oafley Jones

Ryker Whispering Panther wrote: »

Carproblem. All those watches are really nice. The OP is a classic, and the grand seikos are universally praised for the attention to detail and finishing. All "credible" "proper" "classic" "non ****ter" watches (please note quotation markes before any of the snipers get their nickers in a twist).

Discounts on a Rolex OP - maybe 2.5% if your lucky and the salesperson likes you, expect absolutely nothing.

I have some issues with the grand seikos. I look at photos of them online and drool. Then I put them on in the shop and am totally underwhelmed. Even the snowflake doesnt suit my wrist and looks very plain and boring. A rolex is a rolex, and there is always that cache with it, also they are a store of money and generally hold good value, although a OP will drop a little off RRP. While I appreciate value retention is not the be all and end all, it is nice.

Anyway, my advice is try them on and follow your gut. My experiance is few can pass the Rolex, for whatever reason but either way you will end up with a fantastic watch.

Funnily enough, I had the opposite reaction to the Snowflake. While I've always admired dial/hands, I've never cared for the look of the watch. It's only when I tried it on that it "kinda" clicked with me. But, I still think it's too large and being honest, I think the case design looks a bit dated. Much prefer the harder angles of 44GS case. If they placed the dial in the SBGA375, It'd be a winner for me.

I need see the 407 in person, because I'm just not sold on the blue. AMybe it's amazing in the metal, but it looks kinda insipid to me. It's neither here nor there. Otherwise, I think it's exceptional.

The OP39 in Black/White are amongst the nicest Rolex watches in production. Those older dials are just weird to me, the colour choices are just ugly and jarring. Not a fan. Funny how the dial transformed that watch for me.

CarProblem

Thanks for the replies - much appreciated

893bet wrote: »

But it’s not a Rolex. And that is important to some people.

Not an issue (I think) but my head might be turned if I try it on of course.

Homer wrote: »

If you do ever decide to flip the market in Ireland for a GS is infinitely smaller than for an OP. That may not be an issue if you intend to keep forever but worth bearing in mind if, like most of us, you might decide to flip at some stage. Both cracking options.

I'd be hoping to keep it, certainly don't envisage flipping it in even the mid term but obviously things and circumstances can change

Ryker Whispering Panther wrote: »

Anyway, my advice is try them on and follow your gut. My experience is few can pass the Rolex, for whatever reason but either way you will end up with a fantastic watch.

Yeah that's the plan but trying the 407 Snowflake may be an issue unless Weir's get it in stock. The gold on it can look completely different depending on the photo I have seen online. As it appears to be a new enough model (but plenty of availability in the EU online) hopefully I can try it when the current situation passes

One other thing re GS - what are the options for servicing? I have often seen independents recommended on here for other watches but would that be an option for Spring Drive or would original manufacturer through AD be the only option?

Oafley Jones

CarProblem wrote: »

One other thing re GS - what are the options for servicing? I have often seen independents recommended on here for other watches but would that be an option for Spring Drive or would original manufacturer through AD be the only option?

Pretty sure there's a GS service centre in the UK, if you want/need it polished it has to go back to Japan.

CarProblem

Hi all

Thanks for all the replies. Just one last thing

I think I'm leaning towards a Grand Seiko (but not in a rush to decide) however one thing I've noticed online (apologises again I can't post links) is that some of the sellers on Chrono 24 list, for example, the SBGA407. I have seen one seller list this as the SBGA407G

Probably a silly question but does anyone know what the difference is (if any)?

Also for the enthusiasts I have also added the Grand Seiko SBGR305 to the list of possibilities but it might be a little outside my price range. This is another where I have seen it listed with a G at the end and described as new, however my understanding is it's a limited edition watch released in 2017

SBGA385 will have to wait until I win the Lotto :-)

2shea

Seiko and Rolex are my two favourite brands.

But the OP s a cracker of a watch and I would have it over the GS.

Cienciano

If you're in 2 minds trying them on is the only way. Personally it's an easy decision for me, I'd go with the GS, no question