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Author: William Boyd

William has been collecting and exploring luxury watches ever since he was 19. He discovered his passion for timepieces when he received a vintage rolex submariner as a gift from his father on his 18th birthday! And there has been no looking back ever since!

Tudor GMT Vs. Rolex GMT (IN-DEPTH Comparison of all Variants!)

Posted on October 14, 2022November 6, 2024 by William Boyd

Rolex and Tudor are some of the best brands producing timepieces globally. These brands have built a reputation in the watchmaker industry for their classic and efficient wristwatches. Although Tudor is not as famous as Rolex, the brand comes through when you need outstanding wristwatches. It has proven itself worthy by crafting some outstanding luxury wristwatches. Nowadays, it is easier to find people checking to see which of these two brands is the best, more with the introduction of GMT watches.

The Tudor GMT vs. Rolex GMT comparison strikes several nerves. It is pretty challenging to pick a side in this debate because each brand produces the best GMT wristwatches. Thus, it isn’t easy to pick a side at first glance. We will take an in-depth look at the two brands and what makes each unique. Before we proceed, we will first understand what GMT wristwatches are and how they work.

What Is a GMT Wristwatch?

We have often seen wristwatches with the inscription “GMT” on them. However, we may not fully understand what GMT means. A GMT timepiece is one with a 24-hour format in addition to a second hand that indicates a second-time zone. This means you can tell the time in your current location and another location of your choice if you correctly set the second hand.

“GMT,” as seen on some wristwatches, stands for Greenwich Mean Time. GMT watches offer two things: standard hands that tell local time and a hand always synchronized to GMT. Hence, you can use the GMT hand to get accurate time readings worldwide. Why, then, do you need GMT timepieces?

GMT timepieces make it easier and more efficient to tell the time in another timezone. Not all GMT wristwatches work as well as others. One of the most popular and reliable GMT timepieces is from the Rolex brand. The Rolex GMT-Master is renowned for its efficiency. Another brand that produces efficient and exciting timepieces is Tudor.

Now that we understand the workings of GMT wristwatches, we can better compare Rolex and Tudor GMT timepieces, their features, histories, and what makes each brand’s GMT timepiece special.

The Rolex Brand

Rolex SA is one of the most renowned watchmakers in the world. This British-founded Swiss timepiece designer and manufacturer came into existence in 1905. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the brand started using the name “Rolex” in 1908. Later, the brand changed its name to Rolex Watch Co. Ltd in 1915.

After World War I, in 1920, Hans Wilsdorf decided to register the timepiece as Montres Rolex SA. The Hans Wilsdorf Foundation has owned and run this company since 1960. Interestingly, Tudor falls under Rolex as one of its subsidiaries.

Although Rolex has a hand in developing the famed quartz watch movements, it has produced chiefly mechanical timepieces. While the brand has only made a few quarts timepieces for its Oyster brand, the Rolex engineers helped design and implement the movement in the late ’60s and early ’70s.

It is interesting to see how Rolex SA has improved with time. Initially, the brand used ceramic bezels (Cerachrom) on its timepieces. One of the wristwatches that featured this bezel was the GMT-Master II in 2005. Later, the brand used ceramic bezel inserts in its professional sports watches.

When it comes to steel, Rolex uses 904L grade stainless steel, which is more than you will find in other brands. Most other watch brands use 316L grade steel. Hence, Rolex wristwatches are more corrosion-resistant. Additionally, these wristwatches leave a beautiful luster when polished.

Rolex GMT Wristwatches

Rolex began making GMT wristwatches in 1954 with the introduction of the Rolex GMT Master. It didn’t take long before the brand also launched the GMT Master II, which is one of the most prominent timepieces in the world today. The GMT Master from Rolex has a luminous bakelite bezel insert. Additionally, it features a caliber 1036 automatic movement and a GMT complication.

The brand quickly replaced the red and blue bakelite since it easily cracked. Later in 1956, Rolex introduced a metal bezel for its GMT timepieces. Moreover, the brand released several watches after the first. Some significant releases include 1675, 16760, 16750, 16710, 16700 GMT Master II, and 116710.

Tudor Wristwatches History

In 1946, Wilsdorf established Montres Tudor SA to offer a new perspective to users who wanted something other than Rolex watches. This unique collection of wristwatches targeted a new market segment and made a name for itself.

Tudor launched the Tudor Oyster in 1947. Although the name resembled the Oyster seen in Rolex wristwatches, the design was quite different. Since then, Tudor and Rolex have shared brand names. Another prominent collection shared by Rolex and Tudor is the Submariner models.

Although Tudor is a subsidiary of Rolex SA, the brand uses original and distinct advertising to garner its customers. Tudor’s early models were among the first to offer water resistance and self-winding movements in timepieces.

Historical Tudor Timepiece Models

Much like Rolex, Tudor has a rich history of prominent wristwatches that have made their mark. One such timepiece was the Tudor Oyster Prince 7909, launched in 1952. The timepiece had several case sizes, from 31mm to 34mm. Hence, users could enjoy a classic watch for their exact wrist size. The Tudor 7909 had a crown with a logo.

The watch case lodged the caliber 390, a third-party movement with a 2.5Hz frequency. After this first Oyster release, Tudor released subsequent models like the Tudor Prince Date-Day in 1969. The Tudor Prince Date-Day had a case diameter of 37.5mm.

With time, Tudor moved to produce Diver wristwatches which somewhat became the brand’s specialty. The brand released its first Submariner model in 1954, called the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner 7922. This timepiece had a Mercedes-style hour hand and a crownless protector case back.

Tudor started producing wristwatches with case guards in 1959 with the advent of the 7928 movement. Moreover, the brand has worked on and evolved its case guard designs. Tudor proceeded to introduce several chronographs in the 1970s. One central chronograph released by Tudor at that time was the Montecarlo 7169/0, and the brand released the timepiece in 1971.

Tudor’s Renaissance

As with most renowned brands, Tudor underwent a period where it seemed to have lost focus. Consequently, the demand for its models dwindled and was at an all-time low. At that time, the brand no longer sold its timepieces in America and the United Kingdom for several years. Tudor only started selling in the UK market in 2014.

When a new administration arrived, they paid more attention to detail and released the Tudor Advisor in 2011. This timepiece had a mechanical alarm and took its design inspiration from the Tudor Advisor 7926. Although the watch was not a replica of the Tudor Advisor 7926, it was a contemporary interpretation of the past.

Next, the brand released the Tudor Pelago, a timepiece without crown protectors. This timepiece had a snowflake hour hand and featured a titanium and steel case. One of the brand’s most outstanding designs arrived in 2012 when it released the Tudor Heritage Black Bay.

Later in 2013, Tudor launched the Heritage Chrono Blue. The timepiece has some eye-catching orange and blue hues once spotted by the 1970s Monetcarlo models. Since its renaissance, Tudor has managed to enlarge its timepiece models. Nowadays, you will find Style and Range models as a part of its diversification process.

Rolex GMT Vs. Tudor GMT: Which Is Best?

Although Rolex is the most famous brand in the world and will always get many customers, Tudor has gained more ground since its renaissance. Before now, most people thought of Tudor wristwatches as the poor man’s Rolex. However, the brand has changed this perception.

Tudor and Rolex GMT wristwatches are all outstanding timepieces. Hence, it is challenging to pick a favorite at first glance. However, we can use a few things to determine which brand produces the best GMT watches. We will look at these features and compare the similarities and differences to determine which brand has outstanding GMT timepieces.

Design

You will discover that Rolex and Tudor have many things in common, considering their timepiece designs. Its public knowledge that Tudor obtained inspiration from Rolex’s Submariners when designing its Tudor Black Bay collection. Not only that, Tudor and Rolex have both used similar designs on several projects. Each brand modifies the primary structure into something exclusive.

Tudor was the cheaper alternative to Rolex before now. Nowadays, Tudor also produces some of the most expensive timepieces that match Rolex’s pricing. This increase in pricing is understandable since Tudor uses Rolex components for making its watches. The only difference is that Tudor uses third-party movements in all its timepieces.

Considering the current Tudor Black Bay GMT (ref M79830RB-001), you will discover that it has that distinct Submariner design found in other Black Bay timepieces. The 41mm retro wristwatch resembles the watches of the 1950s when the Rolex GMT Master (1954) and Submariner (1953) debuted.

Although the Rolex GMT master has evolved, the Tudor Black Bay GMT has retained some of its original designs. You will discover that the GMT Master II Pepsi (ref 126710BLRO) looks more modern than the Black Bay GMT. This GMT Master II is the first with a red and blue ceramic bezel.

Technology

Before now, Rolex was the better of the two brands technology-wise. While Tudor depended on third parties to produce its movements, Rolex made theirs for decades. However, Tudor launched their in-house movement in 2015 and has swiftly implemented them across its timepiece collections. Today, both Rolex and Tudor have in-house movements for their GMT wristwatches.

While the most recent Rolex GMT Master has a Rolex Caliber 3285 movement, the Tudor Black Bay GMT has the Tudor caliber MT5652 movement. Both movements are automatic and feature 70-hour reserves, respectively. Additionally, both wristwatches display time in two time zones.

The difference is that the Rolex wristwatch comes with a magnifying Cyclops lens on the date window. The Tudor Black Bay GMT has a regular date display without the unique magnifying lens featured in its Rolex counterpart.

Pricing

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Rolex charges premiums for its wristwatches. The Tudor Black Bay wristwatch with a stainless still bracelet goes for about $4,300, which is quite affordable. On the other hand, Rolex charges about $10,300 on its current GMT Master II. Thus, you can make a choice depending on your budget.

From the price angle, the Tudor Black Bay is a better choice. However, it is not that easy. The money spent on Rolex’s GMT Master II offers quality and status. Wearing a Rolex wristwatch comes with so much respect, and Rolex stands for success and is the foundation for the Tudor Black Bay GMT. If you need an original GMT wristwatch, the Rolex Marinemaster is your surest bet.

Tudor Pepsi Vs. Rolex Pepsi

As we mentioned earlier, Rolex and Tudor share similar names for their wristwatches, and the Pepsi collection is not left out. While you can find Pepsi wristwatches for both Rolex and Tudor, there are some slight differences that we will now consider.

Tudor Pepsi and Rolex Pepsi wristwatches got launched in 2018 as part of each brand’s exclusive GMT wristwatches. Hence, there is not much separating them in the year of release. However, considering the case size, Tudor’s Pepsi Black Bay GMT wristwatch has a bigger case size (41mm) than Rolex’s Pepsi GMT Master II (40mm).

Although both brands use stainless steel materials for their wristwatches, Rolex uses higher-grade steel. Rolex uses Oysetersteel 904L stainless steel for its case material. Hence, you will enjoy a more scratch-resistant timepiece from Rolex than Tudor.

There is nothing much to separate the two timepieces regarding the dial. Tudor Pepsi and Rolex Pepsi have a black dial with luminescent hour markers. Additionally, both wristwatches have date displays, time with running seconds, and GMT functionality. Rolex’s Pepsi GMT Master II has a bidirectional bezel with red and blue ceramic inserts and a 24-hour scale.

Although Tudor’s Pepsi Black Bay GMT wristwatch has a bidirectional bezel, it uses aluminum (red and blue) inserts with a 24-hour scale. Also, while you typically find a domed sapphire crystal on Tudor’s Pepsi timepiece, you will find a flat Sapphire crystal window on the Rolex Pepsi GMT Master II. However, the distinguishing characteristic is that the Sapphire crystal from Rolex comes with a Cyclops lens.

Another distinguishing feature is that Tudor’s Pepsi Black Bay has a water resistance of 200m, which is more than the 100m spotted by Rolex’s GMT Master II. While both wristwatches have automatic caliber movements, Tudor opts for the caliber MT5652, while Rolex uses a unique caliber 3285 movement. Below is a table summarizing the similarities and differences between the Rolex Pepsi and Tudor Pepsi wristwatches.

Feature	Tudor Pepsi	Rolex Pepsi
Launch Year	2018	2018
Case Size	41mm	40mm
Material	Stainless steel	Oysersteel 904L Stainless Steel
Functions	Date display, time with running seconds, and GMT function	Date display, time with running seconds, and GMT function
Dial	Black with luminescent hour markers	Black with luminescent hour markers
Crystal	Sapphire (flat) with Cyclops lens	Sapphire (domed)
Water resistance	200m	100mm
Movement	Tudor caliber MT5652	Rolex caliber 3285
Bezel	Red and blue aluminium insert, bidirectional with 24-hour scale	Bidirectional, red and blue ceramic insert with 24-hour scale
Strap/Bracelet	Fabric or leather strap, stainless steel bracelet	Jubilee or Oyster bracelet
Retail Price	About $4000	About $9,700

Things to Consider When Choosing Between the Tudor Black Bay Vs. Rolex GMT Master II

Timepiece enthusiasts know that wristwatches do more than just tell time. For such watch lovers, these timepieces represent coveted accessories that suit their outfits. Additionally, brands like Rolex and Tudor produce wristwatches of high value that can serve as collectibles.

It is usually challenging regarding the Tudor black bay GMT vs. Rolex Pepsi debate. However, consider a few before choosing a suitable wristwatch from these brands.

The Style

You need to consider the watch style when deciding between these two brands. While Rolex has evolved, Tudor has not. Tudor still carries the vintage designs from timepieces in the ’60s and ’70s. Thus, you can go with Tudor if you need vintage yet classic styles. On the other hand, you must patronize Rolex if you need modern and more aesthetically pleasing timepieces.

Although these brands come from the same ownership, Rolex is more prestigious. Wearing a Rolex GMT Master II timepiece or any Rolex wristwatch classifies you with successful and accomplished individuals. At the same time, Tudor is also a renowned brand but not as famous as its Rolex counterpart.

Whichever brand you choose, ensure that the Pepsi wristwatch you pick suits your daily outfits. You won’t have to spend more money buying extra wristwatches. Additionally, you must consider water resistance if you love water sports or marine activities. You can also try to select neutral colors. The strap you pick depends on your preference. Hence, you can choose leather, stainless steel, or rubber straps.

The Fitting

You must always consider how well your wristwatch fits to look smart. Although mostly overlooked, your wrist size is essential in picking the suitable wristwatch for you. If you have a small wrist, you must choose a timepiece that suits smaller wrists. For example, our article covers borders on the Tudor Pepsi Vs. Rolex Pepsi comparison.

Tudor Pepsi has a bigger case size than Rolex Pepsi. Hence, smaller-wrist individuals will have to opt for Rolex Pepsi if they want to enjoy more brilliant looks. Contrastingly, more prominent wrist individuals will have to consider Tudor Pepsi GMT timepieces since they have a bigger case size. Why must you pick an appropriate wristwatch for your wrist size?

A small, thin wristwatch may look rather delicate on someone with a large wrist. A more oversized watch will look too big on a smaller wrist in the same light. Thus, it would help if you always used the appropriate wristwatches to appear smart.

Price and Value Retention

It is no hidden fact that Rolex timepieces cost more than Tudor’s. People usually referred to Tudor timepieces as “the poor man’s Rolex.” Although Tudor has increased the pricing for its Pepsi Black Bay and other models, it still does not measure up to the amount charged by Rolex.

You must consider the Rolex Pepsi timepiece if you want a pricier wristwatch with higher value retention. If, on the other hand, you need a less expensive option, you can consider the Tudor Black Bay.

Maintenance

Both Tudor Pepsi and Rolex Pepsi have durable and robust timepieces. These brands have made a name for producing solid and durable watches. Thus, you may not need to spend extra money on maintenance after purchasing these timepieces.

Note that you may have to spend more on maintenance with Rolex Pepsi if you have to do any maintenance. Tudor does not charge as much as Rolex regarding maintaining its Pepsi Black Bay wristwatch.

MT5652 vs. Rolex Movement: Which is the best?

Both movements have unique and similar characteristics. The Rolex GMT Master II has a caliber 3285 movement. Furthermore, this movement has a self-winding, 31-jewel automatic movement feature that replaces the original caliber 3186. This new movement has a bigger diameter that enhances its 70-hour power reserve. Thus, you can expect higher precision, resistance to shock, power reserve, and longevity with this timepiece.

The Tudor Black Bay GMT has a caliber MT5652 movement, which is just as efficient as the Rolex caliber 3285 movement. Unlike the 3285 movement, this movement has a 25-jewel self-winding movement (automatic). Interestingly, this movement also has a 70-hour power reserve. Additionally, this movement has a variable inertia balance, a bidirectional rotor system, and a micro-adjustment by screw. The caliber also has a non-magnetic balance spring (silicon).

It is pretty challenging to pick out the better of the two because each of these movements has similar features with just a few variations. Hence, you can use any of them and get near-similar results.

Tudor Pepsi or Roles Pepsi: Which is more expensive?

Both Tudor and Rolex Pepsi are exciting timepieces. However, as far as pricing is concerned, Rolex Pepsi costs more than Tudor Black Pay. While you can obtain your Tudor Black Bay wristwatch for around $4000, the Rolex GMT Master II goes for about $9500 to $10000.

Conclusion: Which Pepsi GMT Timepiece Should You Buy? Rolex or Tudor?

After reading this article, there should be only one question on your mind; which timepiece then should I buy? This question has several answers depending on what you want. Whether the Rolex GMT Master II or Tudor Heritage Black Bay GMT depends on your preference.

If you want prestige and class, you can go for Rolex. However, you can buy a few Tudors with the money for the Rolex and still have some change. The Tudor Pepsi is an outstanding timepiece with an excellent design. If you are a purist, you will love Tudor Pepsi. Interestingly, the wristwatch features a 70-hour power reserve in its in-house movement.

You can snatch up a Tudor Black Bay GMT from its online store if your local retailer has no left in store. Don’t worry about the fees; you will only pay a small fee for delivery. If you are a Rolex lover, you should be ready to spend around twice the amount a Tudor buyer would spend. However, as you may have guessed, a Rolex timepiece is the real deal.

So which timepiece is right for you? That we can’t say. However, we can say that the two watches have exciting features. You can opt for any of them depending on your preference and budget. Whichever wristwatch you choose, you will indeed have a beautiful experience.

Sinn Vs. Damasko Watches (EVERYTHING You Should Know)

Posted on October 14, 2022May 22, 2023 by William Boyd

German. Entry-level pilot watch. These are some of the features that come to mind when you think of luxury watchmakers like Sinn and Damasko. We can testify that they are both fine manufacturers with distinct features but suit a different crowd of watch enthusiasts.

Our Sinn vs. Damasko brand review isn’t a battle but a guide to help you clarify similarities and differences that matter. We’ll look into these watchmakers’ technical specs, craftsmanship, price ranges, and all other details that you need to know. Let’s start with the brand recognition of Sinn and Damasko. Who’s more popular?

Brand Recognition

Although both brands don’t have the popularity of Rolex, Sinn is clearly the more reputable brand. First, they’ve been in business since 1964, while Damasko is a family-run business established in 1994. Despite this, Sinn is not the most famous German pilot watchmaker (sill behind Laco) but stays mainstream with new collections and useful technology.

Alternatively, Damasko maintains its tradition of building classy watches that can take a beating. There’s also a popularity gap when considering the number of publicity tests from these two watchmakers. Sinn – ironically known as the “aesthetic” watchmaker – has launched more durability tests than the Damasko, whose motto is literally selling durable timepieces.

They first sent a 140 S model into space in 1985 and 1992. And have since conducted many design tests like a recent temperature test for their 303 Kristall at the Yukon Quest dog sled race and a dive test for the 203 ARKTIS in the Arctic sea.

So far, Damasko’s most revered publicity is being a NATO aviator watch supplier and Sinn ice-blasted case supplier. But, in their defense, they don’t “really” do marketing but leave it to fanboys and critics. And it works for Damasko because they are a small family-run company with a yearly output of only about 1,000 watches.

Ultimately, you won’t turn as many heads with either brand unless you have a handful of watch enthusiasts in your social circle. But expect to pique more people’s interest or recognition of your watch with Sinn.

Ease of Finding US Sellers/Distributors

Finding authorized dealers of an overseas brand can be challenging. Some watch enthusiasts welcome the exclusivity, but it’s a dealbreaker for many who value having options and easy after-sale services. Fortunately, both brands have an authorized dealer here in the states. Unfortunately, there’s only one authorized distributor for Sinn in the USA, but you’ll find a handful of trusted third-party dealers.

Exquisite Timepieces, for instance, sells new and pre-owned Sinn watches. Meanwhile, Damasko has three authorized dealers in the United States. But unlike Sinn, you won’t find many trusted dealers for a good sale or after-sale service.

Accuracy

In a world of mechanical watches, even a one or two seconds delay counts. So how do these two weigh up in terms of accuracy? It’s a bit unfair. Damasko manufactures only mechanical watches (talk about exclusive), while Sinn makes quartz watches. This makes Sinn clearly better because even a knock-off quartz watch can be four times more accurate than a $4,000 mechanical watch from Damasko or Sinn.

So we’ll play on the level field of their mechanical watches. More specifically, their chronometers. If they were Swiss brands, we’d judge accuracy easily by the number of COSC and META-certified watches both brands carry. Regardless, Damasko offers a few COSC-certification-level watches, such as its recent DC76/2 with equivalent “Military Certified” and “Central Minute Counter” certificates.

This chronograph uses a heavily modified in-house C51-6 movement that’s modeled after the legendary Lemania 5100. In addition, Damasko currently offers nine classic pilot chronograph watch series of comparable accuracy. On the other hand, Sinn currently offers 14 chronographs, among which are design award winners. The Sinn 93, for instance, won a Red Dot Product Design Award in 2020 and so have a few other models.

How accurate can Sinn and Damasko get in extreme temperatures?

Sinn’s temperature resistance technology keeps their watch functioning well between -40 degrees celsius to +80 degrees Celsius. Damasko, on the other hand, uses watch movements with industry-standard accuracy.

Watch enthusiasts often say Damaskos never lose accuracy but gain by the second. So if they start with +1 seconds per day, they can typically gain around +5 to +6 seconds per day after a few years. But indeed, there are exceptions.

Technologies

German watchmakers put extra effort into timepiece technology. Konrad Damasko, CEO of Damasko, in the earlier interview with Gear Patrol, confirms this: “Damasko is based on technology: we build watches to be worn all day and 100% made in Germany.”

Although robust tool watches are Damasko’s specialty, Sinn also makes durable watches with innovative technology. I’ll brief you on some of the notable ones.

Durability

One of Damasko’s steel hardening technologies is the DAMEST coating, which prevents any traces of wear. Another one, probably the most popular, is their ice-hardened 100% in-house made stainless steel bracelets. We’ve seen users wear watches with this steel case for almost a decade without scruff marks.

And Damasko submarine steel that’s seawater and corrosion resistant. Now let’s switch to Sinn’s high-end steel bracelet, the Tegimented Steel. Instead of hardening the material (such as stainless steel) with a coating like “ice” or sand, it’s hardened through a unique process called tegimenting.

Coincidentally, it was a replacement for Damasko’s ice-hardened steel in 2002. While this speaks of innovation on Sinn’s part, it also reveals industry trust in Damasko’s steel durability. Alternatively, Sinn also uses bead-blasting technology on some of their other models.

Magnetic field protection

If you’re an engineer or scientist, you’ll regularly operate instruments that can mess with your watch’s components, causing it to malfunction, freeze, or veer off by up to thirty seconds per day. While magnetism can’t be 100% prevented, you can use a watch (usually a chronograph in today’s world) with strong enough protection against instruments you handle.

Most watchmakers use a protective casing material with a low reaction to magnetic fields, qualifying it as “non-magnetic.” Ideally, they offer protection from magnetic fields of 4,000 A/m.

So what do Sinn and Damasko have in place for magnetic protection?

Damasko uses a shielding cage for anti-magnetism in all its non-glass back watches. It’s a special alloy that provides magnetic protection of up to 80,000 A/m and is DIN8309 certified. Sinn is also a frontrunner in magnetic field protection and has an array of mission watches with up to 80,000 A/m protection. They use a “magnetically soft” inner case as the magnetic shield.

For perspective, 80,000 A/m or 1,000 Gauss is the same anti-magnetic resistance of the Omega Milgauss. So you’ll find an option with both brands but probably have to buy an Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra with 1,100,000 Am protection. You’ll find other models you can compare as you read this guide.

Humidity and Fog Protection

Mechanical watches need a “dehumidifier” to prevent aging from moisture exposure. Yes, it’s simply making the watch case anti-fog. But Sinn and Damasko approach the situation differently. Sinn uses “Ar-Dehumidifying Technology,” which reduces air infiltration by about 75 percent in select watches.

You can find the details of Sinn’s technologies in another post. Damasko, on the other hand, hasn’t specified its dehumidifying tech. But judging from their pilot and diving watch line, it’s intuitive that they have humidity protection.

Temperature Resistance

Although we talked about accuracy earlier, lubrication is the life force that makes a watch tick in harsh (or any) weather. Sinn uses a “special sinn oil” to maintain accuracy and prevent aging in extreme temperatures between -45 degrees to 80 degrees Celsius. For instance, Mario Weidner, an ARKTIS explorer, wears the Sinn 203 while swimming in the arctic ocean.

Although Damasko doesn’t market its temperature tech as much as Sinn, their watches have passed EADS pilot tests in Manching since 2007. To put it simply, they’ve supplied NATO pilots with aviator watches for over 15 years.

Owing to meeting this military standard, all Damasko timepieces – not just aviators – can survive temperature fluctuations between -40 degrees to +54 degrees Celsius. Ultimately, any entry-level Damasko or Sinn pilot watch, like the Sinn 104 UFC, can withstand any weather you put it through.

Water Resistance

Both brands manufacture regular watches with decent water resistance of up to 20m. However, when we speak of the ultimate water resistance in a luxury watch, we mean the category of diver’s watches. You’ll be shocked to discover that Sinn was the first company to manufacture diving watches in compliance with European diving standards.

Some of Sinn’s best water-resistant watches are Sinn 856 UTC, U1, and U2, with a DNV-certified water resistance of 2000 meters. They also have special features for divers, such as German submarine steel, strong lume for readability in murky waters, and a glove-controllable bezel.

Damasko doesn’t seem to compete with their best diving watch, Damasko DSub 50. It’s water-resistant up to only 300 meters (984 feet) but uses the crack-resistant submarine steel and other features in high-end diver’s watches. In the final analysis, Sinn is the choice brand if your work or hobby requires deep diving up to 1000 meters. But if you’re a recreation diver who loves Damasko’s bold designs, their DSub series should suffice.

Resale Value

Understanding resale value is also something to consider, so I would add that in. In a nutshell, this is an area where Sinn outshines Damasko. They have a large market, not just because they prioritize marketing but also because they’ve been in business longer.

That’s not to say you won’t get a good bargain for a used Damasko if you ever want to sell. But Sinn watches drive a slightly higher resale value. Despite Damasko’s exclusivity, the market is fairer towards Sinn. For instance, a five-year-old fairly-used Sinn 104 can still sell for about $1000, which is close to its cost price. But a 2-year-old DC56 chronograph – worth over $2,000 new – would currently trade at around $1600.

Warranty

Both brands have a similar warranty duration of between 2 to 3 years. It costs around $50 to upgrade a Damasko’s warrant to 3 from 2 years. The warranty is also transferable from a previous owner if you buy a pre-owned watch.

Remember that you also need the previous owner’s full name to validate the warranty. Not just a serial number, so you don’t waste shipping costs. This raises the question, “which brand is more responsive to after-sales service”?

Although Damasko has more authorized dealers in the US, watch enthusiasts prefer Sinn’s customer service. They are more helpful and reply faster even though they send repairs all the way to Germany. At Exquisite Timepieces, honoring the manufacturer’s warranty on available timepieces is second nature.

Comparable Sinn and Damasko Watch: DA46 Vs. Sinn 104

Should you buy Sinn or Omega? Both brands compare on almost every level. These two German watchmakers offer pilot watches, chronographs, and diving watches, so there’s usually a design or price range overlay. Let’s head off with a brief Sinn 104 and DA46 showdown.

The major deciding point usually boils down to style preference. You either fancy a DA46 for its bold and rugged build or a Sinn104 for its casual dress appeal. The 104 has a polished case and bracelet that only relaxed people would appreciate, but the Damasko’s finishing is similar to a practical tool watch – built for everyday use in a specific field.

But if you pay attention to the components of your watch, you’ll appreciate a DA46 better than a 104 in gold bracelets. That’s because it uses an Arabic numeral dial, wide sword hands, and sports a bead-blasted case. Both watches still have significant similarities, like a two-directional rotating bezel, black dial finish, and triangular lume pips.

Other Sinn and Damasko Watches

Everyday watch: Sinn 556 and Damasko DS30
Diving watch: Damasko Dsub50 and Sinn U1
Chronograph: Damasko DC56 and Sinn 103St
Anti Magnetic watch: Damask DC86 and Sinn 140St

Price Points

It’s easy to outrightly write off Damasko as the cheaper brand because they’re smaller. But with their recent technologies and releases, they aren’t so far off from Sinn on the price scale. Does this make the Sinn more expensive than Damasko? You’ll find out below.

Tool Watches

Well, with tool or instrument watches, they aren’t far off. Damasko’s limited in-house production guarantees that genuine craftsmanship (not mass production) goes into even its most affordable timepieces. An entry-level Damasko ds30 pilot watch costs less than $1,100, while you can still find a Sinn 556 I for around $1000 (shipping fees not included). That means anyone considering both brands can afford to get at least an entry-level watch from either.

Chronographs

Sinn blows Damasko out of the water when you compare higher-end series. For example, Damasko DC86 is one of Damasko’s most expensive timepieces and costs about $4000. Meanwhile, Sinns’ 6000 Rose Gold costs around $15,000 and is only one of its many pricy models.

If you head into their diving watch shelf, you’ll see some correspondence in price points. Damasko’s DSUB50, for instance, would hold its own against Sinn’s row of high-end diver’s watches.

Ladies Watches

It’s essential to add that Sinn also carries a beautiful line of women’s watches, while Damasko doesn’t. The entry-level models cost around $1300 to $3500, while exclusive models decorated with precious stones and metal cost about $4000 to $6000. Sinn also has a line of limited and special edition watches that cost anywhere from $4000 to over $10,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why I Chose A Damasko Watch Over A Sinn?

Both models (D46 and Sinn 104) had identical specs, but I chose the Damasko for its ice-hardened steel bracelet. I wanted a tool watch I could wear daily at work and not worry about scuff marks while at it. Plus, the DA46 had a bright lume.

What’s the Damasko vs. Sinn Debate In A Nutshell?

The Sinn and Damasko debate generally borders around their dressiness and toughness. Watch enthusiasts believe Sinn watches are better suited for casual or dressy occasions, while Damasko’s are for those looking for rugged, “everyday-use” tool watches.

While this is true, it’s a fan-based generalization. Sinn might be a jack-of-all-trade brand, but they carry some of the toughest watches money can buy. And Damasko, as a small, family-owned, in-house producer, is great at what it does best – making durable watches.

Are Sinn Watches Tough?

Sinn reinforces its watch case and bracelet with either a scratch-resistant bead-blasted coating or their high-end steel hardening technology called Tegiment.

Most of these watches carry professional-standard anti-magnetic inner cases. And use Sinn’s “special Sinn oil” to stay accurate in freezing and hot temperatures. Overall, Sinn builds robust watches but also offers polished dressy models.

What Movement is in the Sinn 556i?

Buyers get confused when they find a different movement from different dealers. But it’s not an issue nor an alarm for knock-offs. The Sinn 556i officially uses a Selita SW200-1 but is the same as the ETA-2824-2. It’s known to run at an average of +3 seconds per day.

Are Sinn Watches German?

Found by a German, Helmut Sinn, in 1961 and based out of Frankfurt am Main district in Germany.
Sinn is a renowned and trusted watchmaker that sells over 12,000 watches yearly and has won several red dot design awards.

Final Thoughts

Sinn and Damasko are great watchmakers beyond dispute, so it all boils down to your preference. If you value exclusivity and rugged tool watches, Damasko makes it clear they focus on toughness and produces only about 1000 watches yearly.

Prefer having more options and growing your taste with one brand? Sinn has several entry-level and high-end options in many categories, from chronographs to ladies’ watches. What’s your experience with Sinn and Damasko? If you’re shopping, you can check out our collection of authentic Sinn watches (with manufacturer warranty) in the store.

ETA 2824 vs. 2836 Caliber SHOOTOUT (Comparing All Aspects)

Posted on September 24, 2022February 27, 2023 by William Boyd

The ETA 2824 and 2836 are two of the most popular watch movements in the watch-making industry. Did you know? Swiss ETA movements are the most popular watch movements in the world. Countless luxury and mid-range Swiss brands rely on this powerhouse’s movements to run their timepieces.

That’s how powerful and popular this Swiss brand is becoming. ETA calibers are durable, reliable, and easy to produce, making them ideal for mass production. In some cases, ETA movements have outperformed in-house calibers. For this reason, with its reliability, ETA is a top choice for most timepiece makers. ETA is also a top choice because it is easy to modify its products.

The ETA is an easy pick as one of the iconic automatic calibers of all time. Watchmakers around the world base their timepieces on ETA calibers. Since ETA produces movements in various grades, brands have numerous options.

You probably heard of ETA, Estimated Time of Arrival. The Swiss brand ETA has been around for more than 150 years. Hence its dominance in the watch-making industry. It is of little surprise the brand is the powerhouse it is today.

The brand’s origins date back to 1793, and very few brands can boast of being around for that long. All through the 20th century, the company has exchanged hands through various earners through mergers. But that hasn’t lost its touch in the caliber-making industry.

What’s the Difference Between the ETA 2836-2 and 2824-2?

Both movements are very similar as the ETA 2836-2 is an advancement of the ETA 2824-2. The two movements have a similar diameter of 25.6mm. The main difference between these two movements is that 2836 holds a day-date calendar complication while 2824 houses only the date complication. That stands to be the major difference between these two movements.

The frequency is also similar; time with central seconds, date with a corrector, and time stop are all the same. The chronometer grade for both movements is also the same. However, the ETA 2824-2 is the most popular among the two.

ETA 2836 Movement Review

The ETA 2836 is a caliber movement whose design is based on the ETA 2824. The ETA 2836 not only has a date function but also features a weekday indicator which 2824 doesn’t have. The most recent version of the 2836 houses a stop second device, and the movement can be upgraded to a GMT caliber with a second-time zone.

The ETA 2824 doesn’t feature a date display, creating 2836 to compensate for that. Most watches have groves for the date display; 2824 couldn’t deliver on that front. To keep up with the changing dynamics of the watch industry, the Swiss movement company released a more capable caliber.

However, some watches house the 2836-2 even though their dials don’t permit a weekday display. Watches like the Mildo Baroncelli and Chronometer Jubile fall under this category. The ETA 2836-2 allows for a quick adjustment of the day and date. Pulling the pin one click allows you to turn the crown counterclockwise to advance the day of the week.

Pulling the pin two clicks allows for time setting with hacking seconds. Point to note, to avoid damaging the movement. It is advised you don’t attempt to set the date when the hands are between 9 pm and 3 am. It takes a minimum of 27 winds of the crown to wind the ETA 2836-2 fully; converting that to hours would take a total of 38 hours. As of 2021, the official ETA website claims that this movement has a typical power reserve of 42 hours.

The ETA 2836-2 is popular among high-end luxury watches. Getting this movement from ETA is almost impossible as these movements are created and shipped to major watchmakers. However, if you want to replace a damaged part, you can get other replacements, just not from ETA.

Some such watches are the Swiss Legend Abyssos dive watch. The watch houses 25 jewels and comes with an Incabloc Novodiac shock absorber. You can also find the 2836-2 in a BALL Cleveland Express that also comes with an Incabloc shock absorber.

Is the ETA 2824 a Good Movement?

The timepiece-making community knows the ETA 2824 as an absolute workhorse. The movement is the first movement any watch collector should be familiar with. The ETA 2824-2 is an unusual movement and, if regulated correctly, can go head to head with the best movements in the world.

The 2824-2 was released decades ago, as far back as 1982. It is a second-generation Swiss automatic movement. The watch movement was designed years ago, but it still dominates every other watch movement in the industry. The design of the ETA 2824-2 is based on Eterna’s 1427 caliber.

The 2824-2 is a caliber with fairly standard dimensions. The movement provides a watch with its well-tuned central hours, minutes, and second functions. You can find the date complication in varying areas of the dial. The region of the date complication depends on where the window groove is located.

The ETA 2824-2 is equipped with an Etachron regulator that assists the movement to attain a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The Swiss caliber utilizes a ball bearing rotor which allows the movement to rotate bidirectionally. This freedom in movement creates more energy for the caliber’s power reserve. And as such, when the ETA 2824-2 is fully wound, the movement can stay functional for up to 38 hours. The caliber comes with hacking sounds and manual winding, but you shouldn’t be inclined to use it since it is a self-winding caliber.

Like most famous ETA calibers, the ETA 2824-2 comes in different grades. The ETA 2824-2 comes in Standard, Elaborated, Top, and Chronometer. The Incabloc anti-shock system, which consists of 25 jewels, keeps the components of the ETA 2824-2 in place while reducing wear and tear.

The Standard grade has two adjustments and uses an anti-magnetic nickel-plated balance wheel. The ETA version also has a Nivarox hairspring and a Novodiac anti-shock system that houses 25 polyruby jewels. The Standard variant of the ETA 2824-2 has a precision rate of +/-12 to 13 seconds per day. The other grade, “Top,” allows for adjustments from five different positions.

The chronometer grade variant is similar to the Top grade in terms of components. It uses a Glucydur balance wheel, an Anachron hairspring, and an Incabloc anti-shock device. The movement comes with red rubies that serve as its pallet jewels.

The Top grade allows for an accuracy of +/- 4 to 15 seconds per day. However, the chronometer grade features precision and reliability that matches the standards of the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. The differences between these grades are the quality of the barrel spring, the balance wheel, its shock resistance capabilities, and pallet stones.

ETA 2824-2 and Its Clones

The ETA 2824-2 had an impressive run, but in 2003, the caliber’s design rights expired, and production ceased. Various companies developed clones to fill the gap left by the ETA 2824-2. The most popular of these clones is the Sellita SW200, considered the most prominent rival to the ETA 2824-2. However, you can still find watches with these movements.

Both movements are very similar in appearance. This similarity doesn’t mean that both movements are the same. The main difference between both movements is the design of their rotors and the number of jewels each movement has. The ETA 2824-2 contains 25 jewels, while the Sellita SW200 has 26.

Regarding working principles, both the ETA and Sellita have the same accuracy rates across all the varying grades. ETA 2824-2 also has other cones, including but not limited to Seagull ST21, the Hangzhou 6300, the STP-11, and the Valanvron VAL-24. Each clone produces a movement that is comparable to the ETA 2824-2

Who Makes the ETA 2824 Movement?

ETA SA, a Swiss movement manufacturer, has been developing and producing calibers for the timepiece industry since the 1790s. The company is focused on creating reliable and quality-assured products. The brand’s early venture into caliber production gave it an amazing edge over all other companies. The expertise gathered across centuries is the key fuel that made it one of the world’s largest manufacturers of watches and watch movements.

Every quartz and mechanical movement is created with world-class expertise. If you are wearing a luxurious watch that doesn’t have an in-house movement, chances are you are wearing an ETA product. Some brands even modify ETA products to suit their timepieces, which increases the chances even more. ETA mostly produces its movements for other brands as their in-house watches are quartz timepieces, not mechanical watches.

ETA has grown over the years to become one of the most prolific movement companies in the world. The brand owns a monopoly on the movement industry and has been this way for more than a century. This dominance sparked inquiries and investigations into the company’s mode of operation. The brand has been subject to numerous conspiracy theories that led to countless investigations by multiple governments.

No investigation, however, has produced any fruit so far. Most of the movements produced by ETA are used in mechanical and automatic watches. Despite the mass production of these movements, only high-end luxurious watch brands can afford to use one of these movements in their timepieces. These movements’ quality is considered too exceptional for anything less.

Thus, their sole control of the movement sector of the watch industry. Unfortunately, watch experts have widely scrutinized ETA for its mass production. The reason for this scrutiny is they believe that anything that is mass produced lacks quality and creativity. Most watch horologists prefer wearing watches that utilize in-house movements created by their manufacturers.

Some die-hard enthusiasts don’t value high-end luxury watches that use the ETA movement instead of creating their own. However, this is the opinion of a small section of enthusiasts. Many enthusiasts believe ETA watch movements are more reliable than newer movements produced by smaller or less experienced watchmakers. Chances are that they may not have an experienced quality control department.

Hence, many uneven edges slip through the cracks, leading to incorrect timing. Furthermore, many of these newer companies are in trial and error stages. Most enthusiasts prefer a company with a track record of accuracy and reliability whose products stand the test of time. And ETA fits the bill perfectly. As it stands, ETA won’t be going out of business soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section is dedicated to questions you may have after reading this article. The questions reflected in this article are the most common.

Why is ETA so popular?

ETA is one of the all-time greats in the movement-making industry. The company has produced some of the most iconic movements the world has ever seen. A few of the brand’s creations, like 2824, 2892, and 7750, are the most iconic of all movements.

However, the ETA 2824 is on another level. No brand has been close to beating ETA in the caliber game for centuries. The brand has been around for a very long time and has total control of the movement faction.

Which is the most popular movement from ETA

The ETA 2824 is known as a workhorse because the movement is everything you want in a top-notch caliber. It is accurate, reliable, and durable. The easy design makes the movement ideal for luxury watches that want to tinker around with it to suit the watch model. Most high-end luxury brands utilize this movement because it is an absolute beast.

Why has ETA 2824-2 been Replaced by ETA 2836-2

The ETA 2824 bests 2836, no doubt about that. However, the workhorse is gradually getting replaced by 2836. The ETA 2836 was created to compensate for the weekday feature 2824, which was missing.

That is the major difference between these two movements. In terms of working principles and quality, they are both similar. 2836 is a page right out of 2824’s design. Both movements are highly accurate and very reliable. It is of little wonder most Swiss luxury brands rush for these movements.

Conclusion: Which ETA movement is best?

Among ETA’s vast collection of movements, three movements stand out from the rest. 2824, 2892, and 7750 are the best movements produced by ETA and are widely accepted as the best. However, out of these three, the ETA 2824 is regarded as the best of the best from this brand. The movement is so iconic that it has been dubbed “the workhorse.”

The movement is highly valued for its reliability, accuracy, and durability. It is truly ETA’s prized jewel and comes with a 38-hour power reserve. High-end luxury watches like Tudor and Breitling make use of this iconic movement. At first glance, the ETA 2892 is quite similar to 2824. However, it has a thinner structure, making it more suited for chronograph models.

The ETAn2824 may be the brand’s workhorse, but the most famous movement from ETA is the 7750 Valjoux automatic chronograph movement. The 7750 Valjoux is a movement that uses a three-plane cam system instead of an intricate column wheel. IWC and Omega are the two luxury brands that often have this movement in their watches.

The movement is easily mass-produced and ideal for most mechanical chronographs. In some light, the movement is more creative, customized, and unique. But that doesn’t necessarily mean these movements are better. Some watch enthusiasts argue that the best watches are from brands that produce everything, including the movement in-house. As a result, the 7750 Valjoux is a unique design that fits chronographs because it is a superior option to the otherwise traditional movements.

Movements produced in-house don’t have the same quality control a mass-produced movement will. Many industry veterans attest to the performance of ETA movements worldwide. Regardless of your opinion, these movements are some of the best in the world. A movement is the heart of any watch, and ETA is widely accepted as the beat at the core of the Swiss luxury watch industry.

ETA is not just Switzerland’s largest movement maker; the company has also played a major part in shaping the movement sector and making it what it is today. Recent years have come with many stigmas placed on the brand and any watch that uses the brand’s movement. However, ETA is indispensable. No brand is yet to best ETA in movement creation and production.

It doesn’t go without saying that the Swiss watch-making industry wouldn’t be the luxurious brand we know today without the involvement of ETA. Many brands modify ETA designs to suit their requirements. Designing, developing, and manufacturing a watch movement is too expensive and time-consuming for watch brands to attempt, hence the dependence on ETA. On the other hand, modifying an ETA series is much more economical for watch-making companies.

7 BEST Grand Seiko Hi-Beat Watches (A Mechanical Marvel!)

Posted on September 24, 2022November 5, 2024 by William Boyd

Anytime class and precision are required, Grand Seiko is instantly the name that comes to mind. Grand Seiko produces some of the best watch movements. Additionally, the brand produces timepieces that are as unique as they are superior to others.

Although all Grand Seiko wristwatches have excellent movements, one that has caught our eye is the Hi-Beat. One may ask, what is a Seiko Hi-Beat? We will tell you everything you need to know about the best Grand Seiko Hi-Beat watches and what they mean to watch lovers.

What does Hi-Beat Mean in Watches?

Hi-Beat movements, like all others, were discovered due to the watchmakers’ zeal to attain supreme accuracy. The Hi-Beat movement was first introduced in the 60s when its frequency was about 18,000 BPH. Nowadays, watchmakers have refined the movement to enhance precision. Thus, you will find that Grand Seiko Hi-Beat wristwatches have a frequency of 28,800 BPH.

What is a Seiko Hi-Beat?

The Hi-Beat is a type of mechanical movement like the spring drive watches. However, Hi-Beat automatic watches give rise to fast-ticking timepieces. Consequently, Hi-Beat movement watches have higher precisions compared to spring drive timepieces.

The mechanism of Hi-Beat wristwatches resembles that of chronographs. As well all know, chronographs are mostly used by pilots, astronauts, doctors, and race drivers. All these people have one thing in common; they depend on time. Hence, you can also use Seiko Hi-Beat watches because they offer excellent precision.

Although it was not Seiko that pioneered these Hi-Beat movements, the brand has adopted the movement and customized it since its adoption. The 5740C was the first Seiko Hi-Beat movement. This movement powered the renowned Lord Marvel, released in 1967. Interestingly, the timepiece vibrated at 36,000 BPH. About a year later, Grand Seiko released its first Hi-Beat timepiece called the 61GS with a 6145 automatic Hi-beat Caliber.

Now that we know what the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat movement is and how it came about, we can proceed to look at some of the best Grand Seiko Hi-Beat timepieces. Read on to find out some of the best timepieces with the Hi-Beat movement from Grand Seiko.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=h4ShFHZbtsI

10 Best Grand Seiko Watches

Here are the ten best Grand Seiko watches with Hi-Beat movements you can count on.

Grand Seiko (Mt. Iwate) SBGJ201
Grand Seiko SBGJ237
Grand Seiko (White Birch) SLGH005
Grand Seiko SBGM221
Grand Seiko SLGH009
Grand Seiko SBGH001
Grand Seiko SBGJ227

1. Grand Seiko SBGJ201

The Mt. Iwate timepiece or Grand Seiko SBGJ201 is a great choice if you pick your first wristwatch from Grand Seiko. The wristwatch has several unique features that make it one of the best Hi-Beat wristwatches. This affordable high-beat Seiko watch resembles other models but stands out differently.

One main thing you will notice about this timepiece is its blue GMT hands. Additionally, you will notice the little structure in the dial. The watch stands out even further because it has that design from Grand Seiko’s 44GS. Inspired by Shizuku-Ishi’s Mt. Iwate, this timepiece has a thick diameter of 40mm.

The watch has a stainless steel bracelet matching the GMT function and adding some thickness to the watch. The Hi-Beat movement makes the timepiece perfect for those who love accuracy in their timepieces. The wristwatch has a white dial with a date window at the three o’clock dial marker. You will also find the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36,000 inscribed just above the six o’clock hour marker.

2. Grand Seiko SBGJ237

The Grand Seiko SBGJ237 has unparalleled functions, making it one of the best Hi-beat movement watches you can obtain from Grand Seiko. The timepiece has a 24-hour bezel that displays three different time zones simultaneously. Additionally, the design gives off a traditional yet classic outlook.

This round-shaped timepiece has an analog display type and an anti-reflective sapphire dial window, making time-telling easier. The stainless steel case matches the silver band color and blue dial. Furthermore, the blue and white sapphire-made bezel makes the watch one of the most attractive on the market.

This timepiece has a case diameter of 44.2mm,, making it suitable for persons with big wrists. Thus, if you have a small wrist, you may have to choose another wristwatch. The Grand Seiko SBGJ237 has a date calendar at the three o’clock marker and a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. You also stand to enjoy a water resistance of 200m, which makes it enough for swimming and showering.

3. Grand Seiko SLG005

This timepiece takes its name from its brilliantly deep-textured dial. Watchmakers were inspired by the white birch trees near Grand Seiko’s studio in Shizukuishi. This timepiece has an Evolution 9 style that gives off a practical and sporty vibe. Interestingly, the timepiece also has a refined and elegant design introduced to celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary.

The brand used its new Hi-Beat 9SA5 movement to mark this special edition. Thus, this watch has a dial impulse with better efficiency compared to a Swiss lever. Consequently, the watch has an increased 80-hour power reserve.

While you may argue that the silver indices do not contrast properly with the silvery-white dial, the brushed and polished finishes make the watch one of the best. Moreover, the wristwatch has a sporty case and a water resistance of 100m. Hence, this unique timepiece can withstand swimming and light showers.

4. Grand Seiko SLGH009

Grand Seiko released this timepiece to celebrate its 55th anniversary. The brand got the design inspiration from the 1967 model and made a few modifications. Moreover, this timepiece has a 40mm case and an 11.7mm height. You will also find large shoulders and polished surfaces typical of the 44GS.

One interesting feature of this wristwatch is its Ever-Brilliant Steel alloy. This steel is resistant to corrosion, thus extending the timepieces’ durability. Furthermore, the brilliant-white hue matches the finely polished Zaratsu-treated surfaces.

Like most Grand Seiko Hi-Beat wristwatches, this timepiece has a sapphire crystal dial window. The anti-reflective coating on the see-through sapphire crystal makes it easier to see the elements in the dial.

5. Grand Seiko Hi-Beat SBGJ219

Grand Seiko’s SBGJ219, otherwise known as the Grand Seiko Elegance, incorporates the Caliber 9S86 movement. This high-level movement offers the same accuracy (-5 to +3 secs a day) and power reserve (55hrs) compared to the core Caliber 9S85. What makes this timepiece superior is its GMT function.

First introduced in 2019, this timepiece has made an everlasting impression. The wristwatch has a round anti-reflective sapphire window that houses an analog display dial. Furthermore, the timepiece features a three-fold clasp that contains a push button release that fits perfectly with its stainless steel case. This timepiece is perfect for you if you have a small wrist. The case diameter is 39.5mm, while the thickness is about 13.9mm.

Grand Seiko’s SBGJ219 houses a date calendar at the three o’clock hour marker. Also, the timepiece has an automatic movement with a manual winding capacity. This timepiece is your surest bet if you need a low-budget, high-performance luxury watch.

6. Grand Seiko SBGH001

If you don’t like unnecessary decorations on your wristwatch, Grand Seiko’s SBGH001 is for you. The timepiece is an embodiment of simplicity and elegance. This timepiece comes with a stainless steel case and a Seiko 9S5B 37-jewel movement.

Grand Seiko uses a dual curved Sapphire with a high-quality anti-reflective coating. Furthermore, the wristwatch has a tri-hand analog display function and a date window near the three o’clock marker. This analog display and its engravings sit graciously on the white dial that contrasts with the stainless steel case.

7. Grand Seiko SBGJ227

The Grand Seiko SBGJ227 was first introduced in 2017 with 700 pieces. This Hi-Beat GMT timepiece comes from Grand Seiko’s Heritage collection and has a normal movement and case style to other timepieces in the collection. However, what makes the wristwatch stand out is its peacock-inspired dial.

This timepiece has stamped pattern and green lacquer color, allowing it to utilize light beautifully. The colors from the dial almost resemble those on a peacock, hence the color description. Furthermore, the timepiece has a 40mm casing and a unique zaratsu finishing.

What to Consider When Buying Grand Seiko Timepieces

Buying the right Grand Seiko Hi-Beat wristwatches could be confusing even for enthusiasts. We have outlined a few things to help you pick the best Grand Seiko Hi-Beat timepieces.

Dials

While most modern timepieces spot sunburst or matte dials, Grand Seiko watches usually have different dials from each collection and model. Before purchasing any wristwatch, you must check for the textured dial that suits your taste. Something you can check from the dial is the indices.

Some models have Roman numerals for hour markers, while others have Arabic numerals. It is best to choose the dial markers that sit right with you. Additionally, you can check if the dial has a date window or other features like the GMT function, which you may need.

Check Your Budget

While you may find several Hi-Beat wristwatches on the market, your budget is one factor you cannot ignore. Thankfully, Grand Seiko has the cheapest Hi-Beat watches. With Grand Seiko, you will find the cheapest 28,800 BPH watch, and even a 36,000 BPH watch at an affordable price. Ensure that you go for a wristwatch you can afford to avoid financial issues in the future.

Finishing and Movement

Several brands have different finishings. For Grand Seiko, their trademark Zaratsu polishing is rampant. Although you will find other finishings, this is the most common among Hi-Beat wristwatches. Additionally, you will find several movements when purchasing a Grand Seiko wristwatch. However, the Hi-Beat mechanical is one of the best and offers accuracy like none other. To enjoy accurate time-telling, utilizing the Hi-Beat movement timepieces from Grand Seiko is best.

Conclusion

Grand Seiko has some of the best and most affordable Hi-Beat wristwatches. Our review has outlined ten of the best wristwatches with Hi-Beat movements. You can use this list and our buying guide to pick the wristwatch that corresponds with your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are high-beat watches more accurate?

High-beat wristwatches have higher frequencies, allowing you to enjoy more accuracy than lower frequencies. Summarily, the higher the frequency of your Hi-Beat wristwatch, the more accurate its time-telling capabilities.

Which is the cheapest Hi-Beat watch to buy?

Many brands offer affordable Hi-Beat wristwatches. However, Grand Seiko offers some of the best and most affordable Hi-Beat timepieces. To enjoy classic designs, you need to consider this brand.

Does Grand Seiko have Hi-Beat watches for all wrist sizes?

Yes. Grand Seiko has Hi-Beat watches for small and big wrists. We have listed the best Grand Seiko Hi-Beat watches for big and small wrists. You can visit our list to see which of the timepieces matches your wrist size.

Panerai vs. Omega Watches (EVERYTHING You Should Know)

Posted on September 7, 2022November 6, 2024 by William Boyd

Confused between Panerai and Omega? Then you’ve come to the right place! Panerai is definitely a watch brand worth investing in. The rich history, precision of the movements, and unique design are just a couple of the value props that come with owning a Panerai watch. With a vast amount of models, you can explore their catalog and discover watches with various features that will suit your needs.

From chronographs and GMT’s to power reserve indicators and date windows you’ll find it all. Panerai is also a great entry way into the luxury watch market. With brand new models starting around $5k and even lower if used, one can find an affordable option without sacrificing quality. Generally speaking, the price of a watch will increase with complexity of the movement and quality of the materials.

Like any watch brand with a rich history, there are a handful of Panerai models that have increased in value over time. As a prestigious, historic, and well respected watch brand, Panerai offers a ton of value for those just getting into the watch market, experienced collectors and everyone in between.

Does Panerai hold their value?

Panerai watches have an extensive history attributing to their success in the luxury watch market. In 1916 they entered an official partnership with the Royal Italian Navy after successfully supplying them with other high precision instruments. This partnership spurred the development of Radiomir, an illuminating powder derived from Radium that was applied to watch dials to provide more legibility.

This discovery instantly gained traction in the watch community due to its ability to provide high visibility underwater and in other low light environments. The development of Radiomir marked the beginning of an era of innovation for Panerai, leading to plenty more designs that would secure its place as a great investment piece.

Towards the end of WWII Panerai’s partnership with the Royal Italian Navy came to a close. Since they were exclusively producing watches for the Navy, Panerai had to shift their focus to the public market. Having to tap into a whole new market segment was a challenge but Paneria’s brand image was drastically propelled thanks to Slyvester Stallone.

While filming a movie in Italy Slyvester Stallone purchased a Panerai watch and decided to wear it on set. Impressed with the simplicity of the dial and large size Stallone immediately put Panerai in the limelight of the watch community. He also gifted Panerai’s to a couple other notable actors which resulted in them being featured in films on the wrists of Arnold Swarzenegger, Jason Statham, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

As oversized watches were gaining popularity, Panerai started producing watches for the public and joined the craze. Another reason why Panerai watches retain value is because of the level of enthusiasm the fanbase has for the brand. Panerai enthusiasts known as “Paneristi ” have conventions, meetups, and forums dedicated to the brand’s history, collection, and creative innovation.

By having such a strong community around the brand, Panerai’s are very likely to maintain and increase their value for years to come. Designed in true Italian fashion, Panerai’s are captivating to the eye and powerful on the wrist. Given the large yet simple dial, a Panerai can easily be spotted in a crowd and identified as a statement piece.

Having a military background gives Panerai a rugged character that isn’t as common amongst other luxury watch brands. By wearing a Panerai one is assimilated into the community of Panerai owners who admire the brand for its durability and bold design.

The most valuable watch brands are those that have extensive history, innovative watchmaking designs, and unique designs that help them become distinguished in a competitive market. Panerai has all of these value props making it a great brand to invest in.

Is Panerai a top brand?

Giovani Panerai opened up his first watch shop during the year 1860 in Florence, Italy. As he scaled the business it became Florence’s first horological training center. During WWII Panerai was funded by Mussolini to increase production and innovate more rapidly. Panerai went on to develop the first of many watch features we still see today such as the Perspex Crystal, luminous sandwich dials, integrated lugs with spring bars, lever activated crown locks, and of course their own tritium based lume called Luminor. All of these innovative designs came to fruition between 1936 and 1950.

Having initially produced watches for various military branches, Panerai didn’t enter the public domain until 1993. Their angle in the market was focused on offering timepieces that were legible, durable, and could withstand rigorous wear under water. These characteristics of Panerai still hold true today, maintaining the high standards that have unwavered since their inception.

In 1997 Panerai officially entered the luxury watch segment when they were acquired by the Richemont Group and moved production to Switzerland. This move was crucial to the transformation of Panerai into the luxury sports watch brand we are familiar with today. Since then, Panerai has remained a constant force in the watch market holding their value next to brands like Rolex, Omega, and Breitling.

What is your opinion on Panerai watches?

Panerai’s are known for their large yet simplistic aesthetic that many find attractive. The legibility of the dial and ease of wear make this watch desirable for those who aren’t keen to intricacies and maximalist design. A wide variety of movements sourced both in-house and externally give buyers plenty of options. Another selling point for Panerai’s is their variety of metals and bracelet options.

One interested in a Panerai can also decide on wearing a watch on a metal bracelet, rubber or canvas strap, and be configured of different metals ranging from stainless steel to PVD. Given the vast collection Panerai offers, it may be difficult to navigate and come to a buying decision. An amateur watch enthusiast may be overwhelmed by the amount of options and find difficulty in finding the right watch for them.

Even an experienced collector may find difficulty in deciding which features are most valuable to them. Thankfully there are plenty of Panerai buying guides online which can help steer one’s direction when looking to purchase a Panerai. Overall, Panerai is an exciting watch brand to follow and learn about, making it a great brand to invest in.

Panerai vs Omega: Who is the lume king?

Omega is known for having extremely powerful lume. There are countless forums and photography accounts on social media that praise the power of Omegas lume. From extensive discussions to macro shots of an Omega dial, it’s no doubt that Omega is an expert when it comes to lume. Although they have the history and expertise to stand out in the market, Panerai is a strong competitor in the lume department.

Panerai not only uses lume for the hour markers and hands like most watchmakers but also applies lume to show the outlines and staple elements of their watches. In some cases one can even find lume applied to the stitching of the watch strap. Some would say that the designers at Panerai use lume to outline the watch and bring attention to the iconic details Panerai watches are known for. Afterall, the Panerai Luminor is a nod to the power of lume that Panerai has been producing for decades.

What drew you to Panerai?

Broken into four collections, Panerai offers over 20 in-house movements as well as a couple of movements sourced from third parties. These movements are found in over 200 individual references made by Panerai and available in steel, bronze, titanium, gold, and other less common materials like carbotech and Panerai Composite.

Many watch enthusiasts would agree that having so many options from such a prestigious brand allows one to truly delve into a horological wonderland of watch collecting. An extensive history and catalog ensures that there will be a value prop for any type of enthusiast, whether it is the riveting history or modern technology used in their watches being produced today.

Panerai 328, Luminor, or Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean?

The Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean offers a lot of value for a dive watch. For starters, the ceramic bezel with rubber and liquid metal insert is extremely legible and aesthetic. Omega does a great job at balancing functionality with design, making the Planet Ocean attractive to design minded enthusiasts. The Planet Ocean also features a hacking movement which stops the ticking of the watch while adjusting, in the case it needs to be synchronized with another time piece.

Despite the amazing design and functions of the Planet Ocean it is known to be a very thick and heavy watch. The Panerai 328 stands out primarily with its cushion shaped case. Not too round or too square this watch embraces a unique shape that is uncommon in the watch industry. Yielding the iconic Panerai features, the 328 has a 300m water resistance, straight lugs, and a lever set crown lock.

The date window features lume which helps with legibility in dark settings. The camelback of the 328 is transparent allowing the wearer to admire the self winding automatic movement housed in the watch. The Panerai Luminor is unique for a couple different reasons. First, the watch comes in at 42mm which is slightly smaller than most other models coming in at 44mm, 45mm, and a hefty 47mm.

When the Luminor was introduced, many Panerai fans were rejoicing over the more wearable model that deems itself friendly to smaller wrists. For those interested in water resistance, the Luminor is resistant to 100m compared to the traditional 300m depth rating. Is there a clear winner between these 3 watches? We’ll let you decide.

Omega vs Rolex vs Panerai

Rolex is the most loved and easiest to recognize watch brand out there. They use plenty of precious metals in their designs which come with a very wide variety in price. It seems that any Rolex model with Everose Gold is an instant hit (think of the new two tone GMT Master II “Rootbeer”).

For lovers of jewels, a handful of their models are embedded with diamonds and sapphires. In the sports/tool watch under $10k category, Rolex is usually deemed number one. The Explorer and Submariner models are some of the most popular tool watches in the market. Rolexes also tend to have strong resale value.

They have found a way to build enough exclusivity that some of their models can triple in price in the gray market. From vintage models to brand new designs, Rolex is a value powerhouse that will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. For more high end offerings and a better resale value, they’re definitely a strong proponent. Known to be a universal commodity, Rolex is always a great investment.

Omega has a great history and consistently comes out with beautiful designs. Since their inception they’ve played an important role in history and pop culture. The Speedmaster Professional was used as the official timekeeper for the Olympic games in 1957 and was adorning the wrist of Buzz Aldrin during the first manned lunar landing in 1969.

The resale market for Omegas is vast, allowing buyers to find a Speedmaster, Seamaster, or Constellation at prices well under the cost of a Rolex or Panerai. Many vintage enthusiasts love to explore the older Seamaster models from the late 1950’s to mid 1960’s due to their quintessential mid century modern designs.

For lovers of modern sports watches, Omega has a wide variety of Seamaster and Speedmaster that come in a wide variety of metals, colors, and price points. Omega also likes to utilize the skeleton caseback often which is a great method of featuring the beautiful yet powerful movement behind the dial. Omega, having a rich history and large influence in the watch market, is a great proponent for novice watch enthusiasts looking to enter the market at a fair price as well as seasoned collectors looking for rare and highly desired references.

Panerai, coming from a rich Italian heritage, seems to hold its own unique space in the luxury watch market. With case sizes larger than most Omegas and Rolexes and minimalist designs uncommon in Swiss watchmaking, Panerai offers a unique value prop for a specific design minded enthusiast. They are also a watch brand that has held true to their design and expertise for decades, consistently building their watches to a very high standard.

Known for their robust size and incredible lume, Panerai has constantly met the expectations of those awaiting to purchase one of their timepieces. The resale market for Panerai’s is fairly consistent but doesn’t promise tremendous growth with age like some Rolex or Omega models. Ingrained in pop culture due to their appearances in movies and on the wrists of celebrities, Panerai has an edge that makes them desirable as fans enjoy wearing watches that are noticeable to others.

Panerai Luminor vs Omega Planet Ocean

Beginning in the late 1940’s Panerai shifted away from using Radiomir Lume and focused more on the development of tritium based lume known as Luminor. In 1950 the signature Panerai crown lock was introduced. The Luminor models feature the crown lock, integrated lugs, and iconic cushion shaped case that is reminiscent of its past.

The Luminor is easily one of the most recognizable Panerai models today. When it comes to price, this is the most affordable Panerai that delivers its unique and classic look, and still comes with an in-house movement. The Omega Planet Ocean is a very wearable yet capable watch in their Seamaster line. The Planet Ocean comes with a 600m depth resistance which is twice that of the Luminor.

It’s also slightly bigger than the Luminor which may deter some who enjoy the more approachable size compared to their larger models. Both coming in around the $4k-$5k mark, the Luminor and Planet Ocean deliver a great amount of value. If looking for a preowned model, there are plenty of options in the gray market compared to some of the more desired Rolex models such as IWC that are difficult to source.

Because of this, both options serve as great entry points into the luxury watch market. Panerai and Omega both have significantly rich histories. Panerai coined many patents as they scaled to serve the Italian Navy and Omega partnered with NASA to help land a man on the moon are feats that not many other watch brands can compete with.