Rolex 1908vsGrand Seiko SLGW005

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Rolex 1908 at true scale

1908

Grand Seiko SLGW005 at true scale

SLGW005

Diameter

39mm

38.8mm

Lug-to-Lug

n/a

43.7mm

Thickness

n/a

10.4mm

Water Resistance

50m

highest

30m

Power Reserve

67h

80h

highest

MSRP

$28,850

$9,700

lowest

Movement

7140

Grand Seiko 9SA4

Case

7 specs
Diameter
39mm
38.8mm
Thickness
n/a
10.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
n/a
43.7mm
Lug Width
n/a
19mm
Material
18kt Yellow Gold
Stainless Steel
Finish
18 kt yellow gold
n/a
Water Resistance
50m
30m

Crystal & Dial

4 specs
Crystal Shape
Flat
n/a
AR Coating
n/a
Yes
Dial Color
Black
n/a
Indices
Index
n/a

Movement

8 specs
Caliber
7140
Grand Seiko 9SA4
Type
Automatic
Manual
Beat Rate
28,800 vph
0 vph
Power Reserve
67h
80h
Jewels
38
0
Hacking
Yes
No
Hand-winding
Yes
No
Complications
Small Seconds
None

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$28,850
$9,700
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Rolex 1908

Owners widely praise the Rolex 1908 for its slim, elegant 39mm case and attractive matte black dial, with reviewers highlighting it as Rolex's best dress watch in years. Some owners appreciate the display caseback and the feel of the deployment buckle. Owners are split on the value proposition, with many considering the Rolex 1908 overpriced at its $23,000 price point, with some noting similarities to the discontinued Cellini and questioning Rolex's identity as a dress watch brand. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Rolex 1908 highly for its refined dress watch aesthetics and slim profile, despite widespread concerns about its price.

Grand Seiko SLGW005

Owners widely praise the Grand Seiko SLGW005 for its exceptionally pleasing manual winding action and beautiful case finishing, adhering to the brand's Grammar of Design. Reviewers note its handsome appearance as a faithful recreation of a 1968 model, featuring a desirable double-signed dial and a creamy dial that owners find pure and elegant. One owner finds the Grand Seiko SLGW005 expensive but finely finished, feeling it is worth the money and has no regrets. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Grand Seiko SLGW005 highly for its satisfying winding feel and elegant, detailed finishing.