Head-to-Head Comparison

Updated September 5, 2026

Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart vs Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial)

Two timepieces compared — $250–$500 vs $10,000–$25,000

Quick Verdict

The Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart ($250–$500) offers Seiko In-House Automatic precision in the tier below the Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) ($10,000–$25,000). The Presage SSA425 Open Heart measures 40.5mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional timepieces for their respective tiers.

SeikoPresage SSA425 Open Heart$250–$500 Check price RolexDatejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial)$10,000–$25,000 Check price

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Seiko

Presage SSA425 Open Heart

$250–$500

Check Price Full Review

Rolex

Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial)

$10,000–$25,000

Check Price Full Review

Specifications Compared

Feature	Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart	Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial)
Price	$250–$500	$10,000–$25,000
Case Size	40.5mm	31mm
Movement	Automatic Caliber 4R38	Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135
Caliber Type	Seiko In-House Automatic	Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer
Power Reserve	41 Hours	About 42 hours
Water Resistance	50m (5 ATM)	100m (10 ATM)
Crystal	Hardlex Crystal	Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops
Case Material	Stainless Steel	18k yellow gold, fluted bezel
Origin	Made in Japan	Swiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Seiko's design language vs Rolex's approach

The Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart features a Stainless Steel case at 40.5mm with Hardlex Crystal protection. The Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) offers 18k yellow gold, fluted bezel construction at 31mm with Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Rolex

Automatic Caliber 4R38 vs Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135

The Presage SSA425 Open Heart runs the Automatic Caliber 4R38 (Seiko In-House Automatic, 41 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) uses the Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 (Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer, About 42 hours reserve) at standard. The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) offers a longer power reserve.

📏

Wearability & Fit

Edge: Rolex

40.5mm vs 31mm — different wrist presence

At 40.5mm, the Presage SSA425 Open Heart has a bolder wrist presence compared to the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) at 31mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).

💰

Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Seiko

Seiko sits in the lower tier

The Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart sits at $250–$500 and the Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Presage SSA425 Open Heart uses Hardlex Crystal with 41 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops and About 42 hours on the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial). Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

💧

Water Resistance

Edge: Rolex

50m (5 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)

The Presage SSA425 Open Heart is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) handles 100m (10 ATM). The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) offers superior water resistance.

Our Verdict

Seiko

Presage SSA425 Open Heart

Choose the Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart if you prioritize Seiko In-House Automatic engineering, Made in Japan craftsmanship, and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. At $250–$500, it delivers Automatic Caliber 4R38 with 41 Hours power reserve.

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Rolex

Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial)

Choose the Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) if you value Rolex 2135, in-house automatic, chronometer technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 31mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic, Rolex Calibre 2135 with About 42 hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart and Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) represent two distinct approaches to the timepiece category — the Seiko bringing Made in Japan tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

For water, the Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) is rated 100 m against 50 m, which is the difference between swimming and diving on one side and splashes on the other. On price, the Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart sits a band lower ($250–$500 against $10,000–$25,000), so it is the cheaper way into the category. Neither is better at everything; the spec table above shows movement, case size, water resistance and crystal side by side so you can weigh what matters to you. We do not test units, so this is the makers' data, not a bench result.

The Seiko Presage SSA425 Open Heart offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $250–$500. However, the Rolex Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.

Both are suitable for daily wear. The Presage SSA425 Open Heart at 40.5mm with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) at 31mm with 100m (10 ATM) is similarly capable. The Presage SSA425 Open Heart uses Hardlex Crystal while the Datejust 31 68278 (18k yellow gold, white Roman dial) uses Sapphire Crystal, Cyclops.

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How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.