Okamura Contessa II vs Steelcase Gesture: Which Should You Buy?
Compare documented configurations and purchase checks using manufacturer sources.
Steelcase
Steelcase Gesture
$1,599 – $2,560
100 lb
higher rated load for Steelcase Gesture than Okamura Contessa II (official specs)
Differences at a glance
Sources
- Okamura Contessa II Spec Guide, Global (BIFMA, mm), January 2026 ↗Checked Sep 26, 2026
- Steelcase Seating Specification Guide, April 2021 (PDF) ↗Checked Sep 26, 2026
- Contessa II | Okamura global (okamura.com, Asia Pacific English) ↗Checked Sep 26, 2026
- Gesture Ergonomic Office & Desk Chair (steelcase.com) ↗Checked Sep 26, 2026
- Okamura Japan product page: Contessa Seconda (Japanese) ↗Checked Sep 26, 2026
- Gesture – Steelcase Store (US) ↗Checked Sep 26, 2026
- Okamura Global General Warranty Statement (excludes Japan) ↗Checked Sep 26, 2026
- OKAMURA Lifestyle Store (Japan) (price) ↗Checked Oct 11, 2026
- Price
- ¥243,650 – ¥377,410$1,599 – $2,560
- Seat height
- 434–544 mm (17.1–21.4 in)16–21 in
- Seat depth
- 400–450 mm (15.7–17.7 in)15.75–18.5 in (functional, 2.75 in adjustment); seat depth 18.25 in
- Load capacity
- 300 lb (136 kg)400 lb (181.4 kg)
- Recline
- Ankle-tilt reclining; recline angle 26°Seat-to-back angle 98°–125°
- Arms
- 4D arm or fixed arm; armrest height from the floor 604–814 mm (4D arm), 639–749 mm (fixed arm) (23.8–32 in; 25.2–29.5 in)Width 10.25–22.5 in between arms; height 7.25–11.5 in; pivot 15° in/out; depth 2.125 in
- Headrest
- Options: large fixed headrest or small adjustable headrest (up/down, front/back, swivel)Optional (integrated headrest)
- Lumbar support
- Optional lumbar support with 60 mm height adjustment (can be retrofitted) (2.4 in)Core Equalizer, with optional additional (height-adjustable) lumbar
- Warranty
- 10 years: structural components, including mechanisms and adjustable arms; 5 years: casters, gas cylinder, adjustment levers; 2 years: coating finish, mesh and fabric, cushions, arm padsSteelcase Limited Lifetime warranty – 12 years, multi-shift, 24/7 parts and labor
What users mention
From 2 Okamura Contessa II and 117 Steelcase Gesture user reviews, most mentioned first. Green is liked, orange is a caution.
Comfort
Okamura Contessa II7 mentionsSteelcase Gesture87 mentionsArmrests
Okamura Contessa II3 mentionsSteelcase Gesture51 mentionsAdjustability
Okamura Contessa II5 mentionsSteelcase Gesture47 mentionsSeat
Okamura Contessa II7 mentionsSteelcase Gesture43 mentionsPrice and value
Okamura Contessa II6 mentionsSteelcase Gesture44 mentionsBuild quality
Okamura Contessa II5 mentionsSteelcase Gesture40 mentions
Questions
Which has a higher weight capacity?
The Steelcase Gesture, rated for 400 lb versus 300 lb for the Okamura Contessa II.
Which has a headrest?
Both: the Okamura Contessa II as an option and the Steelcase Gesture as an option.
What do owners mention most?
Comfort for the Okamura Contessa II, and comfort for the Steelcase Gesture, based on review summaries.
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Identify the generation before comparing a new or used offer.
Read the Contessa II / Seconda guideCheck the arm setup and desk clearance before choosing.
Read the Gesture fit and adjustment guideRead the full comparison
Contessa II vs Gesture: choose the configuration first
Both Contessa II and Gesture have manufacturer-listed headrest options. Do not eliminate Gesture on the assumption that it cannot have one. Instead, compare control placement and the arm configuration you would actually order. This is a source-based comparison, not a hands-on comfort test.
Key differences
| Official specs | Okamura Contessa II | Steelcase Gesture |
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| Sizes |
| Not stated |
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| Back height | Not stated |
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| Chair weight | Not stated |
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Sources: Okamura Contessa II features and options and Gesture manufacturer specifications. Availability varies by region and configuration.
A focused trial
On Gesture, try the quoted arm configuration with your keyboard and tablet positions, then check tension and back stops. On Contessa II, check whether the armrest-mounted controls are easy to reach during your normal work. For either headrest version, test contact both upright and reclined.
Check foot support, clearance behind the knees and arm clearance under your desk. Repeat the checks after changing between upright and reclined positions. A standing-height cutoff or an aggregate rating cannot establish your fit.
What the evidence does not establish
This comparison does not demonstrate pain relief, improved circulation or correction of a medical condition. It also does not establish comparative cooling or long-term failure rates. We do not use isolated owner anecdotes to promise benefits or declare one model unreliable.
Compare the complete offer
Request the model, material, arm configuration, headrest, condition and delivery destination in writing. Include taxes, return freight and trial restrictions in the comparison. Confirm who handles warranty service in your country. There is no verified fixed price difference or warranty winner here.
For a used chair, inspect the actual adjustment mechanisms and seat condition. For a new chair, check that the configuration you tried matches the order. A cheaper listing with different equipment is not a like-for-like offer.
Continue your research
Frequently asked
- Is a headrest exclusive to Contessa II?
- No. Both manufacturers list headrest options. Check the exact configuration and do not assume a headrest can be added later.
- Which chair lasts longer?
- This comparison has not established comparative failure rates. Isolated owner reports and the absence of complaints are not enough to declare a durability winner.
- Is Contessa II worth more than Gesture?
- No fixed price gap has been verified here. Compare matching configurations, delivered cost, return terms and warranty eligibility before deciding whether the controls and fit justify the cost.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Check current delivery, return and warranty terms on Amazon.
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