Saarinen executive arm chair or upholstered Eames shell?  

For comfort...
I would probably lean toward the Saarinen chair, but I don't know about the base functionality.
For the Eames chairs, there is a base that can tilt, swivel, and is height-adjustable.

I have had both, and the Saar...
I have had both, and the Saarinen is most comfortable hands down. Mine is on a regular base, so I don't know about the functions.

Thank you both!
I've gotten to try an upholstered eames, but not the Saarinen. However, it does indeed *look* more comfortable.
I find them both pleasing to look at.
I'm not too worried about functionality - if one is more comfortable and/or attractive that will trump basic adjustments I think.

I would get the Saarinen...
I would get the Saarinen then. It's indeed more comfy, and I like the aesthetic very well. When you think about it, both chairs have the same basic shape...

Saarinen executive...
I owned a vintage tilt and swivel for a while. Way comfy. Feel like a right tit for getting rid of it.

I am
sitting on a saarinen at my desk right now. I have spares (hint, hint).

"And it's Saarinen, pulling away from the pack...!"
Thank you all for weighing in - it is very helpful. Good to know that this chair has found a home with some of the discerning members of DA.
Glassartist, I can take a hint 😉 Is that allowed in the forum, or do you have a link? (If it's not allowed I'll go hang my head in a corner on my overstuffed Office Depot desk chair...).

Saarinen rocks
We have had a lot of different task chairs and the Saarinen is one of the most comfortable. Much more than an armshell. It has thicker padding and is more flexible. I also like the Eames Time-Life chair. Of course, our favorite is the Aeron but that is going to cost a bit more (though you can find them reasonably priced used). If you sit and work for long hours, a good chair is important.

find me here.

Another vote for Saarinen
I too have a Saarinen from IBM (blue, of course)...it's awesome. It tilts and swivels, but I don't recall if it raises up and down.
fm

Saarinen
Again. Saarinen has more flex in the backrest area than Eames and (if you go new) you can get it with a fully tricked out task chair column. Of course, a new one probably wont be as cool as the one GlassArtist has. 🙂

I guess I shouldn't mention
how comfortable my Aeron chair is....I can sit on it for hours (and usually do!)

Apologies for hijacking the thread...
But why is the Aeron chair even considered in conversations about classic modern chairs? It's quite disgusting, aesthetically.

Because it's a super comfortable chair
and has won tons of awards for style, and since this thread is comparing two classics chairs for comfort, I thought I'd mention which chair is the MOST comfortable.
I trust you can deal with an alternate opinion!