This has been the comparison I have been waiting for! Thank you for comparing these two watches. As much as I would like to own both - my bank account otherwise says that I should be content with the sbc051... for the time being.
Chomping at the bit waiting on my 063 to be delivered as we speak, might be tomorrow Damnit! I also ordered a bracelet from an Ebay seller out of Hong Kong that assured me it is OEM. Thanks Bruce for this Vid!
Well Bruce, It came in just a few minutes ago, and it is sweeeeeet! Put it on the Timegrapher and it’s got a 280 amplitude, 0 sec +/- and 0 beat error! Super stoked with this one ! And everything lines up perfectly! Yesssss!
Would be happy with either one but the 63 really does it for me. I love the 4 o'clock crown and shape and bevel of the case. It looks like it would wear very similar to the Sumo which is known for being super comfortable. Great video!
Excellent video. I went back n forth for months trying to decide between the two. Both extremely fantastic watches. Mainly two features that led me to get the SBDC053 eventually. The domed crystal and the applied indices style. The domed crustal, and how it distorts the dial, adds a certain character to this watch. Also, I prefer the applied indices style, which is very similar to the 62mas, and that is what this watch is about. I do prefer the crown at 4 o’c of the 61/63 and the case appears slightly slimmer. I think you cannot go wrong with either. Now I need to find the best matching strap. I don’t like the rubber strap and I never wear bracelets!
Great video Bruce...so good, I picked up the SBDC063 and purchased the OEM steel bracelet. This watch is everything I wanted in a dive watch (dressy, durable, great lume, comfortable on the wrist, refined, and accurate)..I've been wearing it for a few weeks and it's gained 12 seconds...which is ridiculously accurate. Loved it so much, I sold my SKX007, ZELOS mako, Omega Seamaster, and glycine sub...the only other dive watch in my collection is the citizen promaster ECO-Drive as a true beater watch. Most importantly this watch has eliminated my desire for a Rolex Sub. Although the SBDC isn't necessarily a cheap watch, it is a high value watch, along with being extremely underrated in the general watch community. Again great vid Bruce!
One small item to note that I noticed the 053 has a gap area between where the glass dial and the inner bezel area meet a sharp design feature that the 061 doesn’t appear to have. I own the 053 and it is a really excellent watch all around from fit and finish to accuracy to wrist presence an absolute killer bang for buck.... the 061 looks very nice but I have several Seiko divers that have the familiar circular dial indices and the 053 fit my collection a lot better. Highly recommend the 053!
Finally saw the 53 in person and -- surrounded by other very interesting Seiko's -- it was the only one I could see. Bought it immediately. So nice to have something shiny and fun after a year of wearing my black Pelagos on the daily. Thanks Bruce for the video that originally got me interested in this watch. Now I just need to figure out what other straps I need for it...
Well done for another great presentation. I have the 053 on an OEM bracelet which I bought last year and I love it. The O53 has more pop compared to the 063, however Seiko is Seiko. :)
The 063 with the 4 O’clock crown position and flat Sapphire crystal kills the competition but definitely with stainless steel bracelet. Many Thanks for the comprehensive review !
Great comparison video. It’s good to see them side by side. I have the 051, 053, & 055. I really like the fit and finish. It’s interesting that they basically have the same bracelet except for the end links. The 063 reminds me of a mix up of the sumo & mm300. Both the 053 and 063 are great looking watches. I’ll end up getting an 061 at some point.
It really depends on your wrist size. The 051’s size can be rather deceiving. While the 051 is 42.6mm in diameter, it is rather long at 49.5mm lug tip to lug tip. Whereas the 061 is 44mm and 51mm respectively. So as you can see the 051 is about as long as the 061.
I absolutely love the baby marine master . The blue is amazing I’m going to add this . I’ve been a bit of a seiko brasher recently . However no denying that despite the misgivings over the last few years there is still huge amounts to admire ..
This is really cool. I was looking at the 53 for the longest time, then the gorgeous 65 caught my attention. I’m going to research more the difference between these ones and the 65 I like.
The 63 is more convenient due to the Screw Down Crown at 4 O’clock and also more anti reflection with less haze. Many Thanks for the professional unbiased review, as usual.
Thank you very, very much for comparing these two watches. I own the SBDC051 (love it) and thinking of buying the SBDC061... I like the look of the SBDC051 a lot more (indices, domes sapphire crystal, case), but think I prefer the crown at 4 (see my collection of Sinn U1, Seiko Monster).
Thanks man. My favorite brands are Omega, Sinn, and Seiko. I also have an Omega Seamaster Professional ceramic (best luxury/dress diver under $4000 IMO). Sinn U1 is just so unique and sub-steel is a cool factor for a Navy guy like me. Black Monster (gen 2) is a classic in the making. I'm hoping Seiko makes the SBDC06X-series with a nice colored dial (white would be cool). All of my watches are black dial.
Shipmate oh I really hope Seiko does a white ones they seem to use that color on the really high end or really low end. Updated smpc is on my shortlist
Great review as always. Many thanks. I had the opportunity to try on both of them and I do believe that the 053 wears smaller as it's a little bit shorter ans sits better on the wrist. The 063 has indeed smaller bezel diameter but looks longer and bigger to me. Besides that the case reminds me a lot of the Omega PO. Also I don't like the fact that they didn't place the crown exactly at 4 o'clock position.
I think the 63 looks better than the 53 (by a good amount but that is just my opinion). My major issue with both is that both are twice as much as the Sumo and using the same movement (correct me if they use different movement). I think they are worth the money but because Seiko undercuts itself, you know you have options. Also Seiko is changing their philosphy in that $300 to$500 use to house the 6R movement and the 4R was in the sub $250 models. Now the sub $500 is getting the 4R movement and sub $1k is getting the 6R movement. I love my Sumo and it simply is one of the best values. I overpaid a bit and it is still a great value ($470).
I have the 053, with the standard rubber band, ultra comfy on my larger than average 7.5 inch wrist. I got a nice milled oyster bracelet and I’m really chuffed, it’s a great quality one watch collection. It’s got a combination of being a bit more dressed up (think modern submariner)than the likes of the SKX/turtle, combined with still being a fully functional dive watch/ tool watch. The blue might not go with every type of clothing that the black version, 051, might do, but the gorgeous colour can really pop in one light and be subtle in another light. With the 50 hour power reserve and really good accuracy....mines doing 2 secs per day, this is a watch I’ll never sell. Here in 2021, the world seems to be going nuts for the new spb143, a bit small for me, perhaps, but I can still see myself getting one, one day.
Great comparison, I was pretty sold on the 053 with bracelet as my next watch until Seiko revealed the 061/63 at Basel and made the decision a lot harder. After this video I'm leaning more towards the 063 but it just doesn't have that awesome blue dial that the 62mas reissue has.
Thanks for the helpful video. I found the 053 very uncomfortable with the straight lugs. I felt like the entire weight was on the small bulge on the case back. I'm glad the 063 is more comfortable with those curved lugs.
Great video Bruce. I was waiting for someone to compare these two. Great example on how the larger watch wears smaller. The pictures are misleading on the 063. The bezel insert looks straight black and not blue at all. Can u see a lot of blue in person?
I first saw the 051 and thought what a beautiful watch. I need it. But than I saw the 061 and I bought it immediately. Love the design. It is 44 mm but it wears so great on my small wrist. Beautiful watch. Love it. But the ring is misslined of 1 mm at most. For such a high priced watch it is really a shame.
SBDC053 is just beautiful, and so is the SBDC051, probably my favorite Seiko watches. But as some said here, they are on the expensive side with "just" the 6R15 movement, as you could get a watch with an ETA 2824 movement for under $500.
I always seem to agree with your perspectives. I have both as well (053 and 061). I feel the dial (with wedge indices) and domed crystal is nicer on the 50 series and the case is better on the 60s...maybe a mod needs to be done to eliminate one.....
Thanks for the vid! I just got the ninja turtle as my first Seiko and now HOOKED!!! @Bruce What is the third watch in the background with the rubber strap??? Also, you mentioned that the 63 is thinner? From looking at the vids and pics the 53 seems slimmer, more angular and has a much nicer case.
Thanks for the comparison, I was looking forward to this matchup! I'm wearing my SBDC051 as I speak. The black (slightly charcoal grey sunburst) dial is super sharp and I like both watches but I think I prefer the 5 series. Is the lume on the 6 series comporable? I live in DC, and I love walking from the sidewalk down into the subway with my lume flashing like a torch.
John Heinemann for sure John. Yes the lume is comparable they last just about the same amount although the 53 probably had a marginally larger amount of total surface area
When you suggest that we email Kenta at Japan Online Store to get a price, does that indicate that he will give some sort of discount off published prices?
Maybe someone can help me out... I’m absolutely in awe of the lines and sharp edges of the Grand Seiko titanium case Diver SBGH255. And the less expensive Grand Seiko quartz diver steel case SBGX337. Grand Seiko and Seiko seem to share several case designs but I’m not having any luck finding a Seiko that shares the design of the the above mentioned models. The Sumo looks to be close in size but not in design. The Orient Mako XL has similarities as well. Crystal Times sells a beautiful Samurai case for custom builds... I have to believe someone has recreated the case for custom builds since it’s such a stunning design and used on the top dog of the Seiko/GS Dive lineup. If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be very much appreciated.
Great comparison review! Between the two, I'd be more tempted to spend a little more and get the SBDC063 MM200. But, in either or both cases, it's a freakin' shame the blue options do not come with a bracelet option?! I'm sure there is certainly going to be (or is) aftermarket options from probably StrapCode, WatchGecko and Uncle Seiko to get you a decent bracelet option in time so you don't have to buy the black version on the bracelet and swap between the watches.. and that's just crazy expensive to own 2 of either one of these just for the bracelet if that's you game plan. Are the blue bezels between the 053 & 063 the same? What some I think have called liquid blue?
I saw a Hong Kong seller on eBay who is selling the 61 bracelets separately. Seiko really should offer them on bracelet. Maybe they are trying to attract customers who would like to save a couple hundred, but the bracelet is a large reason of why the watch is awesome. The bezels are very very close in color the 063 is a little lighter blue shade
Thanks. But, I think I'm going for the 063. actually, I did go for it. AND, Gnomon just announced it has an exclusive 063 with the bracelet.. much like they are one of the few, if only, retailers that sell the 053 with a bracelet.
Well, Gnomon Watches announced just 2 days ago it has an exclusive 063 with the bracelet. So, I went for it. I would be curious how much the bracelet is separately.. i can't imagine inexpensive as Seiko OEM bracelets are generally relatively costly compared to aftermarket options which are usually better made, too. Well, doesn't matter now since I will have the 063 on a bracelet soon enough. Woo-hoo!
Good review Bruce ..I just ordered a 053 from a Ebay vendor . Japan based. 600 USD with free shipping .. However I did stipulate any miss alignment will result in immediate return.. Seiko?? They produce great designs and in house movements and let minor stuff like chapter ring / dial alignment slip through the Q.C. Net.. ???? It is not an isolated occurrence ... Who is running the show there.. When the Chinese market can offer sapphire crystal and Seiko movements at 50 bucks.. Seiko should be bucking there ideas up.. From where I am standing they are resting on their Laurels.. And that comes from a Seikoholic !!
Hi Bruce, do you still own both watches? Do you have more of a preference for either? The SBDC053/SPB053 has really caught my eye, and stayed there for a few months now. The SBDC065/SPB083 "Great Blue" has very recently caught my eye too, so it was nice to see your comparison with its black dialed cousin. I have a 7.25" wrist, and can pull off 44mm/51mm lug-to-lug just fine. It seems like the MM200 models are a fair amount more than the SBDC053, so I am wondering if the price is worth it.
Love your videos great information and great presentation keep up the good work. I Just bought the SBDC 055 and i would really like to get a good quality bracelet for it. Does the bracelet on this watches fit the 055 and where can i get one and if not can any one recommend one for me thanks.
Hi Bruce ! I just want to ask where can I buy the metal bracelet for sbdc061. Coz I bought the sbdc063 on rubber strap and i want to change it to seiko metal bracelet. Please send or post the link if possible thanks for your help.
Aesthetically the 053 wins imo. Shame they don’t put the new thin, higher beat movements in any of these watches. I think the 053 would look amazing on the wrist if it were smaller and thinner.
vinay nagdev Yes I’m sure you’re right but I like the idea of a slimmer watch and would rather risk having to service it more often. Plus, I do love the smoother second hand sweep of the 28,800 movements even though that is purely an aesthetic thing.
I really want to buy a Seiko diver but sadly they're all over 40mm which is a big turnoff for me. (I'm aware of the SKX013 but want a better movement.)
Hey Shantanu, I had the same concern. I have a smaller wrist but, unless you've tried one on, don't let the dimensions fool you. I have a 6.5" wrist and the Turtle looks great on my wrist, in my opinion.
I have been buying Seikos for years wear them a bit and sell because they are all too big. Currently have the SBDC051 love it but it is too big and the newness has worn off so ill be selling it soon. SKX just doesnt cut it i want an actual "nicer" Seiko diver haha.
Outstanding comparison, Bruce! I its surprising to see that the smaller case 053 wears bigger than the larger case 063. Curious that the 063 doesn't come with a blue dial like the 053. Could this put me over the edge for a new Seiko diver? I think it very well may and I'm leaning slightly towards the 053 based on your excellent review.
051 is a modern day classic, and will be the best loved Seiko of all time !!! Its nothing short of a masterpiece , for the price point. Thought it was overpriced till I purchased one !!! Its a steal !!!
I’m really thinking about the 53 but that 50mm lug to lug is so big!! My wrist is 7” so I know it will fit but will it look stupid? Some people don’t know when a watch is too big for them and I want to avoid being one of those people. Any advice is helpful. 🙏
