I went to a Tudor AD and tried the BB54… and it’s so special, there’s something about it’s dimensions and the way it looks with that incredible rubber strap… it’s iconic!
Wow. Even on camera, you can tell the Seiko is something else. I’m not at a point to purchase either BB54 or 093, but as an SPB143 owner, I may be getting a majority of the experience of the 093 already
@@wonbongcho8709 I have the spb143 and I see some shops are getting restocks of the sje093. Do I really need to go for it? I just preordered the spb455 😩.
@@jamesvegas702I love everything about the 455 minus the date window. I’ve never like 4:30 date windows, just my preference. I would like a thinner, no date version! You should jump for the SJE tho imo.
As the owner of both a Black Bay and the SLA043 variant of the 62MAS, the Seiko wins in every regard. Design (subjective), finish (overwhelmingly), accuracy (by a hair) and collectability (pure math), all Seiko. Plus you're not wearing the same thing as everyone else. Thanks for the quality videos you put out!
I felt the same way about my BB58 compared to my SLA057. The 057 whipped the pants off the BB58 in terms of finishing. Plus, I really enjoy the case design more on the 057.
I prefer the Seiko because it has more of it's own identity and I just love the case shape and dial. It's a true legend I'm just not into black bays they just remind me of wannabe vintage Rolex Submariners. Also not a fan of the guilt and Tudors QC is horrendous but the Seiko? Is LEGENDARY in its own right and isn't playing second fiddle
The Seiko case is so beautiful and iconic. Its shape even looks like the roof of a Japanese house when looking at it from the side. I think it’s the 44GS case.
I am a previous owner of the SLA017 and sold it recently. Yet I regretted this decision so when the SJE093 was introduced I could order one. I am so happy with the purchase as for me this is the first re-issue which comes very close to the 62MAS, an icon itself. Mind you, I also own a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barakuda, No Rad, OMEGA Seamaster Trilogy, Tudor FXD and several Rolex divers, but for the money this Seiko ticks all boxes. Most stunning is the dial and the way the indices are applied, just awesome! Perhaps on the negative side, the strap is not so flexible as the SLA017 waffle’s but it seems a tad shorter and after a week continuous on the wrist it is feels okay. Some tapering (19-16) would have been nicer as well as a rubber keeper. Mine runs +5/+6 secs a day which is fine for me. Also given the specs of -10/+15. Sure the Tudor does perform better but I switch watches so frequently, it is not an issue. On the value I don’t know. With a 1995 pcs production it might be a collectors item but we have to find that in the future. BTW nice review but interestingly I still have found no evidence on Seiko websites or else that the SJE093 has zaratsu polishing applied. If it was zaratsu polished Seiko was too proud to mention…
I love my BB58 blue. That said, there are a few other less expensive watches I’ve had my eye on in the same style: the 40mm Oris “Divers Sixty-Five”, the “Super Squale”, & Lorier’s “Neptune”. I really like dive watches with domed crystals!
Thanks for the video. I had the opportunity to see both the BB54 and SJE093 in person, side-by-side, and immediately saw, in my own humble opinion, how the SJE093 is way ahead aesthetically. The only advantage that the BB54 has is its bracelet and/or deployant clasp option, both of which are far better than the tropical OEM strap that Seiko has. FYI, I went to the store to purchase the BB54. However, after comparing, it became an easy choice to make and I took the 62mas recreation home.
Very well done comparison. I think this should put into perspective WHY Seiko is charging what they are for the 093. To me, the price makes perfect sense (as is the case with their SLA models). I've owned both the BB58 and the SLA057 and can tell you that the 057 was simply on another level compared to the BB58 in terms of finishing. I'm more partial to the MM300 design as well. Watches like the 62MAS, MM200/300, SKX, 6105-8000, etc. are why I'm such a big Seiko fan. I would take the 093 hands down, but that's just because I'm such a fan of Seiko's design language and history. As it stands right now, the 093 is my current "grail." If Seiko ever makes an SLA or SJE 6105-8000 though, that might just take the cake for me! Oh, and I think you're right in terms of the 093 appreciating. I think it will also go the way of the 017.
@@clo2715 A combination of wanting to reduce how much money I have tied up in watches as well as a desire to wear something more brushed/subdued/toolish. I've settled on picking up the SPB317. It's exactly what I'm wanting in this stage of life. Got one new for $700. That paired with a JDM DressKX are the only two watches in my collection right now.
Great comparo! I agree on brand branding, Seiko's compete with Rolex, while Tudor will always, at its core be a cheaper alternative to Rolex. Yes, Tudor is hip and handsome but as you said, it's mainly derived from the idea of being the 'smart man's' Rolex vs. Seiko being an icon all on its own. Also, great points on value retention on the pre-owned market. I picked up an SLA017 this year and it was well over retail due to the absolutely MINTY condition. Still a fan of the SJE093 and would've went for one if it weren't for my SLA017, but really looking forward to a potential future 6105-8000 premium release packing the 6L37.
Yeah SLA017 is a still excellent and it is interesting to see a Seiko hold value so well. This 093 should do the same!!! Last true to form remake like this I believe was the SBGW047 44GS 1:1 and those were released 10 years ago and are above retail still if you can ever find one.
Love the domed crystal on the 54. Lovely. Had the SLA017, sold it, was too beautiful for me, haha - didn't wanna bash it. Great video! I remember when you were only starting - you built a very good channel. Respect!
This is a great format where we see you holding/wearing the watch. I don't know about everybody else but this is the only way my brain can recognize how a watch scales in the real world. Also a good way to show your guns.. 💪😁 Keep it up FT!
Great feedback. TBH I prefer my other format as it is just easier to film. This has a green screen and Ai generated background. It was annoying to edit but was fun to try out. If I had more space I would set up a proper area and probably do this format way more often.
The Tudors bezel action feels and sounds very precise and high quality and the rubber strap with the T-Fit clasp is also, Excellent on form and function! At over $3500 I can't justify wearing the Seiko with an uncomfortable simple rubber strap with buckle... Seiko/Grand Seiko needs to Greatly improve all of their Bracelets/Straps.
EXACTLY 💯 but then again you would have to pay extra for an additional strap, even though most ppl who are willing to spend this much on a watch wouldnt mind paying a bit extra for a strap to compliment a better diver in my opinion @@linds6609
Great video! I have the BB58 and the Seiko SJE093- the Seiko is hands down the better watch (especially once you look at them through a loupe). Both are awesome watches though, can’t go wrong with either one. As for this battle: I’d also give the Seiko points for the bezel action and drilled lugs, and Tudor deserves a point for the more versatile 20mm lug width.
That's a good one. BB seems to be more rounded up package with consistent QC and great history of good quality. 62mas got the upper hand in the design departament and makes Tudor look like chunky simpleton. Seikos heritage is undeniable but a long history of a terrible quality control sticks out like a middle finger flipped towards their most faithful customers. Neither is worth buying new.
Definitive! The best compare, out there! For the first time in a long while, I passed on this MAS. Good watch no doubt, but 1) I don't think the MAS is really a very important Seiko diver (just a copy of a Bathy etc) as it didn't define their design or engineering. So no historical sig for me, hence I'd have to wear it and... 2) I wouldn't - just too small for me (much prefer the SLA017/43) and certainly too expensive for what it is (I paid less new for my 8L SLA033). Let's face it, this MAS is a 2k watch, max. So's the Tudor mind. But if I had to, I'd take the MAS.
Both are special - both are beautiful - both are no doubt well made - and although I love Tudor I can’t help feeling this is predominantly a money making exercise (and who can blame them?) - the Seiko on the other hand? - sure they’ll make a profit on these but somehow it just feels like Seiko have produced this watch with genuine sentiment - feels more niche - like they made it with the enthusiast in mind
Love my Seiko SJE093 and my Tudor BB54, Pelagos 39. My 093 gain 2 seconds over 3 days amazing, my BB 54 is about the same while the Pelagos 39 gains 4-5 seconds over two days not bad at all.
This is a very nice video that seems more or less objective. For me personally the appeal of the Seiko design trumps any technical differences, although the Tudor movement and strap seem very appealing. I‘m still not sure exactly what to think about the 6L37 movement. Shame it doesn‘t have a longer power reserve. It would be interesting to have a watchmaker open it up and give a review, say compared to the 8L35B.
The 8L is superior in positional variance. The 6L's I've tested can change rate by 0s-13seconds a day in the 2 positions I test. A top grade Swiss ETA 2892 allows for +15/-15s positional change (not Cosc spec ones the one below cosc is called 'top grade'). And the 8L's I've tested hardly ever changed its rate no matter the position. So the 8L is superior in positional variance for sure. But the 6L is a decent movement. And for comparison the max I've seen my tudor change in position is +/- 8sec
@@EscapementWatch This is very helpful, many thanks for this info. I also would be interested in an assessment of the relative build quality of the two movements, i.e., the quality of manufacturing and finishing, as well as other relevant aspects such as shock protection.
This is the battle we all needed. I definitely think the SJE093 is going to hold its value like crazy, just like the 40mm 62MAS SLA models, though I wish those 40mm versions lost some value so I could pick one up! These are a bit small for me, but looking beyond that both look great. I do like the SJE093 a bit more and despite both being based on a vintage model, the Seiko looks like it could be a modern design. That lume result was astonishing! I typically think of Tudor as having decent lume, but wow! It's kind of making me wish they re-released a 40mm version of this watch with that slimmer 6L37 movement. I don't know if anybody can beat the strap on the BB54. I tried it on wrist with it and it's just super comfortable, then throw in the T-fit? Everyone else just got thrown to the mat and hit over the head with a chair. That being said, if it were my money, I'd get the less common Seiko. It's weird that Tudor seems to be the watch brand where every time a new one is released, it becomes hot and the older models start losing value. That's great for those buying used though. As far as Tudor vs. Rolex, Watches of Espionage has said Tudor is what Rolex used to be, so you're not alone there. I still think my Explorer II 226570 feels like older Rolex, which is one of the reasons I got it. Otherwise, not a lot of the Rolex catalog appeals to me. I could easily own 4 or 5 Tudors, budget allowing.
I haven't heard of watches of espionage but they sound smart 😆 and for the lume, I've seen complaints online about Tudors Lume from owners on Reddit and other forums. Apparently it lasts really long but very dim so the camera can't pick it up too good. And I can confirm this because I did wake up in the middle of the night and I was able to read the bb54 but it was pitch dark and I had to put it right up to my face. But overall that seiko's lume it's just better.
I can understand handwinding. But why do people like hacking? Isn’t it better to no stop the movement? And keep it going? Isn’t that the point of the automatic watch game? Keep it going. Hence the long power reserve
Both are fine watches, but I decided to buy something different and picked up a Longines Ultra-Chron. With its sapphire bezel and hi-beat movement,...it's stunning.
Own the s and g black bay and the sla043, the tudor movement is much more accurate, and it comes on a bracelet. The tudor was actually cheaper new at £3850 compared to the seiko ,£4080. But id still give the nod to the seiko, its build quality is way ahead of the tudor. I would never sell my 043 , but the tudor is just another watch to me. I just love my seiko more , its just a delight to glance down and see that beautiful blue dial , that changes in the sunlight , and that gorgeous everbrilliant steel , that just dazzles. The baby blue seconds hand just elevates this watch into a classy modern diver, that while still feeling retro , feels modern , crisp and fresh. I wear it all the time, it could easily be my only watch , its that good !!! Value retention is similar in what i paid preowned. I honestly cant see how seiko could have made this sla043 any better , apart from regulating the movement and adding a bracelet. People slate seiko on price, but in reality , the real watch enthusiasts know the score !!!
Thanks for sharing! You can regulate your SLA043 very easily with a slight turn of a screw, and since its positional variance is near zero you would only have to do 1 position and your set. I would love to see a new ever brilliant steel version of this 093! Maybe in a year or 2 SJE043!
I understand that fear. I like to mark the case back with a tape on the case back and case to remember the exact position that it was tightened to from factory. They really do not tighten it that much anymore like the olden days. You can always go to a local watchmaker to do it probably 50bucks charge.
I have a blue Tudor Pelagos from 2020 and I bought a Seiko SPB053J1 on the rubber strap off a popular site in 2021 as a "beater watch". I love both & both get a lot of wrist time (far more than my other watches) but there is just something hauntingly beautiful about the blue bezel & dial of that Seiko. And the case on the Seiko is just so perfect. As much as I love the Pelagos, if I had to get rid of one, I'd get rid of the Pelagos. Seiko for the win!
Seiko has too much going on for my taste, and the crown is too big for my personal taste. I chose the bb54 because it's lowkey ''boring'' not flashy and just simple. This is a fantastic comparison and great content!
i’m currently waiting for my sje to be delivered but still debating on the 54 with a bracelet. Didn’t want to miss my chance on the seiko since they’re limited.
I received it a few weeks ago and I’m here to report it’s beautiful in hand. Finishing is superb, it’s thin and svelte on the wrist, and mine is running almost spot on.
Recent Seiko is all about the limited release and the price and specs are not balanced. It is said that the price is too high even in Japan. That's why we're losing market share to overseas watch makers.
Great battle! I prefer the Seiko over the Tudor anytime. Luckily they hold on to a missaligned bezel, a standard strap and only 45 hours of powerreserve. And all that for just $3.500 ;(
You're right about Seiko sapphire crystals. I've got an SBCD143 (faded Willard). The crystal is noticeable better than any sapphire or mineral crystal I've seen. Maybe it's the clear AR they use.
I have both. I think the overall execution goes to Tudor, but Seiko isn’t far behind. Seiko has got to do something about their subpar bracelets. Even my GS bracelet is a disappointment. And Seiko is flooding the market with 62MAS reproductions, which is killing their value. Thankfully, I paid under 3k for my SLA043 and under 2K for my SLA051.
@@mattspalace Have you had any of your Seiko's serviced? (by Seiko) I hear they can be really hit or miss which stops me considering them above a certain price point.
On looks alone, I would pick the Seiko. Automatic below the Seiko branding, no Prospec logo anywhere on the dial. Its clean, elegant and in my opinion perfect. Again, this is just on looks. I hate Seiko's stamping Limited Edition on almost every other watch they come out with so the average buyer is unable to get one because the LE branding gives them the excuse to bump what is probably a 2.5K to 3K watch to almost 4K.
Love the Seiko but the strap and clasp on the Tudor is SO much better. Makes the decision almost impossible for me. The Seiko is such a snowflake I'd be scared to wear it, and it would be kind of sacrilege to put it on another strap. I guess I'd have to go Tudor. I could wear it without worry because there's another 50 billion of them out there if anything happened to it. That Seiko is almost too rare and too valuable to even wear.
Always wanted an SLA017 but I was too late to get one when they were released and have been lusting over them ever since. When the SJE093 was announced, I was super excited but then remembered I'd just picked up the BB54. Tried to convince myself that I didn't need the 093... but eventually couldn't resist the urge and preordered one for the release of the second batch in 2024. I think there's a place in my collection for both given the contrasting looks; the 54 on bracelet being a bit more toned down with the matt dial and bezel vs the more blingy and shiny 093 on a rubber strap.
@@EscapementWatch Agreed. I've had three dealers in the past play the "2nd batch" game with another limited edition Seiko, promising they could still get the watch, taking my payment and ultimately having to refund me months later because there's never a 2nd batch.
@@EscapementWatch I ordered it from the Seiko Boutique in London who confirmed that they will be receiving a further 6 pieces from their head office in Japan in 2024. I believe they initially received 8 for the release, which I unfortunately missed out on. The salesman told me I was lucky as it was the last one and the other 5 have already been spoken for.
Well made and informative Video, thanks! Although I was shocked about the bad performance of the luminiscence, I prefer the Tudor. I really don’t understand why it is such a big deal to make better luminiscence, same disappointing performance with Rolex watches.
The result of the lume battle doesn't surprise me... I managed to borrow the BB54 for a few days, and the lume on it was weaker than that on my 2017 Rado Captain Cook 37mm. Too many texts on the BB54, in my opinion. Of course this is true for Tudor divers in general. If I had to choose one I would pick the Seiko SJE093 anytime...
This is not a comparison that would’ve been obvious to do and if I hadn’t watched this I would’ve said to go with the Tudor 100%…but it’s completely clear after watching this that the Seiko 100% kicks the sh** out of the Tudor. I have owned and enjoyed both brands… A lot of reviewers have squawked at the price of the Seiko, but this thing completely pulls its weight at this price point IMO.
I picked up the SJE093 today as a graduation present to myself! I was going back and forth between this and the 54. The BB feels like a baby version of Rolex. Which I didn’t want to have in mind since I’ll have it forever. The BB(baby)54 is stunning but I will have to pass for this occasion.
It's the Tudor. The difference in strap quality is a big deal, and it has an official and nice bracelet option. Significantly better movement. And the brand (if it's even important) is on a higher level. Even when looked at as a poor man's Rolex, that still puts it above "just a Seiko." Warrant and service will be significant as well.
I respectfully disagree. This SJE093 isn't "just a Seiko". I understand it's easy to feel that way because of the wide gulf of price points Seiko offers, but these high end Seiko divers have a special factor Tudor doesn't have. I've owned both and that's been my completely subjective experience haha. Seiko doesn't do a great job of getting that across though. Which is why so many people don't give these a chance and hold them in low regard.
If we consider the service cost and overall customer experience, I think Tudor will do way better in that category. If one is purchasing either of this as their only luxury watch, they better go with Tudor. For collectors, this seiko adds more exclusivity, legacy and you get a unique diver aesthetic. A decade or so later, the BB dial would have become so popular that it would take on as a generic watch dial. While this 62MAS design will still remain unique. Having said that I’d love to have this seiko as my only watch provided the brand promises proper factory servicing and tuning this 6l movement.
Bless you for making this video so I don't have to (not that it would be of any of the sort of quality you produce). I have the 54 and just resist the urge on the Seiko because I know I will hate myself the day after I buy it.
Think I’m gonna vote for the Seiko (again) with my dollars. Wish the movement were the 8L tho and regulated and maybe everbrilliant steel like SLA037. Would pay more to get more.
I think we can objectively say: Tudor had better movement, Seiko has better hand finishing and polishing/brushing. Tudor has better bracelets. Seiko has a more original design. Tudor has a beautiful case design with the curves. Overall, it is not fair to say which is better because we all have different tastes. I think both are great for the collection.
I own both as soon as they got announced I had my AD hitting me up in no time, however I prefer my Glashutte Sea Q 39mm in solid rose gold on a black Tropical strap it's a special watch. Having all three is kool.
A rose gold seaQ is hardly a fair comparison 😂. I had the stainless blue dial SeaQ, beautiful watch. How does the seiko wear in comparison to the SeaQ? Size, finish etc?
@@ianrr1977 sea wears a bit bigger not by much both are very nice. I love the SJE093 it staying in the collection I'm miv8g on to the new Blancpain fifty fathoms in T23 it's stunning I tried on all three new release and the blue version is mine soon another week or so.
I have a question for the experts here: Why actually is the depth gauge on the Black Bays written like „200m :660 ft“ and not „200m : 660ft“? I was searching but cannot find any historical reference for that. Does somebody know more?
This is a great comparison. Also, an interesting subjective experiment about what watch enthusiasts value in a watch. I do find it interesting that most who prefer the Seiko have very explicit reasoning while most who prefer Tudor give vague reasons. I can think of two fairly objective reasons to go with Tudor: the movement and the bracelet/straps. That said, if your argument for Tudor is “I wouldn’t pay x amount for a Seiko” I think you have an irrational bias against the brand and maybe drinking a bit too much of the kool-aid when it comes to general Tudor/Rolex hype. Seiko is by far a more accomplished brand than Tudor. It’s not even close. The SJE093 is several cuts above the average Seiko, and in some respects a cut above the BB54. Those who recognize this will understand why this watch is worth the price.
Both are lookers but the Tudor just pips it for me. Funnily enough when i compare my own Tudor 79220R with my SLA017J1 i always favour the Smiley Dial. Perhaps it's the pop of colour or the gilt dial but whatever it is i just can't get enough of it.
If seiko actually provides better regulation it would be much more appealing. I just can't fathom to drop the same amount of dollars as the tudor when they offer better movements and gurantee.
Both stunners! Tudor needs to improve their lume though - I’m pretty unimpressed with my BB58’s lume. My Seiko 5’s outshine it! Overall can’t go wrong with either of these 2 watches, but I would pick the Seiko 😏
interesting you said that. After this video I thought man I must have done something wrong. So I did a lume battle with my bb54 vs a SNXS seiko 5 and it was a tie. And the seiko 5 has so little tiny lume plots on it. I would love a better sapphire, lume and finish the handset edges and my bb54 would be my perfect everyday sports watch!
