I'm almost certain you have a Seiko Prospex model kicking around somewhere in your collection. Which is your favorite? Mine would have to be in the Marinemaster series, maybe the original Hi-Beat? Thank you to everyone for your continual support! 🥃
Best dials, imho, for the money are offered in prospex line and save the ocean series. My only black watch is the Turtle save the ocean SRPD11K1, the shape I prefer the most among Seiko divers. However when choosing 2nd & smaller & better model of save the ocean, I went with STO divers 1965 SPB297J1 to cover all different sizes. By now one might suspect I am a fan of the color blue and my 3th daily diver and pricewise right in the middle of the Seikos is the Citizen PM NB6021-17E because one must have a diver with mercedes hands.
Yep. Have a 143. Tbh, not worn as often as it should be these days, taking a back seat to my BB58s & Sub. If the SLA037 was more readily available in UK & a tad cheaper I’d be tempted with that, too! 😀👍🏻🍻
@@KeepingWatchUK I would honestly encourage you to try one - a stunning watch and our collections contain the same pieces. The rubber strap is long, my recommendation would be a tapered strap code super o (I put a seiko clasp on) or Artem sailcloth as a replacement - both are great imo.
@@JohnRSC64 Given the chance again to choose I would've gone for the 147 too... gilt accents and chocolate dials always win me over. I hope you're still enjoying so much wear out of it John and thank you for sharing! 🥃
Their 38mm solar divers for me, keep it on 24/7 on my elastic strap, so comfortable and been ticking in just at +1 s/month for the half year I've worn it so far. Mine lined up very nicely, and the sapphire and nicely detailed case and timeless design really does it for me. Something special about the feel of these Seikos.
Thank you for this amazing content! I own a SPB147 and am experiencing Seiko as a Brand and watch for the first time. I was always curious why so many people are hardcore fans of the brand and swore in these watches. People accept the flaws of the watches and I ask my self why? Now I know. They offer so much for so little, high quality with history for a moderate price. I am happy my SPB147 has no flaws and is built amazing. And I don’t care if the accuracy is not to COSC standards - don’t expect that for this price point.
And given the choice again, I would've gone after a 147 too. Stunning colourway (I'm a sucker for gilt dials) I hope you have a cracking time with it brother and thank you for sharing! 🥃
Great analysis as always. The SLA043 is by far the most-worn watch in my collection as well as the most durable, beautifully finished, and elegantly designed. If I could only keep one watch, this would be it. That its movement, case, and dial are assembled and finished by Grand Seiko’s watchmakers yet it humbly wears the Seiko logo only adds to its stealth appeal.
Such a fantastic piece. I've been edging close and closer to picking up one of these SLA models. Love the unbranded GS movements and the extra love and care put into the finer details. It's so brilliant... my trigger finger has been itching more than once when bargains come up 😆 Continue to wear it in good health David! They're absolute beauties!!
@@ID-Guy Watching/subscribing to your channel gives a great sense of the elements which resonate with you in a watch as well as a lot of commonality between us. You must try one and I would really recommend the 037, 039 or 025 although I don’t/haven’t owned the 025. The High-Beat just makes it extra special. Get an Artem or Strapcode tapered Super O would be a bit of advice after trying lots of options.
As always a brilliant piece. Your discussion of the Seiko design history makes so much sense. Back in the 80s, Seiko divers were as ubiquitous among military folk as G-shocks are today. They were THE watch to own if you were a paratrooper or in Army Special Forces. That alone solidified my view that they were (and are) the watch for the rough life.
Seiko's and Citizen, the true tool watches - they are in the history books as some of the best 😉 My old man attested to that during his time in the Rhodesian Light Infantry (back in the 1970's) everyone had Seiko's 🥃
My 'most worn' watch is a Solar SNE573, all the best Seiko features with the "forget it" function of quartz. Have you seen the SNE589P1? It's possibly the best iteration of Seiko's dive watch features in a single watch.
Brilliant video. As a long time Seiko fan I must say buying from an Authorized dealer is the most important thing. They do good quality checks and will take care of you. Cheers.
I have recently purchased a Seiko Prospex spb143. Your review has nailed all the pluses and minuses of the watch. Pluses finish, lume, size, value for money. Minuses known Seiko QC stuff, bezel alignment, un regulated. All and all I really like the watch. I wear it frequently and it is a goldilocks size for my 18cm wrist.
Thank you brother. The Livestreams will be back! I'm moving house at the end of the month and once things are settled, I'm determined to start them up again! 🥃
I have an spb143, mark 2 and wear it daily as my favourite watch. Yes, it is topheavy, precision is so so, at best, and even the crown can sometimes dig into the back of my hand, rarely tho.....but, the timeless design, lume, bezel and dial details are just excellent. A watch that will never leave my collection. For this price, nothing comes close...
I bought an SPB237 (Willard) a year ago thinking it would be mostly a novelty in my collection. But it's crowded out my "better" watches on my wrist. Get it regulated, and you'll never regret it.
I'm actually thinking about finding myself a marinemaster one day (and feel it'll do just that as a daily) such excellent pieces! Thank you for sharing this brother 🥃
Seiko from time to time make something exceptional. I recently tried, and bought after falling in love a Seiko Turtle SRPH39K1, a variation from the past models, with distinctive features (like ceramic bezel). Very nice package even for small size watch lover. Have a look, you will love it.
Watching this with my SPB143 on wrist. Love your proposed changes. Only thing I’d add might be to slim down the bezel a bit to bring it even closer to the original, similar to the bezel on the new slim turtles.
Seiko is such a dynamic brand. There is a Seiko for everyone. Those that are into diving, water adventuring and diving itself know all about Seiko. For the last, I would say, forty years, Seiko have been at the forefront and an important part of the diving experience. While I don't have one in my collection, I look to add one shortly only so I can hand it down to one of my kids. Agree with the changes on the hands and typeface, with one exception. I wouldn't lose the logo. WIthout it, the bottom line looks a little bare. That said, I would want an improved Seiko logo there, not necessarily a Prospex logo. Great video as always.
I love my SPB155 - wearing it right now! I got lucky with my 6R and it runs great. Like all of them it gets much less accurate as it unwinds, but that's life with 6R movements. Pricing on the SPB155 is fantastic too. I'll probably end up with an SPB143 soon, and I love the new thin divers (SPB313, 315, 317) but they're pricy!
Waiting for an spb143 with a shiny bezel insert (other than the limited white / blue one). I like how the video points out Seiko's use of polished surfaces on their watches - always the perfect balance. Just need to improve the clasps on the bracelets and the alignment issues.
I've had SKX007, Sumo, Monster and MM300 in the past and my current daily wearer is an SRP black turtle. It's just legible, perfect size/weight/thickness, it's also cheap enough to take a beating while looking rugged once broken in.
Great video. However, the only issue I have with the Prospex is that the cheaper ones are not made in Japan, but are outsourced to China and Malaysia. Aside from that, they are great watches - value, build, function, legibility, and quality. Another class video by yourself - history, nuanced storytelling, great images - you nailed it again!
I should've been more specific about the manufacturing and the outsourcing (I was lucky enough to get a JDM model) I find it unreal how this brand manages to give us so many unique designs and constantly seem to be creating (unlike many others that stick to one formula) Thank you Pooh 🥃
As long as the quality is at the level dictated by Seiko standards - who cares...? Most industries operates with global manufacturing sites, and this have been the case for decades.
@@flemmingsorensen5470 I care very much and some other people care about that! I don't care how industries operate and for how long they operate like that. If I knew that my 1200 Canadian Dollars Seiko SPB053 was made in any other country than Japan, I would not buy it. It says Made in Japan on the dial, on the back of the case and in the papers. I expect it to be made in Japan. If I knew that my Snap-on wrenches and sockets were not made in the USA, I would not buy them and spend that kind of money. If I'm willing to spend my hard-earned money on a high-end product then I expect a high-end product!
@@MrCROBosanceros So what you are saying here is, that if not made in the US or Japan, its not of high quality? If its made in China, its of poor quality? Sorry, but you really need to read up on how supply chains work. Manufacturing is global, and have been so for decades. For me, quality is what I see and feel, when I have the product in my hand, and when time has passed. Did it do its job? Did it make me smile? If "Yes", then it was quality - and it wasnt determined, by which country that buildt it.
Great video. My daily wearers are a 1977 Hamilton and 1973 Benrus (both GG-W-113) and I love the watches of the 60s and 70s the most, particularly with military connection to the Vietnam era where there were so many cool Tudor, Rolex, Benrus... and Seiko watches worn. I recently decided I should get a daily 'beater' to save my more collectable pieces and which I can wear swimming/fishing etc. I went to a dealer to try on a SPB143, however while I was there I fell totally for the SPB317. I have a smaller wrist and had always admired the 6105-8000 and Williard but avoided them as thought they would be too chunky for my taste. The 317 wears smaller than the 143 and is an absolute gem. Totally agree about removing the Prospex logo from the face however, if they did that it would be very close to a perfect watch for me.
Hi, great video, loved it. A video on the Promaster would/could be very interesting. I have a promaster from around 2012 and it is one of my favourite watches in my collection. Look forward to it should you chose to do so!
Citizen needs far more videos in the future. I actually shared one on the "Promaster Mechanical" a few weeks ago and it was such fun. Their collection is immense (some of the coolest, dynamic divers out there) Thank you for this Barry! 🥃
@@ID-Guy Must admit, I have not seen the video so apologies, I will endeavour to take a look! The Seiko prosper series offer such immense value for the money, I have one, the baby mm200 and I love it on a nato! My NY0040 Promaster has a place close to my heart, as it was a gift, but such a cool watch. Love the channel and the videos. I feel you are very honest in them. Still waiting for my FXD by the way, been almost a year can you believe! All the best
Dear Mr IDGuy, you pulled Seiko apart like the slowest of cooked pork and let us digest each piece of information with some crisp lettuce and wrapped in a fresh tortilla. I appreciate Seiko, i will wear one today in dedication to you sir.
Thanks for the semi-review ID Guy. I love both the SPB143 and Pelagis. But neither have compelled enough to get one. Seeing both side by side in your review, I've looking a watch with the attributes of both, but with the price closer to the SPB143. And I think I found it.
Relatively ignored some of the best Seiko everyday watches are found in the Alpinist ranges, be it the Sarb 17 lookalikes, the Baby Alpinists, or the 1959 reissue models. That said I recently acquired the 143. Great watch!!
What I like about the Prospex line comes down to one word: Selection. From Turtles to Tunas, there's something for everyone's taste. I'm sure to get a piece somewhere down the line; my watch collecting journey would be incomplete without owning a Seiko diver not called SKX/5 Sports 😁 Cheers 🍺
The variety is nuts... this video didn't even attempt to scratch the surface... AND their designs are all unique and all Seiko. Definitely one of the main cards up their sleeves, mass appeal and so many individual designs. Great shout Snow! 🥃
I recently sent my SPB151 to Seiko as it was occasionally stopping on a full wind and running -30 per day. Got it back and it doesn’t stop now, but running around +20 per day - and that’s now within spec!! 😂
Absolutely stoked you did this vid! And not just for my MM1000 JAMSTEC making an appearance at 12.50..! Great job of elevating the discussion around Seiko, which tends to be pretty basic on YT - cost... bezel alignment etc. If most Swiss manufacturers could produce 1 design as good as Seiko's best, they'd be happy (and most can't). Yet Seiko have produced multiple designs that are groundbreaking both in the past and present. Then, instead of keeping these designs the preserve of upper tiers, they popularise and democratise them - Turtles, SPBs etc. But wow, when they go high end with their SLAs - those watches are amazing. Hence why I will always keep one watch box brimming with Japan's finest! My only gripe with modern Seiko is the Prospex logo - see how good your render made the SPB?! I think it drags the eye to it (as an 'X') and breaks the lines and cues that are typical of Seiko design. Also, a slight beef - they did nick the 1956 Bathyscaphe design for the 1965 62MAS back in the bad old days of Japanese engineering/design plagiarism. Now Blancpain can't use it, so have to ratch around with the not-entirely-successful Bathyscaphe... But as you say, for another day!
I'm so eager to hop into a Marinemaster one day. Those original Hi-Beats (from '68) are just...perfection. And it's so true, from a price point to original designs, the brand keeps nailing them. Have a bone to pick with the X logo on the dial 😆 it does come across too heavy at times and that "triangle" of the text at the bottom... I've never been a fan of it. Still, all considered, tremendous machines and it's a pleasure to share James! 🥃
@@ID-Guy Mate, absolutely - the Diver 68 is immense, an extraordinary design (and the MM300) - that mono bloc... wow! As for the Tuna, focussed, but absolutely revolutionary - one of the greatest watch designs ever?
You pointed out the similarity between the original 62MAS and an early blancpain. A mostly trivial thing maybe but admittedly a reason why I went with a Willard: I felt it was more sui generis, original.
I decided to make my own daily beater in a Seiko 5+ mod: which was essentially a salvaged 'junk' SNX123 with a NH/4R movement in an aftermarket case that offered a screwdown crown and sapphire crystal.
I've had the pleasure of owning a SPB143 for nearly two years now and I wouldn't know what to improve about it. At first I just liked the look and as I was looking for a beater and thought I might keep it until I buy another technically more refined diver. But I would not know what to replace it with, by now I don't see myself replacing it at all, it's a keeper for me. Due to its understated design the SPB143 is an absolute strap monster, which comes in handy as I like the versatility and colour of a NATO. I've grown fond of it and look forward to the wear/patina of its steel bezel to develop.
Great vid as usual. Have been wearing my vintage Golden tuna today (on isofrane strap). I concur. Not remotely uncomfortable. Remarkable piece of engineering. In the grand scheme of things, still a bargain for such a vintage watch. A 'true' tool watch and an icon. It's a shame folks are put off by the dimensions of Seiko watches. There's something rather comforting and reassuring in a large diver!
Loved experiencing the Emperor Tuna a few weeks ago... and fully agree. Their sizes and fit, it's mind-blowing. No other brand seems to nail fit and proportions like Seiko does (every time). Such a great piece and wear it in good health Conor! Dig it! 🥃
I absolutely love Seiko's SPB watches. What I don't care for is the unregulated over-hyped 6R35 movements. In my opinion they are meh at best and not any better than the 4R series apart from the power reserve which for me is not a thing I look for in an an automatic watch. I recently picked up a Willard and I just love it, but sometimes I find myself thinking about what it would be like to have a Miyota 9000 series running the watch.
I'm the same. Love the watch designs but find the movements are poor. I got a king turtle recently that ran 30 seconds slow. It snot too bad now I've regulated it a bit but I shouldn't have too do this.
Brands such as Citizen and Seiko provide a daily wear tool watch that looks great without forking over your left lung, right kidney and your first born child and you won’t be afraid to use it the way the watch was intended to be used.
Great video. I have a baby tuna now for a while. It isn’t as good as i hoped. The bezel gets stuck with the bezel protection depending on temperature. I stopped using the watch completely because of it.
I'd recommend the full size Emperor Tuna if you can ever grab one for a good price (ceramic case). I swear I've heard similar about these bezels getting stuck on Tuna cases... materials... I'm sorry that you've had to experience this Theo 🥃
Seiko is definitely a good brand, with history and many awesome watches at various pricing levels and I really like them (the ones I have) along with my Omega, Longines, Tudor classes of watches. I am adding a modded Seiko GMT (Seiko case and movement) Batman to my collection to my current Seiko Bullhead (the only quartz I have). SPB143 is really nice but already have couple divers including Planet Ocean 8500 and Seamaster 8800. One day I'd like to add Seiko Spring Drive 300m divers to my collection, really like it.
@@ID-Guy a real thing for sure!! 😆no not a JDM model but then I’m not sure there’s any material difference between the JDM variant (SBDC101) and the model available to rest of World (SPB143) - both made in Japan and effectively identical watches in all but ref no. unless I’m mistaken?
Sold my mk1 SPB147. I have no use for a beautiful watch with a flawed movement, which i had disassembled et regulated twice by an expert watchmaker. The old revamped 7S movement just can't keep proper time throughout its 70hr power reserve. I'm through with Seiko's 6R35 1000€+ offerings. Currently wearing the Citizen Titanium Mechanical Prodiver, which keeps great time: looking mightily forward to your review of it. That said, I love my Marinemaster sbdx017, a big watch with even bigger integrity through and through.
Seiko doesn't get the credit it deserves so many firsts in the watch industry to many to remember ,The Swiss discontinued the Neuchatel Observatory competition after Seiko came in second & third knowing they couldn't be beat 🤗 Great video hope your well my friend & God Bless Blueshirt Buddha 🙏
Love that lil bit of trivia Junior, thank you for sharing! 😉 We've all been thinking about Blueshirt a lot over the last few days. Great man who'll never be forgotten 🥃
I have the 'Save the ocean' Prospex SPB297J1 and it's a great looking dial, and a comfortable wear. Unfortunately I had to send it in for repair after 2 weeks as it was gaining 3 minutes a day! Since it was repaired (Demagnetised) it's now only running 8 seconds fast a day. I hoped for more accuracy, but it's within spec so I can live with it.
I’ve owned a spb147 and now own a spb213 the case finishing at the price, the dial and handset is second to none, and to my tastes both were more interesting than the black bay 58
Very well put 👏 I've recently added the Seitona speedy SSC813 p1 and loving it but, my favourite has to be my ghost Alpinist SPB119 j1 it is a real attention seeker.
I was so close to including models like the Alpinist and the Speedy (definitely for another video) SUCH killer pieces Andy. Digging your choice of white dials 🥃
One of your first videos I saw was when you compared the snr029 to Rolex and your line was, “if you think you can walk into a Rolex store and buy a submariner, you’re sniffing paint.” Back then, we never saw your face. Oh how things have changed
I picked up the coffee/gilt dial SPB147 a few months ago and put it on an Uncle Seiko Z199 bracelet. It's quickly become one of my favorite watches, and I love it! But to be perfectly honest, the Seiko that I reach for most, the one that is just perfect for any situation, remains my bare bones basic SRP773 blue Turtle. One of my first ever automatic watches, and still a favorite. IDGuy, will you do anymore livestreams? I've been watching the previous ones in your archive, and they seem like a blast! EPIC 4 hour runtimes! I sometimes listen to them at night to fall asleep in lieu of podcasts LOL. Great video man!
@@IDKline You should set up a Patreon. Your incredible content merits having one, and I'm sure I'm not the only person who would subscribe and contribute. We'd keep you in Talisker 18, coffee & fisherman's friend for life!
Love that Blue Turtle (fully understand why you dig it so much) I've come very, verrrrry close to picking up a turtle myself (having to refrain) AND I'll be getting back to Livestreams again soon. Moving house at the end of this month hopefully and once everything's settled, I'm so keen to get back into the drivers seat again 😉 Thanks a million as always Floyd, y'legend!
@@IDKline The scotch has been dry lately brother (haven't touched alcohol much for obvious reasons) BUT managed to grab a Glenmorangie 10 & 12 a week or so ago. And the Fishermans! Cherry, Honey & Lemon. Quite a lethal pairing 😉
I didn't get around to getting a spb143. I purchased the earlier spb051. I didn't think the 143 was better made overall , despite it's size being more appealing to smaller wrists. I did however buy the sla043. It's still my favourite watch. At over 4k it's certainly not cheap for a seiko, but it has to be one of seikos best watches ever made. Nothing in the design of this watch , could be improved, it's perfect apart from seiko not regulating the movement to run more accurately. It puts a smile on my face every time I look at it, and the build quality is about as good as it gets from any brand. I think seiko offer so much as a brand from entry level to luxury level, there is something for everyone. The sla models are just amazing watches , and show that seiko can still make watches that will last a lifetime or more.
I love my presage sharp edge GMT in blue, I absolutely love my Grand Seiko GMT chronograph but my everyday is either my steinhart ocean one Titanium GMT or my Casio Titanium waveceptor .👍
Thank you Tony! Funny enough, Seiko makes a "Marinemaster" clasp that allows for micro-adjusts, it's a pretty brilliant system (would recommend you check out eBay for them) 🥃
If your saying no other watch company can match seiko for lume you need to get your hands on a Helm , BTW I bypassed the seiko qc lottery and got a seestern 62 mas homage which is quite frankly outstanding
If Seiko is hellbent on using the Prospex logo, they could shrink it and place it above the 6 o’ clock marker like they did with the old factory logos.
I beg to differ. The RRP of those 3 watches is around and over €1K and for that I expect better movement specs than the 6R35 with a stated accuracy of +25/-15 SPD. I know those watches can be acquired for a lower price and that the movement may (or may not) perform better. I have great respect for the brand Seiko, but value for money (and less chance of QC issues) is IMHO often better served by other (Japanese) brands. FWIW, my everyday watch is the Citizen BN0100-42E Excalibur (Eco Drive solar quartz with low power indication, unbelievable power reserve, 200M diver, bomb-proof, solid, good-looking), acquired for well under €180
My Alpinist was +4 seconds a day when I first acquired it . Until I dropped it face first onto a ceramic tiles floor. The Saphire crystal survived without a scratch, alas, it was losing 20 seconds a day after that. I can live with until it’s time service, which should be this year.
Bummer! This happened with my SKX009, except it soon stopped running altogether. Years later, I’m daily wearing an SKX007 with the upgraded NH36 movement. Hope that doesn’t happen again!
@@ID-Guy it’s the “perfect one watch” video from 3 years ago. It features the 3 most hyped investment watches, which was on what my essay was about, so it was perfect for it (it’s really hard to actually find a picture of the panda Daytona, 15202st and 5711 all together, surprisingly). Curious fact, I think it was also the first video I ever watched from you!
@@arthurluz5356 Amazing... believe it or not, but a university professor actually asked if he could use my video on the "Lange 1" (also from eons ago) in his lecture... Mind-blowing. I'm flattered Arthur, truly. Well done for smashing the grade 😉
What made me notice the SPB143/147 was the hands, I think it’s perfect. If they thinned them out like the edit rendition I would immediately lose interest I’m them
Problem, They wont really age. Modern build techniques and new more resilient materials makes modern watches stuck in time, in aspic so to speak. I juxtapose this with my own 29 year old Rolex 16610 with case holes and tritium dial and bezel . Looks almost creamy in its looks and despite its age it remains in fabulous condition and looks wonderful. It also remains at +1 per day. I love all the modern watches but I cant help feeling that they will not get that wonderful patina so cherished by many.
I love Seiko but when it comes to the "hit or miss" issue of misaligned bezels etc, i still think it is unacceptable for a watches that cost hundreds of pounds to have these problems when other "Cheaper" makes don't.
I can never understand enthusiasts complaining when models are taken out of the 5 series, for example, and moved into the Prospex line. Surely we should be celebrating? I truly find it difficult to take off my SPB155.
Man it's totally about a wearable size. Comfort... and a watch you wouldn't be terrified to bang about a little. I swear I've felt the most relaxed with my Hamilton pilot pioneer or my g shock, or even f91w casio. Whereas I "babied" my Omegas and the IWC.... I'm not sure I can own a really luxurious watch!! Maybe I could get back into Aqua Terra or even a 36mm Oyster Perpetual, and just accept that it'll get banged about?... maybe Love the Seikos.... but having worn the 36mm Hamilton which weighs in at a sub G shock 50 grams, I don't know how I'll go back to heavier pieces Oh how tough these first World problems are!
I've felt the same about babying pieces for a long time too brother. It's almost like a mental switch, eventually I've just stopping paying too much attention to it and accepting that these will be used. Trying to scrounge some cash together for an Omega mesh for the Seamaster... cannot, cannot wait for it. The thought of a more casual look with a hardier bracelet is just so good! Hope you're still loving that Hammie 😉
@@ID-Guy that mesh sounds amazing! I'm really enjoying the Hammie for sure... to be honest, despite the weight and size, I do feel I'll end up with a great diver some day. Seamaster, Submariner etc etc.... not sure The journey continues
I regret buying the Sumo hulk. It is a beast of a watch, lovely color green and a movement for life, down side is, the size. It is just too big. You should be an Arnold to wear this watch.
