This is a shootout I have been waiting to do with the new Seiko SBDC101 (SPB143J) versus the first reissue SBDC051 (SPB051J). I share my thoughts and critique the watches according to my findings Thanks for watching Cheers Peter
Thanks for the great comparison video! What I love about the 051 is the way that the bezel curvature melds seamlessly with the domed sapphire, and forms a single convex reflective surface. The overall flow of the crystal, bezel, and case is excellent.
hey Pete, was expecting to feel like i should have waited for the 101. That watch is so hyped by all the reviewers, but now i am glad i have the 051. I may have to check out that aftermarket hand set.
Excellent review as always mate. My SPB147 has become one on my top 3 favourites, and can’t seem to give most of my other watches any wrist time at all now lol! That deep brown gilt dial is absolutely mesmerising. And yep, price is a little steep. I’d normally wait several months till prices come down, but just couldn’t help myself with that one haha!-) Also,, over the last several months there have been a few watches on my radar that I’d been contemplating whether to buy or not! Then seems you review those exact watches I’ve been thinking about buying at the time & end up bitting bullet without any hesitation at all after your reviews of them. The SPB107 being one of my favourites. The black dial one looked stunning. But I’m a sucker for beige/champagne dials. My first Swiss watch was the champagne dial Hamilton Khaki King, and still one of my favourite watches. For such a simple, plain looking watch, that dial still amazes me every time I put it on. The depth created by the subtle inner satin sunburst with outer radial pattern is incredible. You really should try & get your hands on one. Given the taste you have, I’m sure you’d love it.
Just bought the 101 waiting any day now for delivery! It's my first Seiko diver but I have my father's 45yrs old Seiko automatic 17 jewels dress watch it's a beauty and runs well too! Enjoyed your review honest and not bashing some real nice Seiko watches..I'll sub for sure!
I love my 051 including the broad arrow handset which really suit the watch in my opinion. The thin aftermarket hands seem to get lost on the large dial. Fascinating comparison Peter, a you tube first I think.
Thanks James I am not fully persuaded yet regarding the thin hands, you could be right about them getting a little lost on the larger dial. I will give it a while and see how I feel Cheers mate
Absolutely Fantastic Video! This should set the standard for how comparison videos are done. I just held these both in hand at the store. Went with the SPB143.
The SPB143 went, because of weaker lume and bezel-action. When setting the time, the second hand followed in reverse by one second. I didn't have this problem with the SBDC051, and I also found the crown operation and winding better with the old model. The machining of the bracelett was even better than on the SPB0143. I hate it, when the date of the Seikos isn´t framed!
A great review, I thought you had a special 051 when I looked at the hand set. It looks good with those hands, although the lume is poor in comparison to the broad sword. I have the 53 on a milled oyster and the blue just pops! It suits my larger wrist, too.
Came here looking for reasons to buy the SBDC101 and decided to buy a SBDC051. Weird. Thank you for helping me to get a good sense of the size (too small for my 7.5" wrist), and saving me $400. I like your hand mod BTW.
Love this. I got my 051 when it was first released and now starting to have that itch for the 101, but after your comparison, consider it gone. There is something about the 101’s bevel that looked off, but you said it - bulky. But it does have a beautiful face. I really like my “modern mas”, and love the sword hands. Whenever the minute crosses over the hour hands and we get that little rocket action
Well what can I say, I have recently purchased the SPB051J1 and I have had a change of mind about it. To put it simply its a keeper and as an owner of the SPB143 and now the SPB051 as well I cannot choose a clear winner between them as I did before owning the SPB051. What I can say is the SPB051J1 has the edge on the build quality but the SPB143 makes up for it on its proportions and looks. In a nutshell they are both the best pound for pound value Seiko divers out at the moment.
I have both (but mine my SBDC is the blue 053). I couldn't stomach the hands on my 053 so I replaced then with Sumo LE hands and now I LOVE it. My wrist is 6.75" and I feel like the bigger 053 feels more stable on my flat wrist. For some reason I feel the 101 shifts/moves a lot more on my wrist. Aesthetically they are both stunning though - I LOVE the blue dial on the 053. I wish I could get a Willard X to compare it against these two. Great review!
Hallo Luc. I agree with you about the hands of Sumo LE. Are the color and the lume the same of 053 (day and night)? And how much did you spend? Thanks!
Cool watches, would like to own both, but Seiko has lost me with the constant price hikes, the many limited editions at high prices plus the sometimes weak QC. I have gone back to Orient and is looking at micro brands like Phoibos and Dan Henry. Have a wonderful Christmas time, hope there is a watch under the tree 🎅🎁🎄
I’ve got 3 Phoibos & 4 Dan Henry’s! Absolutely love them! Beautifully made & finished with both micro brands, you can’t go wrong!👍🏼 Adding to this I have the San Martin homage 62MAS & its brilliant!
Great review mate. Got to say I prefer the size and the power reserve of the 101 but the better watch has to be the 051. It's another case of Seiko charging more for less in my opinion. The lume fill on the 051 seems far superior and the tolerances in the bracelet speak for themselves. Fairplay to your mate though for lending his watch in for review. Cheers Peter.
I have a BNIB sbdc051 coming for the second time. The first one I owned had the smaller handset like yours. I think the 051 would look fantastic withe spb143 thicker handset. I’m probably just keeping my new 051 with the original handset 😃👍🏻 nice watches and great job on the vid
Nice comparison mate! Now I started to draw out from SPB149, didn’t know before that the quality has decreased a bit especially on bracelet and dials. I’ll stick with my 053 🤙🏻
I have the SPB143J on my 6 3/4" wrist and cant imagine a lug-to-lug any bigger being viable so that is a deal breaker for the SBDC051. Otherwise I probably would have chosen it and changed the handset as you did. No QC issues at all on my 2022 model other than the slightly rattley band but when wearing it, it never rattles.
This video made me get the 051. Got it last week and the finishing is really nice and it cost less than the new 40mm SPB. It is definitely a bigger watch and I usually wear a Black Bay Fifty-Eight. I have a 7in wrist and the way the case balances the weight is nice. The lume is nuts and the finishing on the indices is really sharp. I would recommend the 051 to anyone, especially for what you get them secondhand on eBay now.
Awesome! Have been eyeing either a 053 or 051 for a while now but haven’t pulled the trigger. How is the watch after a few months?… I’d imagine it gets better everyday.
What an excellent comparison! I was tempted to swap my 051 for the 143 but won’t do it after seeing your thorough juxtaposition of the two. Thanks for saving me a lot of money and trouble :)
Great review. I have the older version but like the spb143 as its truer to the vintage aesthetic from.the dimensions to the design choices. I am not a fan of shiny ceramic or titanium zirconium coating on the older version or any vintage theme watch as its not congruent with the theme. I also like the more subdued markers on the new model as again as its more of a vintage aesthetic although not as fancy looking/finished. The hands are also more homogeneous. Its just got that timeless and subtle beauty you never get tired of. Both are great pieces and already my seiko gets wrist more time than my 3BB's combined and I think this new one, once acquired, may put others to bed. Fantastic watch. On a side note, both retailed around the same in US $1100 (051)vs 1200 (143)so no price increase esp. Given the upgraded movement and inflation and represents amazing value
I was excited to see the new series come out. But I don't think overall it's any better . You can buy a used 051 in the UK for about £500 in the UK now. I paid £675 Well over 2 years ago for mine . The new model I can probably get one for about £950, slightly used. That's nearly double over here too . The 051 has much better indices, they are mesmerising by comparison. I also love the dommed sapphire which you didn't really compare ? I actually prefer the broad arrow hands better because it suits the 051. I know a lot of people didn't. But I think the larger handset really gave this watch it's own character, and brought it up to date whilst retaining it's vintage charm. I like the new model too as the 051 is a big watch , and if you've got smaller wrists it's going to wear better. I still think if seiko missed a trick on the new issue, and the bezel should have been thinner like the original , and should have just had the pip and no triangle !!! The case shape on the new one is nearer to the original, but is it nicer ??? Like you said all subjective. Great review as always, I first saw you getting excited about this watch a couple of years ago. I was just as thrilled about it then too. Its great to see youve gone from strength to strength peter !!! The 051 is still a great watch , is it perfect no. But if I had a choice on the 051 v the 141 I would still go for the 051 because it's twice the value. If you have a smaller budget then a second hand 051 can be bought for a steal now !!!
@@JamesandRibble, it's possible as the prices of the new seikos are going up all the time. I mean the skx was only about £120 new on eBay in 2003. Now they sell for £250 to £300 used. The 051 was really the first seiko diver to go up to another level , and at 1k new it wouldn't surprise me if they go up over the next 5 years possibly. Seiko are definitely targeting the 1k to 2k market with a lot if their new releases.
you all complain about the price, yet you overpay for rados and tudors and yes even oris's. You dont know how good that 101 is if dont get to see one in person. it is actually underpriced in my opinion compared to what its up against, which it utterly destroys
Thanks for the comparison. I don't know if the A$ has depreciated significantly since 2017, but a price increase from $1100 to $1895 in just three years is absurd given the only upgrade in spec is the movement.
I believe that is a mistake. 051.retailed for $1100 vs $1200 for 143 with upgraded movement+ inflation. They represent phenomenal value and run circles around my AR500 and get more time then my BB's.
I got both of them, though i got the spb081j1 instead of the 051.. the shade of green is absolutely stunning... Though they each have flaws i love both.. Slightly more on the 143😍
Ok....I'm late to this party but I was thinking about buying the new Seiko too. I also own the 53 J1....the sunburst blue version, so it looks like a completely different beast. You helped me not to buy it ! The 53J1 is one of the few watches I own that people have actually commented on. One drinking mate has asked me to leave it to him in my will...and I'm normally told to STFU about watches. It's sunburst blue dial is stunning.. and I bought it for £550 in a Black Friday sale...the same price as the latest King Samurai.
Great video! Small nitpick though bezel inserts for both watches are not the same. The SBDC051 has an aluminum insert and the SBDC101 has a stainless steel insert.
@@tomislavm2873 To me, whether or not a bezel is aluminium with a hardened coating or stainless steel, they will both scratch and show signs of usage over time. If on the other hand one was Ceramic or even Sapphire, then it would put that watch into a completely different category. My intention was not to be biased, far from it. I am just stating things as I see them. Have a good start to 2021 Cheers
Hallo Peter. Congratulations again for the beautiful review! I like the hands that you put on the 051 and I would like to know where you buy it and how much cost. Again, to avoid the difference of lume, do you know if there are original hands of a Seiko watch that are similar to those that you bought aftermarket? Thanks a lot !!!
Hello Elia, this is the place where I purchased the hands : seikoparts.wordpress.com/2018/06/12/version2-62mas-3-facet-hands-available-now/ The lugs is very close in colour but not as strong as the original seiko hands lume Cheers
Great vid Peter. I was about to pull the trigger on the newer gen. I didn't. Reason. Still no signed Crown and they took the boarder out of the date window. R we really moving forward or going backwards at a higher price point.
Your 051 hands are different than the original spb143. I just picked up the exact watch as yours accept mine has the original wider hands. Both are great. I had the 143 but it’s a bit small for my 7.25” wrist. Looking forward to the 051! Great comparison! Nice job
Why are you annoyed? The 101 looks, and feels like a 1200€ watch, as it should. The quality is way above the cheaper prospex watches (turtle, samurai, etc.). Compared to a similiar priced Swiss watch, the 101 is great value for money. Seiko still offers the 400€ prospex watches, you can still buy those. You get what you pay for.
@@NWA_1919 Seikos were underpriced for so long, now that they are being offered at their sticker price the status quo of being spoiled with the lower price is starting to hit people more.
Thanks for the comparison! BTW, did you buy this 051 with this handset, or did you change the hands afterwards? I thought the 051 only comes with the big arrow hour hand?
Looks like a cash grab on Seiko’s part.. the last three Seiko watches I’ve purchased- SBDC065, Captain Willard, and SPB145, all had QC issues. It’s irritating, and Seiko doesn’t seem to care
Yes I can relate for sure, but I love Seiko and can't help it. When you look at many micro brands with sapphire and other premium specs at less than Seiko for inferior components is not right.
@@bronco1199 the micros have to sell on specs as it has no brand value nor heritage. They are sold direct without retail market up nor have any overhead a corporation like Seiko has to incur. Seiko spends millions on marketing, movement development, setting up factories, distribution network etc. All micros do is order customized/rebadged bulk quantity from Chinese OEM's, set up a BS web page, and sell them for multiples what you can get direct.. on face they appear to be better value but often never are.
i'm left handed and tend to wear my watches mostly on my right hand. my right wrist is 7.1inches, but my left is actually only 6.7inches which is quite a difference, especially if i look at how certain watches look on my wrist. I sometimes wear my smaller watches on my left hand, but the larger watches i tend to always wear on the right hand. with my left hand nothing looks good over 38mm, while on my right, a 40-42mm i can still easily get away with. that all said, i prefer the smaller watches, this SPB143, is amazing, if i was to get a Seiko, i'd surely get that one.
Thank you for this comparison! I have a similarly modded 051 but have wanted a 143 for a while because of the smaller size. After watching I don't think the expense is worth 2mm in each dimension and a rattly bracelet that reminds me of the 007 jubilee. Did you stick with the MAS hands or go back to the arrow?
Hi Pete Thanks for the comparison and great photography as always. Do you think the bracelet in the 051 would fit in the 143? I have the 051 but was thinking in getting the gilded in strap and would love to be able to swap bracelets. Cheers!
I have been asked that same question a few times here..unfortunately i did not try to swap out the bracelets between watches to see if they fit.. Sorry Carlos 🙏
When separated, either would look fantastic, and I would be happy with either. As for the price increase, I think we would all agree it’s a little crazy as they are taking themselves out of the market that we are all used to, especially as the odd QC issue tends to come back time after time. I am a strong believer in picking a previous fantastic watch on the second hand market like eBay or a specific second hand watch site. Polishing and brushing can always be reapplied, likewise a bezel or even a crystal. Nice review. Merry Christmas Peter and to all your subscribers.
I own both. 051 with waffle strap for casual dress and 101 with stock steel strap for everyday working dress. I feel that 101 is too small for casual dress and make me look so old and not relax. Love them both anyway.
I have the spb143. It only seems to make noise if you really shake your wrist when you wear it. I am a fan of wearing as designed so I’ve just been rocking it. Feels comfortable. The diver’s extension is the only thing I think is superfluous and noticeably cheap. I always reset the time anyways even with the power reserve because of seiko’s tolerances. I had it regulated and it just went back to losing time. It is a hyped watch that is underwhelming at times. Still love it.
hi Pete, loves your comparison mate just wondering if you ever swap the bracelet between these two watches? i have sbdc101 but thinking to get the bracelet from 051 if it’s interchangeable, cheers mate.
Unfortunately I never got a chance too swap them to see if they are compatible. I gave the 143 back to its owner and the 051 is now in the hands of a very good friend of mine Cheers
Minor suggestion if you dont mind. When comparing 2 watches, please keep the two watches on the same side throughout the review. It was confusing the heck out of me trying to figure out which one is which!
Hey peter great vid as always. This one is nice but there is also the marine master reduced that i really like. The one with the pure stainless steel bezel. But after what customs did to me with my glycine base 22, i got a discounted price from a seller on ebay and customs taxed me on the full retail price that they cud find which is $2,700.00 US. The watch was a new watch though. I will have to save up for this one or the marine master reduced. I loved the airman cause of its history being it was the first watch to track a second timezone and was also worn by pilots in the vietnam war. It was also worn by an astronut i believe. But the $2,700.00 on these base 22 i am also seeing airmans still selling for this price on chrono 24. I think cause its a historic piece being the first gmt watch. I dont know just sayin.
In future try Ashford for Glycine, they seem to have the best prices www.ashford.com/brand/glycine.html Have safe holidays and a good start to 2021 Cheers
Hiya Pete, it was high time for this comparison on YT and I think you got it spot on! You're right, both are stunning watches. They grey sunburst dial is the main selling point of the SBDC 101 vs. the 051. It goes downhill from there: slightly rounded off markers and a fairly mediocre bracelet for a watch at this price point. I really appreciate the 051 by comparison, even with it's 42,5 mm it sits nice on your wrist and the DiaShield coating and the lacquered bezel insert make this watch still practically look pristine on camera after some daily use. A sexy watch as you said! Cheers mate!👍
The hands? Non original? I wish my spdc had those hands. Wouldn’t have sold it. I’ll add that the SPDC was on the side of cheap/blingy, between the polished markers and ceramic bezel. Bracelet design is cool he uses its unique but is is hard to deny the symmetrical beauty of an oyster...The SPDC case shape is fantastic. One of Seiko’s best, ever. Not sure why I’m one of the few that really digs it’s profile this much, but that is really what’s seen when your arm is down.
Recently tried on the SPB143 at the ad. Was surprised how heavy and bulky it is. No longer interested in it sadly. It’s very hard to find smaller, thinner divers that are proportional on smaller guys with smaller wrists.
I might have the solution for you In a about 2 weeks I will be receiving delivery of an excellent 38mm diver that looks the part, especially for smaller wrists Stay tuned 👍👍
which one is better Tissot T-Sport Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80 Blue Dial Black Rubber or Seiko Prospex SPB125J1 Automatic Black Series? and what is the price of the item
double the price is hard to swallow.... the new one is pretty nice..but that price jump.. I just bought a SPB105 yesterday (I've 8" wrists) .. there is a new Green smaller MM200 coming but it is also quite a lot more expensive ~double what I paid for my SPB105 MM200..
your taste in watches is very similar to mine.......really enjoy your reviews. i have the 051 as well, the handset threw me off initially. were you able to replace them yourself or did you have to take it to a watch repair shop? thanks.
Great review Peter! I was thinking , that’s a nice looking $ 600 watch. Then you showed the quality shortcuts. Then you showed us the price! Glad I was sitting down . What has happened to Seiko!?!? For almost $2000 there is a lot of far better quality watches to choose from. So glad you do these close up, honest reviews! Thanks
@@PeterKotsa I wound up selling my Seiko SRP773 for cheap as it was so poor quality. My 34 year old 6309 has been serviced with new seals and is still going strong. If they would just get back to that quality before they totally loose their reputation!
I don't know where you can get a reputable watch from a company with heritage for anywhere near the retail let alone $600.. the case is far better finished vs my $4500 Tag AR500 retail chrono with bog standard sellita movement and near/as well finished as my BB's. The $725 Tissot Seastar looks and felt like a $20 Walmart special. Please don't mention the rebadged chinese micros with zero heritage. They have more specs per dollar on paper but are crap.
No lume comparison? Otherwise good review I like the older, larger one - very close to ordering it from a Japanese site. I do like the little rectangle on the end of the second hand...
Both nice watches but faults and all I prefer the SPB143 over the SBDC051. If the 051 came with the hands from the SPB143 then that would be something. The rattling of the SPB143 bracelet and the lug gap is a non issue as when on the wrist it is not noticeable plus the SPB143 is a strap monster so most would likely wear it on many different straps, I myself have purchased the silicon strap which comes with the SPB147 to put on my SPB143 and I may just sell the bracelet.
I got a bit confused about which watch was which during the informative review.. sometimes the 101 was on the left of the screen, sometimes on the right. I wished it was consistent. Beautiful watches nevertheless.
This is watch porn. Both are great watches, but with my bigger wrist the 051 wins for me. I prefer the Concorde hands of the 051, when they line up it's the Concorde !!! The indices are far superior on the 051, really pop, and the domed sapphire. It's the best diver seiko have ever made in the modern era for its price. If you have a small wrist then the new version is cool, but overall it's not an improvement in my book. Great video as always Peter, but put the Concorde hands back on man !!! I still love mine after 3 years of owning one !!! Fabulous watch !!!
