You can tell this is a high end seiko by the length of the minute and seconds hands that actually reach the markers. Seiko cut corners on cheaper models with shorter hands to hide inaccuracy of the movement and increase battery life on quartz versions. They don't make compromises on this for grand seiko and high end limited edition models like these. It's just a corporate way of keeping their low end models low end from becoming classics like the sarb and alpinist lines did in the last few years and to force people to pay thousands for grand seikos and other expensive models if they actually want a refined watch.
When it comes to servicing of the 4R36, it's roughly the same price to service it, as the cost of a new one. Anywhere from $75 - $90 USD for a new movement. I've gotten the 4R in my SKX to run between 0 and +1 second a day (on the wrist). On the table, it runs about +4.
Well 10 months on I've actually got one. I wasn't sure about the blue 2nd hand , but in real life it looks great. It's very subtle in real life but brings out the dark blue of the dial. The level is way above the level of the spb range. The steel is bright and really pops in sunlight , the bezel action is as good as any watch I've owned , and my one lines up perfectly. These seikos are on a par with omegas and rolex in terms of finish and build quality. At 4k in the UK it's similar priced to the omega seamaster 300 on a strap . Yes the omega has a more luxury name , better box etc, but I don't believe it's a superior watch. 2nd hand prices are slightly higher for the omega, but being a limited addition of just 1700 pieces the seikos more unique and likely to rise in price in time. You won't buy the seiko to impress your peers, but you will buy it to impress yourself. I was very lucky to get mine just 6 months old and I got it for just over half retail price. At £2350 I think I got a real bargain. Not that I will ever sell it , because I love the design so much. I've still got my spb051 for every day wear and that too is a fabulous watch. Considering you can pick them up for around £500 in good used condition , they are an absolute steal now and are levels above the turtles, samurai and even the sumo in my opinion. Obviously you need a bigger wrist to pull them off , but they have great wrist presence and build quality. Mine gains about 2 minutes a week but doesn't bother me. The 6r movements are good but not super accurate. The 8L35 seems to be amazing, keeps brilliant time, but then it should for the money paid. When the sla017 first came out at nearly 4k new, I nearly choked on coffee, but when you get one of these beautiful sla models in your hand , you realise how good they are. Anyone who thinks the spb models are better can't have experienced the sla models. That said value wise the spb models are fantastic watches for the money, so if your thinking of getting one , then do, because for around 1k , I don't believe you can get a better diver from a major brand that rivals them.
Pretty hard to beat the movement in the Seamaster, that 8800. Seiko has nothing even close to it in terms of COSC certification and anti-magnetic properties.
Jim Mason Yeah I would definitely buy this watch but for the movement, I dont know how Seiko can justify selling a watch at that price quoting +15 to -10 seconds a day. I’m sure it probably runs more accurately than that but still.
The SPB143 and the SPB051 is my choice rather than 4k on the SLA043, the SPB143 for the design and looks and the SPB051 for the build quality. No QC issues on my examples.
Much prefer the Seiko 62MAS. It is the superior watch. A much better looking timepiece, also. The watch's case looks solid and the brushed metal is lovely. And, really, the movement of the 62MAS says it all. One thing that I don't like is using Rolex - specifically the Submariner - as a measuring rod for quality. Seiko, Grand Seiko are in a league of their own. Personally, I don't have a hankering for Rolex in the way I do for Grand Seiko or even Seiko.
Excellent video. One small correction - the "ever brilliant" steel doesn't look like white gold, because white gold has a slightly warm tone compared to stainless steel. The EB steel is in fact brigher/whiter/colder than normal 316L steel. And actually, the more common Diashield coated Seiko steel looks a bit more like white gold, because it has a somewhat warmer (although mainly darker) tone.
Love my 149 but the thicker bezel insert makes it look too small for me. If it was a 42mm case it would be perfect. The thinner bezel of the magnificent SLA is much nicer. I’ll get one of those one day. The 6R35 movement is complete rubbish though in my 149. It’s fine in my 151 Willard. In the 149 it was initially running about 2min fast when purchased from Seiko. I’ve tried everything and even with constant wearing on the wrist and winding, it still runs at about 60 sec fast. It will be going back under warranty. Even my SKX runs far closer. Love the 8L35 movements in my MM300.
Thanks for the vid I really enjoyed it! I've owned both but sold the SPB143 to fund the SLA043 (which Im wearing as I write this). In my opinion the SLA043 is NOT 3-4 times better or nicer but it is at least 4 times more special than the SPB14Xs. I love it and at times can't get my eyes off of it! :) The EB-steel is pure eye candy and, like you said, the crystal and everything under it all looks oh-so-good and sharp! There is only two gripes I have with the SLA043: at this price there really should be a bracelet and a nice one at that. Secondly the high quality 8L35 movement really should be adjusted by Seiko. I've learned that it doesn't cost much to get a watchmaker to adjust the 8L35 movement afterwards so that is not a biggie though and once you do it the movement should be good for a long time! About the OEM rubber straps I almost immediately stopped using them and instead opted for a Uncle Seiko tropic strap which suits the watch perfectly imo. Also I've been using a couple of different natos and leather straps which all suit it very well. :)
yes the 8L35 has a tiny screw regulator. It will take a watchmaker 1min to regulate it to better then cosc! which begs the question why seiko is so stubborn to not do it themselves! the movement is hand assembled. so it means they are telling their watchmakers don't regulate these. make sure of it. and im not a fan of that!
You could get the SPB 143, 145, 147 and say the SPB213 all for the price of the SLA043, and get rather nice bracelets on three of those SPBs. Just on principle alone I'm not gonna spend $4500 on a watch which straps I have to chuck. And for $4500 you can have a Tudor BB58, also very nice.
Great review, FYI I have the SPB143j (63mas)with the Diashield bracelet. I swapped out the Seiko factory bracelet for a Strapcode (Miltat) specific model coded one. The Seiko issued one is of substandard engineering for a watch of this price. The diver clip extension is not that functional and the although the lug ends are solid with nice fat spring bars, the sizing was about 0.6mm off allowing play. The (Strapcode, Miltat standard bracelet) fitted exact and firm. I could have opted for a machined Tudor style ratcheted diver extension but chose a standard one. I do go to my local 50m pool in the summer but don't dive. I'm not into promoting other companies but, the (Strapcode) mico screw bolt bracelet seems to me to be far superior than the old "rattler" pin & sleeve link style Seiko whacks on a very nice beater. I'll keep the original put away for provinance anyway as I hate waste. My motto is if you don't feel it in your gut a month on, don't pull the trigger on it. Cheers John, Brisbane Australia. 🇦🇺🌏
If you have the money go for the SLAs or GS. Im happy with my 6R35s tho, well at the moment. Ofcourse we are aiming for those heavy hitters. Great comparison as always FT. By the way I think that is not a dolphin but a Whale on the caseback of the 62Mas.
All literature I've read says it's a dolphin and it looks like one to me! but i'll ask. Yes the 6R35 is good reliable solid movement. Hoping for the 6L35 new seiko movement in the king seiko to finally make it down to prospex level to really destroy the competition.
Great review - really helpful details and facts often overlooked in YT reviews. Like ACTUAL dimensions! Nice one. Two brilliant watches, one great watch! The 62MAS Glacier is amazing and one I need to add to the collection (if I hadn't just got the LX Skyline). Of course, it's not '4x better', but if you can afford it safely and know you'll keep it a while, it is worth it and it will hold ok value (better than eg Omega). My feeling with my other SLA reissues is that they are Grand Seikos in all but name; the equal or better than Omega and Rolex in quality, with more interesting design and sophisticated colour use. And they are properly limited. Man, Rolex must make 50k Subs a year! Lack of regulation is a shame. But dude, you cut the strap??!! Surely an Uncle Seiko would have been the way to go?! ;-)
@@EscapementWatch Just got mine! Awesome! You vid convinced me. Dude, stoked: the bezel...the steel... the lume. Running at -1 on wrist. Man. Yeah, long strap, but only about 0.5mm-1cm longer on the male side and 0.5mm shorter on the female than most dive straps. I'm gonna try jamming a 20mm Tropic in (I reckon a nice match and lots of 'tropic' options: Gecko, which are good but long; Baltic are short...), but the true fit option is 19mm Uncle Seikos (waffles etc). I've got a few and they work well, but they're only slightly shorter and not the same quality as the OEM (which is immense). Can't find any other 19mm options... But, there is the bracelet from the SLA017, which I guess you could get from Seiko.
**Year 1 anniversary double upload** why not! This video is out 1 day Early due to popular demand but mostly you guys bugging me! Hope you all Enjoy! I have sold my SPB143 with 149 Dial. Shipping it out Monday to help replenish funds from the purchase of the 62MAS. Which one do you want? or would you prefer? 62 or 63MAS? -Falling 😁
Great comparison review FT 👍. With all the details you've thrown in, top notch. I can only agree with you, the SPB14xJ1 (the whole Seiko mid tier range in fact) are fantastic watches. Not really a lot to complain about. But! The SLA series is a completely different level. And, if possible, the way to go for Seiko lovers. I'm about to sell my green Willard and the SPB149J1 and use the money to buy me a SLA033. The green Willard is nice, but the SLA is the perfect addition to my 6105 8110. Btw, I have already ordered another of the original black Seiko rubber straps the green Willard comes with. To me the best strap I've ever experienced. Will add that to the SLA033 (same problem here, way too long waffle strap attached). And because it's so soft, the 20mm width is not at all an issue. I also wear it to the 6105 8110. Just perfect. Enjoy your new beauty mate and take care 👌👋👍
Is our problem with the price the name? It seems to offer a fair amount for the money, when you compare it to something like a Black Bay 58 around the same price point. I wonder if they will ever up the 8L to a 70hr power reserve, or is there one already? Then they would really be on par.
The SLA043 is a very nice watch, i checked it out at my local ad. But the blue second hand looks so out of place imo. The dial and the hands are so beautifully balanced otherwise, but that second hand just kills it for me.
I thought the same when I first saw it. When I had the chance to see it at my ad the blue hand just gave it that pop which gave the watch a ton of character.
I currently own the SLA037; 039; 043 and sold the 149; 143. I tried a few example of the 140s and they all gain way to much even many weeks later on which is very off putting for me, also the bezel seem to grow lager by the day compare to the 55th Anniversary trio which of course are on a higher level of everything. I simply can’t understand how many think it’s close. The 037,039,and 043 are on another level entirely. I got the 037 and 039 up for sale on Chrono24 and are mint like new. I will stay with 043 for now.
Actually, l like the wider bezel on the reinterpretation. I have the SLA017 which l like too. They have their own appeal. So, l keep both. I look forward to buy the everbright steel in a GS. Awesome innovation.
I just cut 3 straps. The first one a bit too short, so, l use it for my smallest diver, the 4205 0156 which is only 41.5mm in length. Diameter is 37mm like the skx 013. Ya, the strap is thick. I don't have the skills to file it to 2mm😅
Great Video! Thank you so much! Very good comparison. Great looking watches. Can I also ask what kind of Seiko are you wearing on this video? It looks nice! Thanks again!
I was planning to get the SPB143, but what your reveal about the 6R35a movement has changed my opinion. :( I liked a lot this watch, but it's so sad that the movement isn't great.
its not bad! don't let my words change that. It is a lower end movement for seiko in reality but it can be amazingly accurate and reliable and robust tank! Just because its economy model doesn't mean its not good! These 7S, 4R, 6R all are spawn of the 7000 series Daini seikosha movements focus was economy.
@@EscapementWatch Thank you for the fast response and the explanation! Is this watch hard to maintain? Does it need to br worn every day? I remember you said something about the power reserve (worn on the third day the hour must be changed and that hurts the movement). Maybe I will need to wait the watch to fully stop? Thanks again for the help! 🙏🙏😊
I am telling you in live this everbriliant steel shines like the explosion of supernova right on your wrist,much more shinny than your Rolex. Little known fact: Omega used 904 steel some 11 years before Rolex,yes Rolex copied the Omega.
Both lovely watches , I'm not sure about the blue hand on the 62mas, looks a bit cheap. Preferred the original reissue. Thought the grey sunburst dial was nicer too. And as I've said before the 63 mas isn't any better than the spb051 series. It has some plus points the size at 40mm. But the indices and the domed sapphire really popped on the 051. I also like the arrow hand set, gave it an omega 300 bond like feel. Can't really see what seiko have done to justify the $200 price increase on the old model really. Yes the power reserve has increased , but in practice if you have a few watches in your collection then the autos have usually stopped anyway, unless you change your watches daily. Plus and minus on both really , it's all down to personal taste and preferences. Great video as always, and enjoyable.
yes I 100% agree. I did not like the baby blue seconds hand at first. def needs to grow on you. now when i look at the originals they look boring to me! but I totally understand the not liking it. as i was there before!
@@EscapementWatch , yes it's hard unless you see it in hand, it just doesn't look great in the videos I've seen of it. So as you originally felt the same as me, maybe I would change my opinion in reality. I would love to see one , but I trust your judgement that it grows on you, and even adds a little pop !!!
Yes last month I did not buy it because I wanted a more professional cleaner look like 017 or 037. but couldn't get it out of my mind. So I asked for it back and kept it for 2weeks just wearing it in the house promising not to damage it and fell for it. I'm lucky enough to be able to try before I buy thanks to the channel. The backstory behind it does help as well. the deep blue ocean dial color* and ice burg on top *seconds hand* for the 1960's Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition teams work. who all wore the 62mas.
@@EscapementWatch , yes I can see the charm in it , the thinner bezel and hands look great on it . The original certainly had a beautiful charm about it , depicting the decade of the style beautifully. It's kind of a shame that seiko couldn't have made a cheaper version , with similar looks and size for the $1000 price. The 051 was a cracking watch In terms of quality, but of course the price rise reflects that. It was also a tad too big for the majority. Then they bring out the 141 series and get the size right and sharper case etc.. but spoil it by the wide bezel and triangle marker ??? Why couldn't they just made it like the more expensive models , with a cheaper movement and similar looks , so the masses could really enjoy it ??? The more expensive models would have still sold out , having better movements and the improved steel etc.... seiko really don't get their customers wants and desires, and I think that's a real shame . I mean you put the sla 62mas next to a rolex it competes with the quality side , very well in terms of looks etc , So why couldn't they just produced a decent homage to the original at a price their customers could afford. It would of been a worldwide smash hit, blowing the black bay 58s out of the water in terms of price for quality ? So frustrating at times, maybe they do it to keep our interest ??? So annoying though, and most of their fans can see it, but why can't they ???
@@EscapementWatch have you Still got the slao43 ? I have the chance to get one or the sla037. The o37 is about $800 more , but I'm still not sure about that blue hand on the 043 ?
I have the sla033 and just bought the new gs gmt blue and white 2020 cant remember the model number. Its gorgeous but i think the sla is more special. What u think?
Great comparison thanks. sla043 is a high quality watch. I have the spb147 and its replaced my 2019 speedie as my daily. Great watch for the money. It will come scuba diving with me one of these weeks
Brilliant comparison thanks but Why isn't anybody doing the comparison with the anniversary Seiko sla037 or 62mas VS the Omega 300 Seamaster anniversary?
hmmmm sounds like a great comparison. A larger channel could do it. I can't get my hands on both at the same time. Small channel life. in 4-5 years I can do it!
Wow. The 62mas is really in a different league. Those sharp lines and cuts are just gorgeous. Not a fan of the color tho. Great looking watch nonetheless. The 63mas doesnt even come close.
63 mas way nicer to look at..62 does not look as poppy..plus servicing cost much much higher....your paying for the steel and the movement in the 62mas which is fine...but for me the 149 is more than enough watch for me and mine is half second aday slow if i where it all day long..over night if i leave it crown up for 7 hours while i sleep its back to bang on using greenwich time signal ...not bad for a 6r35....sold my sla deff keeping the 149....when the love affair wears off and reality kicks in you realize that you dont need more than you need.
Was about to buy 63mas to act as a budget or mid range 62mas, but god, that 62mas is still the prettiest one there. No replacement at all. SLA043 = WHOOAAAAAAA! SPB149 = Not bad.
I have the 017, 037, 039, 043, sold the 143, 149-Twice they good but not great and terrible in time keeping way to fast for my taste. Once you own a Vacheron and Glashutte and Blancpain it’s hard to put on a 149, silly me but it was fun and one can never forget what got us here. Life is short and Time is precious!!
@@ocb05 I really like the 043, I love the all brushed EBS and the deep blue dial and light blue seconds. The 8L35 is a great movement and pretty accurate. I recently git the Glashutte SEAQ blue dial and Blancpain FF 38Mm so yeah, all three are great but the GO and BP cost twice as much then the 043. It’s tuff but I think the 043 is really great, it’s an awesome package, my 037 I a pinch Better. To answer your Question I really love the 043 it’s hard to let go. I rather sell my 037 cause I can get a little more cash right now for it.
Have you noticed uneveness on the 12oclock marker or other markers on the SLA043? The unevenness seems like a mountain valley on the lume, which can cast shadow and give a blackishness affect, or similar. Have you noticed this?
Seiko prices are out of whack. SLA043 is a great model but at 7k CAD ridiculous. omega/tudor territory. pay a little more and rolex. crazy. price this at 3K CAD sell like hotcakes.
Not everyone is obsessed with Omega/Rolex! Quality wise the SLA043 is on par or above both rolex and omega. If you can't see that then stick to Swiss made and for your seiko fix get a seiko 5KX.
@@EscapementWatch well the swiss guarantee watch is accurate to cosc or metas. with seiko a lottery ticket. +15 to -10 seconds per day. warranty ? swiss give you 5 years. pathetic. look when you do a review you need to be objective vs fan boy. i like Seiko but at 7K call it a GrandSeiko.
Yes if your main concern when purchasing timepiece is accuracy over the watches style/history/feel then stick to the certified swiss or quartz for sure. its ok to have different preferences in watches.
@@EscapementWatch not a question of swiss vs japan. issue is Seiko . Casio/Citizen have superior quality control. no bezel alignment issues. on 1600 CAD seiko bezel does not align and the movement is still crappy. Seiko want to move upscale but do not understand the luxury market. when you buy a luxury item what is important. finish quality/accuracy/anti-magnetism rating/warranty/service. 1 year warranty on Seiko vs 10 years on a Oris. in future please state the warranty/service cost for watches .
I think warranty is overrated in watches. If there is a defect in the watch it will usually show up early! first 1month usually and warranty will cover it. if the watch works well for its first 2 years which is the warranty from AD then its going to work fine for the next 10 years unless you do something dramatic to it or abuse it. I work on Seiko's all the time that are 10-20 years old no services and running great. I did mention service cost in this video. Seiko 4R/6R about 100-150 depending on your local service center. but forgot to mention 8L. its $398usd. seiko recommends every 3-5 years but in real life it can go 10-20 from what i've seen with the base 7s26.
9:16 I don't quite get this: if this is a diver's watch, why wouldn't someone wear it when diving? What would they wear instead? Conversely, why buy a diver's watch in the first place if it's not intended for wearing when diving? Is it inferred here that this a pretend-diver's watch? Just to be clear on why I'm writing this: if this is just a watch which is bought for its looks and quality of build combination, i.e. not for its practical value, then I would not buy this watch as you can't wear it with a suit, only with casual clothes. If I were wearing casual clothes on the other hand, I would not care to wear a higher quality watch or wear a watch at all for that matter. That's just me of course - others like to wear premium watches with casual wear.
Yeah the times we live in. Just like a submariner, these luxury items may see a dip in the pool at a luxury resort for a quick snap shot for insta but nothing ever more. An affordable 200m diver at $300 dollars will do most of the tough jobs just fine.
The thing is that you are getting Seiko. It will never be an Omega. Therefore paying close to 5K is just never a.good value. Gran Seiko is a different story.
Of all the overpriced crap Seiko makes, this 62Mas takes the cake. The other one is no price either, over a 1,000.00 price tag ought to give you less quality control mishaps than seiko offers, and at least a higher beat movement
This is just brand snobbery ;) The Seiko is not only much more beautiful to me but also feels way more special holding in your hand than a SMP as well.
