Honest review after wearing the Prospex GMT reference SPB381 for a couple of weeks now, I have come to a conclusion. Have Seiko delivered a classic or will we come up with the same old complaints?
Finally gotten this review, have been waiting for it, great work! I like what this watch has to offer mostly, the green colored dial & bezel, the flawless hands and indices etc. The only thing to point out is that the thickness is more about 13.5 mm than 12.9mm. The bezel action is silky smooth to turn, just that it can be a bit hard to grip when you are sweaty, wears very well, weight wise you can definitely feel it on the wrist, but still rather manageable and comfortable.
Quite right you are, the 12.9 excludes the crystal protrusion - will pin your comment. Its a great watch despite the downsides - I am still in awe of the finish 😅🔥
@@nextonthewristthe spb297 62mas you showed is called the blue birch, I've got one myself for 600pounds new in a sale at Christmas. Beautiful watch trash movement 👍all the best mate
Excellent review my good sir. Oftentimes, reviews are nothing more than a commercial for the product being reviewed, but you really did a great job at talking about both the good and the bad. Very refreshing.
Fantastic review. Thank you. I love my Seiko divers. I’ll be getting one of these but probably 2nd hand. I’ll throw a rubber strap on it. I agree about the 6R movements. Some of mine are almost spot on and others are 30-60sec off. We’d all prefer more accuracy rather than a 3 day power reserve.
Great looking watch. I have no need for a gmt so I went with the spb187. I totally agree that the case is superbly designed and finished, one of my favourite cases in my large collection.
Great review! I've owned the black version for a couple of days and agree with your points wholeheartedly, especially the flimsy dive extension which makes the clasp unnecessarily long. I don't mind the bracelet links themselves as they are individually small and make for a comfortable fit, but the fitment of the endlinks could be so much better, as you pointed out. All in all, the watch head is where this truly shines, literally! The ceramic bezel insert with the amazing finishing of the case makes this one an outright stunning piece.
I have the black dial 383 and absolutely love the look of it. Even though this is my first mechanical watch, I am impressed with the timekeeping too. Hard to find a better looking Seiko IMO.
I got the limited one and I like it just as much as my submariner. The hands are cleaner, actually. My sub just came back from RSC with a visible blem on a hand. The seiko is running -1.5spd so far. The polish is indeed more refined then any other non grand seiko I’ve seen. I think the finish of the case is as nice as my grand seiko. Hands and dial a little less so. The reason I say that is because my GS indices are brushed but it’s so fine that it looks mirrored… but, I really want to put this dial beside a white birch and compare the texture and depth.
Really interesting to hear, I haven't had much experience with Grand Seiko so high praise that you can even compare some parts of them. Thanks for the comments and enjoy the watch 🙂🍻
I own the 385 glacier dial LE. I agree with most of what you said. However I do think the bracelet is comfortable and well made for the price although I don’t mind a bit of quick microadjust. Seiko needs to develop a clasp that had this function
I have this beautiful piece and your right, you need to see it in person to appreciate it's quality and attention to detail. I love how the dial shimmers in the light and how the bezel doesn't over shine. When it comes to collecting, it's all about the dial for me. As far as the accuracy of time, we all have our phones to reflect to. There are some points you've made about the piece that could've been better, but the good news is that can be improved down the road if someone chooses to. Perhaps a better movement if offered and exchanged by an authorized Seiko technician. For me, this piece is just fine as is.
Yes since naming this video it's firmly in my box of keeps, I love the watch despite the flaws. I can't explain how frustrating it is that people will judge before actually seeing it in real life, there's so many subtleties and nuances in watches that a video will never do justice. Cheers for the comments and enjoy yours 🙂👍
Great review. I observed the same accuracy with my R movement for my Presage GMT losing about 7 seconds while my NH35 movements have been slightly more consistent. however durability and accuracy are not always a package deal like fish n chips. ask anyone who paid handsomely for a laboriously built Omega moon watch if they're anywhere near COSC like a substantially cheaper Longines Spirit Zulu. the bracelet is never an issue for me because I Immediately remove it so I can use it to resell as new and avoid damaging the case with the ubiquitous rattle and shake. also I only use elastic NATO strap like the French paratrooper style. they're great for these larger cases or if you have a smaller wrist because the low profile of the elastic strap keeps the head of the watch always centered on your wrist without that annoying rolling. pro tip when buying any watch in store. bring a loupe. Ive been going over all my watches and I'm seeing a lot of things that should not have passed quality control but since they're not visible to the naked eye they don't bother with improving how the handle the parts during production and assembly. overall I think Seiko make the best $1500 watch the special edition Navy dial Pressage GMT with the navy ceramic bezel. that watch has a true GMT unlike the Prospex an extremely similar styling of dial features to the Grand Seikos. but they're hard to see in person if you're considering one. Seiko are definitely making tradeoffs to keep pricing down because costs have gone up for consumers and manufacturers. the days of taking watches that had it all for cheap are well in the past now. but at the same time quality control needs to be better than ever because consumers are more demanding if they are paying more.
Some extremely valid points well made 🙂👍 thank for for the comments and great idea on taking a loupe to stores. Just about to upload a presage Sharp edge video although non-gmt...they have truly stunning dials. 🔥
Handsome watch. I happen to agree with all your positive and negative comments. I dislike that 4:30 date window, but it could be worse. They could have used a white date wheel. Excellent review as always.
I watched your video and found it well above average for someone with 66 subs. 645 now:) Beautiful watch by the way, always tempted by Seiko but haven't got one yet.
I’ve got a SPB237 with a 6R35 and, bizarrely, it’s got more accurate over a year of ownership. It’s now gaining about 2-3 seconds a day. At first it was about 15 seconds a day. Movement seems to be a lucky dip though.
I find Seiko owners are more understanding as to any Seiko issues with QC and price. Yes Prospex watches have increased in price, but as a watch owner, I buy what I find desirable, the way it looks, the history of Seiko, I just find Seiko watches extremely appealing. I’m a big fan of the 62 mas reissue design and the 1968 watch reissue design. Those are my 2 favorite Seiko watch types, followed by the Samurai style. I’m a history nerd, and a watch nerd. So Seiko watches just sing to me. I have several higher end watches, but always seem to wear my Seikos, especially their dive watches.
Hands down, the best value in automatic GMTs is the Glycine Combat Sub GMT. 42mm case, 10.85mm thick, sharply curved (down) lugs. Sellita 330 Swiss movement. $550. I have two and they are great!
I have 2 combats , they fit me like a glove as I have 8 inch wrists. I also think they are not better but have more character than a bland black bay . But i am still waiting for Tudor to release a thin 41mm , in black and gilt on a jubilee.
Im picking mine up tomorrow, pending alignment inspection of course lol. Its one of the only models that seems to be priced reasonably that Seiko has put out recently.
I have the 383 and for the most part I am pleased. I do agree with all your points in the review. The 3 biggest concerns for me are the bracelet (I put my right on a rubber strap right away), dial text, and the movement. I don't even expect a good bracelet anymore. If I purchase a Seiko, or GS for that matter, I purchase either a new strap or aftermarket bracet right away. If Seiko doesn't want to remove the X from Prospect line, how about putting it on the crown. That will be a win, win for all parties I think. Also, the 6R is pretty trash. Mine gains about 5 seconds a day, so by midweek, it is already 15 seconds ahead. Overall very good looking watch, but those little details can take this from being a good release to this being a great release.
@graemewhittle1665 I tried looking at Strapcode, which is my default spot for bracelets. The have the MM300 and MM200, but not this specific release. Also tried Uncle Seiko, but didn't see it there either.
Nice video! I bought the green one last week and it is fantastic! But i am with you… the bracelet does not match the quality of the watch! Its ok… but nothing more! Do you have any information for an upcoming alternative by uncle in the near future ? This watch with a well made bracelet and clasp… a dream!
i was thinking about buying it but now i think i should save the money for Omega Seamaster. may be next year, i will be able to own one. what do u say ?
If you're saving up for a watch definitely try both on the wrist in person at your local store. You don't want any buyers remorse ... The more expensive option doesn't mean it'll fit better or you'll love it more so try everything you like 🙂👍
@@boston961 it is 51.5mm / 2.027ish inches essentially between the male ends on the end links either side of the case - so if the top surface of your wrist is at least this wide it will not hang over the sides when you put it on, but that is also slightly downturned so if you're right on that limit it should also be ok. If you can get to a shop to try it definitely worth it but that measurement is the best rough idea I can provide - hope it helps bud.
Lots of choice, but my two standouts would be for microbrand the Tuseno Shellback v2 or 'major brand' the MIDO Ocean Star Tribute...both are great watches with lovely bracelets.
Great Video im in the market for that watch , i will trade my Marinmaster 300 SBDX017 WHICH I PURCHASED WHEN I FIRST CAME OUT IN I THINK 2015 SO ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE
Just depends which dial you like, I wanted something more traditional this time but aside from the dial color and texture it's still the same watch as the non-limited editions. I had one of the 62 mas limited edition dials which was similar to the SPB385 but darker blue, it was a novelty and fun but didn't end up staying in my collection. They are cool though so ultimately its all personal taste right? 🙂
Great review. Just out of interest, have checked out Christopher Ward? This is another brand (UK) that you have to see in person to believe the quality. And typically around £1,000 range. I couldn't help thinking that this new Seiko watch head is a copy of the Christopher Ward Light Catcher case.
I definitely will grab one at some point - I've been close to buying one several times over the last few years but it just hasn't quite happened. A lot of positive feedback on CW for sure 🙂👍
That's a great question - the comparably priced watch that comes to mind immediately is the Hamilton Frogman 41mm which I have a review for on the channel, the crown guard might not be your cup of tea though. Another super choice is the MIDO Ocean Star Tribute (slightly cheaper), possibly my favourite dive watch in this kind of price point (superb bracelet) and I would also throw in the Longines Hydroconquest which I have owned and sold, it's a bit more expensive but again often on offer at $1500ish. These 3 watches are in my opinion better all rounders, but none have specifically the case finishing at the level of the Seiko, but all have much better bracelet fitment and clasp quality ... so good comparisons hopefully of pros and cons of each 🙂...I still have the Seiko and still think it's a great watch. I highly recommend seeing all of them in person if you can and having a look yourself, as with any 'reviewer' it's just my opinion of course, and these watches are what I've owned but I am sure there is many more ...cheers for stopping by 🙂🍻
@@nextonthewrist Nice suggestions with completely different style. So the green dial is what tickles me the most. The Hydroconquest has the most comparable option then and I really like Longines. The design of the Prospex is so good though. Tough call. Thanks for taking the time to answer!
Haha my pleasure! I feel like you won't be disappointed with the Seiko but green dials I can think of a couple microbrands, Jack Mason has just launched a green stratotimer... I have the green Vaer G5 gmt with review on the channel... And then Oris and Rado both have lovely green dial options but really the next price category up unless you find a great offer. Good luck with the search 😎🍻
Mine is running at the moment around +4 seconds per day, honestly though having had both Seiko and Citizen watches when it comes to autos it really seems luck of the draw, considering they don't regulate to a specific number on these watches. Bearing in mind a regulated NH35 or Miyota 8 series can keep perfect time whilst an unlucky 6R or Miyota 9xxx from their factory could be quite significantly out, the timing tolerances are steep on both brands. This specific 6R so far has been more consistent than some of the older 6Rs I've had, so maybe/hopefully they fixed something...
I have aeen it black ceramic gmt before few hours. Impressuve i like it. But the clasp the only thing needs upgrade, so to become the same class to rest of the watch. Price tag 1700€ in Athens.
I guess we agree then - I still have mine on the bracelet. It's quite usable, but I still take issue with the clasp and end link fit. It is only my opinion of course, so some will find it no issue at all and others will take more offense to it than I do 😎🙌 thanks for stopping by and watching 🍻
I can't add much more than is in the video - but it is still in my collection today and I stand by my original conclusion that it's a great watch despite the flaws 🙂👍
Not quite to my eyes but deffo not a million miles off, diminishing returns with more money an all that.... but I do love the new sumos the gradient dial is awesome 😎🙌 cracking watches thank you for the comment 🙂👍
+25/-15 seconds is the part that gets me. Other than tightening up the accuracy, the price seems reasonable to me, for a GMT. Everyone wants something for nothing anymore, which is why half the internet is commenters saying they got a Chinese homage for 200 dollars. Well, in Europe, no one would be proud to have a, say, Romanian watch, as a substitute for a Swiss one, dunno why Japan seems to exclusively get this treatment, about their watches.
I'm neither here nor there on where a watch is made, I judge everything by the same standards. That being said I agree on the loose tolerance at this price point and you do have to factor in labor and operational costs vary wildly in different countries and that factors into watch pricing 🙂👍
My 6R35 200m diver is +12~ +21 seconds/day. Not very consistent output, but within its spec. Generally watches over $700, near the COSC spec should not be any problem, however Seiko seems doesn’t care about the movement accuracy, even the over $3k 8R movement. That’s really strange strategy.
Yes, definitely, it is infuriating isn't it? ... I still get better results from my regulated 4Rs than the 6Rs - totally against what you'd expect, the more expensive movement should be better in terms of time keeping.
Nice looking, redundant answer is NEEDS A NEW MOVEMENT DESIGN (8L35b, a pinch hitter), REGULATION, CERTIFICATION (Omega & Rolex stands by their brand). I own 3 Rolexes, 1 Omega, 1 JLC Reversion... and others... I would purchase a New Benchmark Seiko (needs chronometer standard that Seiko certifies, ... mechanical only... - Spring Drive is a “fudge”). I’m 70 y/o, and waiting... the SLA055 came whisker close BUT... at least 10 deficiencies..(1) unbranded crown, (2) El cheapo strap/bracelet, (3) Unregulated (old mark) 8L35 (4) date window looks cheap, incomplete (5) etc....
Just got mine the other day. Beautiful watch. I put it on my timegrapher and was dissatisfied with the performance to say the least. Rate was at the outer limits of their tolerance, amplitude was just above 200 with a full wind, beat error at 0.5 ms and when changing the position of the watch the timegrapher showed a snow storm until the watch settled down. Not good. I regret not buying this watch from EBay or Amazon. It would have been returned.
This is an issue I have with the 6R - it's a lucky dip. Some are fine forever, some quickly fall off a cliff and some come out the box in a bad way. I don't understand why this movement series are so inconsistent, yet the cheaper 4R series hardly ever suffer issues. For this reason I trust a Sellita or ETA much more. Sorry to hear of your troubles 😩
I’m torn between the LE Glacier vs the Tissot prx Chronograph. I love the look and dial of the glacier but the bang for the buck of the tissot prx chrono just appeals to me especially the design of the watch overall. Plus the tissot prx chrono is cheaper that the seiko le glacier. If it was you which one would you get?
Interesting two choices - a diving GMT and a bit of 70s retro. I have handled the PRX chrono and I've been close to buying one, I love the white colorway. It is a really chunky watch, I mean like considerably thicker than the Seiko so you should bear that in mind, it doesn't work on small wrists... it also feels heavier but it's a chronograph so expected? The finish on both is exceptional, I would say the Seiko is going to have a crisper finish on the polished surfaces as it's the party piece of this particular watch but the PRX is offering an automatic chrono and a warm vintage vibe. Best thing you can do is try both on, do whatever you can to find them in a local jewellers or watch shop. I think they're such different watches (and great watches) you'll pick one quite easily with both in hand it'll pull you one way or the other 🙂👍
@@nextonthewrist Pizza sounds good right now! No I only rly need 2. The chapter ring 24H seems nearly useless IMO. I have a Presage GMT that’s a bit of a letdown to me…a Prospex-y GMT (and overtly GMT) would be a nice picot, IMO
The biggest con on Seiko watches is the bracelet. Heck even my Grand Seiko spring drive and my mm300 have lackluster bracelets. They feel cheap and play is also present for the fitment.
So true, and yet in the catalogue they have some excellent bracelets with micro adjust but you only ever see them on the occasional Astron. I don't understand why 😅
i have it and i payed 1400 for it and i didnt regret it one minute.... they get oiled regulated done but if the oils are setting with wearing yes the regulation gets of ...
I'm not sure it is lubrication related as its not as issue with the 4R series or any other modern movement I have Swiss Japanese or Chinese. Modern watch oils are more tacky until they come into friction and tend to stay in place when the watch isn't in use - they're pretty cool! But congratulations on your pickup it's a lovely piece and thanks for the comments 🙂🍻
@@nextonthewrist did you dismantel the movement 6r oil it yourself and regulated and you wil see pls dont oil the pallet vork as seiko says and it runs a lot better i service all my movements
@@ElderPinto254 very interesting! I haven't - only regulated mine but not serviced as its such a new watch. So if Seiko wanted to, you reckon they could solve the issue quite easily of regulation slipping on the 6R movements?
@@nextonthewrist i you have the guts one day try it its not a hard movement to work on than let it sit for 48 hours and than ragulait ps no oil on pallet vork!
1. It's not like Seiko hasn't made watches at and above this price point for decades. 2. The MM300 ratcheting clasp is a direct swap. First thing I did on mine.
I kind of wish Seiko would release this at $2K-$2.5K with an upgraded movement, date at 3 o'clock, signed crown, slightly better bracelet, remove the word "3 Days" from the dial. I would 100% buy it then. I'm on the fence right now. Yes, I know we're getting ripped off but I understand Seiko is moving upmarket on prices. Kind of like everything right now.
Yeah I'm in two minds on this, I feel it'd be spot on if they could tighten the tolerances on the bracelet end links and clasp and sign the crown and definitely remove '3 days' then the current price is super competitive. That said I also don't love the 6R movements and a premium movement would match the gorgeous finishing on the watch head. Since making the review the watch has continued to grow on me - flaws still as described but it's become a keeper because I just love the case dial hands and bezel. Cheers for the comments 🙂 🍻
This is my honest opinion. Seikos are good value around 300 to 600. Anything with a price tag higher than that cannot compete against Swiss watches like Tissot, Alpina, Mido or Hamilton.
Try this one in hand. I have all of the brands you've mentioned, even my latest video is the new Hamilton Frogman (lovely watch) but this Seiko has better finishing. My favorite watch in my box is a Mido ocean star, this Seiko has better finishing. Seiko at 300-600 and Seiko at 1500 are totally different beasts 😅 that said I think 1500 is steep. Cheers for the comments 🙂 🍻
Well there's a huge difference in quality between $200 and $2000 so I'd say so, but it's always diminishing returns the more you pay the quality goes up less and less 🙂👍 I think $300 - $500 seems to be a value sweet spot.
like i said.I understand Grand @@nextonthewrist like i said Grand seiko or patek or those brands they have price cuz they make watch 6 months by hand.But all these factory watches use same parts but name dictates price instead.For example u have winer chines brand thats actualy good brand and its 10x cheaper than seiko that made of same parts,But he carry name Seiko so its more money.
In a word. No. I have a few inexpensive Seiko watches including a 1st gen. Black monster which was $160 Cndn. At these prices I'll look at Sinn , Hamilton or even Ball to name a few . I know different watches but Seiko and their qc issues shy me away from spending big bucks on Seiko. It is a nice watch but I would definitely try to but on reputable grey market.
Brought this today after reviewing several other similar watches around the 1-1.5k price point. The green really pops!. 20% off PLUS £150 gift card = Best Buy 👍👍👍
Clasp definitely, true GMT perhaps not for me - in the L Vaer I reviewed recently the lack of quick set date with true GMTs has put me right off 😅 but I can see the attraction for others if you keep them wound and don't have my troubles 😀...Cheers for the comments 😎🍻
Nope. Too big. 6R . Unsigned Crown……My 2016 Sarb 017 @ $379.00 @ Amazon….200 M , Sapphire, Signed Crown. I will not buy a Seiko without those items. Fine review & Thanks
And I always negotiate hard on carrots too 😉.... you're free to pay full price. As the old saying goes something is only worth what someone's willing to pay 😎🙌
I love Seiko and have around six of them...but what I like about Seiko is the high quality and solid history for around $600 or less...for me personally, I could never spend that much for a Seiko diver. At that point, I'm not that far away from a Tudor Pelagos, Breitling Superocean Heritage or Omega Seamaster 300...but to be fair, that green Seiko GMT is a beautiful watch
I would say I agree but have you seen all the price increases on the brands you just mentioned in the last 2 years 😁 everything is going crazy $$$ 😩..that said you can get a big discount still on the Seiko but I do agree it's pushing entry level Swiss.. But the finishing does exceed some of those too 😁...I do love circa 500 bucks Seiko though 👌 thanks for the comments 🍻
Prices as of today using the same online store (beaverbrooks) Seiko SPB383 £1400 Tudor Pelagos £4040 Breitling super ocean £4250 Omega seamaster 300 £5600 These watches you mentioned are 3-4x more expensive and none of them even have the added GMT complication.
