Glad you like it! It’s funny how in the vast majority of reviews you never really “see” the watch. I hope my reviews give a sense of how a watch not only looks but feels, if that makes sense lol.
@@soundsoserious Indeed. I also cringe when reviewers feel the need to show their face when talking and they're not even wearing nor showcasing the watch (~cough~ Teddy Bulbasaur). I f*in skip that shiz. I mean I get it, but I think it's just superfluous.
The bezel insert is definitely not ceramic, though it really should have been. I'm a huge fan of the 6159-7001, SLA025 and MM300, but the 15mm+ height doesn't work for me. It's the SNR029 aesthetics, movement, and Grand Seiko level finishing in a ~13.2mm height case that inspired me to pick one up.
@@soundsoserious I agree it looks like ceramic, and every review I read before purchasing it said it was ceramic, but I'm 100% certain it's not. I scratched my bezel insert twice in my first month wearing it, and reached out to Seiko USA to confirm the SBDX049 / SLA055 does not have a ceramic bezel insert. On the bright side, scratches are very hard to see unless the light hits them just right. It's a great looking watch and I'm glad I picked it up.
@@ryant whoa! very good info! It’s a good looking watch for sure but it really ought to be ceramic at this price shouldn’t it? My Hydroconquests have ceramic at a third the price!
Thank you! Yea I agree this one is much more “alive” in the metal than in photos. It has a lot to do with the finishing on the steel and how it interacts with the bezel color and dial.
@soundsoserious had Grand Seiko spring Drive the old version of Seiko on the top and Grand seiko on the bottom of the watch dial. I'm happy with this Seiko LX titanium spring drive. Only thing I don't like is that it hasn't got instant date change. Like my Tudor North flag
Thanks for your candid comments. Is that any update of your experience after five months? May I know your wrist size? The lug ends appear to curve down, so I wonder if it fits my 16cm or 6.3 inches wrist.
My wrist is about 6.25 inches and this one wears well. This watch stayed for about a month or two (which is a long time for me lol) and I enjoyed it; but ultimately I felt that it wasn’t the right fit in my collection. I traded towards a SLA043 which I really need to make a video of!
@@soundsoserious Thanks for replying. SLA065 is the newest 62MAS, right? How does it sit on your wrist? I actually own both an original 62MAS and SLA017. The original one has a great size and it looks like a 39 mm on my wrist. But the SLA 017 is less characteristic than SLA055 (from my casual observation) and the price difference here (almost half the price) does not justify it. I think the 055 is much superior. I also sold my spb 147 long ago.
Sorry I understood wrong that you have sla043 not sla065. I also had the 043 for a while before I traded it for 017 here. I like the 043. I should have kept it before deciding which to keep. Do you feel it wears better than 055? That what I hope for since I’m thinking to trade my 017 with the 055.
@@edmundchiang I would say it wears a little smaller BUT the 043/017 overall are nicer and more classically styled. For example I prefer the crown position on my 043.
The dial of 043 is more interesting indoors to me, but the 017 is stunning under the sun and less interesting in low light conditions. I feel both sit unnecessary high on my wrists, compared to the spb317 that I’m wearing. The 317 is really quite nice and economical.
Agree fully. It didn’t last long for me, too many other good options. I have another high end Seiko diver on the way though. Maybe I’ll have better luck with that one.
Thanks. No crown guards is a deal breaker for me though. Over 35 years, I've bent more unguarded crown stems than I care to admit. Really ruined some great watches. So I no longer buy watches without the guards. 😢
Very good observation on this one. FWIW the crown screws “into” the case a bit but you’re right, some crown guards would be nice. Does the crown position change your opinion though? Less likely to get snagged or dinged as opposed to at 3 or 10.
@@soundsoserious I'm not sure if position would matter. Its possible. But, you are right, screw in crowns do hold up better for me. I'm just always snagging watches on my gear. And wearing on the underside of the wrist isn't much better.
@@soundsoserious that’s good to know. Definitely a lovely watch, I have it on a crafter blue integrated cb13 meant for marine master 200. It fits very well on these as it has a almost identical case, and looks great.
Cost/value mainly, but prices are coming down dramatically. You can get a Spring Drive (old logo) for less than $2k now which makes a lot more sense. Be on the lookout for my SLA043 video!
@@valebliz not bad, but stay patient…they will drop another $4-500 in 6 months. Which is about where they should be. Too many different Spring Drive models so the price of the old ones will keep falling as Seiko continues to pump out completely random variations.
Great review. I like it more when reviewers are wearing the watch than just being held and macro shots. You're also using natural lighting as well.
Glad you like it! It’s funny how in the vast majority of reviews you never really “see” the watch. I hope my reviews give a sense of how a watch not only looks but feels, if that makes sense lol.
@@soundsoserious Indeed. I also cringe when reviewers feel the need to show their face when talking and they're not even wearing nor showcasing the watch (~cough~ Teddy Bulbasaur). I f*in skip that shiz. I mean I get it, but I think it's just superfluous.
@@chrisbarbz9238 so true! I’ve always been told I have a face for radio. 🤔😭
@@soundsoserious Hahaha.. But look at you now. Now you're on UA-cam!!! 😅😅🤣🤣
@@chrisbarbz9238 lol 😂
The bezel insert is definitely not ceramic, though it really should have been. I'm a huge fan of the 6159-7001, SLA025 and MM300, but the 15mm+ height doesn't work for me. It's the SNR029 aesthetics, movement, and Grand Seiko level finishing in a ~13.2mm height case that inspired me to pick one up.
Are you sure it isn’t ceramic? I thought I read it is and it sure looks and feels it…
@@soundsoserious I agree it looks like ceramic, and every review I read before purchasing it said it was ceramic, but I'm 100% certain it's not. I scratched my bezel insert twice in my first month wearing it, and reached out to Seiko USA to confirm the SBDX049 / SLA055 does not have a ceramic bezel insert. On the bright side, scratches are very hard to see unless the light hits them just right. It's a great looking watch and I'm glad I picked it up.
@@ryant whoa! very good info! It’s a good looking watch for sure but it really ought to be ceramic at this price shouldn’t it? My Hydroconquests have ceramic at a third the price!
if it's the same as MM200 reduced aka SPB187J1, then the bezel is Coated with Titanium black carbon.
Great review and normal wrist shot throughout. This watch looks even better in real life.
Thank you! Yea I agree this one is much more “alive” in the metal than in photos. It has a lot to do with the finishing on the steel and how it interacts with the bezel color and dial.
The EBS case and the thoughtful angle paying tribute to 1968 aesthetics are definitely something to behold in real life.
Indeed! Check out some of my other Seiko diver content if that’s your jam!
Why what's wrong with spring drive I have a Seiko LX titanium spring drive very happy with it had it 2 years.
Wow! 2 watch years is like 14 regular years. Congrats on an awesome watch!
@@soundsoserious same applies for the years of age of my watch dog.
@soundsoserious had Grand Seiko spring Drive the old version of Seiko on the top and Grand seiko on the bottom of the watch dial. I'm happy with this Seiko LX titanium spring drive.
Only thing I don't like is that it hasn't got instant date change. Like my Tudor North flag
Thanks for your candid comments. Is that any update of your experience after five months? May I know your wrist size? The lug ends appear to curve down, so I wonder if it fits my 16cm or 6.3 inches wrist.
My wrist is about 6.25 inches and this one wears well. This watch stayed for about a month or two (which is a long time for me lol) and I enjoyed it; but ultimately I felt that it wasn’t the right fit in my collection. I traded towards a SLA043 which I really need to make a video of!
@@soundsoserious Thanks for replying. SLA065 is the newest 62MAS, right? How does it sit on your wrist? I actually own both an original 62MAS and SLA017. The original one has a great size and it looks like a 39 mm on my wrist. But the SLA 017 is less characteristic than SLA055 (from my casual observation) and the price difference here (almost half the price) does not justify it. I think the 055 is much superior. I also sold my spb 147 long ago.
Sorry I understood wrong that you have sla043 not sla065. I also had the 043 for a while before I traded it for 017 here. I like the 043. I should have kept it before deciding which to keep. Do you feel it wears better than 055? That what I hope for since I’m thinking to trade my 017 with the 055.
@@edmundchiang I would say it wears a little smaller BUT the 043/017 overall are nicer and more classically styled. For example I prefer the crown position on my 043.
The dial of 043 is more interesting indoors to me, but the 017 is stunning under the sun and less interesting in low light conditions. I feel both sit unnecessary high on my wrists, compared to the spb317 that I’m wearing. The 317 is really quite nice and economical.
It is a really cool watch indeed,
but at that price you can get some really cool Tudor and used Omega 300ms
Agree fully. It didn’t last long for me, too many other good options. I have another high end Seiko diver on the way though. Maybe I’ll have better luck with that one.
Thanks. No crown guards is a deal breaker for me though. Over 35 years, I've bent more unguarded crown stems than I care to admit. Really ruined some great watches. So I no longer buy watches without the guards. 😢
Very good observation on this one. FWIW the crown screws “into” the case a bit but you’re right, some crown guards would be nice. Does the crown position change your opinion though? Less likely to get snagged or dinged as opposed to at 3 or 10.
@@soundsoserious I'm not sure if position would matter. Its possible. But, you are right, screw in crowns do hold up better for me. I'm just always snagging watches on my gear. And wearing on the underside of the wrist isn't much better.
Hello, great video. Does yours wind while screwing back in? I think I heard the sound on uk video. Asking because mine does.
Thank you. Yes mine does the same, no worry.
@@soundsoserious that’s good to know. Definitely a lovely watch, I have it on a crafter blue integrated cb13 meant for marine master 200. It fits very well on these as it has a almost identical case, and looks great.
@@tariqjoseph3562 very good to know! This one feels significantly slimmer than the MM though 🤔
The 057 is the one to get @ 600 pieces limited. And the Gilt, c'mon!🔥
No argument from me. This one was okay, but that one looks way nicer.
Why stay away for spring drive had mine 2 years no problems
Awesome! I’m looking to trade for one to check it out again. Prices are coming down so shouldn’t be too long. Glad yours is working out!
Why the negative opinion on spring drive divers? Just a matter of style or something technical? Never owned one, I have a sla057 and I love it.
Cost/value mainly, but prices are coming down dramatically. You can get a Spring Drive (old logo) for less than $2k now which makes a lot more sense. Be on the lookout for my SLA043 video!
@@soundsoserious yeah I was looking just today the old seiko logo GS SBGA001/003, they are on chrono around 2k. Quite a sweet deal imo.
@@valebliz not bad, but stay patient…they will drop another $4-500 in 6 months. Which is about where they should be. Too many different Spring Drive models so the price of the old ones will keep falling as Seiko continues to pump out completely random variations.