Wow. This video has picked up amazing traction. My prediction guys.....in two years you'll be able to pick up the steel dive for +/-40 usd used, or much less. The Seiko will retain its purchase value for a number of years. Glad everyone is tuning in!!😎👍🤙
That 1mm difference in diameter makes the Steeldive better proportioned and more appealing to me, a more comfortable fit and appearance. I never owned the 109 but I did own the SPB237, I think it is the same case and size as the 109. I found the 1mm made the 237 appear more squat and thicker than the Steeldive, which at 43.8mm just looked and felt better on my wrist. The patina you cite on the 109 insert may be countered by the cool and subtle faux patina on the Steeldive's indices. Seiko has been flooding the market with watches and Willards. I think it unlikely that they will retain their full value, especially considering selling fees. Many cool Seikos are available for several hundred less than the original prices... it is impossible to keep up with their offerings. A used Steeldive at $40 will not depress me in two years. Since I paid $100, that equates to a 2 year rental fee of $60. I was never comfortable with the limited edition SLA033 which I paid $4k for. It's gone, so is the SPB237... I'm delighted with the Steeldive!
I bought the steel dive black version about four or five months ago as a tester to see if I'd like the Seiko. I found the Steel dive to be a really good watch, especially for the money. I paid £105 from steeldive uk. Nearly ten percent of the seiko price. I watched quite a few reviews of the Seiko and the general feeling I got was that it just wasn't worth over £1000. I've stuck with the steel dive and I'm happy with it.
Agree. I paid $72 U.S. with free shipping for my steeldive black with bracelet and I've owned it now for over a 1yr. Still looks and runs tip top. I also purchased my spb153 6 months ago and paid $750 (pre owned), and I like it very much... but dollar for dollar my steeldive is more bang for the buck. My steeldive has very good AR coating and looks cool with my fully lumed bezel.
I paid 68 shipped on 11.11 for the steeldive. The 6R movement is the same except more power reserve. For 1000 I can buy a Powermatic with 80 hours -- swiss made Tissot. The 6R movement is seikos response to charging Swiss prices and they intend to "up-market". The Chinese are doing now what the Japanese did to the Swiss. :)
The NH35A is licensed to TMI, which is a subsidary of Seiko anyway and it's being made in a 100% mechanized robot factory in Malaysia. Due to the fully robotic assembly, the quality is quite consistent, the only gripe I have is that the movement comes unregulated and most - if not all - are not giong to regulate the movement. But the NH35A is very easy to regulate and can - with liile effort - be regulated to single-digit accuracy.
This is an honest comment and I have no dogs in the fight. Ive had 4 seiko divers ALL have been garbage. Poor Q/C Bezels with back play Dials don't align Keep terrible time where at the end of the month the watch is 10minutes early. So for 80$ vs 1000$ for the crappy real Seiko, the Steeldive cant be any worse. No more Seikos for me.
Same here, I've been all around the block with Seiko 6R movement watches and none of them were great in regards to timekeeping. Regulated them as best as I could and sold them off. Only one I kept was my quartz Tuna and even it doesn't hit all the markers dead on. Now that the price has doubled I've moved on from Seiko.
I do love my Seiko watches , but most all of my Seiko are vintage 70s (including 2 original 6105s). I am not a huge fan of any of the newer items from them, so I do understand your thoughts.
@reilly-vc1rm they aren't broken. Regular from factory like this. I buy from local jeweler or mall. They can order any model from a catalog. Not the stores fault that Seiko isn't very good.
I'm a huge Seiko fan and I mean HUGE. Have a lot of their watches of different types. However I have to agree, that though a copy that Steeldive looks very good, if not exceptional value for the specs it offers. Unfortunately Seiko are increasing prices to the extent that good quality homages from the likes of Steeldive and Heimdallr are becoming attractive. I was trying to get myself a Seiko Monster but the reasonably priced ones were too beaten up for me and the pristine ones way too expensive. I ordered and I'm waiting for a red Monster from Heimdallr. From the reviews I've seen the quality is very good so I hope mine is too! Excellent review 👏👌👍
The Japanese seem to have purchased every vintage Tudors, they should have plenty of seikos im sure of it. They also maybe be purposefully waiting. Now,071624 ain't the time for thier profit margines. Even I noticed most luxury watches are now 25% less than 2 years ago or longer.
I appreciate the video, but I think you (like many reviewers) kinda miss the point here. I own a Steel Dive 6105 and the only things I was really interested in before buying one was how accurate a representation of the original it is, how reliable and accurate the movement is, and was the build quality any good. Ultimately I found the design is spot on, the movement (NH35) is well known and reliable and mine has been running about +5 seconds a day since I got it (more than acceptable for a
Great comparison. As a like minded Seiko collector I found this very informative and agree with your comments although I actually like the slightly more rounded case shape of the SD. If we're talking decades then most likely the Seiko will hold up considerably better. However the price difference is 'massive' and if you set aside 'collectability' and watch purist 'pride'...?? the Steeldive is just too good to pass up. Thanks so much for a great review, much appreciated.
My blue dial SD is on the way, can't wait to receive it. Great review, I was wanting to see a comparison with the Sieko. IMO, the price of the Seiko vs the SD is a no brainer. I'm not a collector and I don't care if my watches are look alikes. I own several watches from Aliexpress, and all of them have impressed me with their quality. The movements perform unexpectedly well. They all have one of 3 movements, NH35A, Miyota 9000 series or the PT 5000. I'm happy with all 3.
Couple of years later, it's mind blowing that Ali variants can now be found under $70. I believe I saw a review from Ali customer who said he got it for $50 during one of the sales. It's crazy how affordable these are.
I bought the sterile dial blue Steeldive with the bracelet and a dark blue tropic-style strap for a few pennies over US$100 in November. It was delivered in about two weeks. It is a great watch for what it is - a hundred dollar diver with hack setting, quick-set date and a Seiko automatic movement that can be wound by hand. I personally do not believe in thousand dollar Seikos. For that kind of money I’d buy an Omega . . .
I've had two Seiko's break in one way or another in the last few years. One a nearly new turtle Padi with a bad stem. One a Monster that leaked. I have two Steeldives that haven't given me any problems whatsoever. They are worn almost daily. I'm very weary of putting any money in a Seiko in the future.
I would totally say the Steel Dive is better. At currently 97€(!) it is 10% of the price but up in the high 80% or even 90% in terms of what it delivers.
Just got my Addiesdive version in black. $85 all in from ALiExpress. I switched to a black waffle strap from the stainless bracelet to be closer to the Capt. Willard movie watch. It seems like a very well made piece, and for the money, how wrong could you go?
I just picked up the steeldive in black no logo on aliexpress for $75 shipped. Seems can't beat that price. Hopefully lives up to expectations when it arrives.
A little late here. Yes the SD has AR. But the OG 6105 did not and thus this new Reissue wont either. Come to think of it I dont think Seiko uses AR coating. Grand Seiko maybe correct me if I'm wrong.
I bought the SteelDive and the Bulova Devil Dive Oceanoghrapher in the same week. I really wanted the Bulova because it came in a really nice green. The SteelDive was more of a curiosity. It was only $88us on a steel band, and folks in the forums were raving about it. The Bulova was $400 and 100% Japanese made. I was seriously disappointed in the Bulova. It's a beauty, but quality control on this $400 watch is on par with a average $100 chinese watch. The screw down crown is rough, and the winding is extremely sloppy. The Bulova packs a Citizen non-hack movement. The SteelDive has a hacking Seiko. The SteelDive is the better watch.
Bought a Tandorio "Cpt. Willard" homage recently ($60 on AliEx), with a WHITE dial (unbranded), circular-raised indices, and the second marks placed on the white chapter ring. Stainless Steel case with NH35 movement, the bezel is ceramic and the flat and edge beveled crystal is sapphire. The unsigned crown is at the 4 o'clock position. The raised indices (w/chrome surround) and hands are black with BGW9 lume...but the luminance is partly absorbed by the black, as expected. I was going for the PANDA color theme, so this is fine for me. I spent $8 for a SEIKO dial sticker (raised silver/chrome) and another $5 for a black NATO strap. For a total price of $73...this one is a stunner. I have two other Cpt Willard variants....an SD1970 ($115) with green dial/green ceramic bezel...and a Cronos ($130) with Bronze case and PT5000 mov't. The PANDA Cpt. Willard is still my favorite.
I think that’s a pretty common theme among Seiko owners and collectors. There’s always a lot of rationalizing why Seiko’s the best or why Swiss watches aren’t as good as Seikos. I cannot imagine collecting Seikos, especially after the screw-job they gave the public with the under-developed Kinetic capacitor debacle.
Had over 6 Seikos, Sumos, Turtles and what not. None of them was a great Time Keeper. Some had alignment Problems, some where horrible made for the money. Would I try and buy a Seiko over 1000 Euros? No thank you… My San Martin for 200 Euros keeps excellent time, even my 100 Euro Am#zon Beater with an NH35 keeps better time than all my Seikos. For me Steel Dive or San Martin, even they are only Homages.
Got the SD for $80 Canadian (60 USD) and love everything about it. Well okay yeah, the finishing in between the lugs does bother me and I wish it was 22mm. Neither is really an issue on steel but on NATO's it's not ideal. Does the new Seiko have 22mm lug width? Looks bigger than the SD here.
I used to own 12 modern seikos. I also own this spb151. It didnt felt like the original 6105, not even close. Everything just wrong. Then i bought this steeldive 1970. Solid bezel, good finishing, ceramic bezel insert, dead straight alignment, AR coated sapphire, smooth screw down crown, etc, etc. Its a homerun for me as a seiko head for years. I sold every modern seikos i own since then. No more seiko for me especially this pathetic spb151. $1000+ i got modest movement, pathetic bezel, pathetic bezel insert, pathetic design, MISALIGNMENT, cheap bracelet, etc. My worst buy ever. It should be priced around $400. I bet most people gonna choose 1970 as more expensive watch than spb151 if blind tested or dont have any idea about their brand
Excellent review - the one we've all been waiting for - a side by side comparison of Seiko and Steeldive Captain Willard. I have the Steeldive with black but looking at your video, it's clear that the Seiko is the superior watch and I would prefer to own, if only it wasn't so expensive....
I don't think the movement is a Chinese licensed anything, it's made by Seiko Instruments witch equals Seiko made. I have the green Steeldive, and I think I paid less than 90 bucks for it on the bracelet. Why would anyone pay 1000 bucks for what's essentially a basic Seiko?
Yeah, good idea. I just did exactly what you recommended. I like Seikos a lot but I ordered the Steeldive with a black waffle strap first. Let's see if I like that or not. The real McCoy could be on my wish list later.
Great video Aron; nice job! I bought the Heimdallr version of this watch. Very good quality, but it wasn't a keeper for me. These homage watches are nice in that respect - to get an idea on whether I want the "real thing". In my case, the answer is no. Cheers!
Vintage designs from Seiko are great but much higher prices put them out of my reach which is why I prefer Steeldive, Heimdalr, San Martin, etc. over Seiko. I only buy one Seiko a year now sticking to Save The Ocean models as I find good deals. A Samarai in 2020, King Turtle last year and a mini Tuna this year. Not limited but all less common Special Editions. Good review.
I would love to own the Seiko but given the price, I’d be worried about damaging it if I wore it daily. For that reason, I think I’m going to pick up a Steeldive in black and wear it on a NATO strap. I would feel sad buying the Seiko then not wearing it very often.
Thanks for showing these side-by-side! I have a turtle and a king turtle as well as the Merkur and San Martin’s most recent homages...I like the mall and there are things about the Homages That I like better than the Seiko’s and Vice versa...One interesting thing is the loom on the Seiko turtle Is the worst of the four watches… And it’s the only one that doesn’t have a sapphire crystal…In order of specifications and finish I would rate the king turtle the best, then San Martin, then Merkur, I am finishing last Seiko Turtle.
I would Buy the Chinese Steeldive every time: if you have QC issue you are not too much out of pocket. Alternatively, pay 10 times as much for the SEIKO and you can be certain of QC issues - usually regarding alignment... also, when will they start putting Sapphire crystals on their more expensive models???
Had some Seiko Samurai + Turtle. Great pieces. But did not wear them long enough. Have now a Marinemaster as a keeper. So the Steeldive is a cheap remembrance for 100 EUR - well. Get going 🚀
I just don’t get knock-offs. Is the SD good for the money? Certainly seems so. Is the Seiko overpriced? Ya I would agree. But as someone who loves the Willard as well as apocalypse now and uemura, it will have to be the real Seiko for me.
They are different because that homage crown is at more than 4oclock while that seiko is at 3:48.. so if you interchange it that will not align perfectly.
i don't really have much to spend so i ordered this steeldive last month. seiko prices has not been kind to me lately. maybe in the future, i'll get the legit one.
Awesome comparison. You can say the steel dive has more value because of the bezel insert but still, seiko win the details. Look at the edges of the crystal. The SD one dial looks flat however seiko's has an illusion that it has a chapter ring which make looks better
I am a collector of retro things from nintendos to PS, to EDC gears. Started fancying watches which with clinical eye funneled the searches to the Seiko's after realizing the value for money on watches lies on Seiko signatured watches rather than high end Swiss Made. Rolex, PP and AP maybe called investment by very few but with the same amount of investment I can build an apartment and or buy and sell real estate properties or autoproperties. Besides the "rolex bubble" is nearing its peak. To own the original Willard its almost impossible to find one in great condition even at the price its selling now. Then came this chinese homages which after seiko started selling their old movement took advantage and now created comparable watches. As a new collector, an SD1970 can easily be modded to look like a better OG Willard. Dial swap and back case change and you are done. OG Willard Hybrid 3.0. For collections its great to have specially that you put some personal touch to it. This is where value for money can be achieved. Having a feel of the original thing at price cheaper than the original with original movement and having the higher present standard of watches. Damn I am loving this hobby even more than the electronics or my gears. If you can bring anything anywhere you go. It would be a good quality Diver's watch for sure.
I have three of these Steeldive watches in my rotation. An all green on a nylon strap, a "Great Wave" on original bracelet and an all black modded with a Seiko Prospex dial and a waffle strap. When they come to need servicing I will just swap in a new movement for about £40. Cheap, and cheerful!
I purchased the willard and the steel dive I can tell you, the steeldive doesn’t get wrist time, maybe if I was still in my 20s, it just looks like a toy If you’re planning on handing your watches to your son, or daughters husband, then go with willard. If you want to just add a watch to your collection, sure steel dive. The clasp, bracelet, bezel, branding all feel a little cheap.
Okay okay .. .subscription earned. I like your easy style and we share much in common. The smaller numbers on the bezel for the steeldive are also reminiscent to the original the one is I instead of 1. (san serif).
I actually regret the steeldive a lot now Except it had good hands for my skx013 build ajd excellent lume but you can only swap dials and hands on this thing and the crown placement makes it worse The bezel uses a wire pin rotating bezel and there's less ability to use seiko parts I look at the thing in a bit of shame like it was just a fad of the past and I'm done with the steeldive, best thing it has tho is you can put a seiko 5 caseback on it and get down go extremely lightweight and thin down to 12.4 thick
There really is no reason to buy the Seiko when the Steeldive is such a fantastic value. I have both the stainless steel one and the bronze and they’re awesome.
The only issue with the Chinese watches is the majority use the NH35 not that its a problem...it u end up owning 10 watches with the same movement...like owning 10 cars with the same engine....
Yeah, but I've come to the conclusion, the nh35 is like a 350 small block (I'm old). It fits in a bunch of cases. Fix one with the other down the road 🤣😎👍
Wow. This video has picked up amazing traction. My prediction guys.....in two years you'll be able to pick up the steel dive for +/-40 usd used, or much less. The Seiko will retain its purchase value for a number of years. Glad everyone is tuning in!!😎👍🤙
That 1mm difference in diameter makes the Steeldive better proportioned and more appealing to me, a more comfortable fit and appearance. I never owned the 109 but I did own the SPB237, I think it is the same case and size as the 109. I found the 1mm made the 237 appear more squat and thicker than the Steeldive, which at 43.8mm just looked and felt better on my wrist.
The patina you cite on the 109 insert may be countered by the cool and subtle faux patina on the Steeldive's indices.
Seiko has been flooding the market with watches and Willards. I think it unlikely that they will retain their full value, especially considering selling fees. Many cool Seikos are available for several hundred less than the original prices... it is impossible to keep up with their offerings. A used Steeldive at $40 will not depress me in two years. Since I paid $100, that equates to a 2 year rental fee of $60.
I was never comfortable with the limited edition SLA033 which I paid $4k for. It's gone, so is the SPB237... I'm delighted with the Steeldive!
You were so right! September 2023 from Ali express Around 67:00!
Who cares What a luxury Watch will sell for! This is my Hobby,not my business!
Plus the money I save over a Seiko gives me money for my other hobbies like photography plus I have a nice watch to wear now.
Steeldive was $46 during the latest sale on bracelet
I bought the steel dive black version about four or five months ago as a tester to see if I'd like the Seiko. I found the Steel dive to be a really good watch, especially for the money. I paid £105 from steeldive uk. Nearly ten percent of the seiko price. I watched quite a few reviews of the Seiko and the general feeling I got was that it just wasn't worth over £1000. I've stuck with the steel dive and I'm happy with it.
Agree. I paid $72 U.S. with free shipping for my steeldive black with bracelet and I've owned it now for over a 1yr. Still looks and runs tip top. I also purchased my spb153 6 months ago and paid $750 (pre owned), and I like it very much... but dollar for dollar my steeldive is more bang for the buck. My steeldive has very good AR coating and looks cool with my fully lumed bezel.
I paid 68 shipped on 11.11 for the steeldive. The 6R movement is the same except more power reserve. For 1000 I can buy a Powermatic with 80 hours -- swiss made Tissot. The 6R movement is seikos response to charging Swiss prices and they intend to "up-market". The Chinese are doing now what the Japanese did to the Swiss. :)
You make the right choice and i can use the 1000 for a decent travel.
@@CarlosAguilaAbsolutely ! I Agree,but I think the powermatic is a total waste of time and money!
It is! I just bought the PRXin quartz.@@davidcrandall4958
The NH35A is licensed to TMI, which is a subsidary of Seiko anyway and it's being made in a 100% mechanized robot factory in Malaysia. Due to the fully robotic assembly, the quality is quite consistent, the only gripe I have is that the movement comes unregulated and most - if not all - are not giong to regulate the movement. But the NH35A is very easy to regulate and can - with liile effort - be regulated to single-digit accuracy.
This is an honest comment and I have no dogs in the fight.
Ive had 4 seiko divers ALL have been garbage.
Poor Q/C
Bezels with back play
Dials don't align
Keep terrible time where at the end of the month the watch is 10minutes early.
So for 80$ vs 1000$ for the crappy real Seiko, the Steeldive cant be any worse.
No more Seikos for me.
Same here, I've been all around the block with Seiko 6R movement watches and none of them were great in regards to timekeeping. Regulated them as best as I could and sold them off.
Only one I kept was my quartz Tuna and even it doesn't hit all the markers dead on. Now that the price has doubled I've moved on from Seiko.
I do love my Seiko watches , but most all of my Seiko are vintage 70s (including 2 original 6105s). I am not a huge fan of any of the newer items from them, so I do understand your thoughts.
Haters gonna hate.
@reilly-vc1rm they aren't broken. Regular from factory like this. I buy from local jeweler or mall. They can order any model from a catalog. Not the stores fault that Seiko isn't very good.
I'm a huge Seiko fan and I mean HUGE. Have a lot of their watches of different types. However I have to agree, that though a copy that Steeldive looks very good, if not exceptional value for the specs it offers. Unfortunately Seiko are increasing prices to the extent that good quality homages from the likes of Steeldive and Heimdallr are becoming attractive. I was trying to get myself a Seiko Monster but the reasonably priced ones were too beaten up for me and the pristine ones way too expensive. I ordered and I'm waiting for a red Monster from Heimdallr. From the reviews I've seen the quality is very good so I hope mine is too! Excellent review 👏👌👍
Spot on Brother. Yea steeldive is underpriced! Hurts to say it!
@@CarlosAguila shhh or they Gona increase the prices😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
The Japanese seem to have purchased every vintage Tudors, they should have plenty of seikos im sure of it. They also maybe be purposefully waiting. Now,071624 ain't the time for thier profit margines. Even I noticed most luxury watches are now 25% less than 2 years ago or longer.
I appreciate the video, but I think you (like many reviewers) kinda miss the point here. I own a Steel Dive 6105 and the only things I was really interested in before buying one was how accurate a representation of the original it is, how reliable and accurate the movement is, and was the build quality any good. Ultimately I found the design is spot on, the movement (NH35) is well known and reliable and mine has been running about +5 seconds a day since I got it (more than acceptable for a
All in all for the money I’d buy the Steel dive. Thanks for the comparison.
It's a great watch for the money! Cheers Chris 🍻😁👍
Can’t agree more, could even buy 3 colors 👍🏻😊👍🏻
Seiko is my favourite brand. I love Seiko , but SD are simply good and top value for your money. I just ordered my third , the SD1965.
Awesome comparison. I love the blue of the Steeldive & the frame around the date window.
That’s one of those great little details that Seiko just ignores. For $1,000 you’d think a frame would be a no brainer.
I had the Steeldive but it didn't scratch the itch. I now have the Seiko.
I have had my black Steeldive 1970 on the wrist for a week. It's running +3secs a day out of the box.
Great comparison. As a like minded Seiko collector I found this very informative and agree with your comments although I actually like the slightly more rounded case shape of the SD. If we're talking decades then most likely the Seiko will hold up considerably better. However the price difference is 'massive' and if you set aside 'collectability' and watch purist 'pride'...?? the Steeldive is just too good to pass up. Thanks so much for a great review, much appreciated.
My blue dial SD is on the way, can't wait to receive it. Great review, I was wanting to see a comparison with the Sieko. IMO, the price of the Seiko vs the SD is a no brainer. I'm not a collector and I don't care if my watches are look alikes. I own several watches from Aliexpress, and all of them have impressed me with their quality. The movements perform unexpectedly well. They all have one of 3 movements, NH35A, Miyota 9000 series or the PT 5000. I'm happy with all 3.
Couple of years later, it's mind blowing that Ali variants can now be found under $70.
I believe I saw a review from Ali customer who said he got it for $50 during one of the sales.
It's crazy how affordable these are.
I bought the sterile dial blue Steeldive with the bracelet and a dark blue tropic-style strap for a few pennies over US$100 in November. It was delivered in about two weeks.
It is a great watch for what it is - a hundred dollar diver with hack setting, quick-set date and a Seiko automatic movement that can be wound by hand.
I personally do not believe in thousand dollar Seikos. For that kind of money I’d buy an Omega . . .
I've had two Seiko's break in one way or another in the last few years. One a nearly new turtle Padi with a bad stem. One a Monster that leaked. I have two Steeldives that haven't given me any problems whatsoever. They are worn almost daily. I'm very weary of putting any money in a Seiko in the future.
I would totally say the Steel Dive is better. At currently 97€(!) it is 10% of the price but up in the high 80% or even 90% in terms of what it delivers.
Just got my Addiesdive version in black. $85 all in from ALiExpress. I switched to a black waffle strap from the stainless bracelet to be closer to the Capt. Willard movie watch. It seems like a very well made piece, and for the money, how wrong could you go?
I just picked up the steeldive in black no logo on aliexpress for $75 shipped. Seems can't beat that price. Hopefully lives up to expectations when it arrives.
I love my steel dive version it's the green color way
Don't forget the Steel Dive also has AR coating. You'd think for $1k Seiko could have spent the $2 to add it.
A little late here. Yes the SD has AR. But the OG 6105 did not and thus this new Reissue wont either. Come to think of it I dont think Seiko uses AR coating. Grand Seiko maybe
correct me if I'm wrong.
I bought the SteelDive and the Bulova Devil Dive Oceanoghrapher in the same week. I really wanted the Bulova because it came in a really nice green. The SteelDive was more of a curiosity. It was only $88us on a steel band, and folks in the forums were raving about it. The Bulova was $400 and 100% Japanese made. I was seriously disappointed in the Bulova. It's a beauty, but quality control on this $400 watch is on par with a average $100 chinese watch. The screw down crown is rough, and the winding is extremely sloppy. The Bulova packs a Citizen non-hack movement. The SteelDive has a hacking Seiko. The SteelDive is the better watch.
Well said.
I highly doubt the Bulova is Japanese made.
Bought a Tandorio "Cpt. Willard" homage recently ($60 on AliEx), with a WHITE dial (unbranded), circular-raised indices, and the second marks placed on the white chapter ring. Stainless Steel case with NH35 movement, the bezel is ceramic and the flat and edge beveled crystal is sapphire. The unsigned crown is at the 4 o'clock position. The raised indices (w/chrome surround) and hands are black with BGW9 lume...but the luminance is partly absorbed by the black, as expected. I was going for the PANDA color theme, so this is fine for me.
I spent $8 for a SEIKO dial sticker (raised silver/chrome) and another $5 for a black NATO strap.
For a total price of $73...this one is a stunner.
I have two other Cpt Willard variants....an SD1970 ($115) with green dial/green ceramic bezel...and a Cronos ($130) with Bronze case and PT5000 mov't. The PANDA Cpt. Willard is still my favorite.
It was obvious watching this review that the author was trying hard to justify (to themself) that the Seiko version was worth the added cost.
I think that’s a pretty common theme among Seiko owners and collectors. There’s always a lot of rationalizing why Seiko’s the best or why Swiss watches aren’t as good as Seikos.
I cannot imagine collecting Seikos, especially after the screw-job they gave the public with the under-developed Kinetic capacitor debacle.
Yep haha he was really struggling to explain how seiko charges around 10x more than the SD. SD for the money blows the seiko out of the water!
You don't have to justify getting what you want. I got both and I like both. Anything is worth the cost if you're willing to pay it.
Bought the classic black Steeldive on Aliexpress for $99 ($109 w/$10 coupon). Not the best steel bracelet but so easy to get a rubber strap for it.
I bought the V.2 Steeldive. It’s a great watch and I think,better than the Seiko.
Had over 6 Seikos, Sumos, Turtles and what not. None of them was a great Time Keeper. Some had alignment Problems, some where horrible made for the money. Would I try and buy a Seiko over 1000 Euros? No thank you…
My San Martin for 200 Euros keeps excellent time, even my 100 Euro Am#zon Beater with an NH35 keeps better time than all my Seikos.
For me Steel Dive or San Martin, even they are only Homages.
Thanks for this video. It was great seeing a direct comparison. My dream is to one day own a Willard. The Steeldive is going to have to do for now.
It's a good watch for the money.😎👍
You do own a Willard! By the way, one year later,how did it hold up? Mine is due in today and it was $55.00 U.S. currency and I couldn't be happier.
Got the SD for $80 Canadian (60 USD) and love everything about it. Well okay yeah, the finishing in between the lugs does bother me and I wish it was 22mm. Neither is really an issue on steel but on NATO's it's not ideal. Does the new Seiko have 22mm lug width? Looks bigger than the SD here.
Nope, It's 22mm also. Thanks for tuning in!
I used to own 12 modern seikos. I also own this spb151. It didnt felt like the original 6105, not even close. Everything just wrong. Then i bought this steeldive 1970. Solid bezel, good finishing, ceramic bezel insert, dead straight alignment, AR coated sapphire, smooth screw down crown, etc, etc. Its a homerun for me as a seiko head for years. I sold every modern seikos i own since then. No more seiko for me especially this pathetic spb151. $1000+ i got modest movement, pathetic bezel, pathetic bezel insert, pathetic design, MISALIGNMENT, cheap bracelet, etc. My worst buy ever. It should be priced around $400. I bet most people gonna choose 1970 as more expensive watch than spb151 if blind tested or dont have any idea about their brand
The Seiko 3.8 crown is slightly less comfortable than the SD 4.2 crown, but more easy to adjust on the fly .
Excellent review - the one we've all been waiting for - a side by side comparison of Seiko and Steeldive Captain Willard. I have the Steeldive with black but looking at your video, it's clear that the Seiko is the superior watch and I would prefer to own, if only it wasn't so expensive....
I love my steeldive, I own several seikos that Are $1000 and over. I have the SD tuna as well and will worth the $100 bucks .
Nice side by side look. Thanks Aron!
Thanks Bob. Have a great week my friend!!😎👍
I don't think the movement is a Chinese licensed anything, it's made by Seiko Instruments witch equals Seiko made. I have the green Steeldive, and I think I paid less than 90 bucks for it on the bracelet. Why would anyone pay 1000 bucks for what's essentially a basic Seiko?
Seiko NH 35 movement.
The movement is made by TMI.
@@tomskimcdouglegaming806 Witch is a subsidiary of Seiko.
Yeah, good idea. I just did exactly what you recommended. I like Seikos a lot but I ordered the Steeldive with a black waffle strap first. Let's see if I like that or not. The real McCoy could be on my wish list later.
Great video Aron; nice job! I bought the Heimdallr version of this watch. Very good quality, but it wasn't a keeper for me. These homage watches are nice in that respect - to get an idea on whether I want the "real thing". In my case, the answer is no. Cheers!
For the price of servicing the seiko you can buy two homages, it is just more sensible to buy a new steeldive every five years
Bought a steeldive myself, 3 weeks later I love it.
Vintage designs from Seiko are great but much higher prices put them out of my reach which is why I prefer Steeldive, Heimdalr, San Martin, etc. over Seiko. I only buy one Seiko a year now sticking to Save The Ocean models as I find good deals. A Samarai in 2020, King Turtle last year and a mini Tuna this year. Not limited but all less common Special Editions. Good review.
Nothing wrong with that plan 👍Some great watches you're acquiring 😎💯
I do exactly the same thing
And I can’t believe how good steel dive, hiemdalr and San Martin are .
There is a upgraded SD 1980 with raised indexes available now.i Ordered one too.Great alternative.
I would love to own the Seiko but given the price, I’d be worried about damaging it if I wore it daily. For that reason, I think I’m going to pick up a Steeldive in black and wear it on a NATO strap. I would feel sad buying the Seiko then not wearing it very often.
Thanks for showing these side-by-side! I have a turtle and a king turtle as well as the Merkur and San Martin’s most recent homages...I like the mall and there are things about the Homages That I like better than the Seiko’s and Vice versa...One interesting thing is the loom on the Seiko turtle Is the worst of the four watches… And it’s the only one that doesn’t have a sapphire crystal…In order of specifications and finish I would rate the king turtle the best, then San Martin, then Merkur, I am finishing last Seiko Turtle.
Thanks for the comparison information John. Owning all those, you definitely have the first hand knowledge!! 😎👍👊
Got the RDUNAE 6105-8000 and love that watch. Only downside being the lume on the hands.
But somehow I can't get the SBDC109 out of my head :-D
I would Buy the Chinese Steeldive every time: if you have QC issue you are not too much out of pocket. Alternatively, pay 10 times as much for the SEIKO and you can be certain of QC issues - usually regarding alignment... also, when will they start putting Sapphire crystals on their more expensive models???
As far as service in the future, could one not just get another NH35 when the time comes and swap it over for like 40$ ?
Had some Seiko Samurai + Turtle. Great pieces. But did not wear them long enough. Have now a Marinemaster as a keeper. So the Steeldive is a cheap remembrance for 100 EUR - well. Get going 🚀
On sale now it is $60 for one on a SS bracelet.
Also the 6R35 has anti-magnetic properties too via the Spron 510 mainspring.
I'm watching this wearing my steeldive homage. But it's powered by the PT5000. Which is an ETA 2824-2 clone. That tips it in favor of the steeldive.
Nice comparison, looked forward to this video! 👏
Thanks Tom. I really appreciate your viewership 😁🙏
Great show!
Thanks for sharing! the dial is quite smaller on the Steeldive, right? Cheers
Just got the Steeldive. The quality for the money is unbelievable!
They are great for the money!!
The bezel markers on the Steeldive looks closer to the 6105.
I just don’t get knock-offs. Is the SD good for the money? Certainly seems so. Is the Seiko overpriced? Ya I would agree. But as someone who loves the Willard as well as apocalypse now and uemura, it will have to be the real Seiko for me.
I 100% absolutely agree 👍
@@OFD found your channel recently, good work!
Who needs Seiko?
They are different because that homage crown is at more than 4oclock while that seiko is at 3:48.. so if you interchange it that will not align perfectly.
i don't really have much to spend so i ordered this steeldive last month. seiko prices has not been kind to me lately. maybe in the future, i'll get the legit one.
The crown position is nicer in the Steeldive.
If you don't care for the "SEIKO" on the dial, then go the Steeldive every day of the week. It's a no-brainer.
How is the water-resistants of the steeldive?
Is it really waterproof?
Yeah its waterproof, not iso rated but it seems would withstand a fair depth.
Great vids!
Do you prefer the waffle over the chocolate? I noticed you switched back
Thank you!
Good eye. Yes, i like the waffle strap better 😁👍
Awesome comparison. You can say the steel dive has more value because of the bezel insert but still, seiko win the details. Look at the edges of the crystal. The SD one dial looks flat however seiko's has an illusion that it has a chapter ring which make looks better
The Willard reissue is so beautiful. Really a well done watch. I've had MANY people ask about it, more than other watches I own. Cheers 😁👍
I am a collector of retro things from nintendos to PS, to EDC gears. Started fancying watches which with clinical eye funneled the searches to the Seiko's after realizing the value for money on watches lies on Seiko signatured watches rather than high end Swiss Made. Rolex, PP and AP maybe called investment by very few but with the same amount of investment I can build an apartment and or buy and sell real estate properties or autoproperties. Besides the "rolex bubble" is nearing its peak. To own the original Willard its almost impossible to find one in great condition even at the price its selling now. Then came this chinese homages which after seiko started selling their old movement took advantage and now created comparable watches. As a new collector, an SD1970 can easily be modded to look like a better OG Willard. Dial swap and back case change and you are done. OG Willard Hybrid 3.0. For collections its great to have specially that you put some personal touch to it. This is where value for money can be achieved. Having a feel of the original thing at price cheaper than the original with original movement and having the higher present standard of watches. Damn I am loving this hobby even more than the electronics or my gears. If you can bring anything anywhere you go. It would be a good quality Diver's watch for sure.
We'll need to watch out for these modified watches at estate sales and auctions in the future. Good information for Seiko collectors. Thanks!😎👍
The Steeldive Willard in bronze is 😍
Yup, I have one!
How can you wear a watch to bed? I'd be worried about smashing it on something while sleeping plus it's uncomfortable!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe most watch enthusiasts do ;-)
@@cartoonpete407 I doubt it;-)
@Chris101 Gray Its abnormal! ;-)
Do you know of any mini turtle homages please? Preferably with ss bracelet
Hello. In my opinion Seiko needs a framed date window, ceramic bezel and an applied logo.......cheers!.
I have three of these Steeldive watches in my rotation. An all green on a nylon strap, a "Great Wave" on original bracelet and an all black modded with a Seiko Prospex dial and a waffle strap. When they come to need servicing I will just swap in a new movement for about £40. Cheap, and cheerful!
It appears AR coating does make the dial color look deeper.
Please tell me how much luminophore the Chinese copy has? The video shows that the original has a luminophore glow brighter and longer.
Steeldive hands down, the Seiko is just far too expensive for the features it offers.
I purchased the willard and the steel dive
I can tell you, the steeldive doesn’t get wrist time, maybe if I was still in my 20s, it just looks like a toy
If you’re planning on handing your watches to your son, or daughters husband, then go with willard.
If you want to just add a watch to your collection, sure steel dive. The clasp, bracelet, bezel, branding all feel a little cheap.
💯%
Forget seiko rip off prices Steeldive great value and better timekeeping
Okay okay .. .subscription earned. I like your easy style and we share much in common. The smaller numbers on the bezel for the steeldive are also reminiscent to the original the one is I instead of 1. (san serif).
Thank you for your support 🙏
I actually regret the steeldive a lot now
Except it had good hands for my skx013 build ajd excellent lume but you can only swap dials and hands on this thing and the crown placement makes it worse
The bezel uses a wire pin rotating bezel and there's less ability to use seiko parts
I look at the thing in a bit of shame like it was just a fad of the past and I'm done with the steeldive, best thing it has tho is you can put a seiko 5 caseback on it and get down go extremely lightweight and thin down to 12.4 thick
You can find the Steel Dive Willard Homage for 75,- €
Yes, they are very inexpensive! 😎👍
@@OFD The original Willard cost only 95,- €. Seiko is IMO total overpriced today.
Does anybody know if the Bezel or Dial of the SKX007 fits the Steelie?
There really is no reason to buy the Seiko when the Steeldive is such a fantastic value. I have both the stainless steel one and the bronze and they’re awesome.
Do a comparison with Seiko 6105 with heimdallr 6105.
The real Seiko reissue (the second cheaper one) is smaller than the original. The Steeldive is not.
Great review, thanks 😀
Thanks for tuning in!!
Does the steel dive use regular size or seiko fat springbars?
Regular size. Great question
I tried the fat bars, and they keep popping out
Quality ,price, look solid steeldive is the best ...
The steeldive does not ask anything of the seiko. A beauty that steeldive
are the caps the same?
One says 200m on the dial, one is a legitimate ISO rated professional dive watch.
The Steeldive looks better on your wrist imo 😊
Bought my 1970 steeldive for $100 usd dollars
If that steel dive use the same rotating click spring as Seiko then that is a big deal.
When the cheaper watch looks way better than the Seiko lol
Good vdo but you should have used a black one…
Thanks for the video
Thanks for tuning in!!
Would look nice with Seiko hands...
The real one looks better but for the price I can't complain.
I couldn't justify spending the extra 900-1000 dollars on the seiko, I paid less than that for my car
Both are pretty nice 👌
The $90 tool can do the same job as the $1,000 tool... I think that is a no-brainer.
Addiesdive Willard is even better
Steeldive Willard homage is an awesome piece for its price.
The only issue with the Chinese watches is the majority use the NH35 not that its a problem...it u end up owning 10 watches with the same movement...like owning 10 cars with the same engine....
Yeah, but I've come to the conclusion, the nh35 is like a 350 small block (I'm old). It fits in a bunch of cases. Fix one with the other down the road 🤣😎👍