This Seiko Was My Favourite Watch - How About NOW?
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- Опубліковано 11 лис 2023
- After spending a year with this Seiko SLA043 divers watch, I wanted to share my thoughts, likes and dislikes
In the original video when I first purchased this Seiko watch, I was smitten to say the least, does it still satisfy ?
Original Video 1 year Ago: • Seiko SLA043 "62MAS" A...
Blue Montreux FKM strap 20mm squeezed into 19mm lug width with my own spring bars : montreuxstraps...
Artem Straps: artemstraps.com
Strapabit FKM straps: straphabit.com...
Thanks for watching.. - Навчання та стиль
My “one watch collection” is my Omega Seamaster 300 “Peter Blake”. No matter what else I buy I keep coming back to it.
Excellent choice.
Get out of my head!
Feels like we've both hit the Seiko jackpot with these, brother. Reflecting my sentiments exactly! Great to hear your thoughts after a year Pete, I'm sure mine will be no different. Stunning machines that I wish more people could experience to see the brand firing on all cylinders 🔥
Truly hasn't let me down. This piece has made some of the more expensive watches in the watch-box get less wrist time for sure..
My Seiko professional Tuna S23629j1 makes me feel like that Peter. Just beautiful. I understand mate.
Prices are funny.
I really love your channel, and find myself agreeing with 99% of your views. The 1% remaining would be that SJE093, and the multiple re-editions of the 62 MAS. I don't see how Seiko is firing on all cylinders fitting a very average movement that's loosely regulated on a USD 3,500 watch.
I have had the SLA037 and it is my favorite watch, period. It has a soul. I say that as someone who owns a Fifty Fathoms, a Daytona, a Batman, a Pepsi, sold a "Starbucks" in part because of the SLA037 just commanding my wrist whenever water is involved. I did have it regulated by a watchmaker, and it has consistently run at +0.2spd for a whole year. These high end Seiko are special and it is frustrating trying to explain to people who they are worth every penny. So I gave up. I enjoy knowing that I own the best dive watch ever made.
I go though the same thing when trying to explain to people. Like you I gave up.
I have a SLA043 pairing with an Artem black sailcloth. Same experience here for trying to explain to people that these Seiko are special, yet they only care for my omegas not the Seiko... Its truly a beautiful finish watch, been wearing it daily since
I just checked the price and I was shocked. This is not what I expected from Seiko. Great value, low cost. The low cost is gone. For what they are charging, there should be a decent bracelet. The most important factor is that you love the watch. I heard a podcast with a master watch maker and he said that the most rugged watches he has worked with are Seiko and Rolex.
clearly he's never handled a Gshock or ProMaster
I think he was talking about fine automatic watches so the Gshock is right out. I'm not as familiar with the Promaster line so I had to look it up. Yeah Hans wasn't talking about quartz watches of any kind. @@spuckuk7039 And he doesn't like working on Seikos at all but stated they are really robust only second to Rolex.
I think Seiko has been taking advantage of their customers for some time. 19mm strap over a 20mm? How much discussion did that really take? Their price over value is ridicules too.
@@spuckuk7039 I would bet my house against a dollar that he never worked on a g shock. Actually I remember now and it was a UA-cam video and it was the guy from Delray watch and it was their guy Hans who said it.
@@rickrounds217319mm never bothered me. My GS is 19mm, I have the bracelet, plenty of NATOs and if I wanted rubber or leather, I could easily find some
I also have a SLA043 (no. 555) and I really love it. I agree with all the points you made, and I have no regrets whatsoever for having purchased it - it gets a ton of wrist time.
Owner of no. 575 checking in! Completely agree, was almost laughing at the strap quality the first week of wearing it or so. Definitely a watch that begs to be worn, a real functional piece of art imo!
Ooooh nice case number..🔥
@@dantesorrentino7271owner of no. 1701 checking in, it sucks, doesn't keep time.
May I ask- which do you prefer and why? I can’t decide between the 2…
I’d like to add to my SLA057 and SKX Orange Boy.
I have more "respected" watches in my collection but I keep coming back to my Addiesdive Explorer 1016 homage. It's a VH31 mechaquartz 3 hander. The size, crystal, weight, bracelet are all just perfect. It's by far my most comfortable watch. I only have to set it twice a year. It only cost £80. I feel guilty, both for wearing a Chinese "homage"/knock-off (admittedly of a watch that hasn't been sold since the 80s) and for leaving watches like my SKX or Seagull 1963 in the box.
Nothing wrong with that. Keep enjoying the watch!
My Seiko Save the Ocean Turtle is 4 years old and that dial still amazes me. The lume is the brightest and longest lasting of any watch I own. And it still runs at -3.
Hey Pete. I definitely agree with your assessment. The Seiko straps and replacement straps dilemma is my one disappointment. Unknowingly, I own all of the straps you showed on this video but never seem contempt with any one of them. My current configuration is @ 5:35 minute time stamp with the Artem short strap and buckle. My smaller wrist (16cm/6.25") is also a contributor to the annoyance of finding the right strap. The watch, however, is wonderful. The Everbrilliant steel and the blue dial are my favorite attributes of this watch.
Yeah, I have heard a few people saying the same regarding smaller wrists and getting the right straps..
Stay on the lookout for fresh new straps 👍
I've had mine for a couple years now. It sits next to my GS Skyflake and GS GMT, looking the part. It's a Seiko-branded GS, which is perfect, because (non-Grand) Seiko is where that company's diving heritage really exists, and here you get GS quality in the stealthiest, most "correct" way possible. The finish is perfect, the comfort is perfect (I have mine on a 20mm RubberB strap), and that blue dial blows me away every time. What a watch.
Which Rubber B did you put it on?
@@RJMac1982 Had a custom one made in a black canvas look with dark blue stitching.
I don't have this particular SLA variant but I recently purchases the SLA055 and I have to say it completely blew me away.
The quality is right up there with my rolex and omega's and is definitly one of my favorites in the collection. One of the most beautiful dive watches ive ever had.
Hi Peter
I just turned 70 I've had my two tone Datejust with a silver linen dial since I turned 21 i was looking at it on the porch at dusk I'm still amazed at the dial.
Happy birthday brother..onwards to 100 🥃
@@PeterKotsa I just dropped off a watch to be serviced the guys 103 years old Amazing
Great piece. Love divers with lume pip only without the triangle.
Though I've never seen one in person it's clear that the finishing is sublime and far superior to regular Seiko.
Glad you're still enjoying it.
A special time piece indeed. I've had the bb58 for 3 years now and the sbga415 for 2. Both pieces for me the honeymoon phase has not faded.
Agreed on all your points in the video. I never put on the factory straps because they’re so absurdly long but bought the SLA037 bracelet and a 19mm tropic and been happy ever after. It’s by far the watch I wear most and, even coming up on 4 years of hard use, still looks new (except for the caseback, which looks 50 years old).
Pleasantly surprised to see the use of a 19mm tropic! Could you say where you picked yours up? I’ve been looking like crazy
Keep on enjoying 👍
@@dantesorrentino7271 I got mine from Uncle Seiko. Super comfortable and reasonably priced.
Also looking for 19 mm tropic and bracelets would be great to know where you get them
My 19mm tropic is from Uncle Seiko and they make some good stuff. My bracelet is the OEM Seiko that they put on the SLA017, which has the same case as the 043 so it's a perfect fit. @@robertonovelo9589
Seiko should owe you a debt of gratitude. I want to buy one of these after seeing this. Thank you this lug width being a wonky dimension won't keep me away
Maybe Seiko should send me a free watch or something, that would be nice...hahaha
I know exactly what you’re saying.. I have the same with my Seiko samurai dark manta ray special edition. The honeymoon isn’t over.4 years, and it’s still takes my breath away 💙
Love it ! I own 3 Seiko divers, an Orange Samurai, Save the Oceans Great White Shark and a Sumo Pepsi diver all complete with Seiko dive straps. I love all of them and will never give them up. It's worth noting that I live in Florida and my orange samurai and save the ocean have been in the ocean diving/snorkeling as they where meant to be. I have never had any issues with them after any water sports. Always rinse with fresh water when surfacing and tight crowns !
Hi there Peter.
I completely agree with you. Such a piece deserves a much better strap/bracelet.
I have the Hi-Beat Diver's SLA037J1 and decided to get a forstner ladder bracelet in 19mm.
It looks great.
It gives the watch an even more vintage look.
I could send you some photos if you want to.
Thanks again for your great videos.
Cheers
I can imagine, would suit it nicely 🔥
Do these bracelets fit the fat spring bars?
@@RJMac1982good question. Took me a few minutes and honestly I pushed firmly and I managed to get them in place. You can do it (as i did) or pay someone to do it for you. It's not complicated but you may use a small rubber hammer to get them in place. Afterwards it's more than worth it. Hope it helps
Yep love my Seikos. It seems my family has a penchant for our humble Seiko brand. My dad wore a Pogue for decades until it stopped. My middle son had it restored by a Pogue specialist in South Australia & now wears it.. I had a badly water damaged 1969 King seiko 5625 7000 restored but had to have the dial redone due to the extreme damage to the surface. Not something I would normally do but .... I now have a lovely pearlised maroon dial that stands up to scrutiny reasonably well. The honeymoon is well over & it still excites me when I wear it & see the KS buckle & tang on a maroon lizard skin strap ( which I believe was the original format)
This is definitely one of Seiko’s best. The one watch that is a stand out in my collection is my Panerai PAM380 every time I wear it it makes me smile 😊 it by far is my largest watch at 45mm most of my collection is around 38mm.
Hello Pete, my SLA033 also have some tiny dust on the dial near the Seiko logo and running a bit fast so just contacted Seiko Boutique down here in Sydney and get them to fix it, takes about 3 months to get it back to me free of charge! Just send it in if it’s bothering your OCD! I reckon worth fixing it before the warranty runs out! Cheers mate
Every year I get older as my eyes deteriorate with age, I see that spec less..haha
On a serious note, yes good advice 😊👍
I have a 1982 Speedmaster I bought new in early 83. I’ve had that watch for over 40 years and recently had it serviced. It has the 7A28 quartz movement and brings me happiness every time I put it on.
Beautiful...
I have the SLA065 for maybe 6 month and I’m still in the honeymoon period. I love it so much.
Very nice..enjoy 👍
Imo the sla models of the 62mas are the most beautiful seikos ever produced. The 043 is a gorgeous watch , and is easily up there with omegas and rolex in terms of build quality . Its easily my favourite watch in my collection , they just feel so special and look amazing , you won't regret getting one. I'm so glad you still enjoy yours peter, but it would be harder not to . I remember when u got 2 spb051, and was overjoyed , and you've become a you tube legend !!!
Loved you from day one , me old mucker , you've worked incredibly hard to become one of the very best reviewers on the planet !!!
Love you straight back brother
You’re input has been greatly appreciated and thank you for the support and encouragement 🙏🙏❤️
Had a Seiko captain Willard sal Limited Edition without the prospect sign. I just got sick of the accuracy when you know you can get watches at that price that are accurate. But I still have my Seiko LX titanium spring drive, which i am happy about .Just paying money for unregulated watch is just ridiculous, but must say the movement is top-notch. I just wish it was regulated.
Anyway, another great video
I hear you..👍
Having my honeymoon with the Ball Engineer Marverlight, fantastic piece. Feels like it's gonna be one of those. Another one is my Aquaterra with the 2500 movement. A bit vintage and worn but still fine and elegant.
I miss my 2500 generation AT..great size, thinness and overall look. Enjoy
Nice. I am a big Ball watch fan (currently own 3), not a Marvelight, though. They've changed the way I wear watches (I wear a Ball Engineer II Arabic to bed every night).
Same here
I got myself a SLA043 thanks to 2 of your videos and as well as a black Artem sailcloth strap(Thanks to you again). Been 2 months using it as my daily, not even my latest new Omega moon watch can force this Seiko of out of my heart, i love both of them equally so far.
I'm a fan of your channel, keep on the good work mate. Wear in good health
It sounds like you've been infected with the same SLA bug as me 🔥😊
@@PeterKotsa Hahaha its a good bug, don't worry about it 😄🤜🤛
I have owned a Credor Eichi II for more than four years and I just love it more and more. It not only looks so beautiful but also wears and runs near perfect.
why "near"?
@@javiersaturno9689 The folding clasp could be thinner, otherwise I couldn't complain about it anymore.
$7000 for a seiko?!! Thats absurd! You could get a GS spring Drive with that money. That being said that is still a very attractive watch 👍
Yep, well overpriced..
Fortunately my SLA017 came without the bracelet mounted, because I saw pictures of the scratches on the case lugs that other owners had from the end links, I put mine in a rubber dive strap instead of the included bracelet.
Videos like this are important and actually make me happy. I said at the time that even though this is not my type of watch, the quality of it dropped off the screen and today, for me, that is no different. This shows, I think at least to some extent, that truly focusing on quality production yields products that are better capable of standing the test of time, not necessarily in terms of durability (although I'd expect that too), but in terms of owner satisfaction. When well considered, watches are easily lifetime objects. So a year, effectively, is nothing. I'd like to think that after a year the bonding with a watch that keeps on giving unreserved satisfaction every time it was put on the wrist has grown to such extent that it may/will become one of these lifetimes objects. The difficulty, knowing your 8 watch philosophy, is that I can easily see more than 8 watches growing to such status and in that instance it would get very crowded, as I also appreciate that part of the fun in the hobby is trying out new and different things. Like your AT, though, I guess there is another with that potential, demonstrated by needing to be rebought. I feel I'm still too early in my journey to really have rules and philosophies but I have already starting gravitating towards the idea of less of higher quality, even though I thought even my more budget purchases could be for life. I now feel that it doesn't sit right with me entirely to just keep accumulating, recognising I'd hardly be able to rival a watch museum and don't have the purpose for a watch museum too. I have yet to sell anything, but a small number now seem to reveal themselves as very interesting and worthwhile tests and experiences, but perhaps not truest to my ultimate and changing preferences which are being formed and clarifies in part through these experiences. Still, I'd probably let any of them go with regret, as I always buy accepting the intent to hold on to them for life. Perhaps it is also just the fact that I have spent the far majority of my life with one-two watches and have crossed over into collecting and letting my interests and ambitions with regards to collecting roam freely. Look at me rambling. I'm happy for you, Peter.
I think you nailed it with these two words "owner satisfaction"...well said
Nice to see the love has not diminished.
Pete: The OEM rubber straps for the SLA043 are stiff when new. If you only tried them once then I agree on first impression they don't seem great. However if you either aggressively flex and twist them, or just wear for a while they will break in and are wonderful (assuming you're okay with the long length). The metal keeper is a nice retro touch but impractical for real world use. Recommend swapping for a couple rubber or silicone keepers.
I didn't give them a real fighting chance I suppose, they just felt wrong upon initial usage..
Thanks for the advice 👍
Totally agree. I've now been using the blue strap for 3 months solid and it's broken in nicely and is the got to strap for this watch now.
Always looking out for reviews of this line, i.e., SLA037/043, and its siblings. Tried in vain to find a BNIB SLA043 but alas no joy. Finally, found a 037 and so far have enjoyed this special divers. Agree about the straps and found salvation with a blue Artem and RM deployant which not everyone loves, but I do. Find that this timepiece is special and its goodness goes more than skin deep with its 36K vph movement, and everbrilliant steel; and maybe here its more about the knowledge of what everbrilliant is to corrosion resistance than it is about my own inability to visually detect the aesthetic difference. Thanks for a great review and enjoy your great stuff.
Though I have a couple of higher-end watches, I always go back to my little Seiko 5....SRP421. Just a good watch & a real strap monster.
I feel the same about my Seiko Prospex Alpinist Deep lake; a beautiful watch at home in all situations.
Had it for a year. Love it even more than day 1. Great watch.
Great to hear! 💪
The speck of dust on the dial and tye speck of dust on my tablet screen quite nearly had my head explode.
😂😂😂😂😂
@@PeterKotsa At one time they overlapped!
I agree I can see why you like it and it keeps giving, the one watch I have which does that for me is my take on a 62mas modern build. It's a 62mas Hommage case with NH34 GMT and Rootbeer 24hr bezel on a nice leather strap. I wear it so much!
This is in my top 5 watches in the last decade. If my wrist were not so big at 8 inches, I might consider a < 40mm masterpiece such as this one.
I still reckon it would probably suit you brother, it has a really impressive presence on the wrist
That's beautiful every time again. So we'll balanced. Some nice lume is always a joy, as well as a good sapphire and nice feeling bezelrotation. I haven't got a watch like this. Wish I could afford it, but hey, that's what makes me look at your video's. Keep up the good work. Awesome shots and vibe once again. Thanks
My GS SLGH009 is the one that keeps on giving for me. It must be the ever brilliant steel 🙂
To say this watch is just beautiful doesn't do it justice. I don't use that word thoughtlessly: it's stunning! I wish Seiko would make something as attractive more attainable. My SPB143 is nice and I love it, but it's still miles away from this one!
Enjoy that SPB brother, solid piece at a fraction of the price
Overall I agree with your review. I got one of these a few months ago and it's quickly become a regular on my wrist.
As far as the straps go? I really thought they were nice. They do feel a bit different because they have a steel tube that lines the spring bar hole.
No, my major issue was the straps are just ridiculously LONG! I thought about cutting them, but then I saw what original straps sell for and I figured it was best to leave mine original.
Then the issue is what strap to use? 19mm straps are not a problem, BUT 19mm straps that take a fat spring bar are hard to find!!
Still, It's a wonderful watch!! ❤
The reason why I liked Seiko was because the quality was good for the price. The watches that come with SLA model names are really attractive, but I think they're worse off for price than the Swiss brand (especially compared to Tudor)
My exact reasons why I gravitated to Seiko over 30 years ago...great bang for buck..sadly not any more though
I don't have any experience with Tudor, so I can't really comment.
The Seiko sla series are expensive to buy at retail from a jeweler. Value for what they charge? I bought my 043 from a jeweler with a small discount. Expensive for me. The others I bought from a dealer in Florida. Kind of feel like I stole them for the price I payed😂. Just think if you shop, sla are great value.
Great review! Glad to see you still have this watch. It is a special one. This was my first Seiko sla diver I bought. Then came 3 more😮.
The 043 has that cool vintage look to it. Really a looker! The 19 mm lug width? Plenty of choices if you find the right vendors. Right now after trying various straps, it will remain on a strapco ladder bracelet. It actually matches the brushed ever brilliant steel nicely. Looks like it came with the watch. I work on a farm. I wear the 043 to work sometimes. Tough beautiful watch. A keeper for sure.
My sla039 is 19 mm also. It is on a bright orange dassari rubber strap. Perfect for a watch with attitude! Didn't care for the original Seiko strap on this one. This polished beast will never go on a bracelet.
Again, glad you still have this one. Still thinking about that old Omega with the brick road bracelet you had. Gorgeous!!!!!
That Omega is a very unique package with that bracelet..truly a thing of beauty
I usually don't like divers, but that one looks really good! 19 mm lugs are so annoying, though.
I've had for just under a year a Nomos Club Neomatik 740 that I just keep coming back to and have yet to get tired of. It basically never makes it back into the watch box because I'm always just thinking "Why bother? I'm just gonna put it on again either tomorrow or the day after."
Thanks so much Peter. My SNR043 still stuns me everyday. Love yours as well
Still one of the greaters all rounders. My seiko I would never sell is sarb035.
I picked mine up in September from an AD here in the states, I feel fortunate to have gotten it for $3150. I have 6 1/2 inch wrists and the OEM straps just didn't work for me, I use 20mm parachute NATO straps that I feel
works perfectly. I have "nicer" divers but I do wear this most of the time. Cheers.
Excellent pick up..well done 👍
It’s a beautiful watch. I have a Chinese homage of the same watch also in blue which I really enjoy. It’s size, simplicity and case shape are really appealing. It manages 20mm lugs on the 38mm case! Lovely photography
No to homage, buy microbrand with own style.
I have the sla033 and it's such a smart watch, timeless
Now I have the SLA043J1 too, absolute eye candy, really like this and wondering how I will stop wearing it!
Enjoy...Still loving mine
A truly beautiful watch, Pete. For some reason, Seiko is still a favourite for me… possibly because it was my first watch brand back in 1972. Given the price, I just cannot bring myself to buy one of the expensive pieces that Seiko produces. I love watches with heritage, but as Seiko prices have rocketed, Squale and Zodiac have been my preferences of late. Nonetheless, if I actually owned this SLA043, I probably wouldn’t even look at another diver. Enjoy!
Couldn't agree more..pricing has driven many away unfortunately
Would be great to see other brands/models that also keep on giving, but I guess that's a rare occurence. Really comes right through the camera on this one though, and I don't even own one Seiko. Concise video and excellent photography.
cheers
Grail for me. Outstanding
Lol I had plans on a Japanese watch movement collection seiko citizen orient g shock I brought my first watch 6mths ago a seiko prospex eucalyptus limited edition and can’t seem to take it off my wrist
tropic seiko tropic straps that come with the watch are simply the best for this watch.
I have the same model and i feel exactly the same. I'm in love with my 043
Enjoy it 👍👍
I love mine too
Your original review helped inspire me to get the SLA043. I love it. The design and finishing are stunning. I immediately put it on a Meraud Blue Regular tropic strap, which is very comfortable and fits my 6.5 inch wrist perfectly. I only wish the strap had more closely spaced holes for fine tuning the fit.
My SLA 021 is STILL my favorite in my collection.
I agree with you it’s an outstanding watch to consider for a one watch collection… Of course, I don’t really know what that is… Because I choose not to! When I have a watch come in with a rubber strap, I just remove it right away and put on a sail cloth strap. Problem solved.! I’ll
Great video as always. I love your honest content! I have looked at this watch many times. I own a Marine Master 300m that I purchased new (great discount) and have loved for 3 years. The MM300 is a Grand Seiko in a Seiko branded watch as is your watch. I love my MM300 but it's a beast = chunky wristburger. I have experienced the same issues with the bezel and bracelet. Of course I ditched the stock bracelet and strap for a Crafter Blue rubber strap. I can't justify owning both Seiko pieces because of the pricepoints of both pieces. Your watch seems like a better daily for sure.
I just rock mine on uncle straps tropic and it does the job for me. Got the 017 bracelet and put it on like twice over the last year lol
Seiko really needs to get their bracelet and strap game sorted out. Its such a huge black mark on an otherwise amazing brand.
100% agreed 👍
It may sound silly but my watch that keeps on giving is my Orient baby triton in black. I bought the green one and loved it so much I got the black also. And, loved the black even more. Looks great and is a TANK!!! Lume blows all other watches out of the water as well. It’s perfect for me.
Doesn't sound silly at all..thanks for sharing bro 👍👍
I am happy that you are happy with your purchase, but I will have to disagree with the statement that this is basically a Grand Seiko. Yes, it is priced at the same level as a GS, but the finishing and regulation of the movement are not comparable, which happen to be the most costly operations. Also, the quality control at GS would have spotted this small spec of dust on the dial. Personally, I can't get past the -10 / +15 sec per day regulation on a $4,500 watch.
You're absolutely right, these small detail discrepancies would not have got through on a GS branded watch for sure..well said 👍
I have few watches in my collection like that, the Bulova Lunar Pilot, Computron, A15 are all wcthes in my daily wear that i really like.
My BB58 Navy is like that for me, not my most expensive but i keep... coming... back...
At this point I think Seiko should just go with NO strap or bracelet as what they supply is just landfill at this stage
Sad but true, well said
Indeed. I think Orient at least provides better quality straps n specs.
N even wayyy more, at this price point.
Agreed
Hey Pete
I have this reference and agree with you that it is a gem. IMHO, the SLA043 reflects all that iconic heritage and marries it with a superb movement and some understated modern design cues.
I do have a gripe though - the crown on mine is gritty on the screw down (my Sumo and Willard are silky smooth by comparison). If I can get the annoying crown issue sorted, it may well turn out to be the perfect watch.
Have you tried some dental floss on the threads?..usually cleans out any gunk
I did mate. Also 'flossed' the thread with a rubber band to see if that might smooth things out. No joy with either unfortunately. May need to head back to the AD and get them to take a look. As I said, it's my only criticism (but it does effect the overall enjoyment of the watch).
😒
@@lonestriker120 yeah that would be a huge annoyance. I'd get Seiko to fix that, its not acceptable for the money outlaid
Great video as always Pete. I almost bought this watch on multiple occasions but my fear of parting with €3.5\€4k for a watch who's accuracy is not COSC just tipped the balance back to Tudor and so I bought the 39mm Pelagos....since then I'm thinking of selling it and looking at this stunning Seiko again...the dial and powder blue hand are mesmerising...a far more special watch to look at then the more accurate but less special Tudor
The most accurate watch I have ever worn is the GS spring drive, but it doesn't give me anywhere near the enjoyment and satisfaction I get from this watch 🔥
I have the SPB297 62MAS and I love it. A step down from this, but still a great piece. Almost does it all
Great stuff👍
I've seen dust in brand new Rolex wand Omega watches too. Happens more often than not.
I see the dust spec on used ones in Japan but they are discounted.
The dust spec is not noticeable with naked eye and wouldn’t bother me and I am considering picking one up.
Lovely looking watch, definitely a keeper. The only Seiko I own is a GMT blueberry and I’m still amazed at the quality… except the bracelet, to be honest it’s not that bad but would have been better with a milled clasp
Haven't you had this beautiful watch for a bit over a year? My Sinn U50 BS is still giving. Cheers.
Yeah, it's about a year and a half now Tim. I was meant to do a 1 year review a while back, (as with a few more watches) just haven't had TIME...no pun intended 😂
Peter, keep up the great work! Excellent high class videos about this addiction called horology! :D
Addiction indeed, well said 😊
Nice write up Peter and good to see that you still really like it. I recently picked up (used) the SLA051 and am really enjoying it although still in the honeymoon phase. I was really shocked to find that I need to send the watch to Seiko Japan to get it serviced since it has the 8L35 movement (same as your piece). Nothing wrong with it just running fast. You mentioned you have a watchmaker here in Melbourne, do you mind sharing? I'd be interested in checking them out. Keep up the great content!
Yes of course, it's Archies watch repair in Dandenong..👍
I’ve review.A staple for a growing collection.
Peter, I find that strange as I've come to love the straps, they've soften overed a 2-3 month period and now hug my wrist. I've tried a multitude of different alternatives (including the same sailcloth strap from Oz) but found myself coming back to them. Overall my 047 has pretty much retired my Seamaster and have sold several of my over dive watches as they don't get any wrist time. Great review.
You have an awesome watch there.
I would say anything that has survived the cut to remain in the watch collection are the ones that keep giving every time I put it on my wrist again. They are also the ones I have been focusing on maintaining longer wrist time for more continuous enjoyment.
As such, the longest remaining watch in terms of time and nice purchase is my Serica 5303-1. It does have that quirk in the crown notes in the earlier movement and releases. But, it never bothered me enough to kill the overall pleasure and want to sell it.
I've got my one watch collection, its the Seiko turtle.
Great looking watch. Another good honest and informative video. Good stuff Pete.
Thank you kindly Steve, cheers
Picked one of these up several months ago, and your video was one of the ones that helped push me in that direction..... Thank you! It's an amazing piece that has quickly become my most worn, and I always look forward to placing it on my wrist....I use mine with a 20mm FKM rubber strap (Dassari vented), and I absolutely love it... When I want to dress it up, I go for the Artem as well....I hope you enjoy yours in good health!
Have you cleaned your bezel? Mine was a little mushy and tight initially, but working in some 303 Aerospace rubber protectant under the bezel brought it back to crispy perfection.
I might have to clean it too..thanks for the advice 👍
Great watch, the 19mm lug width put me off both this and the later variant so I went for the SLA 055 J1, love it, got the Artem strap but it lives on the NATO which is just wonderful, same comment on the latex, that stell keeper is a pain!
Good choice!
I like the chocolate bar strap on my 055. The metal keeper went bye, and put a couple of black rubber from an extra band.
I have the sje093 on a green artem and it’s perfection tbh
Hi Pete, it's a lovely looking piece no doubt, but why some companies use 19mm lugs is still a head scratcher.
Agreed
I guess I am in the minority as I find the OEM straps really comfy and I like the way they look. But not a fan of how long they are. My favorite strap is a Zealande rubber I picked up, it’s 20mm but squeezes in nicely.
For me the one that keeps on giving is my spb151 willard re issue. I always find myself longing after it when I am wearing something else.
This watch isn’t just high spec and functional. It oozes charm from every pore.
The black bay is very good but boring and dare I say a little soulless. It’s the best tickbox watch around and that’s enough for some.
But I’d have this any day of the week.
Love it very tempted thanks for the video
Totally agree...that said I am actually wearing my boring BB58 today as I am replying to this 😂
Man you kept this watch in pristine condition 😮
Oh its got a mark or two here and there, but generally yes its pretty schmick looking still 😊
Incredible piece. Im thorn between a SLA 62MAS, a Seamaster Pro 300 "Great white" and a Tudor BB58 classic gold and black.
Did someone checked IDGuy review of his 62MAS? I'm on the same page : Seiko will always have a special place because it was my 1st watch (SARB017 Alpinist).
For me the watch that keeps on giving is my PADI Pepsi Turtle on a Z199 Uncle Seiko bracelet. Just a fun everyday watch even if I own much expansive watches like the 21 Speedy Hesalite.
I’ve got that great white and feel the same way about it as Peter does his Seiko. For me, I’m endlessly captured by it…the mounds of lume, the contrasting colors, the superb timekeeping, the helium escape valve (hah). I put mine on the OEM rubber strap and have to force myself to wear my other watches.
Really a beautiful piece! Wow
Good watch Peter , just a tad expensive considering its band & bracelet.
You are one cool guy! Thanks!
Takes One To Know One
It's a very beautiful watch.
It's a reasonably pretty watch, but at $7000 AUD this is just crazy. I mean for less money you can literally buy a brand new, actual Grand Seiko diver, not a watch that you have to explain to people "is basically a GS watch".
I was literally holding a new-stock SLA065J this week that had a list price of $2995 AUD. That's an even rarer 'limited edition' 62MAS reissue variant at 1300 units globally, with the same case, same movement, same issues, a more interesting dial and even at launch MSRP, that was only $4500 AUD.
The overall finishing may be of higher quality but the design is barely indistinguishable from Seiko's SBDC101/105/141 models, that can be bought for comfortably less than a quarter of the price. I just don't understand how anyone can look at this watch and not think Seiko are taking the absolute piss.
All of that said, I believe people should buy the watches that make them happy and if you love this watch and are happy to pay that kind of money for it, I truly hope you get a lifetime of enjoyment out of it.
Nice video Peter! Glad you're enjoying this watch so much 😊
For me currently it is the SLA055. Also Everbrilliant but 20mm lug width. Cheers!
Nice one!
Still saving for this one, it's rarity in Europe is a pain though as I have to purchase in the US and get it shipped (or a mate to wear it) so I bought a BB heritage a few months ago instead. It's still on the "must buy" list, but it's more of a long term target now.