I have the green Alpinist GMT JDM exclusive SBEJ005. It was a hassle getting a hand on it as several other colorways are available internationally, but I figure if I'm getting an Alpinist it has to be in that iconic green color. Anyway, I love it. The quality level is way higher than a Seiko 5 too.
Try an original skx 013. 37mm case 44mm lug to lug. Downside is the 7s26 non hand winding movement. Or try the new Seiko5 dive style watches with the same 37mm case with the upgraded 4r36 movement. Or try the mini turtle. A great watch . 42 mm but very compact (44 mm ?) lug to lug.
My 260€ quartz Swatch was much more expensive in the end because I bought an actual Speedmaster about a month later and a 70s LCD one about a month after that! I have a long Speedy wishlist too...
The old Rolex clasps every young watch collector is so critical about were never an issue. People call them flimsy because they were stamped steel but they are rock solid and I never had a single one fail. I also find them very comfortable. Unfortunately, Rolex succumbed to the complaints that stamped clasps aren’t representative of a luxury brand and they ended when Rolex stopped production of the last true ‘tool’ watch, the 16600.
That’s my Sea Dweller with Flimsy Clasp. As you say, never failed, but neither have my flimsy Seiko clasps. I lost one Seiko Quartz due to a spring bar failure (I believe)
Same have the HEL Oyster bracelet on my 14060m and the SEL bracelet on my EXP1 114270. Both are the most comfortable bracelets I have and yes never had an issue
I love the look of King Seiko, especially that green dial one. But was surprised at the quite low claimed accuracy! I'm gonna save my pennies and go straight it at the Uber accurate spring drive. The ultimate daily in mind!
Replacing the clasp is cheap and easy. I recently swapped the clasp on my SRPK17 with a Miltat brand locking machined clasp from Amazon for $8 + another $8 for the two 3mm outer diameter by 1mm thick o-rings I needed since the stock bracelet links had 16mm connection on one end and 18mm on the other. For a total of $16 and maybe a minute of work I now have a proper sturdy locking clasp. For more $$ you could also go for a full bracelet replacement from Strapcode, they have many options with end links fitted for the Seiko 5 GMT.
I absolutely love my vintage Seiko. Yours is a beauty. Welcome to the family. And I love how your subs are steadily increasing, which I think means a much more committed and sustainable fan base.
I got that watxh the moment it came out. I love things people hate. The hardlex bezel, the non clicking bezel and the lug to lug. The hardlex bezel has this color contrast in different lighting conditions that makes it look nicer than ceramic. The bezel without the clicks has the right amount of friction to not have to worry about it moving and plus I no longer have to worry about misalignment. Only complaint to me is the case thickness. Wish it was below 12.5mm. Other than that its a beautiful timepiece which you can get more along the lines of $350 here in the states.
Regarding screw-down crowns: I have a Hamilton Khaki Field watch. After half a year wearing it every odd day, I went into a baby pool with my daughter. Even with 100m water resistance, the cristal was fogged afterwards. It took me days of warm weather and having the crown pulled out to get the water out again. So: Screw down crowns matter - even for everyday purposes.
Especially for the watch enthusiast that owns a few pieces in a random rotation.... I'd much rather be able to quick set a date every few days than quickly jump hours when I rarely travel to a different time zone or for daylight savings twice a year. It's funny that it's an unpopular opinion when most who disagree are not in the aviation industry or international jet setters.
same here - I have both caller and traveler GMT's, and the caller is just better for me. I don't travel to other time zones often at all, but I have colleagues in different parts of the country, so using a caller GMT just works better for me
Congratulations on your new purchase .. No amount of footage can ever do justice to how mesmerising this watch is .. When I first bought my automatic watch I fell in love with it but couldn’t afford it so I settled with the Ingersoll but someday I’ll buy this one ..
My wife got me this when I got my first full time flying job as a commercial pilot. Absolutely love it and it will be my work/flight watch for the rest of my career. It's already racked up some adventures in the arctic circle and has been dipped in the arctic ocean! Some con's of course. After a year the friction bezel is pretty much cement locked and wont rotate unless the watch is wet. Mine out of the box runs about 35 seconds fast a day. The hardlex has gotten some good old scratches in it, with one in particular right on the cyclops. A true GMT movement would be more convenient when I fly over time zones. But, I kind of see these as my watch having it's own unique personality. There's a routine of setting it every morning or two, and the scratches already remind me that this watch has traveled far and wide.
I’ve just bought a Seiko Alpinist SPB 258j1 Ginza. I couldn’t be happier. The dial’s just stunning and out of this world. Makes you feel you’ve got super powers when it’s on. A very special watch indeed. 💪🏽👊🏽
Also own this watch and absolutely love it! A great watch for the money. Regularly swap out the bracelet for a nato and it works great. Recently added the Seiko 5 field GMT to the collection as well! another great watch from Seiko worth checking out 🔥
Good for you Britt - I have had my blueberry for a year now. I like the 3-time zone capability and the rugged 4R movement. I would have gladly given up the see through caseback to make the watch a little thinner but that’s my only complaint. Everything lines up on mine too, which is always a concern when you unbox a Seiko. I keep mine on a watch winder, so it’s basically a grab-and-go.
GRATS ON THE BABY ON THE WAY!!! My daughter is 2 months old and I snagged a bluesy as commemoration (and pass down for her later!). This Seiko is AMAZING looking. Nice pickup!
Congratulations! I will tell you I own the same watch. The best upgrade you can do is purchase a milled clasp for it! I purchased one for around 15 or 20 US dollars, and it made a world of difference. It really elevates the whole wearing experience and makes the bracelet feel much more premium! Great piece, and I still find myself reaching for it over my Omega Seamaster Diver 300M many days!! 😊
Congratulations on joining the Seiko owners club, I too was late to the party. The SSK003 is an all round excellent watch and I remember your review when these were released. I like these so much I have the SSK003, plus the orange one, then two of the USA editions the yellow SSK017, the two-tone SSK021 and also the Far East sky blue SSK029. Enjoy the Seiko journey!
I have the same Blueberry model as yours, which I modified with a sapphire crystal. Runs a bit fast, around 10 secs. a day, but otherwise a nice watch. For a second Seiko, buy a Presage. I have the Gimlet at 40.5mm, but the 38mm ones would be great on your wrist. Another good choice would be a baby alpinist green dial at 38mm.
Haha, so funny you are speaking about the price of watches......I still remember 6 months after I quit heroin, but before I got into watch collecting, I decided to 'reward myself' for quitting, by buying myself a £180 Accurist Quartz Chronograph......Thinking that it was a REALLY nice watch! Oh how times have changed!
The thing most people miss about a 'caller' GMT and why it is better, is the fact that you can set the DATE via the crown! The jumping independent hour hand is a fancy thing but I promise you, that being able to set the date independently from the hour hand instead of using that hand to rotate 720 degrees just to click through one day, is extremely handy. Oh, and way, way more robust. The GMT hand in the caller-style GMT is after all nothing more but a slight tweak of the day-complication,and therefor extremely robust. The jumping hour is just more fragile and more cumbersome. especially if you have a collection and you rotate watches day per day.
I really think this kind of watch says more about you than a more mainstream watch like an explorer, speedmaster etc. that everybody loves! Love that it’s a quirky, bit contentious piece that has it’s fault but a very specific character that will not (and is not meant to) please everyone.
Thank you for posting this video. $500 is a lot of money. If you tell the average person that you spent 500 on a watch they would look at you like you are crazy, and yet, people will spend $20 a day on coffee and cigarettes. 🤷♂️
$20 a day on coffee and cigarettes? I don't think very many people spend $7300 per year on coffee and cigarettes. And those who do probably wear much more expensive watches than a $500 Seiko.
Loved the video! I have a seiko 5 gmt the Yuto Horigome edition and I love it. I also have a Samurai, it was my first mechanical watch and it’s still my most worn watch to this day, it goes great with multiple straps. My suggestion would be to go with a diver next for sure, my favorites are the samurai, the 1965 and the Willard
I picked up a black-grey bezel version (Japan Domestic Model) at the Seiko Dream Square store in Ginza, Tokyo after visiting the Seiko Museum around the corner. The historic Seiko House Ginza Tower has a nice Grand Seiko Boutique if your budget is higher. I will say the only visible difference (at least from first glance) in design that will indicate the Japan model is the brushed inner links on the jubilee bracelet
I love Seiko and Citizen (my grandfather had several). Seiko was my first high-end (non Casio watch from the Walmart jewelry counter) that I ever bought and I think I spent $184 on it at the time, which I thought was ludicrously expensive, lol. That was 20 years ago, but it always made me appreciate what Seiko could do. I'm lusting after a Grand Seiko for my ultimate watch, but for now, I just bought the Jack Mason Strat-O-Timer Dr. Pepper powered by the Miyota 9075. A great little East meets West, Japanese movement and American style/history watch! My eyes are now thoroughly trained on Grand Seiko Spring Drive, hopefully in the Shun Bun version
I have the Mikan Orange. Every time I put it on from my rotation, I end up keeping it on for about a week. I usually change my watch daily depending on activity/outfit, but this Seiko is just so addictive, it stays on. Well done on a great purchase!
Congrats on your two new additions! While going on vacation last year i left the Rolex at home & took my seiko to Hawaii. Seiko makes great watches. Wore it in the ocean while doing some snorkeling. The way things are getting here in the United States I’m wearing my seiko more but I still wear my Rolex sea dweller while in my backyard when having a drink & cigar! Lol
So you only pull out the Rolex in your back yard while smoking a cigar? How sad! The US is a big country. I’ve worked in NYC, Philly, Chicago, and recently Montreal and never an issue wearing my 2 Rolex. I really wonder where people live that they have to be so terrified of wearing something nice.
Great choice, I've not long had an SSK019 which is the US specific colour with the red and blue inner bezel. I work for the company often reference with the blue red colours and so a Rolex GMT would be the perfect choice. However, I do use it for travel and so I can happily show this off without worrying that I'm going to lose my arm in the process. I swapped out for a nato strap because I'm not a fan of the bracelet and clasp.
Great watch! The blue Seiko 5 GMT one got me started in really collecting. It was my first “expensive” watch. I got the green Prospex GMT (SPB381) and the 2020 version of the 62MAS (SPB143) within a couple months. They’re very enjoyable to wear.
Congrats! I’ve had a few Seikos, and even a DIY Watch Club watch that’s based on Seiko parts. But my favorite Seiko was the 1959 Re-interpretation Alpinist, blue dial SPB249… the blue rope/helix/DNA-like dial is insane! And it’s a 38mm, perfect for the IBWC!
Chapter ring and bezel alignment issues which is a known problem for the majority of Seiko Dive Watches..My SKX009 isn't as bad as some but the chapter ring is slightly off..Bought mine in 2017 before they got discontinued and paid about £150 if memory serves. TBH I bought a Steeldive Seiko Capt Willard homage last year from AliExpress and build quality, movement NH35, lume and bracelet are far better than the SKX. And the best thing is it cost less than £60...
Welcome to theSeiko family. Though I am mostly an omega collector, I do have a lot of Seikos that just seem to stay in the collection One very good thing about Seiko is the number of aftermarket bracelet options. I have a Strapcode bracelet on my Presage, and Uncle Seikos on my Samurai, Alpinist, and vintage Turtle. And leather strap on my SRPE.
Brittany, my main complaint with the Black/Blue bezel like you bought is that the blue disappears in normal inside lighting. At least this was my experience in the store. Do you have the same experience with the blue part of the bezel turning to black?
I think you called it on price and that it doesn’t affect how you like a watch. I started getting deep into the $2000 range and found that my Seiko SRPD and SRPE are my favorites. I love how they look and have been impressed with the accuracy, which is as good as anything I’ve used.
Good looking watch. Love the GMTs. I like how the date window is magnified. I have a Timex GMT and the window isn't magnified which makes it tough for 58 year old eyes.
Congratulations you two on the baby! Fantastic news!! Yeah, Seiko back 5 years ago were great value, not so much nowadays. Mineral crystal and 100m only WR and a terrible bracelet/clasp sucks big time. The microbrands that use the NH34 are soooooo much better value, with 200-300m, sapphire glass, better QC, nicer bezel feel…… I could continue. Still, great to see you embracing the brand most have a the first mechanical piece. 🙏🏻
Glad you finally pulled the trigger. I have the SSK001 black dial version. It’s my most worn watch. Even more than my speedy pro 2021. Yay for ye!!!! 🎉
Apart from the popular suggestions, I'd like to suggest the following two models from the same family - Seiko SPC251P1 and SPC255P1. I love my SPC251P1. It is a great package for £200, offering a neoclassical design, sapphire crystal, three subdials - seconds, day and alarm/GMT, a chronograph, a perpetual calendar - date, month and leap year, with a beautiful silver dial, at a thickness of 10mm. Swap the bracelet with a crocodile style strap and you have a watch that looks way better than it costs. Online photos don't do the dial justice.
Congratulations Welcome to the familly. Seiko (i own some models) you will never be desapointed thanks to you to share this content on amazing quality(in your point of view
Congrats on the baby on the way! That's a really nice Seiko GMT you got. As for a next watch, I'd actually suggest grabbing on of the models in the Recraft line. Yes, they use a discontinued and less functional movement with the 7S26, but they're funky and gorgeous and cool. Plus, if you really dislike the 7S26, you can always upgrade to an NH36 with better matching day-date wheels. Or, as others suggested, a Presage of some variety, perhaps a Cocktail Time. Lots of people will suggest the Alpinist, but while I do think it is gorgeous, I honestly don't really like it. That's got a lot to do with it having a compass bezel, which are in my opinion near the very top of absolutely least useful features a watch can have. I honestly am super disappointed in Seiko for having put that on what is otherwise such a lovely watch, and wish they'd offer some version of it with a timing or 12 hour bezel or anything besides that ridiculous compass.
Welcome to the club! The Alpinist is a great choice. It has everything you could want from a do it all watch, in terms of specs, with the bonus of unique, even quirky, styling.
Excellent choice - but you forgot a couple of things with this GMT: firstly, the chapter ring has a 24hr setting in addition to the dial, so you can tell THREE time zones very easily - unlike the Rolex GMT master! Everybody overlooks that. Also, you can use GMT hand (if set to GMT - which is fine, because you have a third time zone ) to tell where North and South are if you divide the space in between. One important thing @brittpearcewatches - you should not change the date on these movements with the hour between 3 and 9 o'clock. You risk breaking the date wheel. above 9 o clock is called the 'danger zone'. The agreement over caller vs traveller GMT is stupid IMO - when I'm travelling, I just tell myself to use the red hand while I'm away from home.
It has always been a mystery to me why so many people want a moving dive bezel on their gmt watch. Just because Rolex did that for whatever reason? Seiko has a gmt in their field watch format. Much nicer to my taste. Definitely smaller at 39mm. And if it is important for you to have second time zone while your swimming, it has the same water resistance of 100m. I have a non gmt version of that watch and been showering and swimming with it countless times. No problem at all. Not the slightest hint of moisture inside, working fine and waterproof. With a push pull crown. Like you said.
Firstly, congratulations on the new addition … the baby, and of course also on the Seiko! I think you will love the Prospex watches but also, you have to get an SKX007 too.
I love this watch. I ended up getting the black/gray variant but I love the blueberry. Wears really great and also you can find them closer to $300 all day if you are willing to shop around a bit. Great video!
Alpinist, can't go wrong, such an icon. Or look into some divers inspired by the 62MAS. I've got the SLA0431J which has an exceptional everbrilliant steel with Grand Seiko like finishing and a great movement. There are also divers like the SPB143J which are also pretty popular.
i got into watches in the reverse way that most enthusiasts probably do, was passed down a rolex and then eventually worked my way to more affordable watches. i have the 001 and i absolutely love it. my only gripe is the design and finishing of the high polish on the sides of the bezel, its really gum ball machine looking in my opinion and if it wasn't for that i would consider it a near perfect watch
As always an great video. I understand your concerns with money, as you have a wonderful baby coming soon. I am a Seiko fan, and own a 5 series. I think I got a lemon, so I am not the best representative on this division of Seiko. I will not say you won't be pleased with this model, but I feel you should have saved up for one of the GMT's in the prospex line. I hope I'm wrong and your 5 Series is a great watch for many years to come. I will say this though, with the Hardlex crystal, and the bezel, I believe it's a painted steel, along with the non-coated SS case, this will age and gain a patina that you will cherish. Keep the bracelet, it does turn into a "jingly" which some folks find endearing, me not one of them. Find a nice leather or NATO and those will serve you well. Be well
Pretty amazing what Seiko offers for the money! One more con I think is lack of a sapphire crystal glas, so it supposedly scratches easier. Seiko also resells the movement and some small watchmakers build their own watches around that, for example the Phoibos Wavemaster GMT: has a screw down crown, sapphire crystal and a micro adjustable bracelet - did they listen to your wishlist?
Good call on the Seikos. Well made and affordable. for me its the Seiko 62MAS reissue that i am loving. reasonably priced, decent sizing and not overly big or too small. good all around watches
I bought all the parts I needed (case, hands that I like, movement, gaskets etc) and made my own "Seiko5 GMT". For.... 90 pounds. In 36mm, with a ceramic bezel insert, and a mother of pearl dial. Yes. it is that simple. Half an hour of work and boom, it was done. I have in the works a titanium Alpinist-GMT in the works, with a green dial and gold hands. Will be fun.
Welcome to the Seiko family. Be careful you don't turn into a full blown seikopath. Hahaha. I have the same watch and it is a strap monster so the stock bracelet not being up to spec isn't a problem as it's easy to swap it out for something else you might like. :)
Welcome to the Seiko family, Britt. You made a great choice on your first Seiko. Btw, it won't be your last. Take that from someone who said he would only buy 1 and now owns 5 with 3 more on the shortlist. Seiko unfortunately has an allergy to good clasps. So you won't really escape them unless you go aftermarket
I bought SSK003 2 month ago, i was bit shocked that it does +0.5-1s per day (it is probably regulated by the dealer but still), which out performs all of my swiss watch collections, and even more accurate than some of my quartz watch, it is definitely an amazing watch, i am using it as my daily watch ever since.
Good to see a Seiko on the channel. I love my Seiko Presage Manhattan with its mesmerizing brown dial (it may sound like an odd color, but it looks great in the flesh).
Those short lugs are just MAGICAL! A sharp-looking piece that doesn't break the bank, and it's so useful. I took mine on an international trip last month, and the GMT features saved my butt so many times. I had literally 2 people around the world working on something, and being able to track 3 time zones - and one of them was also traveling, so that bezel worked wonders! I've owned mine for 2 years now, and I still love it (and I'm also a member of the Itty Bitty Wrist Community). Enjoy that Seiko, Gringa!
Omg Carlos, you're exactly right! Those short lugs are doing A LOT of heavy lifting for the itty bitty wrist committee! You're so right tho - great looking piece, doesn't break the bank, but it is expensive enough that it's like "this was a special purchase!" You know?! That's how I feel about this one!
@@BrittPearceWatches Next Seiko purchase... As a Seikoholic, I would definitely recommend a vintage piece. Have you bought a vintage piece before? Those Seikos are built like tanks, and maybe it can be a cool "vintage" buy. They are not expensive either ;) - My best Seiko watch is a 1966 Seikomatic
Congrats! I don't own one, but I think the Seiko 5 GMT is fantastic. However, if you want to move upmarket a bit... There are the SJE093 (if you can find one), the 2023 Marinemaster 200 watches. Those are wearable for your wrist size, and exquisite. That said, an SBGX261, 263 or 265 from Grand Seiko falls on your doorstep for around 1650 quid if you order from Japan, and those are cracking too. Seiko does wonderful enamel dials, dials with Urushi lacquer, dials with motifs, and all that in a price range (discounting Grand Seiko) of somewhere between 350 and 3000 quid. The sky is the limit, if you want to get into it. I've got nine Seiko's, of which 3 limited, one enamel, and 3 Grand. :)
Love Seiko the Seiko tuna Marine master Ninja SBBN035 with the Legendary 7C46 high torque movement is my second favorite dive watch. After the Rolex Submariner 14060m.I still might pick up a Seiko Spork. The older pre X on the dial Seikos just have more of a cool factor over the current version's
Bought the same watch about a month ago and it is easily my most worn, go-to watch. I never realised how handy the second time zone is for work (I have colleagues in another country). Accuracy is same as yours, just a few seconds +- per day. The bracelet sucks, I wear it on a navy/grey nato strap.
I had an original alpinist before it became part of the prospex line… I love it, I got a high end aftermarket bracelet for it on Amazon and I daily wore that watch. I would recommend the original ones because they have less writing on the dial, they look a little cleaner and prettier. Also thank you for explaining this GMT function, I have been considering one of these but I didn’t understand how this one worked.
Ok guys. Alpinist next?!?! Probably my next favourite Seiko!
I have the green Alpinist GMT JDM exclusive SBEJ005. It was a hassle getting a hand on it as several other colorways are available internationally, but I figure if I'm getting an Alpinist it has to be in that iconic green color.
Anyway, I love it. The quality level is way higher than a Seiko 5 too.
Try an original skx 013. 37mm case 44mm lug to lug. Downside is the 7s26 non hand winding movement. Or try the new Seiko5 dive style watches with the same 37mm case with the upgraded 4r36 movement. Or try the mini turtle. A great watch . 42 mm but very compact (44 mm ?) lug to lug.
I would love an Alpinist! Seiko is one of my favorite brands!
Love the alpinist
I love my Prospex King Turtle grenade dial but you might be sized out....
Welcome to the Seiko family Britt!!! Next seiko should be a Presage...elegant and mesmerizing..
Ouu HOOO I am so happy to be here! I can already feel this is going to be financially costly for me ;)
@@BrittPearceWatches Yess!!! We watch enthusiasts are already in a money pit anyways🙃🙃
I have the SSK017 with the harvest gold dial...love this watch as a daily driver.
I have the SRP853J1 and I almost always get compliments whenever I wear it. So happy with it!
@@BrittPearceWatches The Prospex Model SPB289 with the turquoise dial, 20 ATM... check it out
It's crazy when people say this is SOOOO expensive while they buy $350 battery swatch because OMEEEEEEEGAA!
My 260€ quartz Swatch was much more expensive in the end because I bought an actual Speedmaster about a month later and a 70s LCD one about a month after that! I have a long Speedy wishlist too...
Or even a £10,000 Rolex
But that free lifetime battery replacement. That's like 30 bucks of value over your life.
@@JustAnotherHo Just like with a 80€ Swatch.
I picked up a speedmaster reduced for £900 a couple of years ago... people were paying more for the swatch on ebay at the time.
Congrats on the new addition to the family, and the baby on the way!
Ahhh thank you so much!
@@BrittPearceWatches I'm a July 1st baby, and my name is also James. Do you know the gender of your upcoming bundle of joy?
I’m here on my morning commute to work and have the biggest smile when I heard you say you’re having a baby. Congratulations! So happy for you!
Oh dear Britt... You bought a Seiko. Now you will stay in Seiko-land and it will show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. 😂
Yep, totally agree...still haven't left Seiko-land, unfortunately 😅
Agreed, I m one of the victim…
You can check out any time you like but you can never leave...😄
LOL, yep...and Orient which is all under the Epson umbrella.
G Shocks are another rabbit hole :P Some G Shocks are made in the same factory as Grand Seiko's
The old Rolex clasps every young watch collector is so critical about were never an issue. People call them flimsy because they were stamped steel but they are rock solid and I never had a single one fail. I also find them very comfortable. Unfortunately, Rolex succumbed to the complaints that stamped clasps aren’t representative of a luxury brand and they ended when Rolex stopped production of the last true ‘tool’ watch, the 16600.
That’s my Sea Dweller with Flimsy Clasp. As you say, never failed, but neither have my flimsy Seiko clasps. I lost one Seiko Quartz due to a spring bar failure (I believe)
Same have the HEL Oyster bracelet on my 14060m and the SEL bracelet on my EXP1 114270. Both are the most comfortable bracelets I have and yes never had an issue
My grandad's Girard Perregaux from the 60s is the same. Never had any issues
I think a King Seiko is up next and a Grand Seiko following that will do.
YES!!! I think you just might be right!
And then Credor? 😂
I love the look of King Seiko, especially that green dial one. But was surprised at the quite low claimed accuracy!
I'm gonna save my pennies and go straight it at the Uber accurate spring drive. The ultimate daily in mind!
Replacing the clasp is cheap and easy. I recently swapped the clasp on my SRPK17 with a Miltat brand locking machined clasp from Amazon for $8 + another $8 for the two 3mm outer diameter by 1mm thick o-rings I needed since the stock bracelet links had 16mm connection on one end and 18mm on the other. For a total of $16 and maybe a minute of work I now have a proper sturdy locking clasp. For more $$ you could also go for a full bracelet replacement from Strapcode, they have many options with end links fitted for the Seiko 5 GMT.
I absolutely love my vintage Seiko. Yours is a beauty. Welcome to the family. And I love how your subs are steadily increasing, which I think means a much more committed and sustainable fan base.
Congratulations on the baby! (And the Seiko)
Congrats and welcome to the Seiko family! Bought the exact same watch as my gateway into the hobby!
Congratulations! The Seiko family is happy you finally joined. 😎
Next? The Alpinist of course! It’s a do it all, wear everywhere watch. 👌
Nice you finally picked up a Seiko. Probably my favorite brand. Enjoy!!
I got that watxh the moment it came out. I love things people hate. The hardlex bezel, the non clicking bezel and the lug to lug. The hardlex bezel has this color contrast in different lighting conditions that makes it look nicer than ceramic. The bezel without the clicks has the right amount of friction to not have to worry about it moving and plus I no longer have to worry about misalignment. Only complaint to me is the case thickness. Wish it was below 12.5mm. Other than that its a beautiful timepiece which you can get more along the lines of $350 here in the states.
Regarding screw-down crowns: I have a Hamilton Khaki Field watch. After half a year wearing it every odd day, I went into a baby pool with my daughter. Even with 100m water resistance, the cristal was fogged afterwards. It took me days of warm weather and having the crown pulled out to get the water out again. So: Screw down crowns matter - even for everyday purposes.
Congratulations on the family.
Amazing! Just purchased this same watch, I am excited for it to arrive!
Finally a sensible video I can relate to. Thank you for that.
I actually prefer the caller/office GMT, because you can quick set the date. Most traveller GMTs do not have a quick set date.
I agree 100%. It’s like an “unpopular opinion,” but I absolutely agree.
Especially for the watch enthusiast that owns a few pieces in a random rotation.... I'd much rather be able to quick set a date every few days than quickly jump hours when I rarely travel to a different time zone or for daylight savings twice a year. It's funny that it's an unpopular opinion when most who disagree are not in the aviation industry or international jet setters.
same here - I have both caller and traveler GMT's, and the caller is just better for me. I don't travel to other time zones often at all, but I have colleagues in different parts of the country, so using a caller GMT just works better for me
Congratulations on your new purchase .. No amount of footage can ever do justice to how mesmerising this watch is .. When I first bought my automatic watch I fell in love with it but couldn’t afford it so I settled with the Ingersoll but someday I’ll buy this one ..
Hi Britt! I just got that same watch yesterday! And I Love it❤ Thanks for what you do! Greetings from Mexico!!
Welcome to the Seiko Fam Britt! I have the SSK005, and the SSK025 full steel mini-explorer 2 field GMT ❤ Great watches!
My wife got me this when I got my first full time flying job as a commercial pilot. Absolutely love it and it will be my work/flight watch for the rest of my career. It's already racked up some adventures in the arctic circle and has been dipped in the arctic ocean! Some con's of course. After a year the friction bezel is pretty much cement locked and wont rotate unless the watch is wet. Mine out of the box runs about 35 seconds fast a day. The hardlex has gotten some good old scratches in it, with one in particular right on the cyclops. A true GMT movement would be more convenient when I fly over time zones. But, I kind of see these as my watch having it's own unique personality. There's a routine of setting it every morning or two, and the scratches already remind me that this watch has traveled far and wide.
Being using it for almost an year, its a lovely watch!! Hope you have a good time with this watch. Welcome to the Seiko Family!
Thanks for the episode
Ah thank you :) I am glad you enjoyed!
Congratulations on the baby on the way!! And nice Seiko too!
I’ve just bought a Seiko Alpinist SPB 258j1 Ginza. I couldn’t be happier. The dial’s just stunning and out of this world. Makes you feel you’ve got super powers when it’s on. A very special watch indeed. 💪🏽👊🏽
Also own this watch and absolutely love it! A great watch for the money. Regularly swap out the bracelet for a nato and it works great.
Recently added the Seiko 5 field GMT to the collection as well! another great watch from Seiko worth checking out 🔥
Good for you Britt - I have had my blueberry for a year now. I like the 3-time zone capability and the rugged 4R movement. I would have gladly given up the see through caseback to make the watch a little thinner but that’s my only complaint. Everything lines up on mine too, which is always a concern when you unbox a Seiko. I keep mine on a watch winder, so it’s basically a grab-and-go.
GRATS ON THE BABY ON THE WAY!!! My daughter is 2 months old and I snagged a bluesy as commemoration (and pass down for her later!). This Seiko is AMAZING looking. Nice pickup!
Congratulations! I will tell you I own the same watch. The best upgrade you can do is purchase a milled clasp for it! I purchased one for around 15 or 20 US dollars, and it made a world of difference. It really elevates the whole wearing experience and makes the bracelet feel much more premium! Great piece, and I still find myself reaching for it over my Omega Seamaster Diver 300M many days!! 😊
Congratulations on joining the Seiko owners club, I too was late to the party. The SSK003 is an all round excellent watch and I remember your review when these were released. I like these so much I have the SSK003, plus the orange one, then two of the USA editions the yellow SSK017, the two-tone SSK021 and also the Far East sky blue SSK029. Enjoy the Seiko journey!
I have the same Blueberry model as yours, which I modified with a sapphire crystal. Runs a bit fast, around 10 secs. a day, but otherwise a nice watch.
For a second Seiko, buy a Presage. I have the Gimlet at 40.5mm, but the 38mm ones would be great on your wrist. Another good choice would be a baby alpinist green dial at 38mm.
Welcome to the Seiko family!! That GMT is beautiful! Alpinist is such a great watch too, definitely on my list of too many watches 🤣
Talking about Rolex... Have you seen 'I Like Watches' comparison video of a Rolex and a San Martin?
Fascinating stuff.
I have this and I absolutely love it. Bought as another daily it spends more time on my wrist than other more expensive watches I have.
Haha, so funny you are speaking about the price of watches......I still remember 6 months after I quit heroin, but before I got into watch collecting, I decided to 'reward myself' for quitting, by buying myself a £180 Accurist Quartz Chronograph......Thinking that it was a REALLY nice watch! Oh how times have changed!
The thing most people miss about a 'caller' GMT and why it is better, is the fact that you can set the DATE via the crown! The jumping independent hour hand is a fancy thing but I promise you, that being able to set the date independently from the hour hand instead of using that hand to rotate 720 degrees just to click through one day, is extremely handy. Oh, and way, way more robust. The GMT hand in the caller-style GMT is after all nothing more but a slight tweak of the day-complication,and therefor extremely robust. The jumping hour is just more fragile and more cumbersome. especially if you have a collection and you rotate watches day per day.
Watching this while wearing my SEIKO 5 SPORTS SRPD51K1 the one with the blue sund-dial. Absolutely love it.
I really think this kind of watch says more about you than a more mainstream watch like an explorer, speedmaster etc. that everybody loves! Love that it’s a quirky, bit contentious piece that has it’s fault but a very specific character that will not (and is not meant to) please everyone.
Thank you for posting this video. $500 is a lot of money. If you tell the average person that you spent 500 on a watch they would look at you like you are crazy, and yet, people will spend $20 a day on coffee and cigarettes. 🤷♂️
$20 a day on coffee and cigarettes? I don't think very many people spend $7300 per year on coffee and cigarettes. And those who do probably wear much more expensive watches than a $500 Seiko.
Great video everyone has to have a Sekio in their lives 😊 also what ever happened to the washing machine Tank ?
Loved the video! I have a seiko 5 gmt the Yuto Horigome edition and I love it. I also have a Samurai, it was my first mechanical watch and it’s still my most worn watch to this day, it goes great with multiple straps.
My suggestion would be to go with a diver next for sure, my favorites are the samurai, the 1965 and the Willard
I picked up a black-grey bezel version (Japan Domestic Model) at the Seiko Dream Square store in Ginza, Tokyo after visiting the Seiko Museum around the corner. The historic Seiko House Ginza Tower has a nice Grand Seiko Boutique if your budget is higher. I will say the only visible difference (at least from first glance) in design that will indicate the Japan model is the brushed inner links on the jubilee bracelet
I love Seiko and Citizen (my grandfather had several). Seiko was my first high-end (non Casio watch from the Walmart jewelry counter) that I ever bought and I think I spent $184 on it at the time, which I thought was ludicrously expensive, lol. That was 20 years ago, but it always made me appreciate what Seiko could do. I'm lusting after a Grand Seiko for my ultimate watch, but for now, I just bought the Jack Mason Strat-O-Timer Dr. Pepper powered by the Miyota 9075. A great little East meets West, Japanese movement and American style/history watch! My eyes are now thoroughly trained on Grand Seiko Spring Drive, hopefully in the Shun Bun version
I love my Seikos. Great video, as always!
I have the Mikan Orange. Every time I put it on from my rotation, I end up keeping it on for about a week. I usually change my watch daily depending on activity/outfit, but this Seiko is just so addictive, it stays on. Well done on a great purchase!
Congrats on your two new additions!
While going on vacation last year i left the Rolex at home & took my seiko to Hawaii. Seiko makes great watches. Wore it in the ocean while doing some snorkeling. The way things are getting here in the United States I’m wearing my seiko more but I still wear my Rolex sea dweller while in my backyard when having a drink & cigar! Lol
So you only pull out the Rolex in your back yard while smoking a cigar? How sad! The US is a big country. I’ve worked in NYC, Philly, Chicago, and recently Montreal and never an issue wearing my 2 Rolex. I really wonder where people live that they have to be so terrified of wearing something nice.
Great choice, I've not long had an SSK019 which is the US specific colour with the red and blue inner bezel. I work for the company often reference with the blue red colours and so a Rolex GMT would be the perfect choice. However, I do use it for travel and so I can happily show this off without worrying that I'm going to lose my arm in the process. I swapped out for a nato strap because I'm not a fan of the bracelet and clasp.
Great watch! The blue Seiko 5 GMT one got me started in really collecting. It was my first “expensive” watch. I got the green Prospex GMT (SPB381) and the 2020 version of the 62MAS (SPB143) within a couple months. They’re very enjoyable to wear.
Congrats! I’ve had a few Seikos, and even a DIY Watch Club watch that’s based on Seiko parts. But my favorite Seiko was the 1959 Re-interpretation Alpinist, blue dial SPB249… the blue rope/helix/DNA-like dial is insane! And it’s a 38mm, perfect for the IBWC!
Nice GMT...gateway drug to the spring drives.😊
It looks great! I want to get into watch collecting soon and this is a very nice piece to consider/ see. Keep up the great videos!
Chapter ring and bezel alignment issues which is a known problem for the majority of Seiko Dive Watches..My SKX009 isn't as bad as some but the chapter ring is slightly off..Bought mine in 2017 before they got discontinued and paid about £150 if memory serves. TBH I bought a Steeldive Seiko Capt Willard homage last year from AliExpress and build quality, movement NH35, lume and bracelet are far better than the SKX. And the best thing is it cost less than £60...
Welcome to theSeiko family. Though I am mostly an omega collector, I do have a lot of Seikos that just seem to stay in the collection
One very good thing about Seiko is the number of aftermarket bracelet options. I have a Strapcode bracelet on my Presage, and Uncle Seikos on my Samurai, Alpinist, and vintage Turtle. And leather strap on my SRPE.
Seiko's Presage range is definitely worth a look.
Brittany, my main complaint with the Black/Blue bezel like you bought is that the blue disappears in normal inside lighting. At least this was my experience in the store. Do you have the same experience with the blue part of the bezel turning to black?
I’ve had this exact Seiko for 4 months now and I’ve got nothing but great things to say. Definitely a good purchase. No regrets.
I recommend Seiko SSC813P1 - just a wonderful watch, nice size, nice specs, cool looks, great finish.
I think you called it on price and that it doesn’t affect how you like a watch. I started getting deep into the $2000 range and found that my Seiko SRPD and SRPE are my favorites. I love how they look and have been impressed with the accuracy, which is as good as anything I’ve used.
Good looking watch. Love the GMTs. I like how the date window is magnified. I have a Timex GMT and the window isn't magnified which makes it tough for 58 year old eyes.
Congrats on the baby!
Congratulations you two on the baby! Fantastic news!!
Yeah, Seiko back 5 years ago were great value, not so much nowadays. Mineral crystal and 100m only WR and a terrible bracelet/clasp sucks big time. The microbrands that use the NH34 are soooooo much better value, with 200-300m, sapphire glass, better QC, nicer bezel feel…… I could continue.
Still, great to see you embracing the brand most have a the first mechanical piece. 🙏🏻
Glad you finally pulled the trigger. I have the SSK001 black dial version. It’s my most worn watch. Even more than my speedy pro 2021. Yay for ye!!!! 🎉
I own a Seiko Padi Turtle SRPE99. I have really enjoyed it. I also work as a carpenter and wear it often to work. It's a great "beater" diver.
Congrats on the baby Britt
Apart from the popular suggestions, I'd like to suggest the following two models from the same family - Seiko SPC251P1 and SPC255P1.
I love my SPC251P1. It is a great package for £200, offering a neoclassical design, sapphire crystal, three subdials - seconds, day and alarm/GMT, a chronograph, a perpetual calendar - date, month and leap year, with a beautiful silver dial, at a thickness of 10mm. Swap the bracelet with a crocodile style strap and you have a watch that looks way better than it costs. Online photos don't do the dial justice.
Congratulations Welcome to the familly. Seiko (i own some models) you will never be desapointed thanks to you to share this content on amazing quality(in your point of view
Congrats on the baby on the way!
That's a really nice Seiko GMT you got. As for a next watch, I'd actually suggest grabbing on of the models in the Recraft line. Yes, they use a discontinued and less functional movement with the 7S26, but they're funky and gorgeous and cool. Plus, if you really dislike the 7S26, you can always upgrade to an NH36 with better matching day-date wheels. Or, as others suggested, a Presage of some variety, perhaps a Cocktail Time.
Lots of people will suggest the Alpinist, but while I do think it is gorgeous, I honestly don't really like it. That's got a lot to do with it having a compass bezel, which are in my opinion near the very top of absolutely least useful features a watch can have. I honestly am super disappointed in Seiko for having put that on what is otherwise such a lovely watch, and wish they'd offer some version of it with a timing or 12 hour bezel or anything besides that ridiculous compass.
Welcome to the club! The Alpinist is a great choice. It has everything you could want from a do it all watch, in terms of specs, with the bonus of unique, even quirky, styling.
Excellent choice - but you forgot a couple of things with this GMT: firstly, the chapter ring has a 24hr setting in addition to the dial, so you can tell THREE time zones very easily - unlike the Rolex GMT master! Everybody overlooks that. Also, you can use GMT hand (if set to GMT - which is fine, because you have a third time zone ) to tell where North and South are if you divide the space in between. One important thing @brittpearcewatches - you should not change the date on these movements with the hour between 3 and 9 o'clock. You risk breaking the date wheel. above 9 o clock is called the 'danger zone'. The agreement over caller vs traveller GMT is stupid IMO - when I'm travelling, I just tell myself to use the red hand while I'm away from home.
It has always been a mystery to me why so many people want a moving dive bezel on their gmt watch. Just because Rolex did that for whatever reason? Seiko has a gmt in their field watch format. Much nicer to my taste. Definitely smaller at 39mm. And if it is important for you to have second time zone while your swimming, it has the same water resistance of 100m. I have a non gmt version of that watch and been showering and swimming with it countless times. No problem at all. Not the slightest hint of moisture inside, working fine and waterproof. With a push pull crown. Like you said.
Welcome to Seiko fam!! Go for alpiniat spb 211 or 159 for a substle and cool or go for the color spb157 and spb435 ❤
I absolutely love my prospec Speedtimer SSC813 (or 'Seitona'). Take a look it may just fit your wrist.
Firstly, congratulations on the new addition … the baby, and of course also on the Seiko! I think you will love the Prospex watches but also, you have to get an SKX007 too.
congrats 🎉🎉🎉. this is my actual goto watch for travels outside the country 👍👍👍
I love this watch. I ended up getting the black/gray variant but I love the blueberry. Wears really great and also you can find them closer to $300 all day if you are willing to shop around a bit. Great video!
I love my blueberry. I like the slick feel of the bezel, I find it better than a clicky noisy bezel that reminds me of a cheap Chinese fishing reel
I have the SSK017, the Yellow version. It has been my most worn watch for the last 7 months. I love it so much.
Alpinist, can't go wrong, such an icon. Or look into some divers inspired by the 62MAS. I've got the SLA0431J which has an exceptional everbrilliant steel with Grand Seiko like finishing and a great movement. There are also divers like the SPB143J which are also pretty popular.
my first watch in my collection is a Seiko with an Arabic dial and I love it. A perfect introduction for me into the world of watches.
I like it a lot. Almost purchased one myself however i picked up the Prospex GMT instead.
i got into watches in the reverse way that most enthusiasts probably do, was passed down a rolex and then eventually worked my way to more affordable watches. i have the 001 and i absolutely love it. my only gripe is the design and finishing of the high polish on the sides of the bezel, its really gum ball machine looking in my opinion and if it wasn't for that i would consider it a near perfect watch
As always an great video.
I understand your concerns with money, as you have a wonderful baby coming soon. I am a Seiko fan, and own a 5 series. I think I got a lemon, so I am not the best representative on this division of Seiko. I will not say you won't be pleased with this model, but I feel you should have saved up for one of the GMT's in the prospex line. I hope I'm wrong and your 5 Series is a great watch for many years to come.
I will say this though, with the Hardlex crystal, and the bezel, I believe it's a painted steel, along with the non-coated SS case, this will age and gain a patina that you will cherish. Keep the bracelet, it does turn into a "jingly" which some folks find endearing, me not one of them. Find a nice leather or NATO and those will serve you well.
Be well
Pretty amazing what Seiko offers for the money! One more con I think is lack of a sapphire crystal glas, so it supposedly scratches easier. Seiko also resells the movement and some small watchmakers build their own watches around that, for example the Phoibos Wavemaster GMT: has a screw down crown, sapphire crystal and a micro adjustable bracelet - did they listen to your wishlist?
Good call on the Seikos. Well made and affordable. for me its the Seiko 62MAS reissue that i am loving. reasonably priced, decent sizing and not overly big or too small. good all around watches
I bought all the parts I needed (case, hands that I like, movement, gaskets etc) and made my own "Seiko5 GMT". For.... 90 pounds. In 36mm, with a ceramic bezel insert, and a mother of pearl dial. Yes. it is that simple. Half an hour of work and boom, it was done. I have in the works a titanium Alpinist-GMT in the works, with a green dial and gold hands. Will be fun.
Welcome to the Seiko family. Be careful you don't turn into a full blown seikopath. Hahaha. I have the same watch and it is a strap monster so the stock bracelet not being up to spec isn't a problem as it's easy to swap it out for something else you might like. :)
Welcome to the Seiko family, Britt. You made a great choice on your first Seiko. Btw, it won't be your last. Take that from someone who said he would only buy 1 and now owns 5 with 3 more on the shortlist. Seiko unfortunately has an allergy to good clasps. So you won't really escape them unless you go aftermarket
I bought SSK003 2 month ago, i was bit shocked that it does +0.5-1s per day (it is probably regulated by the dealer but still), which out performs all of my swiss watch collections, and even more accurate than some of my quartz watch, it is definitely an amazing watch, i am using it as my daily watch ever since.
Good to see a Seiko on the channel. I love my Seiko Presage Manhattan with its mesmerizing brown dial (it may sound like an odd color, but it looks great in the flesh).
Those short lugs are just MAGICAL! A sharp-looking piece that doesn't break the bank, and it's so useful.
I took mine on an international trip last month, and the GMT features saved my butt so many times. I had literally 2 people around the world working on something, and being able to track 3 time zones - and one of them was also traveling, so that bezel worked wonders!
I've owned mine for 2 years now, and I still love it (and I'm also a member of the Itty Bitty Wrist Community).
Enjoy that Seiko, Gringa!
Omg Carlos, you're exactly right! Those short lugs are doing A LOT of heavy lifting for the itty bitty wrist committee! You're so right tho - great looking piece, doesn't break the bank, but it is expensive enough that it's like "this was a special purchase!" You know?! That's how I feel about this one!
@@BrittPearceWatches Next Seiko purchase... As a Seikoholic, I would definitely recommend a vintage piece. Have you bought a vintage piece before? Those Seikos are built like tanks, and maybe it can be a cool "vintage" buy. They are not expensive either ;) - My best Seiko watch is a 1966 Seikomatic
Congrats! I don't own one, but I think the Seiko 5 GMT is fantastic. However, if you want to move upmarket a bit... There are the SJE093 (if you can find one), the 2023 Marinemaster 200 watches. Those are wearable for your wrist size, and exquisite. That said, an SBGX261, 263 or 265 from Grand Seiko falls on your doorstep for around 1650 quid if you order from Japan, and those are cracking too.
Seiko does wonderful enamel dials, dials with Urushi lacquer, dials with motifs, and all that in a price range (discounting Grand Seiko) of somewhere between 350 and 3000 quid. The sky is the limit, if you want to get into it. I've got nine Seiko's, of which 3 limited, one enamel, and 3 Grand. :)
Just recently bought my first GMT & it was the SSK001 and love it. Favorite right now
Love Seiko the Seiko tuna Marine master Ninja SBBN035 with the Legendary 7C46 high torque movement is my second favorite dive watch. After the Rolex Submariner 14060m.I still might pick up a Seiko Spork. The older pre X on the dial Seikos just have more of a cool factor over the current version's
Great watch. I have an SKK-019. I love it and you will to. Not perfect but pretty good. Accuracy is much better than stated as you have seen.
Bought the same watch about a month ago and it is easily my most worn, go-to watch. I never realised how handy the second time zone is for work (I have colleagues in another country). Accuracy is same as yours, just a few seconds +- per day. The bracelet sucks, I wear it on a navy/grey nato strap.
I loved this model, the orange one is awesome, GREAT VIDEO !
I had an original alpinist before it became part of the prospex line… I love it, I got a high end aftermarket bracelet for it on Amazon and I daily wore that watch. I would recommend the original ones because they have less writing on the dial, they look a little cleaner and prettier. Also thank you for explaining this GMT function, I have been considering one of these but I didn’t understand how this one worked.