I made this same comparison while looking for my first diver and landed on the Kamasu also. I replaced the bracelet with a more versatile strap, but love how it can be dressed up. Deviation runs single digits most days. Fantastic for the money. A CasiOak and Bambino round out the current collection🤙🏻
I was heavily leaning towards the Kamasu too and this video reenforced it even more. The only category the Seiko won are Optionality, which doesn't matter for me because I'm only going to buy one of them for now and there are options that I love from a design standpoint and that fit me well and Heritage, which i don't care at all on a $200 watch.
Just picked up a red Kamasu a few weeks ago … absolutely stunning dial color, and a strap monster for sure. BOR, mesh, leather, rubber, you name it. Love this watch!
Agreed, put it on a leather strap and youvd got a dressy field watch! If only Orient would make up for their terrible bracelets and straps with drilled lugs though
I went for the Orient Kamasu because it is very nice looking and the sapphire crystal, screw down crown and in-house movement were impressive to me. The Seiko 5 is a very nice watch as well, but the dressiness of the Kamasu made it more versatile.
I think that was a very fair review here. I do prefer the crown which is 4 o'clock on the Seiko and larger than the Orient , but I actually like the dial layout and solid case back of the Orient. I think that what ever one you go for here, your onto a winner and can't go wrong.
Well, you got to realize, Seiko is trying to up Orient, as their owner. Something like Rolex and Tudor. Teddy is just playing the game here, influencing the matter. Similar like many other guys saying “Orient just killed Seiko” and similar things. They all sleep in the same bed. 😅😅
Question.... How can a watch with a hardlex crystal be a tie with a watch sporting sapphire, all other attributes being somewhat equal? I've owned several Seiko's over time, but IMO Seiko has fallen quite a ways from their iconic SKX's and Monster's (both of which I still own).
@@Mike-In-O-Town All other attributes aren’t equal. Two completely different design elements. I’ve owned countless watches and the hardlex crystal never bothered me assuming I like the piece. My money, my choice, right?
@@Boblw56 Absolutely your money your choice. I did not mean to indicate anything to the contrary. Seiko just annoys me given what their watches used to be versus the margin driven consumer products they are today. And ultimately, Hardlex versus sapphire is nothing but a cost cutting decision on their part. Though I may have issues with Seiko's current offerings, my aging (but beautiful) modded SKX007 and my Turtle will never leave my collection or my wrist because IMO they represent the best of Seiko's past.
I got a Seiko 5 SRPD for myself, and with Father’s Day coming up, I got my Dad the same Orient Kamasu because I wanted to give him something that’s a bit better than my Seiko. It checks off everything to suit my Dad. I just hope he knows what Orient is and I hope I see him wearing it. 😂
I like the 4 O'clock crown position better than the more common 3 O'clock. I own a trio of Orient Triton's (black, green & pepsi) and like them far more than the Komasu for just a few dollars more. Never really cared for the hands or dial on the Seiko 5, but that is personal preference.
I got a Orient bambino 2 ver 3 with a sail cloth strap for more edc friendly, looking to get a Kamasu potentially but I do appreciate the playful style of the Seiko 5 as well.
Seiko: More Case Less Face Orient: More Face Less Case They both are awesome watches and I own both. I really love my Orient and upgraded it with an SKX bezel.
I own both of these watches and I actually prefer the mineral crystal on the Seiko 5KX because the glare on the Kamasu is pretty bad given that it doesn't have any anti-reflective coating. Not a deal breaker but that glare can be distracting. Bottom line is you can't go wrong either way, they're both awesome- great comparison Teddy!
I picked up the 38mm seiko 5 off white dial featured In the video which is excellent. I'm hoping they might release the same colour way on the 42mm model 🙏
I own both a Seiko 5 sports (non diver model) and an Orient Kanno. For the life of me I don't understand why Seiko doesn't put a screw down crown to improve water resistance in the sports line. I like the design of the Seiko, but when I went to the beach last week I took the Kanno because of the screw down crown, because I was more comfortable with that in the surf than I would have been with the Seiko 5.
I get it's subjective, but I'd say the Kamasu has a noticably worse bracelet, I had to take it off almost straight away and whack it on a Nato, where as I've one or two of my seikos on the original bracelets- whilst they're not great, they still don't feel quite as cheap and flimsy. Also it's a minor flaw but the crown on the Kamasu is fiddly as hell if you've got chunky monkey fingers like mine, whilst the Seikos feels more no-nonsense. Having said that, the real winner is buying a second hand King Turtle/Samurai for the same price as these 2, the real perk of Seiko is that they make so many watches someones always selling one to make space in their collection.
I have gotten a kamasu recently, and to me it feels a lot better than seiko 5. Weight is a lot heavier, build quality feels a lot better, feels more wearable compared to seiko 5 and the dial is so beautiful. Lume wise i think sekio does a lot better though.
I own both. I have an orange Seiko 5 sport and 2 Orient Kamasu. (I actually want one of the new "mint" seiko 5 38mm) However, I definitely gravitate more to the Orients. I love Seiko and strongly feel no one does dials better, regardless of which of the Seiko family you are looking at. That said, I spend a lot of time cooking and working in the yard and if I want a mechanical watch I can put on and subject to some fairly rough treatment, it has to be my Orient. I have a few Orient watches, and I like them all, but my go to tends to be my Kamasu with the black body and gold accents, I put it on a black mesh bracelet because honestly cheap silicon straps suck. I also have the Pepsi dial Kamasu that I kept the original bracelet on. People complain about these bracelets but mine has proven to be sturdy and perhaps because I don't feel like it's precious, I am willing to use this watch as it was intended and my hands are in water, dough, dirt you name it wherever I'm working and I don't worry and my watch keeps working and my bracelet hasn't broken yet.
I have a fair few Seikos from various price points and the same blue Kamasu as in the video. They are all fabulous watches and I consider myself very fortunate to being able to experience them. The best advice I can give is, try them one and get the one you fall in love with. There is no wrong choice here. I do tend to wear my Kamasu more as work watch and wear it a little more bravely though due to the Sapphire. I did enjoy the video and the comparison though. Well done!
i have the blue seiko and a red kamasu i really like both however i think the bracelet on the seiko is better i might try and get a jubilee for the orient
Hello Teddy, nice video. I´d like to ask you about your thougths on Wenger watch brand?? Are they worth it?? Can you take a deeper look to this watch Wenger attitude automatic limited edition and comment your opinion??? Thanks in advance....Greetings
Hey Teddy, love your content as always! Just hoping if you would give your take on putting a leather strap on a diver watch? I like leather straps but not sure if they should go on dive watches...have been a dress watch type of person but recently got a dive watch so yea.
Teddy, I have been trying to decide between these two for a couple months now. I’ve decided to go with the Pepsi dialed Orient that’s on your website for $250 for the reasons covered in this video. Currently the Orient is out of stock on your website in all colors. Do you know when they will be available again? I have a trip planned at the end of August and there will be plenty of hiking and swimming involved. So I was hoping to pickup an Orient off your site by then, along with a NATO strap as I haven’t tried one out yet.
I completely disagree with the comments that the Kamasu is more straight laced and less unique in design. I would argue that the Kamasu is much more elegant and it’s design is totally unique. The seiko takes a pretty standard dive design. Show me any watch that looks like a Kamasu.
The Orient Kamasu will go down in my books as my first automatic watch, and will forever endorse it to anyone trying to go for a reliable entry-level piece. The sapphire crystal, the versatility, and the edge on water resistance just takes the cake.
That's good advice. The Timex Marlin Brooks Brother is also similar. As is the Seiko Cocktail. I wish they had thinner watches on the market. I don't find current thin modern watches impressive at all. What happened to this industry that they just couldn't modernize? It's a bit sad and pathetic how people pay so much for such heavy lumbersome watches.
I purchased a Orient Kamasu as my first automatic and love it. Aside from the sapphire crystal, the overall look of the Kamasu spoke to me. I'm a big fan of symmetry in design. The crown at 3 o'clock dividing that side of the watch evenly and and the uniform markings around the bezel immediately appealed to that part of me. I also prefer the markers and hands as I feel add to the Kamasu's ability to dress up.
I bought a Seiko to my father because I wanted him to instantly recognise the brand and because I thought the see-through caseback seemed interesting, I dont regret my choice.
@@MihaiRUdeROYou cam swim with it, dude. Even if the people are saying that 100m it's not enough for diving - it is for sure. The originals divers where 100m rated. The Suunto diving computers are also 100m rated nowadays.
Sad to say, Seiko's newer "homage" watches of their classic SKX line are overpriced. Actually chose between these two watches and eventually ended up with the Kamasu. I've never been happier.
How is $475 in today’s inflationary world high, plus these are now regularly available for $300-$330 in many places, ADs. Show me a GMT diving watch for $300.
Same - I switch the red dial back and forth from the Strapcode Jubilee to a red Barton Bands rubber strap. Highly recommend the Barton rubber strap, it was only about $25
I opted for the Kamasu . I was able to get it on eBay for 200 US. Yes... the sapphire crystal is the big plus but also the self winding mechanism works better and is quiet. Accuracy is also a big plus.
Owned the dark green Kamasu for the past year. It’s kind of amazing for the price. +3 to 5 seconds a day, looks and feels good. Idk. I think it’s a no brainer for an intro dive watch if you don’t like the circle hour indicators of the Seiko alternatives. Add in the water resistance and the sapphire crystal and it’s hard to find a better option for this kind of watch in this price range. Zero complaints and I would recommend it for anyone getting into watch collecting.
I have a Kamasu variation as my first watch. Visually, the difference is in the hour markers and the dials, but it looks pretty similar. I'm happy with it. It feels fine to use it in any situation, I don't have spare money to have a collection of watches yet, so this is all I got, and I'm happy with it.
You’re off to a solid start to collecting with the Kamasu. Just look at your tighter budget as a blessing in disguise: you will be more deliberate and careful with your collecting.
As someone who has 2 seiko 5s in my collection and no kamasus, I can say that the kamasu is just a better overall watch, but if we want to talk about the best japanese diver in this price range, I’d say the promaster is miles ahead of both, iso certified, screw down crown and both ecodrive and automatic options. It feels way more premium than both.
@@PhenomPage didn’t know that, thanks for sharing my man. In my opinion, the promaster is just a bit better with the isocertification, but hands down, citizen and orient have better divers in this price range. I wish I bought a kamasu, I now have 4 diver styled watches in my collection, maybe I’ll sell one of the 5kxs and buy a kamasu because in my opinion, it has the best design out of the three.
@@saleemnukho1584 no worries mate! At the end I think that for sure the real compare would be the Seiko Skx007 with either kamasu and pro master because the skx is meant to be a real diver watch, which is not the case for the this new seiko 5 sports. Then I would say that it's a matter of the look that you préfère between those 3 watches. I'd say the pro master has more a kind of "aggressive sporty diving watch", when the kamasu is more versatile, you can wear it at any situation :) personally I love both!!
@@PhenomPage have to agree with you, the kamasu is the best looking out of the 3 in terms of versatility, I feel it can be easily worn with any attire. I think seiko made a mistake with their transition from skx to the 5kx, if the 5kx had 200m wr and a saphire, that would have been awesome. It seems they only want the prospex line to have diver specs, problem it’s way over priced.
@@PhenomPage If you decide to get the Kamasu you will not be disappointed with it. However, I am new to the dive watch category. I first purchased the Orient Ray II for the price and versatility of the watch, it's a great watch at that price point. Nevertheless, once I saw the Kamasu I had to have it. It is a step up from the Ray II with the sapphire crystal and the fine details put into the watch over the Ray II. The bezel works much smoother on the Kamasu and the finish is better too with more rounded edges. I wear and love both the Kamasu and the Ray II regularly, but the Kamasu is by for my favorite. Here is another detail that I find interesting, both watches have been running a consistent time over the course of the past year. The Ray II runs consistently 3 to 4 seconds a day fast while the Kamasu has been running about 35 seconds a day fast. I plan on having it regulated to run much closer like the Ray II has been running. My point is both have had a consistent spec as far as gaining the seconds over months. The Kamasu and the Ray II are two great daily wear watches without breaking the bank to get them, but the Kamasu does indeed offer a real upgrade from the Ray II. I know that others have complained about the bands on both, but for the price point I think they are decent bands, but agree compared to the quality of the watches themselves they could be better.
Sekios or so overrated and often disappointing. Crappy specs for the price especially with all the qc issues and cost cutting. Orient is WAY better then seiko.
I have a Kamasu II; solid, reliable, versatile, respectful to dive watches' and Orient's own past while being original. In conparison, it's an extremely easy win for the Kamasu in every aspect; the 5KX is an inferior watch being in a price range where Orient offers much more. The 5KX is at best a $150 watch.
Regarding some aspects of the table, in my opinion the Kamasu wins on lume by the simply fact that it posses a lume pip at 12 (and the bezel does align); optionality, Kamasu has two variants with eight colours total including some unique options plus limited editions; heritage, well, the 5KX surely follows the general Seiko identity but i wouldn't call it a real successor to the SKX, which was a true diver; price is basically around $200 for both but while you get 'more' watch with the Kamasu, you get 'less' with the 5KX.
I got a Glycine Combat Sub in 42mm at Costco for $299.99 which is the deal of a century for a dive watch. ETA 2824 movement, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 200M of water resistance for that price is immense value for money.
Spot on review. Both great watches. I have a few Seikos and was looking at this line of divers. The sapphire crystal sold me on the Orient (first Orient to my collection). I got the Pepsi colored and loved it. Month later purchased another Kamasu black dial and put it on a nato strap as a daily wear. Very pleased with the two Kamasus.
I have both of them I have the red dial Komatsu and the orange dial seiko. both really great watches, but if I had to keep one, I would keep the Orient Komatsu
The problem with the Seiko is it's a Seiko... I like the way many of them look, but they are known for their QC problems. Which considering they make some of the most dependable movements, is just rediculous. And I just don't like the Seiko 5 models... too many options out there that are better spec wise, and QC wise for simular prices. Since they dropped the SKX, I've been unimpressed.
Proud owner of the Orient Kamasu and i could not be happier. Looks wise, i find it just has a more mature look than the Seiko having a more narrow bezel and less poppy colours. The lume at night is actually impressive, sapphire crystal and lucky enough my watch only runs 5/6 seconds fast per day. All in all a great first watch. Really really satisfied with my automatic
Fist watch? I own or have owned Rolex, Omega, JLC, Tag, Tudor, Breitling and I’m sure others I’ve forgotten about, and I still love wearing my kamasu. Love the look, love the name. A budget banger!
I have heard about the crown on Orient watches being too small, flimsy and causing reliability issues for some users. This makes me realize that one important category is missing here - reliability. And Seiko wins that one. I understand the allure of Orient watches as well as microbrand watches often said to provide better value than Seiko but with time I have come to understand that Seiko is simply well done and reliable where it counts. It can be summarized with one word - quality. I look at Seiko and I see it.
had this debate internally myself not too long ago when looking for a casual dive-style watch. I ended up with the Seiko 5KX. I simply prefer the 4 o'clock crown. I really enjoy these head-to-head videos of similar watches. Keep up the great work, Teddy!
I am wearing Kamasu 2 black/gray/beige. Had it for 6 months. Daily wear. Bracelet is rubbish. Ditched it and I use a collection of natos. Excellent watch. Gains 10s a day. No complaints and I would buy another.
I'd pick the red Kamasu, because I'm that kind of guy. I just think that dive watches are meant to be more playful ( field watches hold the very pragmatic approach for me ) and the Seiko 5s win in this department. They own up the fact that we wear them for their style, they're not even dive watches. Yet they retain the 100m WR which is valuable beyond swimming etc. Check out how WR resistance works and how it benefits a watch on a daily use. 100M is the gold standard for that.
I went with the Kamasu AA-08 series over the Seiko 5 for a few reasons. One was the sapphire crystal. I've had mineral crystal on previous watches, and I guess I'm a little rougher on my watches than I intend to be. The second is I really like the sunburst dial of the Kamasu. I just think it looks really cool. And finally, and this is probably a dumb reason for most, I like the logo of the Orient better. Kinda petty, but it was a factor.
Orient Ray is my first mechanical watch. It's been more than 10 years now & I still admire its good looks, especially the sunburst blue dial. I did do a little mod to it, replacing the flat mineral crystal with a domed sapphire one - and that has made the watch an even better looking one 👍
You really should mention how Orient has a terrible crown and how there's a lot of aftermarket bracelets that make it feel 5 times it's price. I've got a red kamasu on a strapcode jubilee and it realllllly changes the vibes
I bought an Orient Kamasu on a black silicone strap from Teddy last year and I just love it. It was on my wrist while exploring Alaska and B.C., the perfect travel watch in my opinion. I had considered a couple offerings from Seiko, but the sapphire case on the Orient was the deciding factor for me.
I bought my son a Seiko King turtle recently. I think he's been very lucky with the individual movement (4R36) that's running on average +2/ -2. Both of us have and love our Orient Kamasu's. I have my Kamasu a year now. Initially, it was running +17 . After approximately six months, it slowed down to +10, and now, lo and behold, it's averaging +7 a day. Needless to say, I'm very pleased. My son still loves his Orient, even though it's not getting as much wrist time since the Seiko arrived. One other observation I'll make, (I'm not sure that Teddy mentioned it or not), the Seiko 5 series crown does not screw down whereas the Orient Kamasu has a screw down crown. My crown is not so easy to thread , is rather shallow and unscrews too easly in my humble opinion. Also as I therad the crown, I still feel that the movement is being wound. But this is the only fault/ con I find with my Kamasu, which is a wonderful watch. My next watch, which I should have within the next few weeks will be the Longines Spirit 40mm black dial . I'm looking forward to this in eager anticipation.
The only thing I dislike about my Kamasu is the crown size is too small for my 60 year old finger tips. I have Seiko's ( Prospex) and I would spend extra over a 5KX spec for spec for price. I am hearing that the Orient Mako 3? has the same case as Kamasu but with a larger screw down crown and some after market Kamasu bracelets fit fine. I like the Kamasu dial better though.
I made this same comparison while looking for my first diver and landed on the Kamasu also. I replaced the bracelet with a more versatile strap, but love how it can be dressed up. Deviation runs single digits most days. Fantastic for the money. A CasiOak and Bambino round out the current collection🤙🏻
quite a fine 3 watch collection I must say
I was heavily leaning towards the Kamasu too and this video reenforced it even more. The only category the Seiko won are Optionality, which doesn't matter for me because I'm only going to buy one of them for now and there are options that I love from a design standpoint and that fit me well and Heritage, which i don't care at all on a $200 watch.
Just picked up a red Kamasu a few weeks ago … absolutely stunning dial color, and a strap monster for sure. BOR, mesh, leather, rubber, you name it. Love this watch!
Agreed, put it on a leather strap and youvd got a dressy field watch! If only Orient would make up for their terrible bracelets and straps with drilled lugs though
I have the blue but I covet the red dial for sure
I went for the Orient Kamasu because it is very nice looking and the sapphire crystal, screw down crown and in-house movement were impressive to me. The Seiko 5 is a very nice watch as well, but the dressiness of the Kamasu made it more versatile.
Seiko also has in-house movement
I think that was a very fair review here. I do prefer the crown which is 4 o'clock on the Seiko and larger than the Orient , but I actually like the dial layout and solid case back of the Orient. I think that what ever one you go for here, your onto a winner and can't go wrong.
I’m wearing a Red Kamasu, one of my favourite affordable pieces.
The Red Kamasu has a very striking face. Pictures never do it justice.
@@daneedler agree
If you like the Seiko 5 design but want better specs, get an Islander!!! (Though I do love my Orient Mako USA III too)
A month earlier bought Orient Kamasu i Green (teal), and it's awesome for a $200 watch. Better movement, sapphire crystal.
Owning each, I can call a “tie.” I enjoy them both for different reasons and they’re both great value, quality watches.
Well, you got to realize, Seiko is trying to up Orient, as their owner. Something like Rolex and Tudor. Teddy is just playing the game here, influencing the matter. Similar like many other guys saying “Orient just killed Seiko” and similar things. They all sleep in the same bed. 😅😅
Question.... How can a watch with a hardlex crystal be a tie with a watch sporting sapphire, all other attributes being somewhat equal? I've owned several Seiko's over time, but IMO Seiko has fallen quite a ways from their iconic SKX's and Monster's (both of which I still own).
@@Mike-In-O-Town All other attributes aren’t equal. Two completely different design elements. I’ve owned countless watches and the hardlex crystal never bothered me assuming I like the piece. My money, my choice, right?
@@Boblw56 Absolutely your money your choice. I did not mean to indicate anything to the contrary. Seiko just annoys me given what their watches used to be versus the margin driven consumer products they are today. And ultimately, Hardlex versus sapphire is nothing but a cost cutting decision on their part. Though I may have issues with Seiko's current offerings, my aging (but beautiful) modded SKX007 and my Turtle will never leave my collection or my wrist because IMO they represent the best of Seiko's past.
@@Mike-In-O-Town yeah, I get that.
I got a Seiko 5 SRPD for myself, and with Father’s Day coming up, I got my Dad the same Orient Kamasu because I wanted to give him something that’s a bit better than my Seiko.
It checks off everything to suit my Dad.
I just hope he knows what Orient is and I hope I see him wearing it. 😂
I like the 4 O'clock crown position better than the more common 3 O'clock. I own a trio of Orient Triton's (black, green & pepsi) and like them far more than the Komasu for just a few dollars more. Never really cared for the hands or dial on the Seiko 5, but that is personal preference.
exact video I need
Gonna jump on the orient train this time, thanks for the comparison Teddy😊
Kamasu with a strapcode jubilee has cured my watch addiction, I can't really justify buying any other watch anymore
I got a Orient bambino 2 ver 3 with a sail cloth strap for more edc friendly, looking to get a Kamasu potentially but I do appreciate the playful style of the Seiko 5 as well.
I'm a Seiko person but the gorgeous deep blue of that Kamasu bezel - wow. And a sapphire crystal to boot? That decides it for me.
Seiko: More Case Less Face
Orient: More Face Less Case
They both are awesome watches and I own both. I really love my Orient and upgraded it with an SKX bezel.
I own both of these watches and I actually prefer the mineral crystal on the Seiko 5KX because the glare on the Kamasu is pretty bad given that it doesn't have any anti-reflective coating. Not a deal breaker but that glare can be distracting. Bottom line is you can't go wrong either way, they're both awesome- great comparison Teddy!
I picked up the 38mm seiko 5 off white dial featured In the video which is excellent. I'm hoping they might release the same colour way on the 42mm model 🙏
I just liked the design of the 5KX much better, so it became my first watch. Equipped with a Miltat Jubilee, it's a stunner.
I own both a Seiko 5 sports (non diver model) and an Orient Kanno. For the life of me I don't understand why Seiko doesn't put a screw down crown to improve water resistance in the sports line. I like the design of the Seiko, but when I went to the beach last week I took the Kanno because of the screw down crown, because I was more comfortable with that in the surf than I would have been with the Seiko 5.
Great comparison, I would love to see more of these
I get it's subjective, but I'd say the Kamasu has a noticably worse bracelet, I had to take it off almost straight away and whack it on a Nato, where as I've one or two of my seikos on the original bracelets- whilst they're not great, they still don't feel quite as cheap and flimsy. Also it's a minor flaw but the crown on the Kamasu is fiddly as hell if you've got chunky monkey fingers like mine, whilst the Seikos feels more no-nonsense.
Having said that, the real winner is buying a second hand King Turtle/Samurai for the same price as these 2, the real perk of Seiko is that they make so many watches someones always selling one to make space in their collection.
This is the right call. I also have both. It's close, but the Orient is just better for most situations.
Got my first auto from Seiko the slk23.. thanks man for the great reviews, just got ho 5:42 oked in auto watches now. Thanks again 👍
for me - Kamasu...becouse of designe and cristal
my very first GMT watch is a seiko SKK005 orange. love it and im now hooked but that kamasu red is tempting
I have gotten a kamasu recently, and to me it feels a lot better than seiko 5. Weight is a lot heavier, build quality feels a lot better, feels more wearable compared to seiko 5 and the dial is so beautiful. Lume wise i think sekio does a lot better though.
In the lume I will give the point to Orient just for the luminous dot in the bezel.
I own both. I have an orange Seiko 5 sport and 2 Orient Kamasu. (I actually want one of the new "mint" seiko 5 38mm) However, I definitely gravitate more to the Orients. I love Seiko and strongly feel no one does dials better, regardless of which of the Seiko family you are looking at. That said, I spend a lot of time cooking and working in the yard and if I want a mechanical watch I can put on and subject to some fairly rough treatment, it has to be my Orient. I have a few Orient watches, and I like them all, but my go to tends to be my Kamasu with the black body and gold accents, I put it on a black mesh bracelet because honestly cheap silicon straps suck. I also have the Pepsi dial Kamasu that I kept the original bracelet on. People complain about these bracelets but mine has proven to be sturdy and perhaps because I don't feel like it's precious, I am willing to use this watch as it was intended and my hands are in water, dough, dirt you name it wherever I'm working and I don't worry and my watch keeps working and my bracelet hasn't broken yet.
I have a fair few Seikos from various price points and the same blue Kamasu as in the video. They are all fabulous watches and I consider myself very fortunate to being able to experience them.
The best advice I can give is, try them one and get the one you fall in love with. There is no wrong choice here. I do tend to wear my Kamasu more as work watch and wear it a little more bravely though due to the Sapphire. I did enjoy the video and the comparison though. Well done!
Orient crown is too small. Seiko has my pick
Other than crystal. Seizing wins hands down Looks , name , versatility
6R35 definitely has some room for improvement. orients quality is just better than seikos
I have both on my “to buy list”. The Kamasu in red and the Seiko in black or blue 😀
I do prefer the Orient Kamasu, which overall is the more capable watch.
The 5KX is just less of everything that the SKX was.
Just read the Boucher!!
This was a really fun video to watch, I love this. Keep it up!
i have the blue seiko and a red kamasu i really like both however i think the bracelet on the seiko is better i might try and get a jubilee for the orient
wearing my green seiko rn, want to change the strap to something more comfy
To be fair Orient wins the 3 most important parts ( movement, water resistance and crystal ) and tied the other segments that make a good diver.
Picked up the kamasu last year for $270 AUD or just under $200 US dollars.
200m vs 100m water resistance, sapphire crystal, screw down crown, much more versatile, it’s not even close IMO
The 4 o'clock crown automatically kills any watch for me. Doesn't matter what the brand is
Haha I'm the opposite! If it doesn't have the 4 crown there is no deal for me
Hello Teddy, nice video. I´d like to ask you about your thougths on Wenger watch brand?? Are they worth it?? Can you take a deeper look to this watch Wenger attitude automatic limited edition and comment your opinion??? Thanks in advance....Greetings
Hey Teddy, love your content as always! Just hoping if you would give your take on putting a leather strap on a diver watch? I like leather straps but not sure if they should go on dive watches...have been a dress watch type of person but recently got a dive watch so yea.
Do what you like! Teddy has said that he will wear leather straps with divers 👍🏼
Teddy, I have been trying to decide between these two for a couple months now. I’ve decided to go with the Pepsi dialed Orient that’s on your website for $250 for the reasons covered in this video.
Currently the Orient is out of stock on your website in all colors. Do you know when they will be available again?
I have a trip planned at the end of August and there will be plenty of hiking and swimming involved. So I was hoping to pickup an Orient off your site by then, along with a NATO strap as I haven’t tried one out yet.
seiko beat the swiss in competition, made the first automatic chronograph, invented quartz movement, invented spring drive automatic
i bought both
What divers would you recommend for the next price bracket above these?
I completely disagree with the comments that the Kamasu is more straight laced and less unique in design. I would argue that the Kamasu is much more elegant and it’s design is totally unique. The seiko takes a pretty standard dive design. Show me any watch that looks like a Kamasu.
Where is the MAKO USA 3? I'm still waiting Orient. They've gone too big.
Guess you meant dive-style watch (Seiko) compared with a diving watch (Orient) 😮😂
in terms of design I prefer the seiko
Kamasu and Mako 3 all the way
On the product info it’s saying that is mineral Glas not Saphire one is that right.?
Orient all the way in this battle simply because it has a sapphire crystal and the seiko has an acrylic. Seiko needs to give up the acrylic
I stop buying seiko watch because of their accuracy. I really don’t think 30-45s difference per day is a usable daily watch.
The Seiko looks better!!!
Have both. Seiko is a better choice . Trust me.
The Orient Kamasu will go down in my books as my first automatic watch, and will forever endorse it to anyone trying to go for a reliable entry-level piece. The sapphire crystal, the versatility, and the edge on water resistance just takes the cake.
Kamasu was also my first and I agree with everything you said
the sapphire alone already won my heart. Great entry level dive watch!
The main problem with the Seiko 5 is that it isn't an SKX.
That's good advice. The Timex Marlin Brooks Brother is also similar. As is the Seiko Cocktail. I wish they had thinner watches on the market. I don't find current thin modern watches impressive at all. What happened to this industry that they just couldn't modernize? It's a bit sad and pathetic how people pay so much for such heavy lumbersome watches.
@@Ben-bs4od and that's why companies keep making them. If they listened to enthusiasts they would go broke.
Kamasu all day !!
Seiko is the better brand, Orient is the better watch.
Kamasu
I like almost everything about the Kamasu except for the Orient Logo. That fugly-ass logo ruins the watch for me.
I purchased a Orient Kamasu as my first automatic and love it. Aside from the sapphire crystal, the overall look of the Kamasu spoke to me. I'm a big fan of symmetry in design. The crown at 3 o'clock dividing that side of the watch evenly and and the uniform markings around the bezel immediately appealed to that part of me. I also prefer the markers and hands as I feel add to the Kamasu's ability to dress up.
I bought a Seiko to my father because I wanted him to instantly recognise the brand and because I thought the see-through caseback seemed interesting, I dont regret my choice.
Oh yea the caseback is fun. I love it too.
caseback was the deciding factor for me too. I don't take my watch swimming, but it's nice to flip it over and see the movement.
@@MihaiRUdeROYou cam swim with it, dude. Even if the people are saying that 100m it's not enough for diving - it is for sure. The originals divers where 100m rated. The Suunto diving computers are also 100m rated nowadays.
Sad to say, Seiko's newer "homage" watches of their classic SKX line are overpriced. Actually chose between these two watches and eventually ended up with the Kamasu. I've never been happier.
just wondering how much was the 5KX at the time you were considering?
Same. The 5KX aren't bad, but aren't $200 worth.
I bought mine at 50% of the MSRP. Just wait for sales.
Red Kamasu for me. I really like mine.
How is $475 in today’s inflationary world high, plus these are now regularly available for $300-$330 in many places, ADs. Show me a GMT diving watch for $300.
I’m actually wearing my red kamasu on jubilee
Same - I switch the red dial back and forth from the Strapcode Jubilee to a red Barton Bands rubber strap.
Highly recommend the Barton rubber strap, it was only about $25
I'm wearing the kamasu vintage red. Standard bracelet. I am actually positively surprised how good the bracelet is.
@@Soff1859 yah I bought the strapcode oyster or w.e and aside from being thicker it’s pretty much the same.
Blue dial kamasu on the factory bracelet on my wrist today
@@hakon8790 fancy
I opted for the Kamasu . I was able to get it on eBay for 200 US. Yes... the sapphire crystal is the big plus but also the self winding mechanism works better and is quiet. Accuracy is also a big plus.
Orient and their logo 👍
Owned the dark green Kamasu for the past year. It’s kind of amazing for the price. +3 to 5 seconds a day, looks and feels good. Idk. I think it’s a no brainer for an intro dive watch if you don’t like the circle hour indicators of the Seiko alternatives. Add in the water resistance and the sapphire crystal and it’s hard to find a better option for this kind of watch in this price range. Zero complaints and I would recommend it for anyone getting into watch collecting.
Throw in a citizen promaster and you have a winner 😂
The Heimdallr Skx007 has much better specs than both of those watches and costs less than half the price of the Orient Kamasu.
I have a Kamasu variation as my first watch. Visually, the difference is in the hour markers and the dials, but it looks pretty similar.
I'm happy with it. It feels fine to use it in any situation, I don't have spare money to have a collection of watches yet, so this is all I got, and I'm happy with it.
Honestly that’s a great pick for a do it all/one watch collection. Hope you can get into seiko when the budget allows for it eventually. (:
You’re off to a solid start to collecting with the Kamasu. Just look at your tighter budget as a blessing in disguise: you will be more deliberate and careful with your collecting.
As someone who has 2 seiko 5s in my collection and no kamasus, I can say that the kamasu is just a better overall watch, but if we want to talk about the best japanese diver in this price range, I’d say the promaster is miles ahead of both, iso certified, screw down crown and both ecodrive and automatic options. It feels way more premium than both.
The kamasu has a scrwe down crown too
@@PhenomPage didn’t know that, thanks for sharing my man. In my opinion, the promaster is just a bit better with the isocertification, but hands down, citizen and orient have better divers in this price range. I wish I bought a kamasu, I now have 4 diver styled watches in my collection, maybe I’ll sell one of the 5kxs and buy a kamasu because in my opinion, it has the best design out of the three.
@@saleemnukho1584 no worries mate! At the end I think that for sure the real compare would be the Seiko Skx007 with either kamasu and pro master because the skx is meant to be a real diver watch, which is not the case for the this new seiko 5 sports. Then I would say that it's a matter of the look that you préfère between those 3 watches. I'd say the pro master has more a kind of "aggressive sporty diving watch", when the kamasu is more versatile, you can wear it at any situation :) personally I love both!!
@@PhenomPage have to agree with you, the kamasu is the best looking out of the 3 in terms of versatility, I feel it can be easily worn with any attire. I think seiko made a mistake with their transition from skx to the 5kx, if the 5kx had 200m wr and a saphire, that would have been awesome. It seems they only want the prospex line to have diver specs, problem it’s way over priced.
@@PhenomPage If you decide to get the Kamasu you will not be disappointed with it. However, I am new to the dive watch category. I first purchased the Orient Ray II for the price and versatility of the watch, it's a great watch at that price point. Nevertheless, once I saw the Kamasu I had to have it. It is a step up from the Ray II with the sapphire crystal and the fine details put into the watch over the Ray II. The bezel works much smoother on the Kamasu and the finish is better too with more rounded edges. I wear and love both the Kamasu and the Ray II regularly, but the Kamasu is by for my favorite. Here is another detail that I find interesting, both watches have been running a consistent time over the course of the past year. The Ray II runs consistently 3 to 4 seconds a day fast while the Kamasu has been running about 35 seconds a day fast. I plan on having it regulated to run much closer like the Ray II has been running. My point is both have had a consistent spec as far as gaining the seconds over months. The Kamasu and the Ray II are two great daily wear watches without breaking the bank to get them, but the Kamasu does indeed offer a real upgrade from the Ray II. I know that others have complained about the bands on both, but for the price point I think they are decent bands, but agree compared to the quality of the watches themselves they could be better.
I choose 5KX over kamasu simply because of the see through back case 😂😂😂
I want to see what i pay for,and no i hate open heart 😂😂
Sekios or so overrated and often disappointing. Crappy specs for the price especially with all the qc issues and cost cutting. Orient is WAY better then seiko.
I have a Kamasu II; solid, reliable, versatile, respectful to dive watches' and Orient's own past while being original. In conparison, it's an extremely easy win for the Kamasu in every aspect; the 5KX is an inferior watch being in a price range where Orient offers much more. The 5KX is at best a $150 watch.
Regarding some aspects of the table, in my opinion the Kamasu wins on lume by the simply fact that it posses a lume pip at 12 (and the bezel does align); optionality, Kamasu has two variants with eight colours total including some unique options plus limited editions; heritage, well, the 5KX surely follows the general Seiko identity but i wouldn't call it a real successor to the SKX, which was a true diver; price is basically around $200 for both but while you get 'more' watch with the Kamasu, you get 'less' with the 5KX.
doesnt the orient have solid links? that should win the bracelet category too
Not end links, and the clasp is stamped. I think they exactly the same.
@@TheGrenadier97 5kx are folded links
The Seiko can't even beat an Orient Ray 2 , let alone a Kamasu.
I think the Heritage category is unnecessary, unless someone can change history. Seiko will always win this round.
I got a Glycine Combat Sub in 42mm at Costco for $299.99 which is the deal of a century for a dive watch. ETA 2824 movement, sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, 200M of water resistance for that price is immense value for money.
I love my Combat Sub. At 10mm thickness too it wears beautifully.
Spot on review. Both great watches. I have a few Seikos and was looking at this line of divers. The sapphire crystal sold me on the Orient (first Orient to my collection). I got the Pepsi colored and loved it. Month later purchased another Kamasu black dial and put it on a nato strap as a daily wear. Very pleased with the two Kamasus.
The orient looks better too. 👍
I have both of them I have the red dial Komatsu and the orange dial seiko. both really great watches, but if I had to keep one, I would keep the Orient Komatsu
The problem with the Seiko is it's a Seiko... I like the way many of them look, but they are known for their QC problems.
Which considering they make some of the most dependable movements, is just rediculous. And I just don't like the Seiko 5 models... too many options out there that are better spec wise, and QC wise for simular prices. Since they dropped the SKX, I've been unimpressed.
Proud owner of the Orient Kamasu and i could not be happier. Looks wise, i find it just has a more mature look than the Seiko having a more narrow bezel and less poppy colours. The lume at night is actually impressive, sapphire crystal and lucky enough my watch only runs 5/6 seconds fast per day. All in all a great first watch. Really really satisfied with my automatic
Fist watch? I own or have owned Rolex, Omega, JLC, Tag, Tudor, Breitling and I’m sure others I’ve forgotten about, and I still love wearing my kamasu. Love the look, love the name. A budget banger!
@@thegorn it is indeed, if you can believe it! very happy to say the least. looking forward to adding more soon.
I have heard about the crown on Orient watches being too small, flimsy and causing reliability issues for some users.
This makes me realize that one important category is missing here - reliability.
And Seiko wins that one.
I understand the allure of Orient watches as well as microbrand watches often said to provide better value than Seiko but with time I have come to understand that Seiko is simply well done and reliable where it counts.
It can be summarized with one word - quality. I look at Seiko and I see it.
+1 on Orient
had this debate internally myself not too long ago when looking for a casual dive-style watch. I ended up with the Seiko 5KX. I simply prefer the 4 o'clock crown.
I really enjoy these head-to-head videos of similar watches. Keep up the great work, Teddy!
Love the Kamasu! I have the Red dial and bought the Green dial for my brother. Amazing watches! 💯
I am wearing Kamasu 2 black/gray/beige. Had it for 6 months. Daily wear. Bracelet is rubbish. Ditched it and I use a collection of natos. Excellent watch. Gains 10s a day. No complaints and I would buy another.
there's a nice jubilee style bracelet for the kamasu from the strapcode, it's not cheap, but definitely elevates the look
I have the same watch and color combo. Looking to upgrade to an anti reflective crystal. I think it will really make it stand out then!
I'd pick the red Kamasu, because I'm that kind of guy.
I just think that dive watches are meant to be more playful ( field watches hold the very pragmatic approach for me ) and the Seiko 5s win in this department. They own up the fact that we wear them for their style, they're not even dive watches. Yet they retain the 100m WR which is valuable beyond swimming etc.
Check out how WR resistance works and how it benefits a watch on a daily use. 100M is the gold standard for that.
I use an Invicta which is a Seiko nh35r engine and indestructible. also, it is titanium bracelet and case, a lot cheaper watch and of good quality.
That'll be my next watch. I'm going for an Invicta 1953 and I'll change the strap to a nato.
I already have a nice Seiko
I went with the Kamasu AA-08 series over the Seiko 5 for a few reasons. One was the sapphire crystal. I've had mineral crystal on previous watches, and I guess I'm a little rougher on my watches than I intend to be. The second is I really like the sunburst dial of the Kamasu. I just think it looks really cool. And finally, and this is probably a dumb reason for most, I like the logo of the Orient better. Kinda petty, but it was a factor.
Orient Ray is my first mechanical watch. It's been more than 10 years now & I still admire its good looks, especially the sunburst blue dial. I did do a little mod to it, replacing the flat mineral crystal with a domed sapphire one - and that has made the watch an even better looking one 👍
You really should mention how Orient has a terrible crown and how there's a lot of aftermarket bracelets that make it feel 5 times it's price. I've got a red kamasu on a strapcode jubilee and it realllllly changes the vibes
I own a blue Kamasu, the variant shown, I like it a lot better than my Seiko 5s.
I bought an Orient Kamasu on a black silicone strap from Teddy last year and I just love it. It was on my wrist while exploring Alaska and B.C., the perfect travel watch in my opinion. I had considered a couple offerings from Seiko, but the sapphire case on the Orient was the deciding factor for me.
Exact same reason as me, sapphire at this price is a huge deal.
I bought my son a Seiko King turtle recently. I think he's been very lucky with the individual movement (4R36) that's running on average +2/ -2. Both of us have and love our Orient Kamasu's. I have my Kamasu a year now. Initially, it was running +17 . After approximately six months, it slowed down to +10, and now, lo and behold, it's averaging +7 a day. Needless to say, I'm very pleased. My son still loves his Orient, even though it's not getting as much wrist time since the Seiko arrived.
One other observation I'll make, (I'm not sure that Teddy mentioned it or not), the Seiko 5 series crown does not screw down whereas the Orient Kamasu has a screw down crown. My crown is not so easy to thread , is rather shallow and unscrews too easly in my humble opinion. Also as I therad the crown, I still feel that the movement is being wound. But this is the only fault/ con I find with my Kamasu, which is a wonderful watch.
My next watch, which I should have within the next few weeks
will be the Longines Spirit 40mm black dial . I'm looking forward to this in eager anticipation.
The only thing I dislike about my Kamasu is the crown size is too small for my 60 year old finger tips. I have Seiko's ( Prospex) and I would spend extra over a 5KX spec for spec for price. I am hearing that the Orient Mako 3? has the same case as Kamasu but with a larger screw down crown and some after market Kamasu bracelets fit fine. I like the Kamasu dial better though.