I really love the shape and the design of the SPB151. For me its a great mix of being dressy and beautiful but also restrained and practical ike a robust tool, battle and a real diving watch. For my situation, I even think the product price reflects that same mix, like it is a lot of money but it is not super expensive. And the watch size fits perfect to me. I also decided to wear it daily, to use it and to let have the Willard some scratches. The watch is so practical and i like the understatement. If you are not an expert, it is hard to tell if its the 400$ Turtle, the 600$ King Turtle or the 1.300$ Willard version, which does not scream to be an expensive watch to show off. Now at Seiko, they also have a 2.000$ version which is going more far away from the tool watch character.
I have to be honest, your review made a major role in my purchase of the willard. Even though the Uk is not as glamorous as Florida seaside, I definitely love the sentiment of having a watch with me through thick and thin and handing it down to one of my children!
Since this video I have bought the Z199 Uncle Seiko bracelet and let me tell you… what an amazing bracelet, like the jubilee but without the thickness… I am now back to wearing it as my daily, and my Tudor Black Bay Pro is now mad at me😁😉
@@RobertBlanchard Thank you for your reply! Does the bracelet colour/shade sticks out from the case due to the lack diashield coating? Is the colour difference noticeable?
@@superdad4324 there is a bit of difference but not enough to bother me… go to my Instagram page @blanchardwatchco to see a wrist roll I did with the Z199 on the Willard. That gives you a pretty good idea of the color difference.
Been working on doing a quick video on the Z199 uncle Seiko bracelet… but had to leave town on business. I’m back and should be able to film this weekend. But check out the latest video of Willard after a year.
Gday mate, really like your approach to this video. I’d be keen to see any future updates you have with this Willard as time on wrist progresses, including accuracy, comfort on uncle seiko’s new style bracelet etc. cheers
Thanks my friend, enjoyed that. Aiming for the green version, will probably be babying it a little more than your good self giving it the full workout , good on you 👍.
Great watch. Bought my first Seiko, the new “slim turtle” SPB315 and looks fantastic on an Uncle Seiko tropic. Now I’m going to pick up a Willard but torn between just a regular black dial or the new Green dial green bezel.
Thank you and a nice ideo, i recieved my SPB317 Slim Willard via courier yesterday and it's a very smart watch, it looks even better in person, i have ordered a Crown & Buckle Supreme Nato strap Black - Slate so now awaiting on its arrival 👍 Greetings from Australia
Completely different feel and look tbh! I have a Pepsi Turtle and Willard and they are notably different on wrist, especially case size. 😊 Are you put off because the SRP777 has a blk bezel and getting a willard would also have a blk bezel? Get the SRP779 Pepsi Turtle... Issue solved! 😂
Yes, he mentioned that he should have them during the summer... a 20-16 taper will really give this watch that perfect re-issue feel! Currently my Willard is with WatchChris, he will be doing a review on it... check out his channel...
I just pulled the trigger on the SLA 033 limited edition. What I like about the SLA is the non-beveled crystal. I own several vintage modded 6309s with after market sapphire crystals installed and I just don’t like the beveled edge that creates some distortion around the edge. I recently purchased a straight end bracelet for the SLA. We’ll see how that looks on the 19mm lug width. I’m not crazy about the rubber strap. One other thing I didn’t like was the price. Although I didn’t pay anywhere near retail, the watch is over priced, especially if you compare it to the SLA051, which has the same movement and comes with a metal bracelet and a beautifully finished case. Just wish that came with a black dial.
I sold mine in January. I've been missing it ever since. is considering buying a new one or an srp777 / 779. (I just came across a SKX013 new in box that I am very excited about)
The srp777 is noticeably bigger on the wrist and doesn't wear as well for me. You may have bigger wrists, however. I have both and like them both equally in different ways.
I would be really interested in how will you mod the crown as I don't seem to find one with lock inscription. Also, have you considered the rubber strap ?
There is a company that engraves crowns out of Spain. @Seikocrown I believe… they did my ‘Lock -->’ on my srp777. I have been wearing it on an Uncle Seiko rubber Tropic strap (after training the strap to curve) and have not changed it since then. Originally I had it on a rubber NATO that was perfect but the vanilla smell of the rubber bothered me to much so I switched it to the Tropic strap.
Cause how else would you know the day😁 I understand, and I’m sure they might come up with one in the future… but for this model it was done very well and doesn’t take away from the design aspect of the watch. Plus let’s not forget, the original did have a date.
Great Vid RB! I have the Willard (SBDC109 JDM) aswell and am waiting on an Angus Jubilee from Strapcode! It's hands down the best daily watch ever and that's over an over hyped rolex that gets the wrong eyes on it! The willard is just right and as far as the unsigned crown, it's not visiable when worn... I also love it on a bond nato and or a khaki green nato. 😎 I'm pretty sure you're still enjoying your willard 😊 Side note: I also have an SRP779 Pepsi Turtle and it's sheer joy to wear! Pick one up RB; it's your next vid! 😊
The company I used to etch the ‘lock’ on my srp777 sells the crown. Most likely I’ll just end up buying it from them (since I do wear my Willard a lot) and they’ll etch it.
The sweet spot for the new case design is 7.5... I know this cause my wrist is 7.5 :-) That said there are a lot of factors that go into 'sizing for your wrist... Go check out Peter Kosta's video of wrist size vs watch size ua-cam.com/video/Hw9XiMtHa7Y/v-deo.html That said my dad has an 8 inch wrist and the new Willard does seem (slightly) smaller but on a NATO it looks much better. The Turtle on the other hand fits an 8 inch wrist perfectly... and looks a bit large on my wrist but still fits the part. Check out my video on the Turtle (before I bought the Willard) ua-cam.com/video/7uCM6SPVcJY/v-deo.html The only issue for me with the Turtle was/is that it is not a Daily wear... it's just too big for my wrist... the Willard on the other hand I have worn with everything but a Tuxedo... it works with everything and just pulls off a suit (on the bracelet) I have now taken to wearing it on a rubber NATO and I do the switch to the bracelet when I have to wear a suit, Hope this helps in your search!
I had the same issue… I went Willard cause I wanted a diver with its own design architecture (basically a diver that didn’t look like most divers out there) that said… the 143 to me is a better choice since it’ll ‘blend’ in much better with whatever you wear.
Oh yeah still digging the Willard… but it’s been assigned to mostly boat, beach, dive duties. I do throw it on during the day every now and then. Lately I have been testing out the Lorier Hyperion on my vacation… so that’s taking most wrist time at the moment. A great watch and definitely one of the best most versatile travel watches I have owned. Only two issues that I’d change.. one easy one impossible. Easy, to remove the red paint from the 24 hour hand and lum it (or paint it white) the other… it would be perfect if it had a true GMT movement… But back to the Willard… I have plenty of dive watches in my time and the Willard is still the best I have owned. have a happy new year
@@RobertBlanchard I pulled the trigger finally! Brand new for $995. Also have a 1971 seiko 6105-8110 near mint condition on the way! One of my dream watches! 👍🏻💪🏻
I see several watch reviewers go on about "signed crowns" - I just don't get why this is a criticism - I really can't be bothered if the crown has some tiny etching on it - I have just bought this very watch by the way - the lack of a signed crown is not even on my radar.
It was more a comment on the fact that the ‘original’ crown had etchings on it telling one how to lock it, and I would think that doing the same would be a nice nod to the past. So it’s not a ‘signed’ crown it’s more of an ‘instruction’ 😁
Your comments about the SPB151 being somewhat overpriced mirror my own thoughts. I was a little disappointed in the finish quality considering the price of the watch, but I do like the overall fit and feel since I've had it on my wrist. It's also only at +2s over the past three days. I was, however, able to buy mine for $868 USD delivered from an overseas AD, so maybe I should just curb my complaints.
Wow great price! It true what they say… it pays to wait… I have since put my Willard on an uncle Seiko tropic strap… if I have any advice now is to not bother buying the bracelet… unless you got yours with a bracelet at that price!😉
Honestly (as you can tell I don’t particularly like the bracelet) pins/collar and screw/pins both have their pros and cons. Pins are difficult to set (need a special tool and in general it’s a pain, but it’s set and forget. Screws are easy to set but unless you use a dab on each screw you unscrew of ‘loctight’ you run the risk of the pin walking out (has happened to me a few times… luckily I caught it before they fell out. Personally, I like screw pins.
I have one bezel too loose and movement side to side too easy to move and doesn't line up I have $100 steel dive Rock solid bezel Side to side lines up perfectly doesn't move easily ceramic lume bezel and better dial lume wtf
I really love the shape and the design of the SPB151. For me its a great mix of being dressy and beautiful but also restrained and practical ike a robust tool, battle and a real diving watch. For my situation, I even think the product price reflects that same mix, like it is a lot of money but it is not super expensive. And the watch size fits perfect to me. I also decided to wear it daily, to use it and to let have the Willard some scratches. The watch is so practical and i like the understatement. If you are not an expert, it is hard to tell if its the 400$ Turtle, the 600$ King Turtle or the 1.300$ Willard version, which does not scream to be an expensive watch to show off. Now at Seiko, they also have a 2.000$ version which is going more far away from the tool watch character.
I have found myself wearing more than all my watches…
I have to be honest, your review made a major role in my purchase of the willard. Even though the Uk is not as glamorous as Florida seaside, I definitely love the sentiment of having a watch with me through thick and thin and handing it down to one of my children!
Since this video I have bought the Z199 Uncle Seiko bracelet and let me tell you… what an amazing bracelet, like the jubilee but without the thickness… I am now back to wearing it as my daily, and my Tudor Black Bay Pro is now mad at me😁😉
@@RobertBlanchard Thank you for your reply! Does the bracelet colour/shade sticks out from the case due to the lack diashield coating? Is the colour difference noticeable?
@@superdad4324 there is a bit of difference but not enough to bother me… go to my Instagram page @blanchardwatchco to see a wrist roll I did with the Z199 on the Willard. That gives you a pretty good idea of the color difference.
Just found your vids as I'm on the search for a spb151, again. Loving the style, hope you keep going with them.🙏
Been working on doing a quick video on the Z199 uncle Seiko bracelet… but had to leave town on business. I’m back and should be able to film this weekend. But check out the latest video of Willard after a year.
I really like your new approach to the video shooting!
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! ... I just need to angle the camera up a bit more... or loose 20lbs ;-)
My fathers 1970 watch, now me 55 enjoying this reissue. The crown the only true miss to me
Gday mate, really like your approach to this video. I’d be keen to see any future updates you have with this Willard as time on wrist progresses, including accuracy, comfort on uncle seiko’s new style bracelet etc. cheers
I wanted a Willard, but got the King Turtle (green) instead for just over $400. It has a sapphire crystal and a ceramic bezel.
Good choice as well… I personally like the history behind the Willard but that shape always gets me, I just love it!
I picked up the green with a jubilee bracelet, the original band, box and all papers for $750 last night - I feel good about it
Thanks my friend, enjoyed that. Aiming for the green version, will probably be babying it a little more than your good self giving it the full workout , good on you 👍.
Great watch. Bought my first Seiko, the new “slim turtle” SPB315 and looks fantastic on an Uncle Seiko tropic. Now I’m going to pick up a Willard but torn between just a regular black dial or the new Green dial green bezel.
Thank you and a nice ideo, i recieved my SPB317 Slim Willard via courier yesterday and it's a very smart watch, it looks even better in person, i have ordered a Crown & Buckle Supreme Nato strap Black - Slate so now awaiting on its arrival 👍 Greetings from Australia
Great review :) I love Seiko`s
I love this watch but I already have the SRP 777 and it makes it hard to get this one
Completely different feel and look tbh! I have a Pepsi Turtle and Willard and they are notably different on wrist, especially case size. 😊
Are you put off because the SRP777 has a blk bezel and getting a willard would also have a blk bezel?
Get the SRP779 Pepsi Turtle... Issue solved! 😂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and great job on the review. What is your wrist size, if I may ask?
7.4 normal 7.5 when it’s hot and humid!
Uncle Seiko making a bracelet for the Willard?!?!?!........ SOLD..... I'm buying the green one...... great video
Yes, he mentioned that he should have them during the summer... a 20-16 taper will really give this watch that perfect re-issue feel!
Currently my Willard is with WatchChris, he will be doing a review on it... check out his channel...
I just pulled the trigger on the SLA 033 limited edition. What I like about the SLA is the non-beveled crystal. I own several vintage modded 6309s with after market sapphire crystals installed and I just don’t like the beveled edge that creates some distortion around the edge.
I recently purchased a straight end bracelet for the SLA. We’ll see how that looks on the 19mm lug width. I’m not crazy about the rubber strap. One other thing I didn’t like was the price. Although I didn’t pay anywhere near retail, the watch is over priced, especially if you compare it to the SLA051, which has the same movement and comes with a metal bracelet and a beautifully finished case. Just wish that came with a black dial.
You are the man! Damm somebody who wants to use it instead of keeping it in a box. Enjoy!!!
Has spent a lot of time at sea and in the Bahamas… no need for any other diver… this one is a keeper!
I sold mine in January. I've been missing it ever since. is considering buying a new one or an srp777 / 779. (I just came across a SKX013 new in box that I am very excited about)
The srp777 is noticeably bigger on the wrist and doesn't wear as well for me. You may have bigger wrists, however. I have both and like them both equally in different ways.
Like to know where to get the crown for the mod , does it come with the stem?
Bezel aligns?
Mine did... Modded it with a slim case back and now I don't take it off!
I would be really interested in how will you mod the crown as I don't seem to find one with lock inscription. Also, have you considered the rubber strap ?
There is a company that engraves crowns out of Spain. @Seikocrown I believe… they did my ‘Lock -->’ on my srp777.
I have been wearing it on an Uncle Seiko rubber Tropic strap (after training the strap to curve) and have not changed it since then.
Originally I had it on a rubber NATO that was perfect but the vanilla smell of the rubber bothered me to much so I switched it to the Tropic strap.
Thank you
why is there no "NO Date" Seiko Willard? why ????
Cause how else would you know the day😁 I understand, and I’m sure they might come up with one in the future… but for this model it was done very well and doesn’t take away from the design aspect of the watch.
Plus let’s not forget, the original did have a date.
Great Vid RB! I have the Willard (SBDC109 JDM) aswell and am waiting on an Angus Jubilee from Strapcode!
It's hands down the best daily watch ever and that's over an over hyped rolex that gets the wrong eyes on it!
The willard is just right and as far as the unsigned crown, it's not visiable when worn...
I also love it on a bond nato and or a khaki green nato. 😎
I'm pretty sure you're still enjoying your willard 😊
Side note: I also have an SRP779 Pepsi Turtle and it's sheer joy to wear!
Pick one up RB; it's your next vid! 😊
He hit it on the head! My ONLY complaint with Seiko is their cheap bracelets.
I have the SPB183, love it. I also have the new turtle reference SRPE93 and enjoy it as well.
Beautiful watch
May I ask how you're gonna get the lock mod done? Would the crown have to be removed to be engraved?
The company I used to etch the ‘lock’ on my srp777 sells the crown. Most likely I’ll just end up buying it from them (since I do wear my Willard a lot) and they’ll etch it.
@@RobertBlanchard would you be willing to post who sells the crown? I’m keen on getting one also.
Here you go! seikocrown.jimdofree.com
Been looking at the Willard, but feels small for an 8in wrist, or do you just get used to it??
The sweet spot for the new case design is 7.5... I know this cause my wrist is 7.5 :-) That said there are a lot of factors that go into 'sizing for your wrist... Go check out Peter Kosta's video of wrist size vs watch size ua-cam.com/video/Hw9XiMtHa7Y/v-deo.html That said my dad has an 8 inch wrist and the new Willard does seem (slightly) smaller but on a NATO it looks much better. The Turtle on the other hand fits an 8 inch wrist perfectly... and looks a bit large on my wrist but still fits the part. Check out my video on the Turtle (before I bought the Willard) ua-cam.com/video/7uCM6SPVcJY/v-deo.html The only issue for me with the Turtle was/is that it is not a Daily wear... it's just too big for my wrist... the Willard on the other hand I have worn with everything but a Tuxedo... it works with everything and just pulls off a suit (on the bracelet) I have now taken to wearing it on a rubber NATO and I do the switch to the bracelet when I have to wear a suit, Hope this helps in your search!
I am now confused as ever if I'll go with this or the SPB143. This is gonna be my first 'real' watch.
I had the same issue… I went Willard cause I wanted a diver with its own design architecture (basically a diver that didn’t look like most divers out there) that said… the 143 to me is a better choice since it’ll ‘blend’ in much better with whatever you wear.
willard or turtle?
SRP779 Pepsi Turtle and SBDC109 JDM Willard! Get both 😂
You still digging the Willard? What watch gets the most wrist time?
Oh yeah still digging the Willard… but it’s been assigned to mostly boat, beach, dive duties. I do throw it on during the day every now and then.
Lately I have been testing out the Lorier Hyperion on my vacation… so that’s taking most wrist time at the moment.
A great watch and definitely one of the best most versatile travel watches I have owned.
Only two issues that I’d change.. one easy one impossible. Easy, to remove the red paint from the 24 hour hand and lum it (or paint it white) the other… it would be perfect if it had a true GMT movement…
But back to the Willard… I have plenty of dive watches in my time and the Willard is still the best I have owned.
have a happy new year
@@RobertBlanchard only have a homage I modded currently but pulling the trigger on the real Willard soon! Thank you Happy New Year!
@@RobertBlanchard I pulled the trigger finally! Brand new for $995. Also have a 1971 seiko 6105-8110 near mint condition on the way! One of my dream watches! 👍🏻💪🏻
@@stevepodraza6363 that’s awesome! Great price as well!
Been wearing mine lately on the rubber nato… looks fantastic!
I see several watch reviewers go on about "signed crowns" - I just don't get why this is a criticism - I really can't be bothered if the crown has some tiny etching on it - I have just bought this very watch by the way - the lack of a signed crown is not even on my radar.
It was more a comment on the fact that the ‘original’ crown had etchings on it telling one how to lock it, and I would think that doing the same would be a nice nod to the past. So it’s not a ‘signed’ crown it’s more of an ‘instruction’ 😁
Your comments about the SPB151 being somewhat overpriced mirror my own thoughts. I was a little disappointed in the finish quality considering the price of the watch, but I do like the overall fit and feel since I've had it on my wrist. It's also only at +2s over the past three days. I was, however, able to buy mine for $868 USD delivered from an overseas AD, so maybe I should just curb my complaints.
Wow great price! It true what they say… it pays to wait… I have since put my Willard on an uncle Seiko tropic strap… if I have any advice now is to not bother buying the bracelet… unless you got yours with a bracelet at that price!😉
Agree.
Bracelet should be made with screws not pins for that price thats a 20 dollar internal cost basis at the most
Honestly (as you can tell I don’t particularly like the bracelet) pins/collar and screw/pins both have their pros and cons.
Pins are difficult to set (need a special tool and in general it’s a pain, but it’s set and forget. Screws are easy to set but unless you use a dab on each screw you unscrew of ‘loctight’ you run the risk of the pin walking out (has happened to me a few times… luckily I caught it before they fell out.
Personally, I like screw pins.
It was designed for diving, not boating. You can use it for boating, but that is not the reason it was designed.
Boating is a part of diving... but if you want to be picky about it... yes it was designed for primarily for diving.... and I do mention diving.
They should have listened to you then because know you pay a arm and leg for one
I like the watch, except the bezel looks so cheap.
I’m actually changing the bezel to full lume… but apart from that the bezel is actually pretty nice… as well as the action.
I have one bezel too loose and movement side to side too easy to move and doesn't line up I have $100 steel dive Rock solid bezel Side to side lines up perfectly doesn't move easily ceramic lume bezel and better dial lume wtf
My bezel was perfect out of the box… honestly, one of the best clicking I have felt.