I am not into Seiko and love my Swiss watches. My favorite brand is JLC, Rolex, and Tudor. When I first saw this watch, it grabbed my attention. I think it is a bargain compared to Swiss watches with similar finishing details. I think everyone is just used to cheap Seiko watches; they are still plentiful. I am seriously considering getting this watch.
agree complete, you can look and see everytime something new thats very beautiful, also the argumentations from this review makes no sense to me: what do i care he didn.t like this model. 0.0 ,
$4600 is a lot to pay for a seiko. I definitely agree that they are trying to blur the line between seiko prospex and grand seiko. That being said I really like this watch and this movement. The 8L35 is a far better movement in my opinion than an ETA 2824. You can’t find a watch with a movement that is as nice as this movement for 2000 dollars. A sinn or an Oris with a sellita is not comparable in my opinion. You could probably find a tudor movement that is just as nice for cheaper than this watch but you can also get this movement for 2700 usd. In my view they did answer the criticism that the prospex watches get by ditching the 6r35 that is frankly a piece of garbage. I also think they answered the criticism of the mm300 being far too bulky by reducing the thickness and the case diameter by 2 mm. I believe we are supposed to believe that because this watch is a new case design and made of ever brilliant steel it should be valued at 2000 usd more than an MM300. That i do not agree with. I do believe that they case design and fit and finish on this watch will be comparable with the MM300 which fully justifies a 3000 usd price tag. I have a big problem with anyone making a dive watch on a rubber strap and charging more than one thousand dollars for it. If you want us to believe that ever brilliant steel is so wonderful than make a bracelet out of it as well and we will find out how it holds up to the wear and tear a 316L steel holds up to. The last thing I want to mention is that the dial is fantastic to me. I know a lot of watch manufacturers value tradition when it comes to dials. But I do not. I can not stand Rolex over and over again producing the same watches with the same black dial year after year. Why would I pay top dollar for a watch with the same movement and dial as a watch made 20 years ago? I can easily buy an older one in great condition for far cheaper. I like that the dial to this SLA watch is unique to this watch and I think Blue has so much more depth and light play than a black dial watch. It’s too expensive and that is annoying but the price isn’t just out if left field in my opinion. I heard another UA-camr trying to compare this watch to a CW. I have not held this watch but if it is anything like the other SLA watches that I have seen it is going to be much nicer than a Ward. And has an in house movement with a larger power reserve and smoother action than a Sellita. For me the bracelet thing is a deal breaker though. I wish seiko would have spent time improving the bracelets, the alignment issues, the 6r movments accuracy and sloppy crown action so that when you bought a prospex watch for 1200 bucks you actually got something that was comparable in quality to a ward or a Sinn. This watch doesn’t really bother me though. It’s just appears to be overpriced about 1000 dollars. Even then sometimes the value of a watch can only be determined by having it in your hand. Before I had ever held a planet ocean i could not understand why this watch was close to 6000 dollars. But after i spent time with one first hand i understood the difference. To me we watch collectors put too much value on a name and not enough value on the build of the watch. We will pay $38,000 for a Rolex Daytona because it says Rolex Daytona on the dial when we should be getting a far nicer watch for that amount of money. At the same time Zenith makes pretty much the best chrono at 10k and people pass right over it because it does not say Rolex on the dial. Just because you can buy a seiko watch for $200 doesn’t mean that they can’t build a watch that us worth thousands. Sometimes watch people just want to make sure everyone in the room knows we can buy a $5000 watch and the Seiko does not get the same reaction at gatherings as the Omega or Tudor. I really enjoyed your video and you gained a new subscriber. Your point about them blurring the lines between seiko and grand seiko is spot on. You have some great input and I appreciate the work you put into making videos. Cheers.
Well said brotha. These Seikos are absolutely gorgeous to me and if I buy one - It will be around $3000 on the grey market… Not the $4600 full retail price ever…I just got the SLA053 brand new for $2400 and it’s Gorgeous
I really like the idea behind this watch! Maybe i am weird but i really dont care about movement or accuracy. If using a lower grade movement means a better case design and finishing, thats not a trade off for me. For me, watches are men's jewelry. What they have to do is to look good on my wrist. I dont need them to tell very accurate time(under 1 min per day and i am fine) I got my phone for that. I value case and dial a lot more than movement spec and such
@@FWYGANOWSKI nah it’s not a grand Seiko movement, the GS 9S65 uses Swiss style reverser gear winding system, this 8L35 movement uses pawl wheel which can be found in the cheapest Seiko…
@@Aztec1050 you’re correct, but it is basically the 9s55, maybe I should have been more specific. Also just because something has tricked down to cheaper watches doesn’t make it worse.
@@FWYGANOWSKI the difference between 9s55 and 9s65 is bigger than the difference between basic 2824 and top 2824, despite sharing 80% of the same gears apart from winding system, each component in the 9S65 is hardened to 700 vickers, this practice has been abandoned by the Swiss to cut costs, only vintage Patek used it. The 9s65/9s85 is the single most robust movement in the entire world right now
@@Aztec1050 I think you’re having a different argument 🤣🤣🤣 The 65 is an amazing movement but it doesn’t make the 55 (and by extension 8l35) a basic movement like was said in the video.
Late to the party here, but I bought the SLA075 which is all but identical and has an MSRP of $2,800. Finish is great and it runs +2 a day. $4,600 for the SLA057 is high as the difference only seems to be limited edition- which is not that limited. Basically an 1,800 premium for limited edition and everbrite steel which most people say they can barely see the difference.
Seiko lost me years ago for a multitude of reasons and now I’m indifferent to the brand as I won’t consider purchasing one. The days of buying a Seiko monster for a couple hundred dollars 💵 is over. The reality is Seiko sells primarily to normals and us watch nerds are a tiny minority 😎. Merry Christmas 🎄 to you and your family Pete.
Seiko is not Grand Seiko; totally different movements,finishing, and adjusting. I fail to see any blurring of the lines. The pricing is fine as it uses the new steel that Seiko has created.
I agree with you Pete, here in Oz this SLA055 / 057 is far to expensive at $7,250.00.. I'm happy with what i paid my Willard and Turtle, But there not good time keepers 😮
The movement is an 8L35. It’s the same that goes inside of the Grand Seiko, it just hasn’t been adjusted or finished to the same spec (but it has a case back so that point is moot). Also from my understanding these Prospex models get made in the same factory as GS, some even get Zaratsu polishing (not sure about these models, I know the SLA033 did). These have a purposeful spot of their own. It’s for people who want high end Seiko “tool” watches without the GS glitz. I think you need to rethink some of your argument.
Stop spreading lies, 8L35 is equivalent to 9S55 but not 9S65. GS uses 9S65/85 or 9SA5. The difference between 8L/9S55 and 9S65 is night and day despite similar name. 9S65 uses different materials for mainspring and hairspring, two of the most important parts. 9S65 also uses reverser gear auto wind system and uses 2 base jewel on winding box, much better than the cheap magic lever of 8L. Most importantly 9S65 has all of its components hardened to 700+ vickers so the entire movement is 2-3 times as hard as 8L, prolonging lifespan.
@@Aztec1050 dude, you need to chill. I should have been specific and said the 9s55, but that is a GS movement. It might not be the newest iteration used. It’s also assembled in the same studios. So to say it’s some cheap movement is wrong.
@@FWYGANOWSKI no I don’t need to chill when you are spreading misconceptions. The 9S55 is not a GS movement, it’s upgraded to the 9S65 since around 2010. If anything the 9S55 is a vintage GS movement , it’s like saying Zenith el primero is inside the Daytona, which is not true, it’s only inside some vintage Daytona
@@Aztec1050 you do need to chill. You’re getting worked up over magic arms 🤣🤣🤣 It’s a movement that was inside GS, not sure what else it needs to do to be qualified as a GS movement. Also I’d take a Daytona with a zenith movement if you’ve got a spare one 🤣🤣🤣
I think what you see as a blurring of the lines is the middle of a transition. As Seiko pushes up their high end, Grand Seiko is exiting their low end. In just the last couple of months, the cheapest Grand Seiko Spring Drive went up about $1,000 (USD) to $4,800 (and the only difference I can see between the new watch and the cheaper one it replaced is it's a millimeter bigger). The Grand Seiko sports line already starts at close to $6,000 (barring quartz), so these Seikos fit under that. Grand Seiko has managed to get people past "just a Seiko" and accept their prices. Now Seiko has to get the world to accept that they sell $5,000 watches. And I agree with you about Grand Seiko divers. I'm not much of a diver guy to begin with, but even among divers, theirs are at best meh. Their dive watches miss everything that's unique and interesting about Grand Seiko. My hot take, if you're looking at their Sport Collection, you're doing it wrong.
Seiko has been blurring the line in the LX models also. Spring Drives in a Seiko diver? The SLA series of divers do the same. I own a sla049, 043, and the 055. The 8L movement in the is hand assembled along with the watch in the same factory as GS. It is a tough high quality movement that is great for divers. The only problem? Seiko doesn't regulate them. No excuse for that! Mine run at +2,+5,-7. The retail cost is quite expensive. $4600 USD. I payed $3500 for a new one. Very pleased about that. The SLA 043, and 055/057 are made from ever brilliant steel. This makes the case unique among seikos, GS. GS makes a stunning watch from this steel. $9500. Too much for me. The 043 has a brushed case, more of a tool watch than the 055. I wear it to work sometimes on a farm. The 055 is much more finished. Less tool like, more luxury diver. The lines of the case. The polishing. The indices. It is GS quality. It is as well made as the GS I have. To really get an idea of what these watches are, you need to see them in person. Wear them, look at them under a lense. Real life review.
I really love the look of the blue watch. I have bought about 5 of the top end Seiko over the last few years, but the price of these is insulting. I am going to pass on this one as I don't want to encourage Seiko. Vote with your dollars.
It's a beautiful watch, but I agree. Why is it so much more than the MM300? I hear rumors that the MM300 is discontinued. So whatever they replace it with will have pricing in line with the new models, maybe... Will used mm300s go up in value? I don't care I'm never selling it. The one I got is so accurate, that the X on the dial doesn't even bother me anymore. Also except for the limited additions Seiko MSRP is just a suggestion, I don't recommend you ever pay list; look around someone will give you a deal.
One thing with seiko IMO is their divers are nicer than the GS divers and now with the GS finishes it makes these new ones amazing! But one thing that lets down the watch is for this money the watch needs to be within cosc accuracy or the seiko equivalent.
Yeah - I dont think thats on the cards - SEIKO simply doesnt care about accuracy like that for its mechanical movements. Grand Seiko does a bit more as it was a brand created to take on the swiss so it plays by swiss rules. I totally agree that seiko divers are nicer than GS ones - in fact my least favorite parts of this design are the design elements brought from GS.
I wish you would have added some spec to the video, not everyone is familiar with every new release. I understand your point for not adding any spec but this way the video seems not inclusive and lacking
I’m not a Seiko or GS fan so not surprisingly these aren’t my styles. Toy-like, to use your term, is how I see most Seikos. Anyway, I do admire that Seiko puts the design and finishing first and the movement second. Not for me, but I get why others are willing to hope on board the hype train.
I like these cases and I like the movement in these watches. But Seiko decreased the water resistance and didn't do much to to decrease the thickness of the watches. Then Seiko goes on to charge 50% over the retail price of their other MM300? Fricken talk about lazy! I think Seiko and many other Swiss brands are making it easier for us enthusiasts to look closer at good solid micro brands like Halios, Baltic, and many more. I just saw the new Astor+Banks Fortitude Lite that looks terrific.
Good analysis. I'm thinking of buying this blue variant. I have a Marinemaster SBDX017 and I just don't wear it anymore and I'm thinking of flipping it for this piece. The MM is just too top heavy but the movement is awesome which is identical to this piece. And I'll be paying less than retail. That price is ridiculous.
That was a thoughtful analysis behind the SEIKO strategy for watch builds. I have owned the SLA025 and SLA039 b/c I absolutely love the design and on-the-wrist feel of the mono-bloc case -- more so than any other watch I have owned. However, the watch accuracy (+7 and +10 s/d) was ultimately the reason why I sold both and went back to my Rolex Sea Dweller 4000 that keeps a respectable +2s/d. It is unacceptable that a $7k USD watch is not better regulated when you consider that it is - after all - a time keeper. I think this is where Seiko gets it wrong - that - and the abysmal customer service they offer. It also explains why SEIKO company financials are trending downward year after year. For example, SEIKO Net Income is down 222% over last year; while Rolex's is through the roof - yet again. In the end, Seiko's value as a company is suffering because they refuse to offer value to the customer - and eventually - their stubbornness could lead to bankruptcy.
The designs and looks of these Seiko prospex watches are even better than Grand Seiko watches which are far more expensive. I would like to buy a black one, but it is still too expensive.
This is the first video of yours that I've seen (that I recall). I was sitting here listening to your comments, quietly disagreeing, thinking that even though we disagree you were putting together a good video, and maybe I should subscribe and check out some of your other content... but then you said one little thing that I couldn't pass over. 8:21 "Maybe they will sell out... in Japan and other Asian markets, and what we in the West think is irrelevant" I don't quite understand why where the watch is sold has any bearing on things, or why you think it would sell better in Asia? Are you saying that Western tastes are better, and that a Western buyer wouldn't settle for the imperfect designs and pricing in the way an Asian buyer would? Why do you think that your opinion stands for all people in the 'West', for that matter? This comment made zero sense to me. What were you trying to say here?? I'm not somewhat who normally picks apart what people say and tries to find a technicality by which they've erred, but mate, it's hard to understand this comment by another way than you saying that the 'West' is better than Asia. It might not be so obvious (see what I did there!), but I'm not subscribing after that. Thank you. (True-blue Aussie viewer here with European heritage, btw)
BTW, you talked movement, pricing and your overall dislike of the design, but you missed some of the key features of this specific watch: - The inventive crown tube system that's new to this watch. - The amazing dial work (find some macro of those indices, you'll be stunned!) - The different steel composition and finishing levels (just to name a couple) Just another excuse to have a rant about Seiko's pricing, without actually engaging with what they're putting out. I don't have to defend Seiko. I'm not a die-hard fan, and I'm not a Seiko employee or shareholder. And I know you said this is just a 'hot-take'. Well, cool down a bit and maybe you'll see that you just lumped this watch in with your pre-conceived feelings towards Seiko and didn't actually take much of a look at all.
Shame - but otoh you've misrepresented what I've said so egregiously than perhaps Im the one that dodged a bullet. I think you find it hard to understand my comment differently due to your own internal biases.
Im curious - precisely what do you think are my pre-concieved ideas (that you've formed not having seen any of the videos I've done on Seiko or realising Im a Seiko collector).
If you don't like (which is ok ofcourse) to your liking don't even bother to talk about it. It's IMPOSSIBLE for watch brand to deliver a perfect watch for everybody. For me its 99% perfect.
ok - I absolutely despise that idea, that we restrict ourself to talking about what we like and dont discuss what we dont. Its that sunshine and lollipops style of 'reporting' that has led to the massive dumbing down of the watch community. BTW - super happy that you think this watch is nearly perfect for you - are you able to say WHY you like it?
This is SEIKO DNA ether you get it are you don't . you have a right to not like it but many of us love them , in the end they will sell they always do . I see it as a gateway to grand Seiko for less, it's that simple, in a world where folks are over paying for a plan Jane OP Rolex ... please
I am not into Seiko and love my Swiss watches. My favorite brand is JLC, Rolex, and Tudor. When I first saw this watch, it grabbed my attention. I think it is a bargain compared to Swiss watches with similar finishing details. I think everyone is just used to cheap Seiko watches; they are still plentiful. I am seriously considering getting this watch.
agree complete, you can look and see everytime something new thats very beautiful, also the argumentations from this review makes no sense to me: what do i care he didn.t like this model. 0.0 ,
$4600 is a lot to pay for a seiko. I definitely agree that they are trying to blur the line between seiko prospex and grand seiko. That being said I really like this watch and this movement. The 8L35 is a far better movement in my opinion than an ETA 2824. You can’t find a watch with a movement that is as nice as this movement for 2000 dollars. A sinn or an Oris with a sellita is not comparable in my opinion. You could probably find a tudor movement that is just as nice for cheaper than this watch but you can also get this movement for 2700 usd.
In my view they did answer the criticism that the prospex watches get by ditching the 6r35 that is frankly a piece of garbage. I also think they answered the criticism of the mm300 being far too bulky by reducing the thickness and the case diameter by 2 mm.
I believe we are supposed to believe that because this watch is a new case design and made of ever brilliant steel it should be valued at 2000 usd more than an MM300. That i do not agree with. I do believe that they case design and fit and finish on this watch will be comparable with the MM300 which fully justifies a 3000 usd price tag. I have a big problem with anyone making a dive watch on a rubber strap and charging more than one thousand dollars for it. If you want us to believe that ever brilliant steel is so wonderful than make a bracelet out of it as well and we will find out how it holds up to the wear and tear a 316L steel holds up to.
The last thing I want to mention is that the dial is fantastic to me. I know a lot of watch manufacturers value tradition when it comes to dials. But I do not. I can not stand Rolex over and over again producing the same watches with the same black dial year after year. Why would I pay top dollar for a watch with the same movement and dial as a watch made 20 years ago? I can easily buy an older one in great condition for far cheaper. I like that the dial to this SLA watch is unique to this watch and I think Blue has so much more depth and light play than a black dial watch.
It’s too expensive and that is annoying but the price isn’t just out if left field in my opinion. I heard another UA-camr trying to compare this watch to a CW. I have not held this watch but if it is anything like the other SLA watches that I have seen it is going to be much nicer than a Ward. And has an in house movement with a larger power reserve and smoother action than a Sellita. For me the bracelet thing is a deal breaker though. I wish seiko would have spent time improving the bracelets, the alignment issues, the 6r movments accuracy and sloppy crown action so that when you bought a prospex watch for 1200 bucks you actually got something that was comparable in quality to a ward or a Sinn. This watch doesn’t really bother me though. It’s just appears to be overpriced about 1000 dollars. Even then sometimes the value of a watch can only be determined by having it in your hand. Before I had ever held a planet ocean i could not understand why this watch was close to 6000 dollars. But after i spent time with one first hand i understood the difference.
To me we watch collectors put too much value on a name and not enough value on the build of the watch. We will pay $38,000 for a Rolex Daytona because it says Rolex Daytona on the dial when we should be getting a far nicer watch for that amount of money. At the same time Zenith makes pretty much the best chrono at 10k and people pass right over it because it does not say Rolex on the dial. Just because you can buy a seiko watch for $200 doesn’t mean that they can’t build a watch that us worth thousands. Sometimes watch people just want to make sure everyone in the room knows we can buy a $5000 watch and the Seiko does not get the same reaction at gatherings as the Omega or Tudor.
I really enjoyed your video and you gained a new subscriber. Your point about them blurring the lines between seiko and grand seiko is spot on. You have some great input and I appreciate the work you put into making videos. Cheers.
Well said brotha. These Seikos are absolutely gorgeous to me and if I buy one - It will be around $3000 on the grey market… Not the $4600 full retail price ever…I just got the SLA053 brand new for $2400 and it’s Gorgeous
I really like the idea behind this watch! Maybe i am weird but i really dont care about movement or accuracy. If using a lower grade movement means a better case design and finishing, thats not a trade off for me.
For me, watches are men's jewelry. What they have to do is to look good on my wrist. I dont need them to tell very accurate time(under 1 min per day and i am fine) I got my phone for that. I value case and dial a lot more than movement spec and such
The movement it uses is a GS movement that has not been calibrated like a GS and tarted up. Other than that it’s a high end Seiko (GS) movement.
@@FWYGANOWSKI nah it’s not a grand Seiko movement, the GS 9S65 uses Swiss style reverser gear winding system, this 8L35 movement uses pawl wheel which can be found in the cheapest Seiko…
@@Aztec1050 you’re correct, but it is basically the 9s55, maybe I should have been more specific. Also just because something has tricked down to cheaper watches doesn’t make it worse.
@@FWYGANOWSKI the difference between 9s55 and 9s65 is bigger than the difference between basic 2824 and top 2824, despite sharing 80% of the same gears apart from winding system, each component in the 9S65 is hardened to 700 vickers, this practice has been abandoned by the Swiss to cut costs, only vintage Patek used it. The 9s65/9s85 is the single most robust movement in the entire world right now
@@Aztec1050 I think you’re having a different argument 🤣🤣🤣
The 65 is an amazing movement but it doesn’t make the 55 (and by extension 8l35) a basic movement like was said in the video.
Late to the party here, but I bought the SLA075 which is all but identical and has an MSRP of $2,800. Finish is great and it runs +2 a day. $4,600 for the SLA057 is high as the difference only seems to be limited edition- which is not that limited. Basically an 1,800 premium for limited edition and everbrite steel which most people say they can barely see the difference.
Seiko lost me years ago for a multitude of reasons and now I’m indifferent to the brand as I won’t consider purchasing one. The days of buying a Seiko monster for a couple hundred dollars 💵 is over.
The reality is Seiko sells primarily to normals and us watch nerds are a tiny minority 😎. Merry Christmas 🎄 to you and your family Pete.
Seiko is not Grand Seiko; totally different movements,finishing, and adjusting. I fail to see any blurring of the lines. The pricing is fine as it uses the new steel that Seiko has created.
I agree with you Pete, here in Oz this SLA055 / 057 is far to expensive at $7,250.00.. I'm happy with what i paid my Willard and Turtle, But there not good time keepers 😮
The movement is an 8L35. It’s the same that goes inside of the Grand Seiko, it just hasn’t been adjusted or finished to the same spec (but it has a case back so that point is moot).
Also from my understanding these Prospex models get made in the same factory as GS, some even get Zaratsu polishing (not sure about these models, I know the SLA033 did).
These have a purposeful spot of their own. It’s for people who want high end Seiko “tool” watches without the GS glitz.
I think you need to rethink some of your argument.
Stop spreading lies, 8L35 is equivalent to 9S55 but not 9S65. GS uses 9S65/85 or 9SA5. The difference between 8L/9S55 and 9S65 is night and day despite similar name. 9S65 uses different materials for mainspring and hairspring, two of the most important parts. 9S65 also uses reverser gear auto wind system and uses 2 base jewel on winding box, much better than the cheap magic lever of 8L. Most importantly 9S65 has all of its components hardened to 700+ vickers so the entire movement is 2-3 times as hard as 8L, prolonging lifespan.
@@Aztec1050 dude, you need to chill. I should have been specific and said the 9s55, but that is a GS movement. It might not be the newest iteration used. It’s also assembled in the same studios. So to say it’s some cheap movement is wrong.
@@FWYGANOWSKI no I don’t need to chill when you are spreading misconceptions. The 9S55 is not a GS movement, it’s upgraded to the 9S65 since around 2010. If anything the 9S55 is a vintage GS movement , it’s like saying Zenith el primero is inside the Daytona, which is not true, it’s only inside some vintage Daytona
@@Aztec1050 you do need to chill. You’re getting worked up over magic arms 🤣🤣🤣
It’s a movement that was inside GS, not sure what else it needs to do to be qualified as a GS movement.
Also I’d take a Daytona with a zenith movement if you’ve got a spare one 🤣🤣🤣
Agree totally!
Purely looks I do like them. The watch world has gone nuts and Seiko want some of it too.
I think what you see as a blurring of the lines is the middle of a transition. As Seiko pushes up their high end, Grand Seiko is exiting their low end. In just the last couple of months, the cheapest Grand Seiko Spring Drive went up about $1,000 (USD) to $4,800 (and the only difference I can see between the new watch and the cheaper one it replaced is it's a millimeter bigger). The Grand Seiko sports line already starts at close to $6,000 (barring quartz), so these Seikos fit under that. Grand Seiko has managed to get people past "just a Seiko" and accept their prices. Now Seiko has to get the world to accept that they sell $5,000 watches.
And I agree with you about Grand Seiko divers. I'm not much of a diver guy to begin with, but even among divers, theirs are at best meh. Their dive watches miss everything that's unique and interesting about Grand Seiko. My hot take, if you're looking at their Sport Collection, you're doing it wrong.
Seiko has been blurring the line in the LX models also. Spring Drives in a Seiko diver?
The SLA series of divers do the same. I own a sla049, 043, and the 055.
The 8L movement in the is hand assembled along with the watch in the same factory as GS. It is a tough high quality movement that is great for divers. The only problem? Seiko doesn't regulate them. No excuse for that! Mine run at +2,+5,-7.
The retail cost is quite expensive. $4600 USD. I payed $3500 for a new one. Very pleased about that.
The SLA 043, and 055/057 are made from ever brilliant steel. This makes the case unique among seikos, GS.
GS makes a stunning watch from this steel. $9500. Too much for me.
The 043 has a brushed case, more of a tool watch than the 055. I wear it to work sometimes on a farm.
The 055 is much more finished. Less tool like, more luxury diver. The lines of the case. The polishing. The indices. It is GS quality. It is as well made as the GS I have.
To really get an idea of what these watches are, you need to see them in person. Wear them, look at them under a lense. Real life review.
I really love the look of the blue watch. I have bought about 5 of the top end Seiko over the last few years, but the price of these is insulting. I am going to pass on this one as I don't want to encourage Seiko. Vote with your dollars.
It's a beautiful watch, but I agree. Why is it so much more than the MM300? I hear rumors that the MM300 is discontinued. So whatever they replace it with will have pricing in line with the new models, maybe...
Will used mm300s go up in value? I don't care I'm never selling it. The one I got is so accurate, that the X on the dial doesn't even bother me anymore. Also except for the limited additions Seiko MSRP is just a suggestion, I don't recommend you ever pay list; look around someone will give you a deal.
I like where Seiko was but feel confused as to where they are headed.
One thing with seiko IMO is their divers are nicer than the GS divers and now with the GS finishes it makes these new ones amazing! But one thing that lets down the watch is for this money the watch needs to be within cosc accuracy or the seiko equivalent.
Yeah - I dont think thats on the cards - SEIKO simply doesnt care about accuracy like that for its mechanical movements. Grand Seiko does a bit more as it was a brand created to take on the swiss so it plays by swiss rules.
I totally agree that seiko divers are nicer than GS ones - in fact my least favorite parts of this design are the design elements brought from GS.
Even though Seiko has affordable watches they are no longer an affordable brand. If that makes sense.
Seems like Seiko is using the increase in interest (and price) in GS to justify driving the pricing across regular Seiko up as much as possible.
I can’t even look at Seiko. So many models. So confusing. To me, it is “just another Seiko”.
I wish you would have added some spec to the video, not everyone is familiar with every new release. I understand your point for not adding any spec but this way the video seems not inclusive and lacking
I’m not a Seiko or GS fan so not surprisingly these aren’t my styles. Toy-like, to use your term, is how I see most Seikos.
Anyway, I do admire that Seiko puts the design and finishing first and the movement second. Not for me, but I get why others are willing to hope on board the hype train.
Hi Pete, I just can't get over the price. Wow, I thought it would be fraction of they list for.
I like these cases and I like the movement in these watches. But Seiko decreased the water resistance and didn't do much to to decrease the thickness of the watches. Then Seiko goes on to charge 50% over the retail price of their other MM300? Fricken talk about lazy! I think Seiko and many other Swiss brands are making it easier for us enthusiasts to look closer at good solid micro brands like Halios, Baltic, and many more. I just saw the new Astor+Banks Fortitude Lite that looks terrific.
Good analysis. I'm thinking of buying this blue variant. I have a Marinemaster SBDX017 and I just don't wear it anymore and I'm thinking of flipping it for this piece. The MM is just too top heavy but the movement is awesome which is identical to this piece. And I'll be paying less than retail. That price is ridiculous.
Exactly when Seiko says $3100 they mean $2300. And when they say $4700 they mean $3400. Let's see Rolex do that.
That was a thoughtful analysis behind the SEIKO strategy for watch builds. I have owned the SLA025 and SLA039 b/c I absolutely love the design and on-the-wrist feel of the mono-bloc case -- more so than any other watch I have owned. However, the watch accuracy (+7 and +10 s/d) was ultimately the reason why I sold both and went back to my Rolex Sea Dweller 4000 that keeps a respectable +2s/d. It is unacceptable that a $7k USD watch is not better regulated when you consider that it is - after all - a time keeper. I think this is where Seiko gets it wrong - that - and the abysmal customer service they offer. It also explains why SEIKO company financials are trending downward year after year. For example, SEIKO Net Income is down 222% over last year; while Rolex's is through the roof - yet again. In the end, Seiko's value as a company is suffering because they refuse to offer value to the customer - and eventually - their stubbornness could lead to bankruptcy.
The designs and looks of these Seiko prospex watches are even better than Grand Seiko watches which are far more expensive. I would like to buy a black one, but it is still too expensive.
Agree - I think SEIKO makes some fo the best looking divers on the market at any price.
This is the first video of yours that I've seen (that I recall). I was sitting here listening to your comments, quietly disagreeing, thinking that even though we disagree you were putting together a good video, and maybe I should subscribe and check out some of your other content... but then you said one little thing that I couldn't pass over.
8:21 "Maybe they will sell out... in Japan and other Asian markets, and what we in the West think is irrelevant"
I don't quite understand why where the watch is sold has any bearing on things, or why you think it would sell better in Asia? Are you saying that Western tastes are better, and that a Western buyer wouldn't settle for the imperfect designs and pricing in the way an Asian buyer would?
Why do you think that your opinion stands for all people in the 'West', for that matter?
This comment made zero sense to me. What were you trying to say here??
I'm not somewhat who normally picks apart what people say and tries to find a technicality by which they've erred, but mate, it's hard to understand this comment by another way than you saying that the 'West' is better than Asia.
It might not be so obvious (see what I did there!), but I'm not subscribing after that. Thank you.
(True-blue Aussie viewer here with European heritage, btw)
BTW, you talked movement, pricing and your overall dislike of the design, but you missed some of the key features of this specific watch:
- The inventive crown tube system that's new to this watch.
- The amazing dial work (find some macro of those indices, you'll be stunned!)
- The different steel composition and finishing levels (just to name a couple)
Just another excuse to have a rant about Seiko's pricing, without actually engaging with what they're putting out. I don't have to defend Seiko. I'm not a die-hard fan, and I'm not a Seiko employee or shareholder. And I know you said this is just a 'hot-take'. Well, cool down a bit and maybe you'll see that you just lumped this watch in with your pre-conceived feelings towards Seiko and didn't actually take much of a look at all.
Shame - but otoh you've misrepresented what I've said so egregiously than perhaps Im the one that dodged a bullet. I think you find it hard to understand my comment differently due to your own internal biases.
Im curious - precisely what do you think are my pre-concieved ideas (that you've formed not having seen any of the videos I've done on Seiko or realising Im a Seiko collector).
It’s satisfying to watch Seiko pricing it out of reach for radicalised Seiko fanboys, this is what I call Karma
If you don't like (which is ok ofcourse) to your liking don't even bother to talk about it. It's IMPOSSIBLE for watch brand to deliver a perfect watch for everybody. For me its 99% perfect.
ok - I absolutely despise that idea, that we restrict ourself to talking about what we like and dont discuss what we dont. Its that sunshine and lollipops style of 'reporting' that has led to the massive dumbing down of the watch community.
BTW - super happy that you think this watch is nearly perfect for you - are you able to say WHY you like it?
This is SEIKO DNA ether you get it are you don't . you have a right to not like it but many of us love them , in the end they will sell they always do . I see it as a gateway to grand Seiko for less, it's that simple, in a world where folks are over paying for a plan Jane OP Rolex ... please
It’s nice watch and the price is the price , looking other just Rolex. .. it s boring to will bye only luxury brands
Delusional pricing
Still too chunky in 2021... not interested.