Hey guys, there were a couple of points I had missed: The SLA037 is limited to 1100 units and is CAD $8250 The SPB149 is limited to 5500 units and is CAD $1750 Sorry about that oversight!
Doesn’t matter how much you spend on a watch, there’s always some douche on the internet who will call it a „budget watch“. Watches above 1K are not „budget“, unless you’re a millionaire.
The SPB149's bezel is too wide, the triangle around the pip ruins the 'cyclopean' look of the 62MAS, the domed crystal does not have the beauty of a true box crystal. The indices are too short, eliminating the 'spoked wheel' look of the original. Seiko could have easily made a more faithful adaptation with a 4R35 or 6R15 movement that was way more affordable and NOT A LIMITED EDITION, which would make me wary of using it as a daily wear. Sorry, the SPB149 may be a nice '60s style watch, but, it doesn't possess anything of what makes the 62MAS so compelling.
$6,000 and Seiko can’t throw a bracelet in as well? It baffles me when brands do this, ESPECIALLY if they do it for the cheaper option. Thanks for the content, keep up the great work.
Yeah for sure. My guess is that they didn't want to make a full "Ever brilliant" steel bracelet and they didn't want to dilute the "specialness" of the material by making the bracelet 316L steel....but that's just me speculating lol
Engineer Wannabe lol yeah it probably helped keep the price down in the long run, but I’m already spending $6K, I’ve already lost my mind in respect to “responsible spending” lol
Thanks, for creating the comparison. The SLA037 is very nice. I do agree that the price is slightly high under the Seiko branding. Regardless, I'd take it over a 300M or Black Bay and those are actually quite good watches. If only Grand Seiko could release something similar.
You compared “so thank you for that.” But you didn’t conclude. What was your conclusion? At these different price points was there a valley of difference or not?
Great comparison. There's no way the SLA037 is worth $6300 here in the US. I basically rented an SLA043 for a week before returning it. Yeah, these models hold their value better than most watches but for that price you can get a Seamster/BB58/Pelagos plus the SPB Seiko for the price of an SLA037. That's comical Seiko! Non regulated movement that varies a good bit in accuracy...the 8L35 was +8-10 a day and the 8L55 is the same rated accuracy. Seiko is screwing up with these watches by creating a limited amount to drive up prices. Come on Seiko!
I find it really difficult to justify spending 4x for the SLA over the SPB. My happiness would only be about 1.5x greater if I owned the latter over the former. Both beautiful but I would take the SPB and spend the rest on another nice watch.
I agree with you and I would as well. I would not pay the colossal premium for the SLA037...I have been considering the SLA043 but even that is a stretch haha Thanks for watching, my friend!
@@engineer_wannabe I've had the SLA043 since it came out last year. I thought about getting the BB58 before but I feel like like the SLA043 is a more unique watch and you can argue that its specs are superior as well. I say all that bc most people think that the SLA models are overpriced but I think it offers a different value and has its own niche. Just my opinion :)
Thank you, thank you for this video. I had been considering a used SLA for a while now, automatically writing off the SPB as the larger, inferior watch but after looking at the dimensions and your assessment it appears that the SPB may be the superior model...and 1/3rd the price! Yes, the SPB movement is inferior but I had no idea the SLA was significantly thicker. In terms of wearability, like you said, it seems like the clear winner is the SPB.
Grrreat video. I have the SPB and was worried to be missing out but after watching this, I have to say, not so much. If anything there are things I prefer on the SPB. I just wonder if Seiko will release in a year or two yet another version with a thinner bezel that’ll be pretty much just like the SLA.
Hey, thanks. No I didn't mention those points, sorry about that. The SLA is limited to 1100 pieces and costs $8250 CAD, the SPB149 is limited to 5500 pieces and costs $1750 CAD
I can't find anywhere the width of the buckle end 19:? Are you able to measure it? Looking at after market straps potential and guessing 19/16mm? Thanks, James
Nice review man - like others, one I was waiting for. Surprising to see how similar the dial colour/ sunbursting quality is. I have the SPB143 (grey) myself so a lot of your observations run true to that. Would love to see a simple signed crown on the SPB. Not sure i would like the extra height on the SLA, even if it does mean you increase the accuracy. My only feedback would be to add a little pre order to your points and run thru- although I did like how casual you were!
It seems difficult to find now (at least in my local area) so I think 5500 worldwide is somewhat limited for a Seiko. I'd say it is worth the price overall 🙂
@@engineer_wannabe I just got two Promaster in December since I couldn’t decide between the blue dial and the coke dial. As usual ended up buying both. I need some counseling 🤧
I was bit late for the party. The 149 is long gone. Ended up getting 2 bulova special edition black moon watches instead. One for the collection and one to use 😊
Both these watches are beautiful. You can definitely tell the SLA is the more premium watch, especially with the way the dial and bezel pop. Also the 8L55 movement is definitely smoother than the 6R35 when you compare these watches side by side like this. Good review bud.
Thank you so much. Agreed, the previous reinterpretation was a nightmare on the wrsit for me personally haha My SPB has settled at around +7 at the moment. Not too bad
@@engineer_wannabe +7 is good imo. I'd be rather pleased if any mid-level Seiko I got would have that. In your experience, how do your other Seikos compare to that? Not GS obvs.
My other Seikos have generally been better than +7 (with a few exceptions). I'm quite happy with it. My Aquis Clean Ocean was +15 and that bugged me a bit but not too much 😁
Hello. Sorry I appreciate this is an old post, but how does the SLA size against the SPB, in reality. Both on the wrist & in the box, would you say one is noticeably larger or smaller than the other? Many thanks!
Had the Omega Seamaster 42mm Just Prefer the high end Seiko's better quality& just as good history. Maybe better history plus everything Seiko does is all in-house 🏠 Plus draws no attention in public which is Brilliant Specially in this current climate With loads of people losing jobs 🤔
Hey guys, there were a couple of points I had missed:
The SLA037 is limited to 1100 units and is CAD $8250
The SPB149 is limited to 5500 units and is CAD $1750
Sorry about that oversight!
The thinner bezel and domed crystal look so much better
Spb149 watch of 2020 in my opinion
Finally. I can pay 6k to have an aligned seiko bezel
Nope it will still be misaligned lol
I've been waiting for this review. Good chance to see both models at the same time. Thanks alot!
Thanks for watching!
Doesn’t matter how much you spend on a watch, there’s always some douche on the internet who will call it a „budget watch“. Watches above 1K are not „budget“, unless you’re a millionaire.
I’m sorry you feel that way 🙂
@@engineer_wannabe Youre a laughing stalk to the watch collecting community find another hobby you make this hobby uncool.
@@burritomaker69 I'm sorry I offended you so much. I don't mind being laughed at 🙂👍
The SPB149's bezel is too wide, the triangle around the pip ruins the 'cyclopean' look of the 62MAS, the domed crystal does not have the beauty of a true box crystal. The indices are too short, eliminating the 'spoked wheel' look of the original. Seiko could have easily made a more faithful adaptation with a 4R35 or 6R15 movement that was way more affordable and NOT A LIMITED EDITION, which would make me wary of using it as a daily wear. Sorry, the SPB149 may be a nice '60s style watch, but, it doesn't possess anything of what makes the 62MAS so compelling.
It was intended to be a modern interpretation and not a direct copy.
The SPB149 case is thinner. It slides neatly under the cuff, while the 62MAS looks like a rock on your wrist.
the bezel on the SLA is not ceramic !
$6,000 and Seiko can’t throw a bracelet in as well? It baffles me when brands do this, ESPECIALLY if they do it for the cheaper option.
Thanks for the content, keep up the great work.
Yeah for sure. My guess is that they didn't want to make a full "Ever brilliant" steel bracelet and they didn't want to dilute the "specialness" of the material by making the bracelet 316L steel....but that's just me speculating lol
Engineer Wannabe lol yeah it probably helped keep the price down in the long run, but I’m already spending $6K, I’ve already lost my mind in respect to “responsible spending” lol
Nice thorough coverage and comparison. Been wanting to see this for a while. Thank you! 😊
Thanks, for creating the comparison.
The SLA037 is very nice. I do agree that the price is slightly high under the Seiko branding. Regardless, I'd take it over a 300M or Black Bay and those are actually quite good watches.
If only Grand Seiko could release something similar.
Excellent review and comparison. Thank you!
Thank you for watching and for the kind words! I really appreciate that
That's SLA looks so damn nicer.
You compared “so thank you for that.” But you didn’t conclude. What was your conclusion? At these different price points was there a valley of difference or not?
Sla 62mas는 최고의 다이버워치!! 영상 감사합니다.
Great comparison. There's no way the SLA037 is worth $6300 here in the US. I basically rented an SLA043 for a week before returning it. Yeah, these models hold their value better than most watches but for that price you can get a Seamster/BB58/Pelagos plus the SPB Seiko for the price of an SLA037. That's comical Seiko! Non regulated movement that varies a good bit in accuracy...the 8L35 was +8-10 a day and the 8L55 is the same rated accuracy. Seiko is screwing up with these watches by creating a limited amount to drive up prices. Come on Seiko!
lol it like a japan make super car gtr nissan the sla is great buy compare to rolex or bb58 lol it great value like gtr or nissan z car lol .
It is a hi-beat movement so yeah it is expensive
In terms of aesthetics the spb wins by margins for me.
Take the "X" off and make the Seiko logo an applied logo and I'd prefer the SPB149.
I don’t mind the x but they should just put it on the crown
Both nice but I prefer the SPB.
Up next: Honda Accord Hybrid vs Ford Raptor OR Why Honda sucks!... Lol.
I find it really difficult to justify spending 4x for the SLA over the SPB. My happiness would only be about 1.5x greater if I owned the latter over the former. Both beautiful but I would take the SPB and spend the rest on another nice watch.
I agree with you and I would as well. I would not pay the colossal premium for the SLA037...I have been considering the SLA043 but even that is a stretch haha
Thanks for watching, my friend!
Ejem. SLA043 and Tudor BB58 Blue:)
@@engineer_wannabe I've had the SLA043 since it came out last year. I thought about getting the BB58 before but I feel like like the SLA043 is a more unique watch and you can argue that its specs are superior as well. I say all that bc most people think that the SLA models are overpriced but I think it offers a different value and has its own niche. Just my opinion :)
@@itsmekoske1 I think the bb58 have better size. 39mm, 11mm thickness. 3mm thinner. And a lot more legible too
Almost 1,000 subs, mate! Great review, both very nice, but I’ve got my turtles and Willard X. Don’t need another diver right now.
Are the watches more of a navy blue in person, or do they look turquoise as in the video?
Thank you, thank you for this video. I had been considering a used SLA for a while now, automatically writing off the SPB as the larger, inferior watch but after looking at the dimensions and your assessment it appears that the SPB may be the superior model...and 1/3rd the price! Yes, the SPB movement is inferior but I had no idea the SLA was significantly thicker. In terms of wearability, like you said, it seems like the clear winner is the SPB.
Nice review Sir, both nice, the premium hi-beat is stunning but it’s crazy money, best wishes from Scotland. 🏴🇬🇧 have a great Christmas.
Thanks for watching and Merry Christmas to you as well. Take care and best wishes to you and your family from Canada 😊
Grrreat video. I have the SPB and was worried to be missing out but after watching this, I have to say, not so much. If anything there are things I prefer on the SPB. I just wonder if Seiko will release in a year or two yet another version with a thinner bezel that’ll be pretty much just like the SLA.
Good video, ok questions: 1 did I miss you mentioning price points and 2 is the sla limited?
Hey, thanks. No I didn't mention those points, sorry about that. The SLA is limited to 1100 pieces and costs $8250 CAD, the SPB149 is limited to 5500 pieces and costs $1750 CAD
I can't find anywhere the width of the buckle end 19:? Are you able to measure it? Looking at after market straps potential and guessing 19/16mm? Thanks, James
SLA037 is next on my list, but I need to sell my black bay 58 and my Zimbe Shogun first. Great review, this helped me a lot.
Sla looks much more polished to me..
Wrong video title 😅
Fixed haha, thanks Leya! 😅
Nice review man - like others, one I was waiting for. Surprising to see how similar the dial colour/ sunbursting quality is. I have the SPB143 (grey) myself so a lot of your observations run true to that. Would love to see a simple signed crown on the SPB. Not sure i would like the extra height on the SLA, even if it does mean you increase the accuracy. My only feedback would be to add a little pre order to your points and run thru- although I did like how casual you were!
I really appreciate the feedback my friend. I have been trying to be a bit more organized in my more recent videos 😊
is the spg149 worth it at full retail? Is it truly limited at 5500 pieces? Thoughts thanks
It seems difficult to find now (at least in my local area) so I think 5500 worldwide is somewhat limited for a Seiko. I'd say it is worth the price overall 🙂
Amazing watches, both ! Keep em Seiko vids bud, hopping they will upgrade bracelets.
Thank you as always kind sir 😁
Yesss I was hoping someone on the internet would finally do this comparison
Thanks for watching, my friend. Hope you enjoyed it!
5000 for seiko !!!!!! Sounds so crazy!!!!! 🤒 🤒 sick
Only 1100 pieces dude. Legendary status. lol, you want 500 dolla watch stick to Timex or Tissot.
Holy Crap... I can see my money is ready to depart from me.
Haha that's a bittersweet feeling 😆
@@engineer_wannabe I just got two Promaster in December since I couldn’t decide between the blue dial and the coke dial. As usual ended up buying both. I need some counseling 🤧
@@engineer_wannabe SLA is beautiful but I think the 149 worth the money.
I was bit late for the party. The 149 is long gone. Ended up getting 2 bulova special edition black moon watches instead. One for the collection and one to use 😊
fantastic video. valuable comparison.
That’s so kind of you to say, thank you very much!
Both these watches are beautiful. You can definitely tell the SLA is the more premium watch, especially with the way the dial and bezel pop. Also the 8L55 movement is definitely smoother than the 6R35 when you compare these watches side by side like this. Good review bud.
Thanks for watching man 😄
Great comparison. I do like that Seiko made a modern interpretation (yeah, but a faithful one this time). How accurate is your SPB?
Thank you so much. Agreed, the previous reinterpretation was a nightmare on the wrsit for me personally haha
My SPB has settled at around +7 at the moment. Not too bad
@@engineer_wannabe +7 is good imo. I'd be rather pleased if any mid-level Seiko I got would have that. In your experience, how do your other Seikos compare to that? Not GS obvs.
My other Seikos have generally been better than +7 (with a few exceptions). I'm quite happy with it. My Aquis Clean Ocean was +15 and that bugged me a bit but not too much 😁
I have 9F and 9R for accuracy haha 😉
I have over 10 Seikos and all run within COSC.
Hello. Sorry I appreciate this is an old post, but how does the SLA size against the SPB, in reality. Both on the wrist & in the box, would you say one is noticeably larger or smaller than the other? Many thanks!
The SLA will look bigger on your wrist because it has a bigger dial than the SPB one
Smack lips
🙂😉
spb149 is better
The SLA is definitely sexier. But at that price point I'd still rather have a Tudor.
For the price, I'd rather have the SPB than either.
Had the Omega Seamaster 42mm
Just Prefer the high end Seiko's better quality& just as good history.
Maybe better history plus everything Seiko does is all in-house 🏠
Plus draws no attention in public which is Brilliant
Specially in this current climate
With loads of people losing jobs 🤔
Interesting point...something to ponder. Thanks for sharing my friend!
Why didn’t you synchronize the watches? They are both on different times :(
SPB149 has much better dual/bezel ratio IMHO. I'd never pay more than 1000 for a Seiko. Nice comparison BTW
Thank you very much! 😊
Thorough job covering both models!
You didn't mention the Production Run amount of SLA037's nor the MSRP's of either models.
Overall good job! 👍
Thank you. Yes, those points were an oversight on my part. I'll add a pinned comment. thanks again for the heads up!
not even some talk about the high beat movement??? do u think they both have the same movement?
He is not a movement guy, more about looks and aesthetics. Very few people understand what 36,000 movements are.
Do your homework...poor presentation
Thanks for your feedback, will try to do better 👍😄
Better you get the one with the cheaper misaligned bezel!
Haha if I could go back in time, I would buy the SLA....I just didn't know how to appreciate it back when I made this video