I just received a EO2020-08E (the 36.5mm ProMaster Eco Drive) and WOW, what an amazing watch for the price. It is so comfortable and perfectly sized for my wirst, even the stock polyurethane strap is very good
I bought a black gold Duro that I fell out of love with very quickly - I held onto it for a while, changed the strap to a fitted rubber strap and I've fallen in love with it again in a way that I didn't in the beginning. Similar with my Lunar Pilot, I quickly was turned off with the size after a couple of wears, then it slowly and surely ended up growing on me, and I've fallen back in love with it
I’ve bought vintage pieces I fell in love with but haven’t worn much because I think it’s too delicate to wear regularly. But my weirdest one is the Seiko Orange Monster. I bought the first gen when it was new from Reto Castellazzi for ~$150 in ~2002-3, loved how it looked, hated the weight and how it wore, and rarely wore it. It was stolen from my parents house in 2012. I remembered the styling fondly, thought it was still gorgeous, wanted another one… but didn’t like later generations, and the OG was more than I wanted to pay for one. Fast forward to Marc releasing the Islander monster in every color under the sun but orange, and I impulsively commented: make it in orange and I buy. Didn’t think he’d do it, but he did. I felt obligated to buy it, and he did specifically tell me it was just as heavy as the original. Definitely true. It’s beautiful, well made, everything the original was, including that I hate how it wears and NEVER wear it. Same as you say: you like the monster, buy it. Marc nailed it to the bloody wall. But not my thing.
I went with the hype and bought an Orient Bambino. I have several other Orient and Orient Star, so thought the Bambino would be a good addition. However, what I failed to take into account was my fondness for busy, interesting dials. It was just just too plain for me. I tried changing the strap but ended up flipping it.
Was gonna comment I just sold my orient bambino 38mm I used as a dress watch. But it feels big and doesn’t look that interesting for the big size. Just got a timex Marlin champagne and I’m loving it. It catches the eyes, just caught someone today looking at the sunburst. Great fun!
I bought a used Tissot PRX Chronograph last year for a good price, but it really was too big for my 6.5 in wrist, no matter how hard I tried to tell myself otherwise, so I sold it again. I also wanted to buy a field watch and chose the Gruppo Gamma Venturo in black, which looked gorgeous for me online, but it just didn't click for me when I put it on my wrist, even though I think it is really well made and quite the bargain. So I needed to send it back immediately (without even peeling anything off), the guys from Watchbandit handled the exceptional return in a very friendly, professional manner.
Yep, Longines spirit 39mm spent £2k on it , loved it when I bought it, however never wore it sat in my watch box for most of last year, eventually sold it for nothing like what I paid…..
The case thickness killed it. Why does a "mountaineers" watch need 200m water resistance ? After years of being an auto snob I've been wearing a cheap Citizen Eco Drive lately and loving how it hugs my wrist and doesn't weigh half a tonne
My wife bought me a Alpanist ‘rock face’ and the two straps supplied also did not work for me. I fitted a Strape Code jubilee and now it’s perfect . Love the watch now !
Bulova Lunar Pilot Apollo 15 Edition. I knew going going in it was a large watch but expected the titanium case to help but it didn't. It was just too large and weighed too much. Just picked up a Casio Oceanus Cachalot and have no problems with it.
It's funny how much intangibles can make a difference. Automatic GMTs tend to be thick, and this one has 200m WR to boot! But if it just doesn't feel right to you on wrist, well, there it is. Maybe this would work for me - I have a tiny wrist so lots of "normal" watches sit "on" my wrist for me; maybe I'm more used to it? On the other hand, maybe it'll be SO tall it'll cross the line for me? Guess I've got to find one to try on!
Exactly he loves that it's automatic he loves that it's a gmt he loves that it's 200m wr yet tells us it's not a diver so why need to be so thick. Well like you said not a diver why you need 200m on a watch like this? And as you stated auto and gmt add thickness also. Seems to me everything he loves about it is not sinking in to what's making him not like it
@@reesebroekhoven3962 Seiko keeps using those thick case backs and that's adding significantly to the thickness problem. You can see it when you compare the SARB017 to later Alpinists. It's easy to address these bloated dimensions but frustratingly Seiko won't - they should just go back to the thinner solid casebacks.
From what I can see in this video, it's not obvious to me why Jody thinks that the watch is too thick for him, especially considering the usual hockey puck divers on this channel. To me, the height doesn't look remarkable at all on his wrist. Like so much with watches, it's all very subjective and personal preferences, I guess. I've got the more traditionally coloured green version of this new Alpinist (SBEJ005, for unknown reasons only sold in Japan), and I find that the shape of the case and the caseback really make all that on-paper height disappear visually, and it doesn't wobble on my wrist. Simply gorgeous, I think, and an improvement of many details I really didn't like with previous 2000's Alpinists like the now posthumously hyped SARB017. Seiko have indeed hiked up their prices across the board lately, but with the weak Yen and finding the right seller, I got this green beauty some $250 US cheaper than what Seiko wants for the globally available black/blue models.
@@Spurdospaerde692 Weight distribution. Divers usually come on a bracelet, which is heavier than a strap, or on a rubber strap, that hugs the wrist better than a siff leather strap. This particular strap, also, has a central nerve and a butterfly clasp that commands a very specific curve to the leather, and if your wrist is smaller than that curve, the watch will move around.
Nothing like Seiko haters claiming year after year how much they hate Seiko, have sold all their Seiko, will never buy Seiko, etc. It's almost as if they are obsessed by Seiko, can't stop thinking about Seiko, can't live without Seiko. "I hate Seiko", they scream, "I tell people ten times a day not to buy Seiko! Don't buy Seiko!" Like the missionary who can't tear his eyes away from those saucy lithographs, still the "haters" (yeah right)! can't resist clicking on a Seiko video, watching a Seiko video, commenting on a Seiko video. Just face it. You love Seiko and you lie to yourself.
@8:56 Excellent issue to highlight, Jody! Protruding caseback is a dead giveaway the watch may be uncomfortable to wear. Tip: *always look at the side view of a watch*
Thanks, you just saved me from myself. Been eyeballing this for some time, seems the best of the Seiko lineup (on paper)... Either its the weird hour hand or the red print/pointer thats putting me off.... Its a hard brand to click with..
Actually, I had the same experience with my Alpinist too...the SARB017. It's lovely, it's green and gold, and like you, no real complaints. Unfortunately, I just don't love it on my wrist and emotionally, it leaves me flat. Close second is the Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT. Boss watch, but this distinctly un-boss wearer couldn't pull it off!
Yep, once a watch gives you the ick, that’s it. Bought a Longines Hydroconquest in a rush for my Silver Wedding Anniversary. Always regretted it, it has the older alu bezel and it’s all just a bit busy. It didn’t help that within a couple of years they’d introduced the ceramic bezel version with a cleaner dial. And of course I’ve wanted one ever since. 😂
I had a green Alpinist. I loved how it looked, but like you, I never put it on, it always got passed over in favour of something else. Luckily, I bought well and actually made a small gain when I sold it!
I bought a Seiko SRQ059 recently and it was the most expensive watch I've ever bought. I wasn't keen when I put it on with the metal strap. When I I changed it to the black leather - all changed; I fell in love. That said, my go to watch is my Seiko Alpinist Thailand edition.
Yes, I have not gelled with watches that I hoped would be nice daily wearers. Wearability/comfort and practical functionality are the determining factors. Looks & tech/material specs just aren't enough to make a watch a go-to piece, that's for sure. Thanks for another great video, Jody!
I just bought an Orient Mako 40 in silver (white-ish) dial after seeing many reviews both video and with still photos in articles and thinking it could fulfill my desire for something that is not a black dial watch. Of course, I had to order it from Orient since no retailers carry that brand in my area. Basically, I was fooled by photography. All the review images use good oblique lighting that makes the dial look very legible. In the real world and with my old eyes, the hands are basically invisible in any low light situation, pretty much all indoors. It fits great. It runs very accurately. And it hits all the marks design-wise. I just can't r read it in 80% of environments. If I had the ability to look at it in real life, I'd have never bought one.
Had the same experience with a Seiko Presage small seconds, looked lovely but to thick on the wrist. Lucky it tried it on in a shop first, went for a used Oris instead!
Not as expensive as the Alpinist, but I had a similar experience with the Bulova Lunar Pilot. Love the watch but it just didn't work on my wrist. After trying several strap options, I finally sold it.
I got the Hamilton Khaki Field Day Date (green dial w/ the camo strap), it arrived, tried it on and put it right back in the box and sent it back. I wasn’t crazy about a camo strap, no big deal, just change it out. But it was just too big at 42mm for the classic field watch I was looking for. I have the Seiko SRPG at 40mm, which looks great, but this Hamilton just didn’t work for me. I ended up getting the Pilot Day Date instead, also a 42mm, but as an aviator works at that size…not to mention how much cleaner a looker it is. Love your channel, thanks!
Two watches:- Citizen Eco Drive. Lovely looking watch etc. Gorgeous Dial. However the lumed hour plots don’t line up with minute markers. Citizen offered to replace the watch, but even their website shows misalignment on the same watch. The other A “Marine Chronometer Offshore Professional” mine is no 135 costing me £2000 back in 2018 Hardly worn.
Try out the uncle seiko jubilee bracelet on this. You will thank me. So comfy, the depth is disappearing and can go with it for over a week. One of my most favorite (i got 36 mm explorer and i prefer this alpinist)
I was thinking the same. I think it's way too thick for a leather strap, but it might work better with a quality metal bracelet. I like the beads of rice from Uncle better, do you think it would wear as nicely as the jubilee? Thanks
And I was looking at this watch on EBAY last night. lol! I bought a Submariner 3 years ago for my retirement and rarely wear it. It’s a vintage one so I cringe at the crap bracelet wear it for a day and put it back in the box. My most worn watches are a Seiko Shogun on a strap and Tudor Pelagos also on a strap. Cheers from California!
Orient Kamasu Green Dial. Green felt odd. Didn't like it at first. But gave it a chance. Kept wearing it. Changed straps. At first brown, then White. Wasn't a big fan. When tried teal, voilà! Like magic. Doesn't get off my wrist now.
Great points, like you said at the end, really need to try it on. I think most watches are bought online now right? So not really an option. My Hamilton khaki king has been my problem child. The crown guards impact winding as it is a push-pull crown and not screw down. I have tried other straps, still giving it more time.
I coveted a Tag Heuer Monaco forever. Went through all the processes of lusting. I was finally going to bite the bullet and treat myself to one, went to the AD, full of anticipation, dealer puts the gloves on, gives it a wee polish, I put it on my wrist, and I absolutely hated it. It just didn’t sit well on my wrist and felt uncomfortable. I was gutted.
Oh I had exactly the same experience with a beautiful Alpinist Ginza limited that I waited for for months with the AD. Fantastic watch, really. But it just sits weirdly on my wrist. Doesn’t feel right. I sold it, no regret.
I'm in this situation with a watch I purchased last year. My mother passed away last year from motor neuron disease and left me some money. So commemorate a wonderful human being i bought my 1st rolex form an ad. Because they didn't have stock to try on i expressed interest in the op41 after seeing it on wrists my size. 3 months later i get the call and collect the watch. After a longer wearing of it realised i hate the male end links as they ruin the way it wears. I'm now in limbo because of what it symbolises. I think my options are to try and get a jubilee bracelet for it or sell and try and get the 36mm. I worry that if the ad get wind of me selling it, I won't get another chance.
It's me as well. I remember the first time I saw this, its more than the sum of its parts. There is the leather strap (never leather for me) the bezel, the date widow (date is essential for me but not like this) the partial skeletonised hands and it's just not going to get worn.
I had the same feeling with the Citizen Tsuyosa. I was convinced I would love it but sold it within 2 weeks. I knew I’d sell it on the second I put it on my wrist.
I was considering making myself the very same gift but I eventually went for SPB155J1 which is way cheaper. And actually this green baby alpinist - looks just right on my wrist - I didn't wear anything else since getting it 😅
Got a Seiko Baby Alpinist and I absolutely love it. It's not thin with a 12.9 mm thickness and the strap being what it is didn't work for me so I switched it for a thick leather Colareb strap (the Roma blue, which looks absolutely stunning with the blue dial of the watch). Like that I cannot get it off my wrist. Also tried a bunch of nato's but meh, doesn't work, it's too thick
Yes. Ive bought a watch and not fallen in love with it. I bought an omega speedmaster. The novelty worn off very quickly and i sold it a few months later at a loss - used the proceeds to buy a car 😂
For me, it was the SPB155-J1, or "Baby Alpinist". I've griped all over the internet about it's terrible accuracy, x but it seems to be a little tall for my slender 6.25" wrist. It's absolutely beautiful, and it's a Christmas present from my wife in 2022, so I don't feel right selling it. I've got four Hamilton Field variations that I'm much more comfortable wearing, for me.
The see-through casebacks on these make them too thick. The older SARB017 had a solid (and thinner) caseback. I wonder if you could source one of those or similar to use on yours.
Great to see that happens to us all, even those that are way further down the collecting line than others. For me it's the Aquasaphe and my Grand Seiko. I keep trying, keep swapping the straps but don't quite gel.....yet my cheap Pagani Design World Timer hugs the wrist perfectly. Check out their field watch....perfect case shape
Trying a watch first, if possible, is great advice regardless. I was very taken with the photos of the Zenith Defy Revival, but was quite disappointed with it 'in the flesh', as the dial was much more subdued, and the watch felt light and flimsy. Jody, so do you not have any watches which you regularly swap straps on?
I worked at an AD, so I was lucky to spend time with everything, I cant explain though why I still didn't gel with what I thought were perfect watches. Good advice though to try before you buy.
I really love this range...that being said...I just couldn't justify the price of this one. I don't see the value in it and that something that I need when I'm enjoying a watch
I bought a lot of Seikos early days. At one point, I think I had half a dozen, and I'd managed to avoid the QC issues. And then..... I picked up a Sumo. The chapter ring and the indices were way out. Horrendously so. From then on I seemed to have a bit of a run with Seikos having QC issues. Some I could live with, getting them fir a good price, but some were just not acceptable. There's a lot to like about Seikos. Lume, designs, dials, price point (generally). But then again, there's things that aren't great. QC issues including the aforementioned, and the bracelets. The bracelets and clasps at the price point are well below par. So much so, I factor in the cost of a Strapcode bracelet into things when I do purchase a Seiko. I still have a few Seikos. I do like them. I may get other Seikos in the future. But in reality, there's much better value to be had at the price point with heaps of microbrands out there, as well as Orients (aside from their bracelets too!).
I received one of these yesterday. I opened the box, took one look at the watch, and put it back. I called the jeweler and it’s on its way home. The proportions of this watch are that of a hamburger-nearly as tall as it is wide. With the GMT function, Compass Bezel, and 24-Hour Outer Bezel, Seiko should have gone for a 40 or 41mm watch to give it a little breathing room and also make the case a little more proportionate. I know they were trying to stay true to the original Seiko, but I think they missed the mark here in a big big way.
Interesting topic, I had similar issues with my new Tissot Couturier Big date, I loved how it looked and the specs were good for a budget dress watch but once I got it I was not "thrilled", I'm not sure if is the hands that are throwing it off or the supplied strap, might be the full combination of things, but I'm having to make myself like it, but I'm not convinced yet. I'm going to keep it and wear it from time to time but is not a watch that ignites that feeling of joy you get from some watches when you wear it.
I really like the sieko alpinist, yet I'm glad I haven't bought one yet. My reason is a WARNING for others as there are 1 to 1 ali express duplicates around so going for the second hand and grey market is a big no no for this none GMT version of this one (my pick), I will save up a little more and buy from an authorized dealer or the most likely option going for the more afordable ones on my bucket list.
It does have dive watch thickness which kind of makes it a GMT Diver with 200m water resistance. I do have this watch now, also a Christmas gift, but with an 8.1" wrist I don't notice the thickness, however I can see it might be a problem for normal wrist sizes. The solution may have been for Seiko to make it a 100m watch and reduce the thickness to 11mm. A GMT doesn't need 200m water resistance, 100m is absolutely fine.
Ackshuyally, it's not 200 m. It's 20 bar (i.e. air pressure tested in lab conditions). Seiko, and perhaps others, specify water resistance of their diver watches in metres, while their watches not made for diving come marked in bars. Seiko explicitly state that their 10 and 20 bar watches are safe to wear only while swimming and skin diving in shallow waters. For real diving, they say you should should buy one of their watches marked with an actual water depth in metres. I don't know who came up with the "20 bar classification equals 200 m diver's watch" idea.
Great video as always. Luckily for me it doesn't feel that chunky and i LOVE this watch (or maybe it does but i just like it that way). But i have to admit i did paid an embarrassing amount for the white dial limited edition. As a punishment i will stop myself from buying another watch... for a whole year... maybe
you'll find a lot of presage dress watches are also unsually thick... and further they dont even have the complications as a reason for that thickness... one of my favorite watches is the old Orient Polaris GMT... and it even has a power reserve meter and it ends up being 12mm thick... but 42mm
Great review Jody since height profile is I think something that many of us watch nerds don't consider. How do you generally sell your watches? I think it's a major stumbling block for a lot of collectors...
Been honest I could name 2 or 3. Will probably be in the same ‘thickness’ boat with you, as I have my name down on the list for a Helm Komodo but it will be worn on the rubber isofrane so will hopefully wear better. Fat chance I have of trying one of those on anytime soon which I Always recommend. The Vanuatu was a mistake until the ti bracelet saved it! 😅
Tried it on for a week and returned it to the AD. Pretty much the same reasons as explained. This piece 'sits' on top of the wrist rather than 'settles' due to the case thickness. What's puzzling is the same 6R54 gmt movement is in the spb381/383 divers and that case is 12.9mm (0.8mm difference). You can't tell me a display caseback and rotating compass chapter ring makes that big of a difference vs a rotating bezel. I'd rather Seiko lose the caseback/gmt and put in a 6L37 and shave 1~2mm off and call it a day because it's such a nice looking Alpinist dial.
Tissot Seastar 2000. Never liked the 1000 as the buckle was just a bit cheap looking. Saw the 2000 with milled clasp and a really nice blue dial. But the strap was still a let down. Sold it for the same as I got it for and replaced with a Seiko 62mas 65 recreation.
This is the exact same watch where i had the same experience. On paper the perfect travel watch, in hand it just.... didnt click. In my opinion, its down to the hand stack. With the gmt movement, the watch looks like it has a lot of air space vertically in the dial area and it looks very disproportionate. The GMT MM200 seems to hide the thickness better
I thought it was just me. I have coveted the Alpinist from afar for a couple of years. I put a beautiful green dial one on my wrist and was immediately overcome with meh... Oh well, on to something else.
Every nagative thing you said was in the description of the watch on their website :) Unless you misclicked, you knew exactly what you were buying. Especially as a guy buying 50+ watches/year, you know what 13.7 means on a wrist.
My sympathies. I have looked at Alpinists for a few decades, here (where they are scarce) & in Japan. Despite the fan base, great reviews & quality of the watches I've never thought of buying one. It's one of those "sure if I was creating a Seiko museum" watches, but I'm not. It's just not a watch I want to wear. Hence my surprise when you gave yourself one for Xmas. I wear a Chronomaster maybe as much as you do, so it was one of those each to their own moments. But maybe not. Hopefully it sells well.
I was the same with the green Alpanist. Had it for a few months but just couldn't gel with it and sold it. Too small and the standard strap was shocking. Hated the reverse clasp
Same thing actually happened to me with the Alpinist SARB017. I had loved the looks of it, the dimensions all fit within my sweet spot, love the green color…got it had it for about a week and didn’t love it. Wasn’t sure why exactly but something just wasn’t right, it didn’t “speak to me” as I like to say. So I get it…and I get selling it at a loss and moving on.
In 2019 I bought a Tudor BB 41, it's the in-house movement version, it was just before everyone and their aunty bought them and started shouting about how great they are, I wore mine for around 2 yrs, then lost interest, and it sat in my watch box and was forgotten about, until late in 23, when I started to enjoy it again, it's the burgundy bezel version and I've got it on a nice leather strap now and that has improved it for me... I did come close to selling it...but it's still with me....
I owned the standard green one, the leather strap has a neoprene centre and is really stiff and doesn’t wear in over time. I just couldn’t get on with it and I thought it looks to small on my 17cm wrist, it’s to thick as well and bobbles around on my wrist, I sold it after about 8 months
I bought a Tag Heuer Aquaracer, never wear it. One of the few times I did wear it was on my wedding day which makes it tricky to sell. It’s very nice but tbh I don’t love it on the wrist. 99% of the time I wear a custom Sellita SW200 build or an NH35 Seiko mod. The other 1% I wear my super old but much loved quartz Tag Heuer Professional 2000 or my Dad’s old Bvlgari Diagono. The Aquaracer just sits forever in my watch box , sigh.
For me it is the Orient Kamasu. It is great for what it is (an entry level automatic diver) but the sapphire is so dull and milky. I sold mine in 2023.
I've put mine on a leather strap to refresh it a little bit after a couple of years. And I still love it's dark green/teal color, I haven't seen that tone on any other dial.
Completely agree the Alpinist is too chunky for a field watch, along with a lot of other modern watches in other categories. Probably why watches like the PRX are so successful - watchmakers take note!
Buyers regret? Bought a Lorrier GMT. Great watch, well finished with good Myota movement. Advertised at 41mm but wears nearer 38/39mm. Just wore too small for me, so had to sell after only 3/4 wears. Shame as it was a nice watch.
I've owned 2 Oris watches , divers 65 bronze bezel and a reno 57. Both looked great on paper but i cant find out why on the wrist I got bored of them and flipped them after a very short time. Don't have the same problem with other makes.....funny that.
In my youth I bought a Nixon "Rotolog" on the Internet. And it was immediately obvious that it was way too big, and heavy for my small wrist. Never sold it cause the loss would/will be tremendous
I had a similar experience with my Direnzo Solaris, once you go over 13 to 13.5mm you can get these problems, some watches sit on top of the wrist so to speak and this creates the problem In my opinion. I recently tried on a PRX Chronograph, like wearing a concrete slab on your wrist, also the Breitling Chronmat which wore better but just to high off the wrist and I have a 7.5 wrist.
I had exactly the same issue some years ago with another Seiko, a Cocktail with power reserve. Awesome dial but much too thick, this combined with the ugly strap was unfortunately a bad wearing experience. I didn't keep it. 😕
It's hard to know how a new watch will land on your wrist. I have a Seiko cocktail time which I love, but I had to change the strap for exactly the reason Jody describes in this review. Que Sera 🤷♂
I tried this watch on back in October and loved the look but the thickness definitely took away from it for me as well, even being on the larger sized wrist at 7.5 inches. stunning looks but just didnt feel great on the wrist.
I love Citizen, unfortunately I don't find many people appreciating the brand as much as it deserves. It is great value for money.
I love citizen watches! Usually they are more interesting, better quality and for less money than Seikos 😊
My late model Citizen Promaster NY0040-17L bests any Seiko diver
If and when I get something solar or titanium, (possibly both in one), it's gonna be a Citizen. And I'm a die hard Casio fan.
I just received a EO2020-08E (the 36.5mm ProMaster Eco Drive) and WOW, what an amazing watch for the price. It is so comfortable and perfectly sized for my wirst, even the stock polyurethane strap is very good
Keep it that way. Maybe it’ll stay affordable a little longer.
Yes. Slimness is one factor I decide on a watch purchase.
When a £400 seiko turtle has exactly the same QC and accuracy as a £1200 seiko Willard you know the company takes us Gaijin all for mugs
Sadly my willard is more inaccurate than my king samurai
I bought a black gold Duro that I fell out of love with very quickly - I held onto it for a while, changed the strap to a fitted rubber strap and I've fallen in love with it again in a way that I didn't in the beginning.
Similar with my Lunar Pilot, I quickly was turned off with the size after a couple of wears, then it slowly and surely ended up growing on me, and I've fallen back in love with it
I’ve bought vintage pieces I fell in love with but haven’t worn much because I think it’s too delicate to wear regularly. But my weirdest one is the Seiko Orange Monster. I bought the first gen when it was new from Reto Castellazzi for ~$150 in ~2002-3, loved how it looked, hated the weight and how it wore, and rarely wore it. It was stolen from my parents house in 2012. I remembered the styling fondly, thought it was still gorgeous, wanted another one… but didn’t like later generations, and the OG was more than I wanted to pay for one.
Fast forward to Marc releasing the Islander monster in every color under the sun but orange, and I impulsively commented: make it in orange and I buy. Didn’t think he’d do it, but he did. I felt obligated to buy it, and he did specifically tell me it was just as heavy as the original. Definitely true. It’s beautiful, well made, everything the original was, including that I hate how it wears and NEVER wear it. Same as you say: you like the monster, buy it. Marc nailed it to the bloody wall. But not my thing.
Completely agree with your assessment. I went to buy it but after seeing it could not pull the trigger based on the price. Excellent video!
I went with the hype and bought an Orient Bambino. I have several other Orient and Orient Star, so thought the Bambino would be a good addition. However, what I failed to take into account was my fondness for busy, interesting dials. It was just just too plain for me. I tried changing the strap but ended up flipping it.
Was gonna comment I just sold my orient bambino 38mm I used as a dress watch. But it feels big and doesn’t look that interesting for the big size. Just got a timex Marlin champagne and I’m loving it.
It catches the eyes, just caught someone today looking at the sunburst. Great fun!
I bought a used Tissot PRX Chronograph last year for a good price, but it really was too big for my 6.5 in wrist, no matter how hard I tried to tell myself otherwise, so I sold it again. I also wanted to buy a field watch and chose the Gruppo Gamma Venturo in black, which looked gorgeous for me online, but it just didn't click for me when I put it on my wrist, even though I think it is really well made and quite the bargain. So I needed to send it back immediately (without even peeling anything off), the guys from Watchbandit handled the exceptional return in a very friendly, professional manner.
Yep, Longines spirit 39mm spent £2k on it , loved it when I bought it, however never wore it sat in my watch box for most of last year, eventually sold it for nothing like what I paid…..
The case thickness killed it. Why does a "mountaineers" watch need 200m water resistance ?
After years of being an auto snob I've been wearing a cheap Citizen Eco Drive lately and loving how it hugs my wrist and doesn't weigh half a tonne
My wife bought me a Alpanist ‘rock face’ and the two straps supplied also did not work for me. I fitted a Strape Code jubilee and now it’s perfect . Love the watch now !
Strap code elevates the Seiko.
Bulova Lunar Pilot Apollo 15 Edition. I knew going going in it was a large watch but expected the titanium case to help but it didn't. It was just too large and weighed too much. Just picked up a Casio Oceanus Cachalot and have no problems with it.
It's funny how much intangibles can make a difference. Automatic GMTs tend to be thick, and this one has 200m WR to boot! But if it just doesn't feel right to you on wrist, well, there it is. Maybe this would work for me - I have a tiny wrist so lots of "normal" watches sit "on" my wrist for me; maybe I'm more used to it? On the other hand, maybe it'll be SO tall it'll cross the line for me? Guess I've got to find one to try on!
Exactly he loves that it's automatic he loves that it's a gmt he loves that it's 200m wr yet tells us it's not a diver so why need to be so thick. Well like you said not a diver why you need 200m on a watch like this? And as you stated auto and gmt add thickness also. Seems to me everything he loves about it is not sinking in to what's making him not like it
@@reesebroekhoven3962 Seiko keeps using those thick case backs and that's adding significantly to the thickness problem. You can see it when you compare the SARB017 to later Alpinists. It's easy to address these bloated dimensions but frustratingly Seiko won't - they should just go back to the thinner solid casebacks.
I'm not at all clear why one would need to know what time it is in Paris whilst 200 meters underwater.
From what I can see in this video, it's not obvious to me why Jody thinks that the watch is too thick for him, especially considering the usual hockey puck divers on this channel. To me, the height doesn't look remarkable at all on his wrist. Like so much with watches, it's all very subjective and personal preferences, I guess.
I've got the more traditionally coloured green version of this new Alpinist (SBEJ005, for unknown reasons only sold in Japan), and I find that the shape of the case and the caseback really make all that on-paper height disappear visually, and it doesn't wobble on my wrist. Simply gorgeous, I think, and an improvement of many details I really didn't like with previous 2000's Alpinists like the now posthumously hyped SARB017. Seiko have indeed hiked up their prices across the board lately, but with the weak Yen and finding the right seller, I got this green beauty some $250 US cheaper than what Seiko wants for the globally available black/blue models.
@@Spurdospaerde692 Weight distribution. Divers usually come on a bracelet, which is heavier than a strap, or on a rubber strap, that hugs the wrist better than a siff leather strap. This particular strap, also, has a central nerve and a butterfly clasp that commands a very specific curve to the leather, and if your wrist is smaller than that curve, the watch will move around.
Nothing like Seiko haters claiming year after year how much they hate Seiko, have sold all their Seiko, will never buy Seiko, etc. It's almost as if they are obsessed by Seiko, can't stop thinking about Seiko, can't live without Seiko. "I hate Seiko", they scream, "I tell people ten times a day not to buy Seiko! Don't buy Seiko!" Like the missionary who can't tear his eyes away from those saucy lithographs, still the "haters" (yeah right)! can't resist clicking on a Seiko video, watching a Seiko video, commenting on a Seiko video.
Just face it. You love Seiko and you lie to yourself.
Yep !
I’m guilty,
Said I would never buy another seiko ,
And I just bought the,
SEIKO 5 SBSC009 Field Sports GMT Mechanical Automatic Watch .
Nah dog. I love to hate on Seiko cause how much I liked them when I didn't know better.
@8:56 Excellent issue to highlight, Jody! Protruding caseback is a dead giveaway the watch may be uncomfortable to wear. Tip: *always look at the side view of a watch*
Thanks, you just saved me from myself. Been eyeballing this for some time, seems the best of the Seiko lineup (on paper)...
Either its the weird hour hand or the red print/pointer thats putting me off.... Its a hard brand to click with..
Its gorgeous, its deserves a chance on a bracelet. Go on Jody throw another ton at it.
So "Just One Less Watch"? 🙃
Fell in love. Bought it. Sold it. Wears small, the floppy internal bezel crown ( no resistance or ratchet), terrible clasp on the bracelet. 🙃
Actually, I had the same experience with my Alpinist too...the SARB017. It's lovely, it's green and gold, and like you, no real complaints. Unfortunately, I just don't love it on my wrist and emotionally, it leaves me flat. Close second is the Hamilton Khaki Navy GMT. Boss watch, but this distinctly un-boss wearer couldn't pull it off!
Yep, once a watch gives you the ick, that’s it. Bought a Longines Hydroconquest in a rush for my Silver Wedding Anniversary. Always regretted it, it has the older alu bezel and it’s all just a bit busy. It didn’t help that within a couple of years they’d introduced the ceramic bezel version with a cleaner dial. And of course I’ve wanted one ever since. 😂
I had a green Alpinist. I loved how it looked, but like you, I never put it on, it always got passed over in favour of something else. Luckily, I bought well and actually made a small gain when I sold it!
I’ve got the same problem with my sarb017. I never wear it and have never bonded with it on my wrist. It’s the most accurate Seiko that I’ve ever had.
I bought a Seiko SRQ059 recently and it was the most expensive watch I've ever bought. I wasn't keen when I put it on with the metal strap. When I I changed it to the black leather - all changed; I fell in love. That said, my go to watch is my Seiko Alpinist Thailand edition.
Yes, I have not gelled with watches that I hoped would be nice daily wearers. Wearability/comfort and practical functionality are the determining factors. Looks & tech/material specs just aren't enough to make a watch a go-to piece, that's for sure. Thanks for another great video, Jody!
This is true. I didn't gel with the Willard. Found the Samurai better for my wrist. Good video. Cheers.
I just bought an Orient Mako 40 in silver (white-ish) dial after seeing many reviews both video and with still photos in articles and thinking it could fulfill my desire for something that is not a black dial watch. Of course, I had to order it from Orient since no retailers carry that brand in my area.
Basically, I was fooled by photography. All the review images use good oblique lighting that makes the dial look very legible. In the real world and with my old eyes, the hands are basically invisible in any low light situation, pretty much all indoors.
It fits great. It runs very accurately. And it hits all the marks design-wise. I just can't r read it in 80% of environments.
If I had the ability to look at it in real life, I'd have never bought one.
Thanks after seeing it on your wrist I’m no longer fretting over this thanks for saving me $$
Had the same experience with a Seiko Presage small seconds, looked lovely but to thick on the wrist. Lucky it tried it on in a shop first, went for a used Oris instead!
Not as expensive as the Alpinist, but I had a similar experience with the Bulova Lunar Pilot. Love the watch but it just didn't work on my wrist. After trying several strap options, I finally sold it.
The case back is the thing I was worried about. I appreciate your thoughts on this watch.
I got the Hamilton Khaki Field Day Date (green dial w/ the camo strap), it arrived, tried it on and put it right back in the box and sent it back. I wasn’t crazy about a camo strap, no big deal, just change it out. But it was just too big at 42mm for the classic field watch I was looking for. I have the Seiko SRPG at 40mm, which looks great, but this Hamilton just didn’t work for me. I ended up getting the Pilot Day Date instead, also a 42mm, but as an aviator works at that size…not to mention how much cleaner a looker it is. Love your channel, thanks!
Two watches:-
Citizen Eco Drive. Lovely looking watch etc. Gorgeous Dial. However the lumed hour plots don’t line up with minute markers. Citizen offered to replace the watch, but even their website shows misalignment on the same watch.
The other
A “Marine Chronometer Offshore Professional” mine is no 135 costing me £2000 back in 2018
Hardly worn.
Try out the uncle seiko jubilee bracelet on this. You will thank me.
So comfy, the depth is disappearing and can go with it for over a week.
One of my most favorite (i got 36 mm explorer and i prefer this alpinist)
I will try that out. I bought it 2 days ago and I feel I regret it 😢 I hope the jubilee bracelet works…
Great suggestion 👌
I was thinking the same. I think it's way too thick for a leather strap, but it might work better with a quality metal bracelet. I like the beads of rice from Uncle better, do you think it would wear as nicely as the jubilee? Thanks
I have a Lunar Pilot I just cannot seem to gel with.
And I was looking at this watch on EBAY last night. lol! I bought a Submariner 3 years ago for my retirement and rarely wear it. It’s a vintage one so I cringe at the crap bracelet wear it for a day and put it back in the box. My most worn watches are a Seiko Shogun on a strap and Tudor Pelagos also on a strap. Cheers from California!
Orient Kamasu Green Dial.
Green felt odd. Didn't like it at first. But gave it a chance. Kept wearing it. Changed straps. At first brown, then White. Wasn't a big fan. When tried teal, voilà! Like magic. Doesn't get off my wrist now.
Great points, like you said at the end, really need to try it on. I think most watches are bought online now right? So not really an option. My Hamilton khaki king has been my problem child. The crown guards impact winding as it is a push-pull crown and not screw down. I have tried other straps, still giving it more time.
It's tricky. Best prices online, but best experiences come from trying on in store. I guess it depends how much one is spending. Cheers!
I coveted a Tag Heuer Monaco forever. Went through all the processes of lusting. I was finally going to bite the bullet and treat myself to one, went to the AD, full of anticipation, dealer puts the gloves on, gives it a wee polish, I put it on my wrist, and I absolutely hated it. It just didn’t sit well on my wrist and felt uncomfortable. I was gutted.
Oh I had exactly the same experience with a beautiful Alpinist Ginza limited that I waited for for months with the AD. Fantastic watch, really. But it just sits weirdly on my wrist. Doesn’t feel right. I sold it, no regret.
I'm in this situation with a watch I purchased last year. My mother passed away last year from motor neuron disease and left me some money. So commemorate a wonderful human being i bought my 1st rolex form an ad. Because they didn't have stock to try on i expressed interest in the op41 after seeing it on wrists my size. 3 months later i get the call and collect the watch. After a longer wearing of it realised i hate the male end links as they ruin the way it wears. I'm now in limbo because of what it symbolises. I think my options are to try and get a jubilee bracelet for it or sell and try and get the 36mm. I worry that if the ad get wind of me selling it, I won't get another chance.
that's why its best to try it out in a store
Where?
It happened me with the Orient Kanno.
First 8 minutes is like a sales pitch but then pum, down to hell
It's me as well. I remember the first time I saw this, its more than the sum of its parts. There is the leather strap (never leather for me) the bezel, the date widow (date is essential for me but not like this) the partial skeletonised hands and it's just not going to get worn.
I had the same feeling with the Citizen Tsuyosa. I was convinced I would love it but sold it within 2 weeks. I knew I’d sell it on the second I put it on my wrist.
Dude! You are excellent storyteller ❤
I was considering making myself the very same gift but I eventually went for SPB155J1 which is way cheaper. And actually this green baby alpinist - looks just right on my wrist - I didn't wear anything else since getting it 😅
Got a Seiko Baby Alpinist and I absolutely love it. It's not thin with a 12.9 mm thickness and the strap being what it is didn't work for me so I switched it for a thick leather Colareb strap (the Roma blue, which looks absolutely stunning with the blue dial of the watch). Like that I cannot get it off my wrist.
Also tried a bunch of nato's but meh, doesn't work, it's too thick
Yes. Ive bought a watch and not fallen in love with it. I bought an omega speedmaster. The novelty worn off very quickly and i sold it a few months later at a loss - used the proceeds to buy a car 😂
Love the blue one
Dear love the personal thoughts about the watch really amazing~
For me, it was the SPB155-J1, or "Baby Alpinist". I've griped all over the internet about it's terrible accuracy, x but it seems to be a little tall for my slender 6.25" wrist. It's absolutely beautiful, and it's a Christmas present from my wife in 2022, so I don't feel right selling it. I've got four Hamilton Field variations that I'm much more comfortable wearing, for me.
The see-through casebacks on these make them too thick. The older SARB017 had a solid (and thinner) caseback. I wonder if you could source one of those or similar to use on yours.
Great to see that happens to us all, even those that are way further down the collecting line than others. For me it's the Aquasaphe and my Grand Seiko. I keep trying, keep swapping the straps but don't quite gel.....yet my cheap Pagani Design World Timer hugs the wrist perfectly. Check out their field watch....perfect case shape
Trying a watch first, if possible, is great advice regardless.
I was very taken with the photos of the Zenith Defy Revival, but was quite disappointed with it 'in the flesh', as the dial was much more subdued, and the watch felt light and flimsy.
Jody, so do you not have any watches which you regularly swap straps on?
I worked at an AD, so I was lucky to spend time with everything, I cant explain though why I still didn't gel with what I thought were perfect watches. Good advice though to try before you buy.
Just picked up an 850 Alpinist from the 1960s. It’s probably 8mm thick (manual wind).
How to tell when a channel is good: Your format, content and even your terms are being unabashedly copied by others. You win.
I really love this range...that being said...I just couldn't justify the price of this one. I don't see the value in it and that something that I need when I'm enjoying a watch
I bought a lot of Seikos early days. At one point, I think I had half a dozen, and I'd managed to avoid the QC issues. And then..... I picked up a Sumo. The chapter ring and the indices were way out. Horrendously so. From then on I seemed to have a bit of a run with Seikos having QC issues. Some I could live with, getting them fir a good price, but some were just not acceptable.
There's a lot to like about Seikos. Lume, designs, dials, price point (generally). But then again, there's things that aren't great. QC issues including the aforementioned, and the bracelets. The bracelets and clasps at the price point are well below par. So much so, I factor in the cost of a Strapcode bracelet into things when I do purchase a Seiko.
I still have a few Seikos. I do like them. I may get other Seikos in the future. But in reality, there's much better value to be had at the price point with heaps of microbrands out there, as well as Orients (aside from their bracelets too!).
I received one of these yesterday. I opened the box, took one look at the watch, and put it back. I called the jeweler and it’s on its way home. The proportions of this watch are that of a hamburger-nearly as tall as it is wide. With the GMT function, Compass Bezel, and 24-Hour Outer Bezel, Seiko should have gone for a 40 or 41mm watch to give it a little breathing room and also make the case a little more proportionate. I know they were trying to stay true to the original Seiko, but I think they missed the mark here in a big big way.
its nice watch i like it but ive never owned one.... so till u try it on u never know.... cheers
Interesting topic, I had similar issues with my new Tissot Couturier Big date, I loved how it looked and the specs were good for a budget dress watch but once I got it I was not "thrilled", I'm not sure if is the hands that are throwing it off or the supplied strap, might be the full combination of things, but I'm having to make myself like it, but I'm not convinced yet. I'm going to keep it and wear it from time to time but is not a watch that ignites that feeling of joy you get from some watches when you wear it.
I really like the sieko alpinist, yet I'm glad I haven't bought one yet.
My reason is a WARNING for others as there are 1 to 1 ali express duplicates around so going for the second hand and grey market is a big no no for this none GMT version of this one (my pick), I will save up a little more and buy from an authorized dealer or the most likely option going for the more afordable ones on my bucket list.
It does have dive watch thickness which kind of makes it a GMT Diver with 200m water resistance. I do have this watch now, also a Christmas gift, but with an 8.1" wrist I don't notice the thickness, however I can see it might be a problem for normal wrist sizes. The solution may have been for Seiko to make it a 100m watch and reduce the thickness to 11mm. A GMT doesn't need 200m water resistance, 100m is absolutely fine.
If seiko manages to make a future iteration at around 11m it's an instant buy for me
Very true! I’d give up 200mWR to lose a couple of mm of thickness every day of the week - 100m is perfect for the Alpinist!!
Ackshuyally, it's not 200 m. It's 20 bar (i.e. air pressure tested in lab conditions). Seiko, and perhaps others, specify water resistance of their diver watches in metres, while their watches not made for diving come marked in bars. Seiko explicitly state that their 10 and 20 bar watches are safe to wear only while swimming and skin diving in shallow waters. For real diving, they say you should should buy one of their watches marked with an actual water depth in metres.
I don't know who came up with the "20 bar classification equals 200 m diver's watch" idea.
Great video as always. Luckily for me it doesn't feel that chunky and i LOVE this watch (or maybe it does but i just like it that way). But i have to admit i did paid an embarrassing amount for the white dial limited edition. As a punishment i will stop myself from buying another watch... for a whole year... maybe
The white one comes on a metal bracelet and from what I can see from other users, it somehow makes the thickness issue less of a problem.
you'll find a lot of presage dress watches are also unsually thick... and further they dont even have the complications as a reason for that thickness... one of my favorite watches is the old Orient Polaris GMT... and it even has a power reserve meter and it ends up being 12mm thick... but 42mm
Me too. I bought the same piece and sent it straight back! Just not for me!
Sorry Jody, this time it's you.
Great review Jody since height profile is I think something that many of us watch nerds don't consider. How do you generally sell your watches? I think it's a major stumbling block for a lot of collectors...
My first reaction was exactly the same with the SPB121
Been honest I could name 2 or 3. Will probably be in the same ‘thickness’ boat with you, as I have my name down on the list for a Helm Komodo but it will be worn on the rubber isofrane so will hopefully wear better. Fat chance I have of trying one of those on anytime soon which I Always recommend. The Vanuatu was a mistake until the ti bracelet saved it! 😅
Tried it on for a week and returned it to the AD. Pretty much the same reasons as explained. This piece 'sits' on top of the wrist rather than 'settles' due to the case thickness. What's puzzling is the same 6R54 gmt movement is in the spb381/383 divers and that case is 12.9mm (0.8mm difference). You can't tell me a display caseback and rotating compass chapter ring makes that big of a difference vs a rotating bezel. I'd rather Seiko lose the caseback/gmt and put in a 6L37 and shave 1~2mm off and call it a day because it's such a nice looking Alpinist dial.
Tissot Seastar 2000. Never liked the 1000 as the buckle was just a bit cheap looking. Saw the 2000 with milled clasp and a really nice blue dial. But the strap was still a let down. Sold it for the same as I got it for and replaced with a Seiko 62mas 65 recreation.
This is the exact same watch where i had the same experience. On paper the perfect travel watch, in hand it just.... didnt click. In my opinion, its down to the hand stack. With the gmt movement, the watch looks like it has a lot of air space vertically in the dial area and it looks very disproportionate. The GMT MM200 seems to hide the thickness better
I thought it was just me. I have coveted the Alpinist from afar for a couple of years. I put a beautiful green dial one on my wrist and was immediately overcome with meh... Oh well, on to something else.
I have a Fears Brunswick Salmon dial i can't get down with. It's sitting in my drawer. I need to flip it gets no love even aftee almost 2 years
Every nagative thing you said was in the description of the watch on their website :) Unless you misclicked, you knew exactly what you were buying. Especially as a guy buying 50+ watches/year, you know what 13.7 means on a wrist.
My sympathies. I have looked at Alpinists for a few decades, here (where they are scarce) & in Japan. Despite the fan base, great reviews & quality of the watches I've never thought of buying one. It's one of those "sure if I was creating a Seiko museum" watches, but I'm not. It's just not a watch I want to wear. Hence my surprise when you gave yourself one for Xmas. I wear a Chronomaster maybe as much as you do, so it was one of those each to their own moments. But maybe not. Hopefully it sells well.
I was the same with the green Alpanist. Had it for a few months but just couldn't gel with it and sold it. Too small and the standard strap was shocking. Hated the reverse clasp
Same thing actually happened to me with the Alpinist SARB017. I had loved the looks of it, the dimensions all fit within my sweet spot, love the green color…got it had it for about a week and didn’t love it. Wasn’t sure why exactly but something just wasn’t right, it didn’t “speak to me” as I like to say. So I get it…and I get selling it at a loss and moving on.
Same here, but I put it on a beautiful lizard strap and have never looked back!👌
@@hootonhoot It's all about getting rid of the terrible factory strap. I've got mine on a more rugged looking leather nato and it looks great.
@@Mythicregard 💯%
In 2019 I bought a Tudor BB 41, it's the in-house movement version, it was just before everyone and their aunty bought them and started shouting about how great they are, I wore mine for around 2 yrs, then lost interest, and it sat in my watch box and was forgotten about, until late in 23, when I started to enjoy it again, it's the burgundy bezel version and I've got it on a nice leather strap now and that has improved it for me... I did come close to selling it...but it's still with me....
I have the same watch bought in 2019 as well. Never had issues with it however. Glad you were able to re-connect with yours.
Watches are "Love at First Sight". Always!
That is why it is recommended to try it out before you buy or buy with a easy amd generous return policy.
I totally get what you mean about thickness. If it had a solid case back and was about 11mm thick it would be much better.
I owned the standard green one, the leather strap has a neoprene centre and is really stiff and doesn’t wear in over time. I just couldn’t get on with it and I thought it looks to small on my 17cm wrist, it’s to thick as well and bobbles around on my wrist, I sold it after about 8 months
I bought a Tag Heuer Aquaracer, never wear it. One of the few times I did wear it was on my wedding day which makes it tricky to sell. It’s very nice but tbh I don’t love it on the wrist. 99% of the time I wear a custom Sellita SW200 build or an NH35 Seiko mod. The other 1% I wear my super old but much loved quartz Tag Heuer Professional 2000 or my Dad’s old Bvlgari Diagono. The Aquaracer just sits forever in my watch box , sigh.
Ahh yes, the Wedding Watch cannot be sold. Until after the divorce. 🤣
For me it is the Orient Kamasu. It is great for what it is (an entry level automatic diver) but the sapphire is so dull and milky. I sold mine in 2023.
I've put mine on a leather strap to refresh it a little bit after a couple of years. And I still love it's dark green/teal color, I haven't seen that tone on any other dial.
Completely agree the Alpinist is too chunky for a field watch, along with a lot of other modern watches in other categories.
Probably why watches like the PRX are so successful - watchmakers take note!
Buyers regret? Bought a Lorrier GMT. Great watch, well finished with good Myota movement. Advertised at 41mm but wears nearer 38/39mm. Just wore too small for me, so had to sell after only 3/4 wears. Shame as it was a nice watch.
I've owned 2 Oris watches , divers 65 bronze bezel and a reno 57. Both looked great on paper but i cant find out why on the wrist I got bored of them and flipped them after a very short time. Don't have the same problem with other makes.....funny that.
I can’t gel with Zelos watches … tried twice, swordfish Ti, and Spearfish GMT. I have no good reason … just not for me 🤷🏻♂️
In my youth I bought a Nixon "Rotolog" on the Internet. And it was immediately obvious that it was way too big, and heavy for my small wrist. Never sold it cause the loss would/will be tremendous
I had a similar experience with my Direnzo Solaris, once you go over 13 to 13.5mm you can get these problems, some watches sit on top of the wrist so to speak and this creates the problem In my opinion. I recently tried on a PRX Chronograph, like wearing a concrete slab on your wrist, also the Breitling Chronmat which wore better but just to high off the wrist and I have a 7.5 wrist.
Speedy panda reduced. It just didn’t click. Gutted. Parted ways.
Interesting that you didn’t love it. I don’t mind a somewhat thick watch that isn’t too big. And fwiw, the Alpinist is my favorite Seiko.
thickness of watches is the only issue for me for any seiko and it would make sense to have rubber bracelet
Well good... is that OXO tee shirt have you ever worn a tie
I have a Sarb017 and can’t stand it on the stock leather strap. Feels like a sports watch that’s trying to be dressy. Love it on an oyster though.
I had exactly the same issue some years ago with another Seiko, a Cocktail with power reserve. Awesome dial but much too thick, this combined with the ugly strap was unfortunately a bad wearing experience. I didn't keep it. 😕
I'm surprised you don't like it... the watch looks amazing IMO. I agree it looks too thick (she said).
I wd take the non gmt alpinist over the gmt even if they were the same price. The gmt bezel on that case is just odd.
It's hard to know how a new watch will land on your wrist. I have a Seiko cocktail time which I love, but I had to change the strap for exactly the reason Jody describes in this review. Que Sera 🤷♂
I tried this watch on back in October and loved the look but the thickness definitely took away from it for me as well, even being on the larger sized wrist at 7.5 inches. stunning looks but just didnt feel great on the wrist.