I bought the blue version of this watch SBDN069/SNE569. I love it. I knew I wasn’t walking into an automatic watch with top tier bracelet and so on. It does what I need it to do in a flawless manner. It’s reliable and thin enough that I can wear with business attire and in meetings. The blue model imo is the real winner in this lineup since dial material is reflective so once the sun hits it, it gives a lot of character. To conclude, for me, this is a watch I’ve been waiting to have for a long-time and never have thought would have been released with the specs and design I was looking for. Great review Jody!
The hollow end links allow water to drain away from the body of the watch and avoid corrosion from sea water. So, the hollow end links form part of the certification process for the design and are not, as alleged, a way of cheapening the bracelet construction. Solid links would potentially trap corrosive substances against the watch boy or bracelet pins and cause it to fail the bracelet strength test. The bracelet is actually extremely comfortable when adjusted and sized correctly, one of the best of any watch. Any of the watches in this range are worth the money and a no brainier if you can get a decent discount. If you want a smaller diver, this is one of the best options available. You may have an irrational dislike of hollow end links, but they are there for very valid reasons. Just look past this “failing” and appreciate the compact size, sapphire crystal, and perfect alignment of the bezel and hands on the majority of examples. Definitely a winner!
I bought the SNE573 a couple of years go (June 2022) and I love it. I keep it in rotation and wear it at least once a week. I have a 7.25 inch wrist. Think I paid about $385 at the time. I don't wear bracelets (i't a friggin' DIVE watch!) so I don't care about SEIKO's crappy bracelets.
“Howdy” Jody from Texas (Houston) she’s definitely a beaut and a perfect size for my smaller wrist but I just got in a super clean used (full kit) blue mini turtle SRPC39 auto for $300 USD and I am lovin’ it! Not giving up on Seiko as yet, they still feel like family. I have Samurai’s, full size turtles, an Arnie, 3 SKX’s (007, 009 & 011), several Flightmasters and 11 SSC solars, 2 baby monsters and I could go on....over 110 in all with a handful of 70-90’s vintage models thrown in. It’s kinda like your siblings as kids, you may fight like cats and dogs at home but at school if someone messes with them you’ll defend them to the end. Whatcha gonna due...they’re family.
I have the SNE573, perfection for sure. Been waiting a loooooong time for a mid-sized Seiko. It's about time. Great video, great review. And, yes, I agree with some of the comments that it is a bit overpriced. I got lucky and snapped up a used one for $325.00 Don't regret it a bit.
Nice looking watch, and I do appreciate grabbing a solar quartz out of a case full of dead autos. It would be hard to justify the price on this one compared to, say, a Promaster.
When it comes to solar divers that come in at 38-40mm, there’s not many options, Seiko or not. That’s why I bought this watch in the faded blue bezel color.
Was seriously considering getting the SNE573P1. I've got small wrists so was happy to see Seiko make a dive watch at the 40mm mark. But ended up going with micro brand mechanical instead. The Atlantic from rotate north is £200ish cheaper for similar specs.
Seiko live in 2010, when there were no micro-brands from China, there was no such competition when it was possible to put hardlex into watches and stamped bracelets into watches. Its own universe for ardent fans. The design, yes, it is good, for which we love this brand, but such disrespect for customers in the form of hardlex and terrible bracelets ... a shame
@@armandr1613 I cannot speak for all Sapphire, but some of the cheaper watches I have sapphire on seem a bit cloudy, some of the mineral glass watches I have seem perfectly clear.
Shame about the pressed clasp and hollow end links but everything else looks really great. Definitely like the size and color too. Very nice review and always appreciate the honesty.
I don't really get the gripes about a good pressed clasp. It's slimmer and stronger so it wears better, is safer and can place valuable $$$ in more important places of the watch.
@@WesWatchRoom Check out Long Island. I've heard good things about their hexagonal bracelet made for The Samurai.. high spec. and half Strap Codes price.
I’m gonna defend it Jodi. Bought the SNE573P1 on eBay for $359 NEW. It came on a rubber strap so no hollow end links to worry about or pressed clasp. Bezel and chapter ring lines up and the second hand hits all the markers. 🤷🏾♂️ mine is perfect for me. Cheers my Friend and keep up the great reviews.
I love the dial! The globe adds an element of design that personally is to my taste! I really do love the dimensions too I think the watch is very wearable and should be comfortable. As always you do mention the potential cons or downsides such as the hollow end links which no doubt will turn some people off from buying the watch.
The cost? Sapphire crystals are like $18 on Ali Express, so Seiko pays even less per unit to buy them in bulk. That's just not a viable excuse for Seiko.
I just received my first microbrand watch. It's a Zelos Mako (v3) Titanium with white (full lume) dial. It is amazing. -Perfect size and weight -I like the high beat movement -Screw link bracelet -Milled clasp with tool-less micro adjust (that actually WORKS!) -Lume is just bonkers, even the crown is signed and lumed! Everything with tax duties comes to less than US$500. I really find it hard to go back to Seiko after this.
I see seiko has tendency to put sapphire on their quartz line but damn they keep putting hardlex on automatic and solar, there is also sapphire but either its limited or will soon discontinued.
@@aussie8114 I’ve read that their solar field watches have a history of dying out fairly quickly, is that your experience? Particularly, they don’t hold a charge very well after a few months of use.
@@jessevilla3696 I’ve got 2 of them. Same model but different colours. Also got a solar dress watch, I over paid for that one at the watch shop but the field ones I got from a good Fleabay seller for $200 each. Only had them for about 6 months but all work excellent. I think if people have issues with them it might be because they leave them in the draw for months without light to top up the battery. When I’m not wearing them they are in a dark room but occasionally I will sit them in the bright sunny room for a couple of days. Because I have about 10 watches they may not get a lot of use which is why I will sit them in the bright room. I’m mostly wearing my blue RLG Odyssea automatic but I do like my Quartz watches.
@@ElijsDima Yeah when it goes from 10 to 20 seconds it seems like it is directly in between the markers. Couldn’t really be missing any more then it is to be honest. Disappointing.
There maybe cheaper Seiko alternatives but for me this ticks all the boxes, size, design, legibility and accuracy. For me the lume is fine and I have no trouble telling the time at night. One feature of the watch is the slightly recessed bezel which gives some protection. Other Seiko's don't have this and I have plenty of scratched bezels. Thanks for the review.
Sure you make very positive and valid points, but even more importantly did you not notice the 1/10 of a micron bezel misalignment after the 32nd click? It’s enough to drive you nuts and trash the watch.
i like it.. and look at all the alternative seiko alternatives there are. All original, in house genius pieces. Professional dive watches, with misaligned bezels? - thats not a QC issue unless it fails the iso standards and you can tell the time. Its a cosmetic and OCD issue
In my view Seiko use 120 click bezels so it could be a case of it being 1 click in. Problem is seiko are mass produced so bad apples do occur at a high rate because of their production size. Slight misalignment seems to be more common than extreme misalignment. But Seiko need to clean up their act.
@@oscarosullivan4513 even Rolex has many qc issues and even produced air king with two 9's because they are also high volume. But everyone likes to crap on seiko while praising how great their rebadged Chinese micros are.
I will once again tell my opinion about Seiko. Yes they have alot good watches, big history and back in time realistic price points. But as of today, it seems they live of their Seiko-fanbase which is big. But looking in, deeply, way overpriced, too much QC issues and no threat to chinese microbrands like SM, Cronos, Heimdallr. If we want to talk about japanese watches, CITIZEN is just the better brand, you can hate the older movements because of the rotor, but they are more accurate. And if we look at the higher pricepoints, also not good enough. The Miyota 9000 series crushes the 4r, 6r easily. Ok maybe Im a Citizen fanboy, but Im good with that. For the same money, I would buy a NB-1059 which can be compared to a luxury Ome.. Like always a good vid, keep it going "Mate".
I think you may have found your calling. I have whittled down many of my watch subscriptions and now consider you the very best by a long shot! Thank you. Well done.
Yeah I’ll stick with my citizen promaster diver it keeps great time and keeps fully charged simply just by sitting under my led bulb table light next to my chair!
I actually have this model - for my buying decision, I like the size, I was going to ditch the bracelet anyway (I hate bracelets and this wears well on an Uncle Seiko rubber strap), and my decision was between this and the new Alpinist 1959 reinterpretation, and I decided I wanted the accuracy of the solar movement and the Alpinist was $300CDN more. I’ll agree with you about the value proposition. Of the alternatives you listed, I’d say the Arnie was the best one as it’s also solar, has the functionalities of a digital watch, and I was able to pick it up at a Christmas sale for $200CDN off retail.
I know that website well - at the end of July I bought an SSC675 quarts dive/chrono from them for $309 with shipping. It also has hollow endlinks but at that price I don't mind. $569 for a solar diver seems excessive when the regular solar PADI is $469. Why not get the SNE549? That's an expensive bit of sapphire - but the special edition on a rubber strap costs another $20. Conclusion: Seiko prices are bizarre.
@AlphaWhiskeyCharlie definitely Fantastic vintage watch and I'll be giving this watch to my son when he grows up. 😉👍 But it's sad that you've sold your watch.. 😞
Morning Jody! I’ve made the decision to never buy a Seiko again. So fed up with QC issues , just sold my SPB187 due to yet another misaligned bezel 😔 have a great day mate.
Great video, I have the sne435p1. PADI blue dial with red minute hand. Have to say it wears well but ditching the strap for a nato (that’s if I can find a blue 20mm in stock anywhere 😂). No milled clasp or solid end links like you say. Couldn’t find a strap on strap code as of Jan 2023 This is my the most comfortable watch I have. Fits so well on my smaller wrist
*$500USD:* "Ok" 😐 *Quartz:* "Ok... _(What features do you even get for $500, though? May as well buy a Mudmaster)"_ 🤨 *Hollow End-links:* "SEIKO, WHAT THE FU- 😤🤬" Edit (before the haters arrive): It's a nice watch and all, but I can't help thinking you've overpaid if you dropped half a grand on this. If it was mechanical, for example, I could appreciate the additional complexity of production being reflected in the price. Otherwise, I don't think it represents a unique enough proposition (e.g. the PRX 100, has a well-made integrated bracelet and a huge power reserve for not much more than this; plus Tisso can use the magic words: _'Swiss Made'_ )
Seriously considering the faded blue bezel model of this one for 350€ right now. But even at that price point it’s still too expensive for what it’s offering unfortunately. Maybe next year when the prices have dropped some more…
Honestly this is how it goes for almost all Seiko watches. When the 5KX and DressKX were released, everyone was complaining about the steep price. However, one year later you could find them almost anywhere for ~30% off the original sticker price. So just wait a bit and it'll be a much more reasonable buy.
I found one listing for $320 usd, should I get it? The size of this is suitable for my 5 Inch wrist, but somehow I feel like I could split that money and get more watches... Example, SNK089/ GA2100 or maybe the Presage cocktail /Hamilton
Have a Vaer solar automatic, about half of what you'd pay, ok it's on strap, but does come with another, have another Vaer on bracelet, and all their lines use the same sized lug width and that has a bracelet if I should choose to swap. I know we're talking micro brands, but they do sell out. Many are US assembled and use either swiss and probably in this case the same movement. I'm not sure the logistics of outside of North American sales, they're a California based company, and it maybe moot, because they're sold out but they do restock, and there is always like a 15% discount code, or sign up for their email. I get a bit more as a veteran, which may be available to our friends down under. BTW the bracelet has solid end links. I happen to like that Seiko but don't need another solar or quartz watch. Your reviews are great Jody and if I lived in Australia I would send it in. While I do like 40 and above it's nice to have a 38mm, like that Padi and my Vaer. It's ok on my 7.5 inch wrist.
Just had my Royal One automatic watch from Didun Design delivered, seems very solid, lovely bracelet, screw down crown, exhibition back and the booklet says it has a Seagull movement in it ... time will tell how it performs
I got the 38mm Certina DS Action Diver, similar look, not that more expensive but you get solid endlinks and the Powermatic automatic movement with 80h power reserve and Nivachron balance spring. Sorry to bring up Certina, again, they just offer a lot for the price, not really the case with Seiko these days.
@@JustOneMoreWatch their history especially with shock and water resistance is great. Their DS concept make them sort of mechanical G-shocks. I love the brand. I'd love to see a review on your channel. If you can't get one I actually would send you one 😉😁 thanks for your great videos, hellooo from Switzerland 🇨🇭✌
You're spot on there mate. I'm a Seiko fan, we have three decent Seiko automatics in the family and I'll probably get more in the future but I'm not paying that sort of money for a quartz watch and certainly not with the dodgy open bracelet lugs at the back.
Let me first say that I love Seiko. I own several Seikos. I've spent lots of my hard earned money on Seikos. That said, there's absolutely no reason Seiko offers subpar features on their watches and a certain amount of QC issues other than they do not care and ride on their horse power in the market fuelled by those of us who continue to buy these watches (myself included). Today there are a large number of microbrands and Chinese made watches for much less which offer so much more. So, it is time that Seiko gains a renewed sense of pride, self respect and respect for their huge customer base and becomes truly competitive in terms of better features, better QC and better pricing. You can only ride for so long on name fame alone.......
Seiko žije z minulosti a jména, jejich notoricky nepřesné strojky jsou tím důkazem! Předražená značka, která se pomalu potápí. Citizen, Orient, tuto značku vytlačí z trhu!!!!
I bought the SNE 497 Tuna-Lite a while back, I already had a replacement bracelet and stainless steel shroud waiting in the wings to replace the cheap plastic shroud and nasty collar and pin, pressed clasp (albeit with divers extension) Seiko charges £400 for a £150 watch. I do like a solar powered watch tho', very practical. This one looks ok but hollow end links? At least the Tuna-Lite had solid end links. Pity, it's a nice looking watch but I think the price is completely absurd. Another clear sign that Seiko can no longer be taken seriously at this price point. Great video thanks
Please I want to know best lightweight comfort watch with at least 100m waterproof and sapphire glass , and if there compass 🧭 and more features as tactical watch , and solar ? thanks.
I bought the new Happy Feet Antarctica STO Monster SRPG57 and the lume is weaker than my other entry level Seiko watches. I thought I was going crazy but it seems like that's the case on this one as well. Oh well it's still better than most I guess. Great vid.
The SNE569P1, the same Seiko model as this, with the faded blue/grey bezel, (surely the pick of the bunch!!) 'OR' the Maen Hudson?? To get both to the UK, they're selling for about the same price.
Hi Jodi, Prices have come down at that same retailer since this post. I have an SNE579 and I'd like a better bracelet Strapcode have a feature on Seiko Solar this week. Only straight ends though.
It's not a bad looking thing, but I still think Citizen's Eco Drive, rather than Seiko's Solar is the way to go. Also, bad lume on a Seiko? What is the world coming to?
I agree you don’t get many of them missing the indices and for less money, I think Seiko have been trading on memories the last couple of years with their price increases and bad quality control
I would agree with this, however, Citizen doesn’t make any divers under 40mm. I’m fact all their current Promaster Eco-Drive Divers are 44mm or larger.
@@dustinr16 what about the one I had on the channel recently, the world time eco drive? It admittedly has no lume pip so not a "true" diver, but it has 200m water resistance
Another wonderful review! Besides the hollow end links, pressed clasp, and misaligned second hand, there is another item that distresses me. I do not understand why the lume on the second hand is not on the tip but on the lollipop on the other end.
Because its only purpose is to check if the watch is running. That’s an ISO requirement. It is also a counterbalance to balance the second hand out. I quite like it, it’s a typical Seiko thing.
Assuming that in Europe it is no longer worth buying on the gray market. Complaints about the usual issues with Seiko are already a bit boring. If Seiko put together a sapphire crystal and a proper bracelet, do people think he wouldn't charge it? The strength of Seiko is not the watch, but what comes after the watch, such as after-sales service, spare parts, etc ... which with other brands such as Orient, leaves much to be desired. The question to be asked is, do you want a watch for life or a watch to wear and put in a drawer to collect dust?
That’s what people don’t get when they compare Seiko to a microbrand. Seiko will be around in ten years. Will that Chinese microbrand? I grow tired of the complaints about Hardlex because it holds up better in a working environment. It doesn’t shatter like sapphire does. Ask me how I know but then again most people don’t wear a watch in a brutal environment.
These Seiko solar divers are not too convincing. You can pick up pretty much any Citizen Promaster diver for much-much less and you probably have a same quality, or even better watch.
@@truebluemiata love my duro only thing keeping it from being perfect is it’s not solar BUT having said that batteries aren’t hard to replace and you can get the watch for ALOT less!! Love my duro! But my number 1 diver is my citizen pro master diver!
@@michaelzuccardo5414 In my opinion, Citizen makes one of the ugliest divers, oversized, chunky, case finishing is on the same level as casio...besides ny0040, they have no diver worth of mention.
500.- quartz... great. Jody, I´m only enduring this due to it´s your channel. One could buy 8 Vostok automatics on a budget like this. I love Seikos, I own and like several models of the brand....but this one gets a 6 out of 10 from my side....
I have the black one of this watch and I wear it everyday now. Its probably my favorite watch I own. I agree the lume doesn't last very long though and not as bright.
My daily is a Seiko SNE499 which should have the same or similar solar quartz and I absolutely love it! I have really small wrists and welcome a new solar Seiko with smaller dimensions, but I'll have till the hype dies down and see if this one shows up on sale somewhere
I dont quite get seikos way. I got a really nice Sportura Chronograph from around 8 years ago WITH sapphire crystal and a really nice bracelet with proper endlinks and a milled clasp. it was around 500 bucks as well…
Hi Jody, another great review ! I just bought a variation of this same model, but with grey / ghosted bezel and smooth black dial, giving it a retro kind of look in this size. I’m still waiting for it arriving in my mailbox, but i think it will be a great beater / grab and go watch, fitting almost any occasion with this size and looks. The drilled lugs makes it a potential strap monster. And yes, i bought it with a good discount, so it’s always possible to make a better deal with Seiko.
I've put mine on a Zuludiver strap and binned the bracelet. As you say, no excuse for the truly awful bracelet at this price. The watch itself is superb. Excellent review.
Lovely proportions for my small wrist! Solar power great. Lovely looking watch too but Citizen titanium automatic diver better value in my opinion and with sapphire crystal too! Smashing hands.
Maybe if they developed a super smooth, solar sweeping seconds movement.... That kind of seems like a no brainer. .. the solar offsetting the smooth sweep battery drain.
Jody, please review the new Steeldive 1953 with the 4:30 date window. The bezel, face and hand lume is incredible and lasts for hours!!! You will have a new winner in lume wars. BTW, a pressed clasp is not a deal breaker because milled clasps don't fit as closely to the wrist.
Hey Jody! I agree, this is a lovely and very practical watch, nice colour scheme and with sapphire, but at the same time the bracelet is rubbish. Hate those single links mimicking three-link-style. This is absolutely unworthy of a brand like Seiko. First thing I'd do is to take this bracelet off and find some nice rubber or waterproof hybrid sailcloth straps for it.
I wonder, did they wear watches on Startrek? Would Kirk or Picard wear a dive watch? Anyway, I digress, I was wondering what is the issue with hollow end lines? Do hollow end links perform worse than solid end links? Do they rattle? What is the benefit of a solid end link? I imagine a solid end link would cost 4-8 cents more to fabricate than a hollow link.
I have the basic Seiko X solar 43mm with Pepsi bezel and date cyclops window (I like it 🙂). Great watch, I would recommend these Seiko types. The downer is the bezel action which is definitely mushy.
It's possible to get these varieties for around $300 USD in excellent used condition. That's the only way I'd be picking up this watch. Although it is my favorite Seiko this season.
Thanks for another great review Jody, i bought the black on black version which comes on a fairly decent rubber strap but want to upgrade to a good aftermarket bracelet , do let me know if you hear anything around 👍👍
This is actually a really handsome watch! I love it! I’m not usually a Seiko gal, but this has kinda won me over
Grey bezel one! 🤪
I bought the blue version of this watch SBDN069/SNE569. I love it. I knew I wasn’t walking into an automatic watch with top tier bracelet and so on. It does what I need it to do in a flawless manner. It’s reliable and thin enough that I can wear with business attire and in meetings. The blue model imo is the real winner in this lineup since dial material is reflective so once the sun hits it, it gives a lot of character. To conclude, for me, this is a watch I’ve been waiting to have for a long-time and never have thought would have been released with the specs and design I was looking for. Great review Jody!
The hollow end links allow water to drain away from the body of the watch and avoid corrosion from sea water. So, the hollow end links form part of the certification process for the design and are not, as alleged, a way of cheapening the bracelet construction. Solid links would potentially trap corrosive substances against the watch boy or bracelet pins and cause it to fail the bracelet strength test. The bracelet is actually extremely comfortable when adjusted and sized correctly, one of the best of any watch. Any of the watches in this range are worth the money and a no brainier if you can get a decent discount. If you want a smaller diver, this is one of the best options available. You may have an irrational dislike of hollow end links, but they are there for very valid reasons. Just look past this “failing” and appreciate the compact size, sapphire crystal, and perfect alignment of the bezel and hands on the majority of examples. Definitely a winner!
Great comment - I learned something here I didn’t know and have been collecting watches for years
I bought the SNE573 a couple of years go (June 2022) and I love it. I keep it in rotation and wear it at least once a week. I have a 7.25 inch wrist. Think I paid about $385 at the time. I don't wear bracelets (i't a friggin' DIVE watch!) so I don't care about SEIKO's crappy bracelets.
Hollow end links are fine by me. My 32 year old 16610 Sub has had no problems over the whole time.
That is a sharp seiko not gona lie… that’s probably one of my fav designs👌🏼
“Howdy” Jody from Texas (Houston) she’s definitely a beaut and a perfect size for my smaller wrist but I just got in a super clean used (full kit) blue mini turtle SRPC39 auto for $300 USD and I am lovin’ it! Not giving up on Seiko as yet, they still feel like family. I have Samurai’s, full size turtles, an Arnie, 3 SKX’s (007, 009 & 011), several Flightmasters and 11 SSC solars, 2 baby monsters and I could go on....over 110 in all with a handful of 70-90’s vintage models thrown in. It’s kinda like your siblings as kids, you may fight like cats and dogs at home but at school if someone messes with them you’ll defend them to the end. Whatcha gonna due...they’re family.
I'm in New Orleans with a similar "problem". Where are you getting the vintage pieces serviced..cant find one in NOLA.
I have the SNE573, perfection for sure. Been waiting a loooooong time for a mid-sized Seiko. It's about time. Great video, great review. And, yes, I agree with some of the comments that it is a bit overpriced. I got lucky and snapped up a used one for $325.00 Don't regret it a bit.
Nice looking watch, and I do appreciate grabbing a solar quartz out of a case full of dead autos. It would be hard to justify the price on this one compared to, say, a Promaster.
When it comes to solar divers that come in at 38-40mm, there’s not many options, Seiko or not. That’s why I bought this watch in the faded blue bezel color.
Great choice
Looks lovely mineral crystal as used by the g shock
Just got one of these and they are quite nice. Another 38mm dive option out there is the Vaer D4 solar.
Tbf citizen have some really solidly built eco drive promaster divers for cheaper than this that are around 40mm
@@tomhurst8307 I’ve seen them when i was shopping around but unfortunately they are 42-44mm. Just too big for me
Was seriously considering getting the SNE573P1. I've got small wrists so was happy to see Seiko make a dive watch at the 40mm mark. But ended up going with micro brand mechanical instead. The Atlantic from rotate north is £200ish cheaper for similar specs.
Seiko live in 2010, when there were no micro-brands from China, there was no such competition when it was possible to put hardlex into watches and stamped bracelets into watches. Its own universe for ardent fans. The design, yes, it is good, for which we love this brand, but such disrespect for customers in the form of hardlex and terrible bracelets ... a shame
Perfect summary of my own thoughts!
I would rather a high end mineral over a low end sapphire
@@oscarosullivan4513 First time I heard this... what does that mean?
@@armandr1613 I cannot speak for all Sapphire, but some of the cheaper watches I have sapphire on seem a bit cloudy, some of the mineral glass watches I have seem perfectly clear.
@@oscarosullivan4513 ehhh, that makes absolutely no sense!
Shame about the pressed clasp and hollow end links but everything else looks really great. Definitely like the size and color too. Very nice review and always appreciate the honesty.
I don't really get the gripes about a good pressed clasp. It's slimmer and stronger so it wears better, is safer and can place valuable $$$ in more important places of the watch.
@@poulwinther true, but milled clasps are more premium and don't actually cost that much more.
Put it on a Tropic strap
Yeah thats kinda the Seiko under $1000 default.
@@WesWatchRoom Check out Long Island.
I've heard good things about their hexagonal bracelet made for The Samurai.. high spec. and half Strap Codes price.
I’m gonna defend it Jodi. Bought the SNE573P1 on eBay for $359 NEW. It came on a rubber strap so no hollow end links to worry about or pressed clasp. Bezel and chapter ring lines up and the second hand hits all the markers. 🤷🏾♂️ mine is perfect for me. Cheers my Friend and keep up the great reviews.
I love the dial! The globe adds an element of design that personally is to my taste! I really do love the dimensions too I think the watch is very wearable and should be comfortable. As always you do mention the potential cons or downsides such as the hollow end links which no doubt will turn some people off from buying the watch.
Subscriber #2 mate. Good luck with your channel!
@@JustOneMoreWatch Thanks Jody!
I find myself binge watching your videos and really do enjoy your recommendations!
Can't help but think that seiko give us the sapphire Crystal we all want, but cheap out with hollow end links balance out the cost. Very frustrating.
Spot on Liam. Perhaps that was the internal debate between bean counters?
But you can compromise with hollow end links. It's easy forgotten when wearing.
coz they want you to buy better bracelets from strapcode. ;)))
Absolutely! As long as it doesn’t jiggle on the wrist who cares.
The cost? Sapphire crystals are like $18 on Ali Express, so Seiko pays even less per unit to buy them in bulk. That's just not a viable excuse for Seiko.
I just received my first microbrand watch. It's a Zelos Mako (v3) Titanium with white (full lume) dial. It is amazing.
-Perfect size and weight
-I like the high beat movement
-Screw link bracelet
-Milled clasp with tool-less micro adjust (that actually WORKS!)
-Lume is just bonkers, even the crown is signed and lumed!
Everything with tax duties comes to less than US$500.
I really find it hard to go back to Seiko after this.
Exactly!
I have several Zelos watches. You can’t beat the quality, lume, price, etc.
IMHO a much better value than a Seiko.
Does Zelos make a 38mm width, 11mm height diver with solar quartz and street price of under $300?
Any chance you can review the 42mm SNE591 or others in that range?
I like this one. Just picked one up for my 26yo son’s upcoming graduation. ~$335 from Govx.
Your son is lucky, this is a great new grad kind of everyday watch!
I see seiko has tendency to put sapphire on their quartz line but damn they keep putting hardlex on automatic and solar, there is also sapphire but either its limited or will soon discontinued.
Yay another Seiko! I'd love to see a review of the Black Series models... Thanks Jody its always a pleasure for this Ohioan to see your great content!
7:42 I thought it did a decent job of hitting the seconds markers from that shot...? 🤷♂️ Better than I've seen on many others, at least.
I’ve got 2 field type Seiko solars. They hit the marks pretty much spot on.
Yeah their solar watches almost always have really good hit rate. This one seems quite off tho.
@@aussie8114 I’ve read that their solar field watches have a history of dying out fairly quickly, is that your experience? Particularly, they don’t hold a charge very well after a few months of use.
@@jessevilla3696 I’ve got 2 of them. Same model but different colours. Also got a solar dress watch, I over paid for that one at the watch shop but the field ones I got from a good Fleabay seller for $200 each. Only had them for about 6 months but all work excellent. I think if people have issues with them it might be because they leave them in the draw for months without light to top up the battery. When I’m not wearing them they are in a dark room but occasionally I will sit them in the bright sunny room for a couple of days. Because I have about 10 watches they may not get a lot of use which is why I will sit them in the bright room. I’m mostly wearing my blue RLG Odyssea automatic but I do like my Quartz watches.
@@ElijsDima Yeah when it goes from 10 to 20 seconds it seems like it is directly in between the markers. Couldn’t really be missing any more then it is to be honest. Disappointing.
There maybe cheaper Seiko alternatives but for me this ticks all the boxes, size, design, legibility and accuracy. For me the lume is fine and I have no trouble telling the time at night. One feature of the watch is the slightly recessed bezel which gives some protection. Other Seiko's don't have this and I have plenty of scratched bezels. Thanks for the review.
Sure you make very positive and valid points, but even more importantly did you not notice the 1/10 of a micron bezel misalignment after the 32nd click? It’s enough to drive you nuts and trash the watch.
@@michaelriera6277 The alignment of my bezel on this watch is fine. It depends what is important to you. For me the pros outweigh the cons.
@@michaelriera6277
😁👍
That was a joke
I picked up an Arnie in the tan and love it. If you don't mind a bit of chunk with your watch its spot on.
I saw the word “Seiko” with JOMW… That‘a it I’m sold 😁
i like it.. and look at all the alternative seiko alternatives there are. All original, in house genius pieces. Professional dive watches, with misaligned bezels? - thats not a QC issue unless it fails the iso standards and you can tell the time. Its a cosmetic and OCD issue
So very true
Can’t tell*
The piling on Seiko is already annoying. And I’ve never owned a Seiko!
Find something else to whine about imo.
In my view Seiko use 120 click bezels so it could be a case of it being 1 click in. Problem is seiko are mass produced so bad apples do occur at a high rate because of their production size. Slight misalignment seems to be more common than extreme misalignment. But Seiko need to clean up their act.
@@oscarosullivan4513 even Rolex has many qc issues and even produced air king with two 9's because they are also high volume. But everyone likes to crap on seiko while praising how great their rebadged Chinese micros are.
I will once again tell my opinion about Seiko. Yes they have alot good watches, big history and back in time realistic price points. But as of today, it seems they live of their Seiko-fanbase which is big. But looking in, deeply, way overpriced, too much QC issues and no threat to chinese microbrands like SM, Cronos, Heimdallr. If we want to talk about japanese watches, CITIZEN is just the better brand, you can hate the older movements because of the rotor, but they are more accurate. And if we look at the higher pricepoints, also not good enough. The Miyota 9000 series crushes the 4r, 6r easily. Ok maybe Im a Citizen fanboy, but Im good with that. For the same money, I would buy a NB-1059 which can be compared to a luxury Ome.. Like always a good vid, keep it going "Mate".
Everybody says Seiko has fallen off until they have to buy an equivalent sWiSs mAdE watch for ten times as much
@@Mister_Phafanapolis lmao facts
I think you may have found your calling. I have whittled down many of my watch subscriptions and now consider you the very best by a long shot! Thank you. Well done.
I think Citizen offer the best in solar divers…
Yeah, I have a citizen solar diver accurate to 2 seconds per month that I'm pretty fond of.
Beat me to the punch. My Citizen World Time GMT solar I reviewed is still an absolute favourite, despite Jody's misgivings!
I agree. I love seiko divers but my citizen promaster keeps great time and better vfm
Yeah I’ll stick with my citizen promaster diver it keeps great time and keeps fully charged simply just by sitting under my led bulb table light next to my chair!
Totally. Love my BN0000-04h and BN0200-56e both. This Seiko is pretty compelling though.
Are the bezel inserts on these aluminum (or aluminium, if you prefer)?
So the L2L in this case, doesnt really count, as the sides of the watch are actually longer than the lugs. What are the effective "L2L" then ?
I actually have this model - for my buying decision, I like the size, I was going to ditch the bracelet anyway (I hate bracelets and this wears well on an Uncle Seiko rubber strap), and my decision was between this and the new Alpinist 1959 reinterpretation, and I decided I wanted the accuracy of the solar movement and the Alpinist was $300CDN more.
I’ll agree with you about the value proposition. Of the alternatives you listed, I’d say the Arnie was the best one as it’s also solar, has the functionalities of a digital watch, and I was able to pick it up at a Christmas sale for $200CDN off retail.
Fellow Canadian here. I'm considering on buying this Seiko as well, may I ask where you purchased yours from?
@@NCHobbies Online from Halifax Watch
@@PhantomObserver thanks!
I love the look at the small diver, except for the globe on the face. That was a dealbreaker.
I know that website well - at the end of July I bought an SSC675 quarts dive/chrono from them for $309 with shipping. It also has hollow endlinks but at that price I don't mind.
$569 for a solar diver seems excessive when the regular solar PADI is $469. Why not get the SNE549? That's an expensive bit of sapphire - but the special edition on a rubber strap costs another $20. Conclusion: Seiko prices are bizarre.
Oh god I can't wait until uncle seiko or strapcode makes a bracelet for this watch😬
Uncle seiko over Strapcode for me. Strapcode needs to seriously down-size some of their clasps. They’re comically big.
@@Rch_P It will look great but you shouldn’t have to buy another bracelet you should come with a great one for that price
@@richardvacanti4265 you’re absolutely right
@@Rch_P you’re right there mate. They’re massive and uncomfortable. I prefer Seiko stamped clasps over strapcode.
the PADI Divers certification is not free, it costs a decent amount to certify it
Another Beauty from *Seiko*
My Oldman gave me his *Seiko Kinetic* and I love it. ❤️⌚
@AlphaWhiskeyCharlie definitely Fantastic vintage watch and I'll be giving this watch to my son when he grows up. 😉👍
But it's sad that you've sold your watch.. 😞
Morning Jody! I’ve made the decision to never buy a Seiko again. So fed up with QC issues , just sold my SPB187 due to yet another misaligned bezel 😔 have a great day mate.
Q
1
@@jakubsubik195 I’m confused
How severe was the misalignment? Did it prevent you from properly telling the time or throw off your timed dives?
@@michaelriera6277 both actually. I’m still underwater as I type.
@zack oblong thanks for the insight. Deep , real deep.
Microbrand wins for me at anything near that price, Just waiting for a HVD Spectre diver, think I got a better deal by a landslide! Thanks Jody
Great video, I have the sne435p1. PADI blue dial with red minute hand. Have to say it wears well but ditching the strap for a nato (that’s if I can find a blue 20mm in stock anywhere 😂). No milled clasp or solid end links like you say. Couldn’t find a strap on strap code as of Jan 2023
This is my the most comfortable watch I have. Fits so well on my smaller wrist
Nice video and thanks. Which model is this ?It would help if you put that in the tittle and maybe you’ve mentioned and I missed.
*$500USD:* "Ok" 😐
*Quartz:* "Ok... _(What features do you even get for $500, though? May as well buy a Mudmaster)"_ 🤨
*Hollow End-links:* "SEIKO, WHAT THE FU- 😤🤬"
Edit (before the haters arrive): It's a nice watch and all, but I can't help thinking you've overpaid if you dropped half a grand on this.
If it was mechanical, for example, I could appreciate the additional complexity of production being reflected in the price. Otherwise, I don't think it represents a unique enough proposition (e.g. the PRX 100, has a well-made integrated bracelet and a huge power reserve for not much more than this; plus Tisso can use the magic words: _'Swiss Made'_ )
This is 200$ overpriced, at least. But when the Seiko kills off the Turtles and the Samurais, this will be the new normal.
“Swiss made” doesn’t mean much nowadays.
Added complexity?
Their automatic movements are pretty cheap.
@@e28forever30 Cheap compared to quartz? Sorry, I'm not buying it 🤣
@@e28forever30 Except to everyone who keeps overpaying for watches with those words on them. 🤷♂️
This is an off subject question but where does one sell used watches? Particularly an SKX 007 j1.
Seriously considering the faded blue bezel model of this one for 350€ right now. But even at that price point it’s still too expensive for what it’s offering unfortunately. Maybe next year when the prices have dropped some more…
Honestly this is how it goes for almost all Seiko watches. When the 5KX and DressKX were released, everyone was complaining about the steep price. However, one year later you could find them almost anywhere for ~30% off the original sticker price. So just wait a bit and it'll be a much more reasonable buy.
@@RM-el3gw yeah I was one of those people that complained at first and then picked up the dresskx for 140€ a year later
I found one listing for $320 usd, should I get it? The size of this is suitable for my 5 Inch wrist, but somehow I feel like I could split that money and get more watches... Example, SNK089/ GA2100 or maybe the Presage cocktail /Hamilton
Buy the black version SNE573P1 on the rubber strap much cheaper ;)
Greetings from Bandung, Indonesia. I'm torn between seiko solar VS citizen eco drive, budget $200-300 max, any advice? Thanks!!!!
Good episode. Keep thinking about another Seiko but can’t see past my SKX007
Same here love ❤️ my SKX
Have a Vaer solar automatic, about half of what you'd pay, ok it's on strap, but does come with another, have another Vaer on bracelet, and all their lines use the same sized lug width and that has a bracelet if I should choose to swap. I know we're talking micro brands, but they do sell out. Many are US assembled and use either swiss and probably in this case the same movement. I'm not sure the logistics of outside of North American sales, they're a California based company, and it maybe moot, because they're sold out but they do restock, and there is always like a 15% discount code, or sign up for their email. I get a bit more as a veteran, which may be available to our friends down under. BTW the bracelet has solid end links.
I happen to like that Seiko but don't need another solar or quartz watch. Your reviews are great Jody and if I lived in Australia I would send it in. While I do like 40 and above it's nice to have a 38mm, like that Padi and my Vaer. It's ok on my 7.5 inch wrist.
Just had my Royal One automatic watch from Didun Design delivered, seems very solid, lovely bracelet, screw down crown, exhibition back and the booklet says it has a Seagull movement in it ... time will tell how it performs
I got the 38mm Certina DS Action Diver, similar look, not that more expensive but you get solid endlinks and the Powermatic automatic movement with 80h power reserve and Nivachron balance spring. Sorry to bring up Certina, again, they just offer a lot for the price, not really the case with Seiko these days.
I agree Certina offers a lot!
Certina is long overdue some air time, I admit. I like the look a lot.
@@JustOneMoreWatch their history especially with shock and water resistance is great. Their DS concept make them sort of mechanical G-shocks. I love the brand. I'd love to see a review on your channel. If you can't get one I actually would send you one 😉😁 thanks for your great videos, hellooo from Switzerland 🇨🇭✌
Would a 22mm one piece strap (nylon) fit tuts watch or will it be too big
A great alternative to this is the SBDN019, also a small solar diver coming in at 73gr (titanium)
You're spot on there mate. I'm a Seiko fan, we have three decent Seiko automatics in the family and I'll probably get more in the future but I'm not paying that sort of money for a quartz watch and certainly not with the dodgy open bracelet lugs at the back.
Let me first say that I love Seiko. I own several Seikos. I've spent lots of my hard earned money on Seikos. That said, there's absolutely no reason Seiko offers subpar features on their watches and a certain amount of QC issues other than they do not care and ride on their horse power in the market fuelled by those of us who continue to buy these watches (myself included). Today there are a large number of microbrands and Chinese made watches for much less which offer so much more. So, it is time that Seiko gains a renewed sense of pride, self respect and respect for their huge customer base and becomes truly competitive in terms of better features, better QC and better pricing. You can only ride for so long on name fame alone.......
Seiko žije z minulosti a jména, jejich notoricky nepřesné strojky jsou tím důkazem! Předražená značka, která se pomalu potápí. Citizen, Orient, tuto značku vytlačí z trhu!!!!
I bought the SNE 497 Tuna-Lite a while back, I already had a replacement bracelet and stainless steel shroud waiting in the wings to replace the cheap plastic shroud and nasty collar and pin, pressed clasp (albeit with divers extension) Seiko charges £400 for a £150 watch. I do like a solar powered watch tho', very practical. This one looks ok but hollow end links? At least the Tuna-Lite had solid end links. Pity, it's a nice looking watch but I think the price is completely absurd. Another clear sign that Seiko can no longer be taken seriously at this price point. Great video thanks
Ralfy?! I was waiting for the glencairn to come out. Excellent video sir!
I bought the green version for well below retail, put it on a nato strap and it’s been great
QC...why doesn't the second hand tick on the indicator?
Please I want to know best lightweight comfort watch with at least 100m waterproof and sapphire glass , and if there compass 🧭 and more features as tactical watch , and solar ? thanks.
I bought the new Happy Feet Antarctica STO Monster SRPG57 and the lume is weaker than my other entry level Seiko watches. I thought I was going crazy but it seems like that's the case on this one as well. Oh well it's still better than most I guess. Great vid.
Nice purchase. It looks good and its good value for money. My only gripe on the watch is the cyclops but outside of that very cool.
Won’t lie I do love the Seiko spb143
Yes! Its replaced the $1300 Willard as my Seiko grail. Cant afford an SLA so, yes the 143 is amazing.
The SNE569P1, the same Seiko model as this, with the faded blue/grey bezel, (surely the pick of the bunch!!)
'OR' the Maen Hudson??
To get both to the UK, they're selling for about the same price.
Hi Jodi, Prices have come down at that same retailer since this post. I have an SNE579 and I'd like a better bracelet Strapcode have a feature on Seiko Solar this week. Only straight ends though.
It's a very good looking piece.
What's the difference between the SNE573P1 v SNE437P1 ?????
It's not a bad looking thing, but I still think Citizen's Eco Drive, rather than Seiko's Solar is the way to go. Also, bad lume on a Seiko? What is the world coming to?
I agree you don’t get many of them missing the indices and for less money, I think Seiko have been trading on memories the last couple of years with their price increases and bad quality control
I would agree with this, however, Citizen doesn’t make any divers under 40mm. I’m fact all their current Promaster Eco-Drive Divers are 44mm or larger.
@@dustinr16 what about the one I had on the channel recently, the world time eco drive? It admittedly has no lume pip so not a "true" diver, but it has 200m water resistance
Another wonderful review! Besides the hollow end links, pressed clasp, and misaligned second hand, there is another item that distresses me. I do not understand why the lume on the second hand is not on the tip but on the lollipop on the other end.
Because its only purpose is to check if the watch is running.
That’s an ISO requirement.
It is also a counterbalance to balance the second hand out.
I quite like it, it’s a typical Seiko thing.
Assuming that in Europe it is no longer worth buying on the gray market. Complaints about the usual issues with Seiko are already a bit boring. If Seiko put together a sapphire crystal and a proper bracelet, do people think he wouldn't charge it?
The strength of Seiko is not the watch, but what comes after the watch, such as after-sales service, spare parts, etc ... which with other brands such as Orient, leaves much to be desired.
The question to be asked is, do you want a watch for life or a watch to wear and put in a drawer to collect dust?
That’s what people don’t get when they compare Seiko to a microbrand. Seiko will be around in ten years. Will that Chinese microbrand? I grow tired of the complaints about Hardlex because it holds up better in a working environment. It doesn’t shatter like sapphire does. Ask me how I know but then again most people don’t wear a watch in a brutal environment.
this seiko got my attention, glad you're reviewing it.
These Seiko solar divers are not too convincing.
You can pick up pretty much any Citizen Promaster diver for much-much less and you probably have a same quality, or even better watch.
In my opinion, Citizen makes a much nicer, more refined watch than Seiko, in general. Also, the one reviewed is not even solar, which I would prefer!
I'll take my Casio Duro for 1/10th the price and laugh my way all the way to the bank with the savings!
Agreed. If you're going solar, you're probably going Citizen
@@truebluemiata love my duro only thing keeping it from being perfect is it’s not solar BUT having said that batteries aren’t hard to replace and you can get the watch for ALOT less!! Love my duro! But my number 1 diver is my citizen pro master diver!
@@michaelzuccardo5414 In my opinion, Citizen makes one of the ugliest divers, oversized, chunky, case finishing is on the same level as casio...besides ny0040, they have no diver worth of mention.
500.- quartz... great. Jody, I´m only enduring this due to it´s your channel. One could buy 8 Vostok automatics on a budget like this. I love Seikos, I own and like several models of the brand....but this one gets a 6 out of 10 from my side....
I have the black one of this watch and I wear it everyday now. Its probably my favorite watch I own. I agree the lume doesn't last very long though and not as bright.
My daily is a Seiko SNE499 which should have the same or similar solar quartz and I absolutely love it! I have really small wrists and welcome a new solar Seiko with smaller dimensions, but I'll have till the hype dies down and see if this one shows up on sale somewhere
to wait*
Yep, I REALLY like the Seiko solar movements!
I dont quite get seikos way. I got a really nice Sportura Chronograph from around 8 years ago WITH sapphire crystal and a really nice bracelet with proper endlinks and a milled clasp. it was around 500 bucks as well…
Picked up the Blue/Gray bezel version of this watch and had to return it... Chapter ring alignment was off too much to ignore.
The hollow end links are for weight savings
A very nice watch, it is one o could think about to buy. Thanks for a honest review.
Hi Jody, another great review ! I just bought a variation of this same model, but with grey / ghosted bezel and smooth black dial, giving it a retro kind of look in this size. I’m still waiting for it arriving in my mailbox, but i think it will be a great beater / grab and go watch, fitting almost any occasion with this size and looks. The drilled lugs makes it a potential strap monster. And yes, i bought it with a good discount, so it’s always possible to make a better deal with Seiko.
Just received my SBDN 019 and loving it. Think would have similar specs but cheaper.
I've put mine on a Zuludiver strap and binned the bracelet. As you say, no excuse for the truly awful bracelet at this price. The watch itself is superb. Excellent review.
The second hand doesnt line up with the indexes. Is it even possible for them to make a watch that's actually correct ?
Lovely proportions for my small wrist! Solar power great. Lovely looking watch too but Citizen titanium automatic diver better value in my opinion and with sapphire crystal too! Smashing hands.
When will Seiko bring us a 5 tick per second mecha-quartz in their own line?
Good question.
I wonder the same thing.
Of course will it have the
Will it have the other QC issues that are always complained about?
Even a 4 tick a second solar would be awesome, surely something they can manage?
Can the Chinese do it with feikos then i wonder why Seiko themselvez can't do it
Did anyone notice that the second hand was not hitting the marks. Come on Seiko.
That blue is amazing I 100%agree
Nice! The bracelet looks like the one on the Sumo.
Mine should be here Monday $308 all in don’t care about endlinks.will be on rubber strap by weeks end
Vaer has a 38mm solar dive watch. It's styled like a mil-Seamaster.
Maybe if they developed a super smooth, solar sweeping seconds movement.... That kind of seems like a no brainer. .. the solar offsetting the smooth sweep battery drain.
Jody, please review the new Steeldive 1953 with the 4:30 date window. The bezel, face and hand lume is incredible and lasts for hours!!! You will have a new winner in lume wars. BTW, a pressed clasp is not a deal breaker because milled clasps don't fit as closely to the wrist.
Hey Jody! I agree, this is a lovely and very practical watch, nice colour scheme and with sapphire, but at the same time the bracelet is rubbish. Hate those single links mimicking three-link-style. This is absolutely unworthy of a brand like Seiko. First thing I'd do is to take this bracelet off and find some nice rubber or waterproof hybrid sailcloth straps for it.
Got to say I just love this channel more and more. Epic
I wonder, did they wear watches on Startrek? Would Kirk or Picard wear a dive watch? Anyway, I digress, I was wondering what is the issue with hollow end lines? Do hollow end links perform worse than solid end links? Do they rattle? What is the benefit of a solid end link? I imagine a solid end link would cost 4-8 cents more to fabricate than a hollow link.
I have the basic Seiko X solar 43mm with Pepsi bezel and date cyclops window (I like it 🙂). Great watch, I would recommend these Seiko types. The downer is the bezel action which is definitely mushy.
It's possible to get these varieties for around $300 USD in excellent used condition. That's the only way I'd be picking up this watch. Although it is my favorite Seiko this season.
Great video. I love the look of this watch, but not the price! The design reminds me of the old SKX031.
Thanks for another great review Jody, i bought the black on black version which comes on a fairly decent rubber strap but want to upgrade to a good aftermarket bracelet , do let me know if you hear anything around 👍👍
I love the case and dial. But the rest just doesn't tick enough boxes for the price.
A thoughtful and balanced review, thanks.
Flat glass will turn into a mirror underwater, kinda what you can see at 10:20. That's the reason serious divers have domed glass.