I’m with you. $1000 for a misaligned bezel and -22 secs on the timegrapher ? For $1000 there are plenty of choices out there that provide way better value (C. Ward anyone?).
@@GS-vb3zn Seiko movements don't translate well on timegrapher but then check your daily rate as you wear them you will see they are quite consistent.
I recall the Seiko announcing their aim to improve their reputation outside of Japan . Aiming more toward luxury than affordability. Seems it was just corporate speak for "we will be jacking up our prices". Their cost cutting habits and QC issues have remained. I just don't see any excuse for it when so many other companies are getting it right. It's a shame really. they have released some beautiful looking pieces. They are really just a shadow of a brand that I once knew. 😁
Agree. I feel they are stuck with a vast manufacturing infrastructure around Asia geared towards cheap watches that they can't easily turn around. Their ambitions are writing cheques their assembly lines can't cash.
In this hobby there are literally people who think higher prices are a good thing. Like the only thing that separates Seiko and swiss manufactures is the price so you solve that by charging more. It's dumb as hell but it could work.
I have owned an Orange Monster II generation, a Turtle and a aviator. Monster had specs of paint on the dial. The Turtle had misaligned chapter ring and a faulty movement which was done on warranty. The aviator one was good though. But for me Seiko brand is not worth any money. It is hard to think past that and get another one. I much prefer Swiss made watches and even Casio watches. Seiko is charging more and more and the quality is the same or worse.
@@KurzawaJakub Absolutely. Even many of the microbrands I own outdo Seiko and are half the price. Sadly there are so many people who will throw money at them while defending their many shortcomings so there's no incentive for improvement.
Love the army green dial and the slightly smaller case. The intro was hilarious, I imagine you asking your wife to film you playing around in the garden looking tough 😂
I’ve got the black one. Bezel is excellent and line up well. Runs at approx -2 spd on the wrist and +2 spd overnight off the wrist. Can’t complain about that.
Same here. I got the Seiko Willard black edition and it lines up fine and the movement keeps perfect time. I also got it new on a black Friday sale for £600.
I remember growing up my dad will play Apocalypse now, he would put it through the stereo so it's loud. He would turn up the volume so loud you can feel it. The scene where the helicopters fly into the village, guns blazing and music blaring. He said the movie was pretty accurate. He was over there 68 to 69 with 101st airborne. It was never a good night when that movie was on. It wasn't a good time for him or a lot of people.
Best intro ever!!! As a Desert Shield/Desert Storm US Army veteran, your words rang true to me. Oddly enough, I do still miss that desert. Keep those informative entertaining reviews coming.
This is a beauty, but I could never justify $1000 for it. Think I'll stick to San Martin and Steeldive, especially since you can get fully-lumed ceramic inserts. Heimdallr even offers a high-beat 6105.
You will be much more satisfied with San Martin and Steeldive than with SPB153. SPB153 is not worth $ 1000, just look at the average movement, SPB153 is not worth more than $ 250
@@Televisiontechnology I have Steeldive pilot(around $100) watch with NH35, so far I am satisfied. The quality is as good as most micro brands selling their $ 500- $700 models with the NH35. When you get it I'm waiting for you to tell me your impressions.
@@Penny2105 Ok will do - I am a watch collector and have some nice pieces as well as the lower-priced stuff - dead keen to see something that is a nice solid watch for a decent price. Which would be a nice change! I've looked at the €1300 Willard, but lots of online reviews quite mixed in terms of quality for the money - it's a lot for a Seiko with a pretty average movement - so will be very happy if the Steeldive is as good as they say. Lots of people have positive things to say about it.
To be fair Rolex sell $20,000 GMT masters that also have misaligned bezels. If any other brands tried to sell something for that much with a misaligned bezel, they would be crucified.
@@howardjackson8095 however, you do realize that the number of misaligned bezels on a Rolex are far fewer than those on a Seiko? I don't even think you can compare the two.
Funny you say this. I bought an SPB149 but realised it wasn't worth the price. I'm going to sell it for one of those new Turtles with a sapphire crystal and pocket the change.
That seiko is a stunner, I paid £1200 GBP for one and regretted it immediately because of the misalignment and a couple of other issues I didn’t want to wear it daily in case it got damaged before I sold it on I sold it at a slight loss and bought a steel dive homage to wear daily for £100 GBP I have a number of seiko‘ s and at the risk of some criticism, the steel dive is a better watch than the one I sold The steel band it came with was not good but the free waffle strap it came with was excellent Seiko movement, hacking and hand winding, lumed ceramic insert, saphire crystal, and they can be modded with seiko oem parts Would love to see the two reviewed side by side All the best Jody, great video, and loved the podcast
Carlos Manjarrez you will not regret it, I wore mine out in public for the first time a few days ago and got 2 comments 1st wow is that a Willard 2 nd beautiful watch mate
Ditto. Bought a Steel dive for £105 at same time as Padi Turtle £340. Crown detached from turtle on day one. Steeldive overall better quality. Gained 1 sec in a week when constantly wearing.
For the Seiko 6R35 movement the life angle is 53 and you have to wind it before testing it on the time grapher as it is a 3 day movement. Made the same mistakes when testing mine and was surprised to find it operating well within COSC on the wrist. If the beat error and amplitude on your time grapher were accurate the movement could be considered broken or in dire need of service.
That intro was hilarious! You need to do more of these. I got to have this watch just because Apocalypse Now is one of my favorite movies. I love your channel.
I think it's actually good value for the quality of the case finishing and the amazing bracelet. I have two willards and they are perfectly aligned and within 5s. But I only but from Jewellers to see what I am getting, and not mail order ..
Just ordered mine today. I got the steel bracelet version for £200 off from an official Seiko outlet. Should be with me Monday. This video was a factor in my decision. The first expensive watch I've bought since my Omega Speedmaster back on 2005. Despite the criticisms I'm certain that once you can't get these anymore folks will go mad for them.
Hi Jody! Great channel.. informative and fun to watch! The black dial version runs about $1300 USD, which makes these QC issues seem far worse. Think I’ll buy the Yema Flygraf Pilot M1 for half the price.
Since your review Jody, they came out with a third variant and that is the Blue Special Edition Willard. It is a stunning looking watch. The blue is mesmerizing and I was fortunate to get an aligned bezel and my accuracy is spot on after a few days. I purchased mine from an AD in the US and told him to check the bezel to see if it was aligned perfectly otherwise I didn't want it. He sent me a beauty. I was going to go for the black until I saw the blue and no regrets. I will say it is definitely overpriced.
Got my green Willard at the start of July. Took a punt unseen but with a decent discount from an AD in the UK and thankfully the one I got is perfect. Bezel perfectly aligned, fit and finish spot on and the crown is smooth to operate. Well happy with it, though I swap between a nato green tropic and an olive green Marine Nationale strap instead of the OG one it came with.
I bought the Heimdallr homage of this watch. For $180 I got an identical looking watch with ceramic bezel, double domed sapphire with blue AR coating and the same nice bevel along with an NH35, screw down crown and 200m WR. Oh, and the bezel lines up and the crown is signed.
I recently got myself a new Seiko, an SBEJ003 Landmaster, and I'll be the first to admit it's no catwalk-model Marinemaster 300 when it comes to classic looks...but, it's their willingness to try new things that has sold the brand on me. Heck, their history is practically built on trying new things. Maybe surprisingly, I don't know, but none of my 5 Seiko's from Sea Urchin to Landmaster has QC issues. I'm still a little appalled that the Rolex root beer...an unattainable watch I once lusted after...that you reviewed, had the dodgy flaws it did. That was my "Never meet your heroes" moment.
Spot on unboxing/review. The majority of my watches are Seiko and getting them for around $300 or less they offer good value, at $1,000 I'm shopping elsewhere.
I absolutely love this watch. I was so close to pulling the trigger on one ($1495 Cdn), until I watched three reviews where every piece had misaligned bezels. For that price, that kind of poor quality control is inexcusable and undeserving of my hard earned dollars. I will not buy another Seiko until I can physically inspect it first. I currenty own a Turtle, PADI Samurai, and a Sumo. The Samurai and Sumo both had misaligned bezel inserts. Once you see that, you can't unsee it. Finally I sent them to a Seiko modder and had the bezel inserts swapped out with ceramic ones and I also had the Hardlex replaced with sapphire crystals. Now I am wearing those watches more often. I guess Seiko does not care about quality control as long as we keep giving them our money and just tsk tsk about it like its just something to expect as if it is a charming quirk of the brand.
I know this watch was a bad experience, but the Seiko SPB317J1 is a killer watch-no polished surfaces, better dial, and *practically* dateless since the date at 4:30 is so small. Initially I wanted this watch, but there is a lot of empty space on this dial, so I ordered the SPB317. Mine actually shipped is an aligned bezel (crazy I know).
I really like the fact that Seiko doesn’t put the cheesy „S“ on the crown of their Prospex watches; although it would be cool to have the „LOCK↪️“ engraving that some of the vintage Seiko divers have on the crown.
I already loved my "steel dive" hommage, but after seeing your review I love it more! (quality/price is unbeatable)...You certainly have a future as an actor, by the way ;o)
I've got a slightly off SKX bezel, which is fine because it is what it is and runs like a tank, but you're 100% right. If Seiko wants to claw upmarket, they need to start getting right stuff even the dodgiest microbrand can do.
I just bought a Seiko samurai prospex but Sent one back due to QC issues. Had another one and it has a slightly misaligned bezel but it runs at -2 seconds a day so I've kept it. I paid 270 GBP so can't complain but I could never justify spending 1000 GBP on a watch with so many QC issues not when I sit and think what other watch I could get for 1000. Great video though massive fan all the way from Wales.
Did you mention the misaligned date window at all? @11:30 for example, it's well out of whack! I LOVE the black one but I just cannot justify the price given the quality of them.
Love the look of the watch, ordered a black, bracelet, JDM version. Hopefully will have better luck with the bezel, the accuracy while important I do run through rotations and would be setting it. I don't have a time grapher nor see the need for one. I have had some watches that keep seemingly good time and some soso, not horrible but you would notice it in a month. I do think they went upscale in price a bit much, but a loyalty discount helped a bit from the AD. (Gnomon). Have several Seiko's and going to sell all but 4, just the better one's. Never had to send one out for repair, over half have aligned bezels JDM one's. Haven't noticed over 20secs of deviation from speculation. On another point, bought two Wards, keep good time, and generally well respected. I had two that were sent back, one with a bad crown, rotor it won't keep time, another a more expensive watch a (less then a month old) C65 Anthropocene Limited Edition which the second hand fell off, which yes I could probably find some to fix that on the cheap, but want to keep the warranty intact. At first they weren't taking repairs outside of the UK do to COVID-19, then when they did, they sent via email a free DHL shipping label they got it in two days, a week later they said all is covered under warranty and will be fixed in about 10 weeks. (MEH) Swiss Watch Company swcusa.com is fixing and should have it in a week, for the same crown rotor problem as the CW, both free shipping labels, but they're in the US, odd both with Selita movements. So I guess over brands it's a crap shoot.Only down side with JDM is I have to send it to Singapore for warranty, and that is an if. Haven't had a problem with Seiko, Oris, Omega, Rolex, Zelos, Tudor, Sinn, Laco (month old) Stowa (they use top grade eta), Doxa and Nomos. My 12 y/o Stowa Flieger Classic never has given me a problem, nor does it and others have ghost settings on the crown. So yes I think I paid maybe $100 or a little more after discounts for the Willard then what it should be, ordered some tropics in from Uncle Seiko, which oddly will fit Oris Big Crowns and Diver 65's. And read people ordering them for those watches. Not going to drop $109,00 for a rubber Seiko band, and their tropics are near identical to the Vietnam era Willards. The closest Seiko Boutique to me is in NYC about 90 minutes away. While love going to the city, really don't want to go at this time, bus, train or drive, and then I think you need an appointment. If I did it, and bought it, could look and check the bezels, if they have them, and hopefully a timegrapher. I would wear my GS Snowflake if I was to go. Boutiques, like to see customers coming in wearing their watches, or high end watches. I guess they know you're going to drop a credit card and buy and not waste their time. Don't care about coffee or fancey spring waters I may or may not get. Sorry for the long post, it's cold raining and bored, Jody love your channel, if you didn't live the otherside of the planet, I'd send you something you may want to review, just cost of shipping, customs issues (not me I have receipts) and turn around times.
Really sucks about the bezel not being aligned but as you mentioned it’s classic Seiko. I picked up an original 6105 recently and for being 50 years old it’s in fantastic shape. Great video, my friend.
"If he wants to relive this moment, he always got this video to refer back to." LMAO! Loved the Apocalypse intro as well. Also, you need to do more impressions of various actors/characters with various English accents, you have an entertaining talent there for sure (without being over the top). Anyways, a smaller Turtle/retro 6105 model would be welcomed by me with quite small wrists. I'm awaiting a Steeldive "Willard" hopingly soon arriving, and I'm curious to see how that one will fit me. I agree about the critique (not called "moans and niggles" here, huh?!), Seiko has to deliver again like they used to, and not just put out more and more pricier watches without the old school quality value they got known for. Well, I guess it's time to check out Orient models a little more in depth now.. As always, great video and keep up the good work.
When I see these fat cushion cased Turtle-like watches I feel like Seiko's engineers and designers had Xzybit in the room: "Yo dawg, we heard you like cases, so we put a case around your watch case."
Beautiful watch, beautiful video, as always. I love the size and color of this one. If I haven’t already bought the new 62MAS I would’ve gotten this one.
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right. Unless you're gonna go all the way. Seiko had got off the boat. They'd split from the whole ****ing program!" $1,000 for a misaligned bezel and a watch losing nearly 30s per day? 😱😱😱😱
If you can stand not having that brand name on the dial,check out the Steeldive 6105 homage which comes in several colours and is a truly accurate homage with all the specs including the good old NH35 movement and sapphire crystal for less than $200.They're great,I should know because I have one and I love it.....................................
What in the freak is wrong with Seiko that the brand can’t align a bezel properly? It’s an insult to everyone who lines up to buy their crap. Plus, it can’t even keep the correct time. Fifteen seconds right out of the box? WTF! Thanks for an honest review. That’s why this channel is one of the best on TH-cam.
Cracking intro Jody. Never been a big fan of the turtle really but never tried one on either, or a Samurai come to that. Perhaps I have enough Seiko divers? Ha... how ridiculous does that sound! My eyesight could not pick out the misalignment but it’s way too expensive anyway. 😕 Hey good news on the SARB035 though 😁
thanks for the review. it seems that the 6 o'clock hour mark is not in the center of the 3 minutes marks below. just like my the last mas62. really cant understand how seiko keep messing it up. especially now these nice prospexs cost you over 1000eur
i have a SBDC105 and my bezel looks just to the left as well but when put a straight edge using a piece of paper connecting the 30 mark to the 12 and up to the arrow, it is perfectly centered. I wonder if it is parallax causing it to look off?
3:53 I see where you're coming from but I think the SRPE67 for $220 USD for a 40mm case, 20mm lugs, 4R36 hacking & hand winding movement with clean, classic design is still a great bargain. If they do a no-date version with sapphire crystal I don't think there's much that could beat it for under $2500.
Have you considered doing a review on the ratio freediver, it’s rated at 1000 m water resistant, helium escape valve, sapphire glass, seiko nh36 movement on sale at the moment from creation watches at £102 on a rubber strap with a promo code ?
I considered the black dial. But seeing the green dial has me intrigued. I've always preferred the case shape of this compared with the Turtle and Samurais. But I don't know if I can bring myself to spend that amount with the quality issues.
I would have thought that with a more modern movement it would have kept better time, but I guess that's the way it goes. Thanks for the awesome review as always.
Halloooo Wow Jody your content is getting more and more cinematic! Love the new content! Not a fan of cushion/turtle cases but this maybe is an exception
Loving your channel and videos! Having a watch that loses 45 seconds a day? No problem at all. What I don't love is the pricing. For a thousand bucks, this watch better be ready to give me VIP couch dances and grilled cheese sandwiches on demand. 🤪
A great video, Jody. I really love this watch as its size is my favourite. As has been pointed out ad nauseam, this is actually not a “Willard”. More appropriately, it is a mini-Willard/Millard. If you follow the lineage, the Turtle is the actual successor to the original Willard. Nonetheless, I plan to pick one up used (or the Smiths homage, if I can get it).
I bought a Steeldive Capt. Willard homage from Ali. I have seen some very positive reviews on them. I would love to see you do one, minus the Capt Willard breakdown at the beginning of Apocalypse 😆😆
Super looking watch. Very nice but $1000? Not sure I could get that one past the “Management” 😉 I think an “Arnie” solar might be higher on my wish list.
Nice to see a sapphire crystal at last. Does the date still takes ages to change or have they got themselves into the 1960s with an instant change at about midnight.
Acting skills 10/10
Humor 10/10
Jody kicks it 💪
If only this one had a day date!
Thanks mate! Yeah, day date wpudl have been interesting, but it needs to be better, or cheaper. Preferably both.
But then it'd have the candy bar cyclops 🤢
I would definitely take it back to the shop. QC just not good enough.
I’m with you. $1000 for a misaligned bezel and -22 secs on the timegrapher ? For $1000 there are plenty of choices out there that provide way better value (C. Ward anyone?).
Awful cost benefit at all!
Seiko is losing points with the watch enthusiast community faster than they imagine...
@@GS-vb3zn Seiko movements don't translate well on timegrapher but then check your daily rate as you wear them you will see they are quite consistent.
Love the silly intros. They always make me chuckle.
Thanks mate!
I recall the Seiko announcing their aim to improve their reputation outside of Japan . Aiming more toward luxury than affordability. Seems it was just corporate speak for "we will be jacking up our prices". Their cost cutting habits and QC issues have remained. I just don't see any excuse for it when so many other companies are getting it right. It's a shame really. they have released some beautiful looking pieces. They are really just a shadow of a brand that I once knew. 😁
Agree. I feel they are stuck with a vast manufacturing infrastructure around Asia geared towards cheap watches that they can't easily turn around. Their ambitions are writing cheques their assembly lines can't cash.
In this hobby there are literally people who think higher prices are a good thing. Like the only thing that separates Seiko and swiss manufactures is the price so you solve that by charging more. It's dumb as hell but it could work.
I have owned an Orange Monster II generation, a Turtle and a aviator. Monster had specs of paint on the dial. The Turtle had misaligned chapter ring and a faulty movement which was done on warranty. The aviator one was good though.
But for me Seiko brand is not worth any money. It is hard to think past that and get another one. I much prefer Swiss made watches and even Casio watches. Seiko is charging more and more and the quality is the same or worse.
@@KurzawaJakub Absolutely. Even many of the microbrands I own outdo Seiko and are half the price. Sadly there are so many people who will throw money at them while defending their many shortcomings so there's no incentive for improvement.
Can it be that there is so much praise in the reviews that they are realizing that people will pay more because of the hype
Love the army green dial and the slightly smaller case.
The intro was hilarious, I imagine you asking your wife to film you playing around in the garden looking tough 😂
She wasn't happy. I'm making the dinner tonight, and probably for a while to come 🤣
@@JustOneMoreWatch Make her a Vietnam war inspired spam dinner, I promise you'll be off the hook.
@@MyAffordableWatchCollection Yeah... My Dad ate C-Rations from the Korea War when he was in Vietnam. That oughta do it.
@@UGA.D I'm an army man myself, had my fair share of Spam 🤢
Just One More Watch Bet she wouldn’t be when the revenue comes in from TH-cam =)
I’ve got the black one. Bezel is excellent and line up well. Runs at approx -2 spd on the wrist and +2 spd overnight off the wrist. Can’t complain about that.
Thats a lucky draw you got there
Same here. I got the Seiko Willard black edition and it lines up fine and the movement keeps perfect time. I also got it new on a black Friday sale for £600.
@@maxpaws3977 a great deal 👍
I remember growing up my dad will play Apocalypse now, he would put it through the stereo so it's loud. He would turn up the volume so loud you can feel it. The scene where the helicopters fly into the village, guns blazing and music blaring. He said the movie was pretty accurate. He was over there 68 to 69 with 101st airborne. It was never a good night when that movie was on. It wasn't a good time for him or a lot of people.
Best intro ever!!! As a Desert Shield/Desert Storm US Army veteran, your words rang true to me. Oddly enough, I do still miss that desert. Keep those informative entertaining reviews coming.
Wow! It’s almost as nice as my Steeldive version!😉
This is a beauty, but I could never justify $1000 for it. Think I'll stick to San Martin and Steeldive, especially since you can get fully-lumed ceramic inserts. Heimdallr even offers a high-beat 6105.
This is the real deal, those are copies made with cheap labors with low wage, dangerous working environment in China. Your money your choice
You will be much more satisfied with San Martin and Steeldive than with SPB153. SPB153 is not worth $ 1000, just look at the average movement, SPB153 is not worth more than $ 250
@@Penny2105 I've just ordered the steel dive 1970sd - so hope you are right, as I'd much rather spend €100 than €1000+
@@Televisiontechnology I have Steeldive pilot(around $100) watch with NH35, so far I am satisfied. The quality is as good as most micro brands selling their $ 500- $700 models with the NH35. When you get it I'm waiting for you to tell me your impressions.
@@Penny2105 Ok will do - I am a watch collector and have some nice pieces as well as the lower-priced stuff - dead keen to see something that is a nice solid watch for a decent price. Which would be a nice change! I've looked at the €1300 Willard, but lots of online reviews quite mixed in terms of quality for the money - it's a lot for a Seiko with a pretty average movement - so will be very happy if the Steeldive is as good as they say. Lots of people have positive things to say about it.
That misaligned bezel would be something I could never unsee and would drive me nuts. I do love the colour though.
To be fair Rolex sell $20,000 GMT masters that also have misaligned bezels. If any other brands tried to sell something for that much with a misaligned bezel, they would be crucified.
@@howardjackson8095 however, you do realize that the number of misaligned bezels on a Rolex are far fewer than those on a Seiko? I don't even think you can compare the two.
I have reinstalled and properly aligned the bezel inserts on all my Seiko divers. I sleep much better now.
@@Jon81G Weird I must be lucky. I have this watch and the the 143, 053 and 125...no issues.
I really wanted one of these , but for the price Id rather a King turtle with the green dial.
Funny you say this. I bought an SPB149 but realised it wasn't worth the price. I'm going to sell it for one of those new Turtles with a sapphire crystal and pocket the change.
I've started to prefer the turtle to this and the cheaper king turtle has a ceramic bezel that this doesnt
Yeah, you could buy a King Turtle AND a King Samurai for the price of this shitter 👀
The doco on the making of Apocalypse Now "Heart of Darkness" was nearly as good as the movie.
@zack oblong like weeds in back yard after winter.
Love the honesty of your videos. Please never lose that.
OMG
Junior is adorable and not camera shy at all. Have a nice trip!
That seiko is a stunner, I paid £1200 GBP for one and regretted it immediately because of the misalignment and a couple of other issues
I didn’t want to wear it daily in case it got damaged before I sold it on
I sold it at a slight loss and bought a steel dive homage to wear daily for £100 GBP
I have a number of seiko‘ s and at the risk of some criticism, the steel dive is a better watch than the one I sold
The steel band it came with was not good but the free waffle strap it came with was excellent
Seiko movement, hacking and hand winding, lumed ceramic insert, saphire crystal, and they can be modded with seiko oem parts
Would love to see the two reviewed side by side
All the best Jody, great video, and loved the podcast
The chinese steel dive? the one with the mask? i have been playing with the idea of buying one, you saying that gave me the courage i needed
Carlos Manjarrez you will not regret it, I wore mine out in public for the first time a few days ago and got 2 comments
1st wow is that a Willard
2 nd beautiful watch mate
Ditto. Bought a Steel dive for £105 at same time as Padi Turtle £340. Crown detached from turtle on day one. Steeldive overall better quality. Gained 1 sec in a week when constantly wearing.
👏👏👏👏 I watched your intro… Looked over at the DVD cabinet and spotted Apocalypse Now… Ready to watch three hours of movie Magic! Thanks!
Hi, from all the Willard video's I watched so far, you gave the most accurate and objective opinion. Thanks a lot.
That intro, the best 😂 Glad to see the Steely Dan rep too...
That is probably the best and definitely most original intro for a video on a Willard I’ve ever seen.
🤣 Thanks mate!
Full Metal Bracelet was a great war movie too
I love the opening intro. Jody showin' off his acting chops!
A new video from Jody, a Seiko with a misaligned bezel, and a little rhyme time! What a way to start the day! Thanks, Jody!
For the Seiko 6R35 movement the life angle is 53 and you have to wind it before testing it on the time grapher as it is a 3 day movement. Made the same mistakes when testing mine and was surprised to find it operating well within COSC on the wrist. If the beat error and amplitude on your time grapher were accurate the movement could be considered broken or in dire need of service.
That Steely Dan shirt steals the show. Quite possibly the very best shirt you've ever worn during a review.
I must agree with you Jodi about the quality for price point on this one not being up to par. Thanks again Brian.
That intro was hilarious! You need to do more of these. I got to have this watch just because Apocalypse Now is one of my favorite movies. I love your channel.
Had this watch about a month now and I cant take it off absolutely love this one
I think it's actually good value for the quality of the case finishing and the amazing bracelet. I have two willards and they are perfectly aligned and within 5s. But I only but from Jewellers to see what I am getting, and not mail order ..
Just ordered mine today. I got the steel bracelet version for £200 off from an official Seiko outlet. Should be with me Monday. This video was a factor in my decision. The first expensive watch I've bought since my Omega Speedmaster back on 2005. Despite the criticisms I'm certain that once you can't get these anymore folks will go mad for them.
Lovely looking watch, wish SEIKO would do more tool/military designs but agree, can't see value in $1k USD. Love the shirt though Jody!
This is why your my favorite channel. Keep following your gut and keep up the amazing content 🙂
Hi Jody! Great channel.. informative and fun to watch!
The black dial version runs about $1300 USD, which makes these QC issues seem far worse. Think I’ll buy the Yema Flygraf Pilot M1 for half the price.
My spb153 : perfect bezel alignment.+2 sec per day.It’s a fantastic watch,great looks and wearability too...
Since your review Jody, they came out with a third variant and that is the Blue Special Edition Willard. It is a stunning looking watch. The blue is mesmerizing and I was fortunate to get an aligned bezel and my accuracy is spot on after a few days. I purchased mine from an AD in the US and told him to check the bezel to see if it was aligned perfectly otherwise I didn't want it. He sent me a beauty. I was going to go for the black until I saw the blue and no regrets. I will say it is definitely overpriced.
Got my green Willard at the start of July. Took a punt unseen but with a decent discount from an AD in the UK and thankfully the one I got is perfect. Bezel perfectly aligned, fit and finish spot on and the crown is smooth to operate. Well happy with it, though I swap between a nato green tropic and an olive green Marine Nationale strap instead of the OG one it came with.
I bought the Heimdallr homage of this watch. For $180 I got an identical looking watch with ceramic bezel, double domed sapphire with blue AR coating and the same nice bevel along with an NH35, screw down crown and 200m WR. Oh, and the bezel lines up and the crown is signed.
That intro is why your my go to reviewer of watches. Excellent. Not sure about that watch though.
I recently got myself a new Seiko, an SBEJ003 Landmaster, and I'll be the first to admit it's no catwalk-model Marinemaster 300 when it comes to classic looks...but, it's their willingness to try new things that has sold the brand on me. Heck, their history is practically built on trying new things. Maybe surprisingly, I don't know, but none of my 5 Seiko's from Sea Urchin to Landmaster has QC issues. I'm still a little appalled that the Rolex root beer...an unattainable watch I once lusted after...that you reviewed, had the dodgy flaws it did. That was my "Never meet your heroes" moment.
Spot on unboxing/review. The majority of my watches are Seiko and getting them for around $300 or less they offer good value, at $1,000 I'm shopping elsewhere.
I absolutely love this watch. I was so close to pulling the trigger on one ($1495 Cdn), until I watched three reviews where every piece had misaligned bezels. For that price, that kind of poor quality control is inexcusable and undeserving of my hard earned dollars. I will not buy another Seiko until I can physically inspect it first. I currenty own a Turtle, PADI Samurai, and a Sumo. The Samurai and Sumo both had misaligned bezel inserts. Once you see that, you can't unsee it. Finally I sent them to a Seiko modder and had the bezel inserts swapped out with ceramic ones and I also had the Hardlex replaced with sapphire crystals. Now I am wearing those watches more often. I guess Seiko does not care about quality control as long as we keep giving them our money and just tsk tsk about it like its just something to expect as if it is a charming quirk of the brand.
I know this watch was a bad experience, but the Seiko SPB317J1 is a killer watch-no polished surfaces, better dial, and *practically* dateless since the date at 4:30 is so small.
Initially I wanted this watch, but there is a lot of empty space on this dial, so I ordered the SPB317.
Mine actually shipped is an aligned bezel (crazy I know).
Loved the introduction of this video referencing Apocalypse Now!
I got the steel dive captain Willard with woful strap / stainless strap absolutely perfect 👌
I really like the fact that Seiko doesn’t put the cheesy „S“ on the crown of their Prospex watches; although it would be cool to have the „LOCK↪️“ engraving that some of the vintage Seiko divers have on the crown.
I already loved my "steel dive" hommage, but after seeing your review I love it more! (quality/price is unbeatable)...You certainly have a future as an actor, by the way ;o)
Ha! Thanks mate, but I'm not sure many would agree. Hard to justify the price of these other than the brand/authenticity.
I've got a slightly off SKX bezel, which is fine because it is what it is and runs like a tank, but you're 100% right. If Seiko wants to claw upmarket, they need to start getting right stuff even the dodgiest microbrand can do.
I just bought a Seiko samurai prospex but Sent one back due to QC issues. Had another one and it has a slightly misaligned bezel but it runs at -2 seconds a day so I've kept it. I paid 270 GBP so can't complain but I could never justify spending 1000 GBP on a watch with so many QC issues not when I sit and think what other watch I could get for 1000. Great video though massive fan all the way from Wales.
Your Seiko analysis is spot on, I'm done buying Seiko until things change. Plenty of Swiss options for those prices. Perhaps Orient is the new Seiko
Look into Orients is correct. I have a number of them. Fabulous watches.
@@michaelhargis7036 As do I. Movements are accurate as well 😁
Agree totally. Seiko is getting complacent
Greatest. Introduction. Ever!
Did you mention the misaligned date window at all? @11:30 for example, it's well out of whack! I LOVE the black one but I just cannot justify the price given the quality of them.
Love the look of the watch, ordered a black, bracelet, JDM version. Hopefully will have better luck with the bezel, the accuracy while important I do run through rotations and would be setting it. I don't have a time grapher nor see the need for one. I have had some watches that keep seemingly good time and some soso, not horrible but you would notice it in a month. I do think they went upscale in price a bit much, but a loyalty discount helped a bit from the AD. (Gnomon). Have several Seiko's and going to sell all but 4, just the better one's. Never had to send one out for repair, over half have aligned bezels JDM one's. Haven't noticed over 20secs of deviation from speculation. On another point, bought two Wards, keep good time, and generally well respected. I had two that were sent back, one with a bad crown, rotor it won't keep time, another a more expensive watch a (less then a month old) C65 Anthropocene Limited Edition which the second hand fell off, which yes I could probably find some to fix that on the cheap, but want to keep the warranty intact. At first they weren't taking repairs outside of the UK do to COVID-19, then when they did, they sent via email a free DHL shipping label they got it in two days, a week later they said all is covered under warranty and will be fixed in about 10 weeks. (MEH) Swiss Watch Company swcusa.com is fixing and should have it in a week, for the same crown rotor problem as the CW, both free shipping labels, but they're in the US, odd both with Selita movements. So I guess over brands it's a crap shoot.Only down side with JDM is I have to send it to Singapore for warranty, and that is an if. Haven't had a problem with Seiko, Oris, Omega, Rolex, Zelos, Tudor, Sinn, Laco (month old) Stowa (they use top grade eta), Doxa and Nomos. My 12 y/o Stowa Flieger Classic never has given me a problem, nor does it and others have ghost settings on the crown.
So yes I think I paid maybe $100 or a little more after discounts for the Willard then what it should be, ordered some tropics in from Uncle Seiko, which oddly will fit Oris Big Crowns and Diver 65's. And read people ordering them for those watches. Not going to drop $109,00 for a rubber Seiko band, and their tropics are near identical to the Vietnam era Willards. The closest Seiko Boutique to me is in NYC about 90 minutes away. While love going to the city, really don't want to go at this time, bus, train or drive, and then I think you need an appointment. If I did it, and bought it, could look and check the bezels, if they have them, and hopefully a timegrapher. I would wear my GS Snowflake if I was to go. Boutiques, like to see customers coming in wearing their watches, or high end watches. I guess they know you're going to drop a credit card and buy and not waste their time. Don't care about coffee or fancey spring waters I may or may not get. Sorry for the long post, it's cold raining and bored, Jody love your channel, if you didn't live the otherside of the planet, I'd send you something you may want to review, just cost of shipping, customs issues (not me I have receipts) and turn around times.
Really sucks about the bezel not being aligned but as you mentioned it’s classic Seiko. I picked up an original 6105 recently and for being 50 years old it’s in fantastic shape. Great video, my friend.
Great video on the Willard. Green dial looks so nice. Might have to add it to my collection!
I bought the black one, I have all the seiko divers except LX this one is my favorite making the marine master second
😂 That introduction! I've got the black one with the bracelet and the bezel aligns! Mine gains about 3 sec./day.
had mine for a month now, the bezels aligned and It runs at plus 5 secs a day, I must have got lucky !
My favorite watch channel. Greetings from Mexico City.
Excellent intro 😅 I was in nam in the 70s, Birmingnam 😅
I got a Captain Willard Steel Dive which is identical in every way for £130 ish fantastic watch and the best lume I've ever seen.
Nice intro, Jody. The intro is better than the watch itself. 😁
"If he wants to relive this moment, he always got this video to refer back to." LMAO!
Loved the Apocalypse intro as well. Also, you need to do more impressions of various actors/characters with various English accents, you have an entertaining talent there for sure (without being over the top). Anyways, a smaller Turtle/retro 6105 model would be welcomed by me with quite small wrists. I'm awaiting a Steeldive "Willard" hopingly soon arriving, and I'm curious to see how that one will fit me.
I agree about the critique (not called "moans and niggles" here, huh?!), Seiko has to deliver again like they used to, and not just put out more and more pricier watches without the old school quality value they got known for. Well, I guess it's time to check out Orient models a little more in depth now.. As always, great video and keep up the good work.
I have been wanting one but maybe I'll see if I am satisfied with a Steeldive or Heimdallr.
When I see these fat cushion cased Turtle-like watches I feel like Seiko's engineers and designers had Xzybit in the room: "Yo dawg, we heard you like cases, so we put a case around your watch case."
Beautiful watch, beautiful video, as always. I love the size and color of this one. If I haven’t already bought the new 62MAS I would’ve gotten this one.
Nice vid. Would be useful to have the watch pendant down when on the timing machine... please.
You made my day with this intro! Greetings from Poland Jody!
"Never get out of the boat. Absolutely goddamn right. Unless you're gonna go all the way. Seiko had got off the boat. They'd split from the whole ****ing program!"
$1,000 for a misaligned bezel and a watch losing nearly 30s per day? 😱😱😱😱
My thoughts exactly ..... not good for that price !
Amen to that. I often use that expression at work...Never get out of the boat... Once in a while, one of the older guys will get it and smile or wink.
My SD version has a perfectly aligned bezel & is running at +4 seconds a day, straight outta the Chinese box.
I've just completed my willard mod after waiting 4 weeks for the dial to arrive, perfect timing.
Good review. I agree with you on the expectations. One could get an equally priced Hamilton for example which has more quality.
If you can stand not having that brand name on the dial,check out the Steeldive 6105 homage which comes in several colours and is a truly accurate homage with all the specs including the good old NH35 movement and sapphire crystal for less than $200.They're great,I should know because I have one and I love it.....................................
Im very happy with my Steeldive on a waffle strap for 78 euro
I ordered one for $95 US!
What in the freak is wrong with Seiko that the brand can’t align a bezel properly? It’s an insult to everyone who lines up to buy their crap. Plus, it can’t even keep the correct time. Fifteen seconds right out of the box? WTF! Thanks for an honest review. That’s why this channel is one of the best on TH-cam.
I wouldn't mind owning one with a metal bracelet but the Citizen radio watches are more accurate and less money. Great review though, thanks Jody
Cracking intro Jody. Never been a big fan of the turtle really but never tried one on either, or a Samurai come to that. Perhaps I have enough Seiko divers? Ha... how ridiculous does that sound! My eyesight could not pick out the misalignment but it’s way too expensive anyway. 😕 Hey good news on the SARB035 though 😁
thanks for the review. it seems that the 6 o'clock hour mark is not in the center of the 3 minutes marks below. just like my the last mas62. really cant understand how seiko keep messing it up. especially now these nice prospexs cost you over 1000eur
Awesome work on that amazing intro! That was so Brando
The opening was brilliant! I was kind of looking forward to the mirror smashing, though...
It seems like the green vers. is starting to eclipse the black. I approve!
The NH35 in my Steeldive is really accurate. The AR and sapphire all good. The bezel is aligned and the signed crown is great. That will do me.
Mine too. Bezel was stiff but sorted that.
i have a SBDC105 and my bezel looks just to the left as well but when put a straight edge using a piece of paper connecting the 30 mark to the 12 and up to the arrow, it is perfectly centered. I wonder if it is parallax causing it to look off?
3:53 I see where you're coming from but I think the SRPE67 for $220 USD for a 40mm case, 20mm lugs, 4R36 hacking & hand winding movement with clean, classic design is still a great bargain. If they do a no-date version with sapphire crystal I don't think there's much that could beat it for under $2500.
Have you considered doing a review on the ratio freediver, it’s rated at 1000 m water resistant, helium escape valve, sapphire glass, seiko nh36 movement on sale at the moment from creation watches at £102 on a rubber strap with a promo code ?
I smashed the Like button 21 seconds in. Brilliant.
I considered the black dial. But seeing the green dial has me intrigued. I've always preferred the case shape of this compared with the Turtle and Samurais. But I don't know if I can bring myself to spend that amount with the quality issues.
I would have thought that with a more modern movement it would have kept better time, but I guess that's the way it goes. Thanks for the awesome review as always.
Halloooo
Wow Jody your content is getting more and more cinematic!
Love the new content!
Not a fan of cushion/turtle cases but this maybe is an exception
Loving your channel and videos! Having a watch that loses 45 seconds a day? No problem at all. What I don't love is the pricing. For a thousand bucks, this watch better be ready to give me VIP couch dances and grilled cheese sandwiches on demand. 🤪
Looks fantastic , I wish Seiko would release watches like this with a solar Quartz movement for half the price
A great video, Jody. I really love this watch as its size is my favourite. As has been pointed out ad nauseam, this is actually not a “Willard”. More appropriately, it is a mini-Willard/Millard. If you follow the lineage, the Turtle is the actual successor to the original Willard. Nonetheless, I plan to pick one up used (or the Smiths homage, if I can get it).
I bought a Steeldive Capt. Willard homage from Ali. I have seen some very positive reviews on them. I would love to see you do one, minus the Capt Willard breakdown at the beginning of Apocalypse 😆😆
I was wondering what your opinion might be about the Torgoen T9 series 42mm Swiss quartz?
Did u give it a full wind before putting on timegrapher.?
Jody would you consider reviewing an homage like the Steeldive? I own one and am quite taken.
Super looking watch. Very nice but $1000? Not sure I could get that one past the “Management” 😉 I think an “Arnie” solar might be higher on my wish list.
The Intro Rock's!🙂👍👍👍
Good review nice watch just a little bit high on the price tag for me !
This is the only watch I’ve ever broken my ‘always buy on a bracelet’ rule for !
Nice to see a sapphire crystal at last. Does the date still takes ages to change or have they got themselves into the 1960s with an instant change at about midnight.
EPIC INTRO!!!!!!!!!! lol.. merry christmas Jody !