I owned both BB58 (sold) and SLA043 (still in the stable) at the same time at one point. I work in a semiconductor lab, we have a very expensive HD optical scope from Keyence. Put both watches under the scope 1st thing I noticed was, the finishings on the BB was quite bad given the price, particularly the edges of all the hands, while SLA is very well finished. The movements too, the finishings on the MT, well, there is nothing to be enjoyed on the MT finishing, just like any Oris 700 series, while the 8L35B finishing is quite good tbh. Performance wise, MT positional deviation is obvious too, +3 s/d here, -2 there, it simply performed like an ETA2824, which makes sense because the BB smily began with an ETA and the MT is to replace the ETA, so they both performed kinda same on timegrapher. The 8L on the other hand performed much better and stable, almost no positional deviation. The only point that MT wins is the 70hr PR, but a bigger gas tank doesnt make a car a better one.
I bought the sje093 and I already have the sla043. I also bought the bb54 but sold it in a week as I felt the sje093 was a better fit for me. The tudor is clinical. Objectively a better watch but for me the 093 wins out. No contest.
Just took in the SJE093 - the stable includes a couple of Omegas, Tudor, IWC, Zenith. I traded a Grand Seiko to score the 093. In short - it does not leave my wrist. It is exceptionally well finished - but it is the simplicity and purity of design that pull me in. The watch is not perfect - the screw down crown is rough, the strap could be better. But is is so, so very satisfying.
I imagine it would be something like waiting to buy the Seiko for it to go down in price, then realising its sold out, then displeased grumpy me would look at Tudor, in the end not buying anything & still liking both a lot. That's life!
I’m taking this Seiko over the BB54 all day. The Seiko is gorgeous. You can keep your specs. I’m waiting for a reissue of Seiko’s 6159 with the 6L37 and the date at 3 not 430. The 6159, to me, is Seiko’s most important and iconic diver. Then I want a Willard and Slim Willard with the same treatment. Seiko divers are at home on rubber straps. Most watches are overpriced.
I hear lots of people saying the Seiko is overpriced, and I get it, but my guess is they haven't handled the watch. There really is no comparison between higher and lower end Seikos, it's comparing apples to oranges. As for deciding between the Seiko and BB54, both are on my list, but I bought the Seiko first knowing it'd sell out. I'll get the BB54 later. An interesting distinction between the two: the Seiko will likely always be worth $3500, while in a couple years the BB54 will likely be selling in the mid to upper $2000s, so in that sense I'd argue that the Seiko is actually the better value. I totally understand the detractors quoting Seiko specs, but in my experience they always run better than promised. My SJE093 is running +2, so well with COSC range.
Congrats on your purchase! Fabulous looking Seiko. My favourite design of all dive watches. My experience with the cheaper 4r Seiko movements is that they start off being precise timekeepers and then get out and I can’t be bothered to adjust them, then if I do they get out again. I wonder if the new superior movement in the Seiko will be more consistent. I just wish they had better and more stringent accuracy certification (like COSC) on their more expensive watches. The 8L movements of course are excellent but then you’re paying through your nose for a watch with those movements.
Although I find the 62MAS to be beautiful and desirable, the Tudor wins due to better service and more availability of service centers. Not another limited edition, either, like the Seiko. Better movement. Tighter regulation. Comes with a bracelet with a easy adjust clasp - something most people prefer. Better QC.
@@Tribalius certified chronometer. Tudor’s regulation is tighter than chronometer. Antimagnetic balance. A lot of people take issue with spending almost $4k on a 6L35 with its stated accuracy. Granted, a lot of 6L35 owners say Seiko "under promises and over delivers" on their accuracy, but that's not a promise.
@@RabbitWatchShop Heck, back in 2017 I thought it as an abuse when Seiko did the SLA017 on rubber with an uregulated / unfinished 8L35 coming at almost twice the price of a MarineMaster 300 with the same movement on bracelet. That was just them getting started to milk the 62MAS design for all its worth. Tudor for me as well, for the movement and the bracelet.
Honestly would get neither. Both are just a passing phase. Each are about 90% the watch I want which means there will inevitably be the next version that gets closer to the goal.
Every watch person criticizes Seiko for misaligned chapter rings. Most watch people just overlook Tudors misaligned bezel pip. Yes, this comment has racial undertones.
Hi thank you for the video. I really appreciate. I’m a 65-year-old man. I love watches. Fortunately enough. I own both of these watches and you hit the nail in the head. I seem to wear Seiko more than my tutor just me. 👏
3500…if have to have a think about what you could get for that. But it’d be neither of these. Seiko don’t care about QC and I’d take the BB58 over the 54 any day. I know the smaller watch trend is coming back but below 40 generally looks tiny on my 7.25 inch wrist when it comes to divers
Thanks for the vid. I have to agree with you, the Seiko is stillpriced too high imho, but it nevertheless really captures the 1960s - 1970s vibes better than most. And the finishing looks excellent topnotch.
I own and love both the Tudor BB54 and Seiko SJE093 because they are totally different watches even though they are divers and compliment each other perfectly, the Tudor BB54 reminds of yes the Tudor 7922 but also the 1953 Rolex Sub 6204 as well. The 38mm 62Mas really looks and somewhat feel like the original which I let go several years back. I recently added the Longines Legend Diver on the BOR on bracelet black and blue dial, I couldn't decide but all three are excellent and would do an overview in the near future maybe on WC.
That’s sounds crazy to me. To each his own.. 😊 The price is not reasonable. I am on the Seiko camp yet this is WAY too much. My king samurai isn’t far away from this piece, and it costs 1/6. IMO☝🏻
@@edzkar73- That’s if we all bought watches on specs alone without ANY emotion being involved. They are unnecessary pieces of man-jewelry. The cosmetics/form of these things plays a huge part in all of this. To me, the Aquis is nowhere near as good-looking as the BB58. The Oris 65 Deauville, on the other hand, is a sweet piece of art.
Very well said at last Also someone at least spoke about it. Tudor is only luxury category because its a sub brand of Rolex. What authenticity does on itself has? Today i am happy to be a member of watchcrunch
I was considering between these 2 and a few other watches for my first “luxury” watch and landed on the sje093. It’s just special and as a huge seiko fan I had to have it.
Says the Tudor feels like a homage when the 62mas is a complete copy of the Blancpain Bathyscaphe from the 1950s. Tudor is from Rolex, Seiko is not from Blancpain.
I love Seiko, but the Tudor is on another level, movement-wise. I know anecdotally, the Seiko movement is good. But Tudor guarantees its accuracy for a certain period of time under a warranty. And I like having that added layer of reassurance.
I’ve got both and I’m a huge Tudor fan boy. Owning quite a few of them. However I can’t take the Seiko off and would absolutely take it over a Tudor even my FXD which I love…Its strap is crap, like every Seiko I’ve owned it’s 4-6 seconds fast every 12 hours. It’s completely deficient on paper but it’s Amazing! No idea how else to put it.
I'm lucky to have both. IMO, the Tudor will appeal more to the "mainstream" watch enthusiasts while the SJE093 is reserved for the Seikoholics (admittedly, I'm one). The actual accuracy of my SJE093 is much better than what the spec sheet says, typical of Seiko.
@5:31 the Tudor Pearl is misaligned, kinda ironic when talking about Seiko QC issues. (Personally this kind of misalignment would kill the watch for me) for this kind of money, just go with Omega 😅
I don't agree with your description of the 54's bezel being sterile. I think toning back the gilt to the dial and simplifying the bezel is what contributes to making the 54 a hit. In comparison the 58 looks a bit overdone. I really like the Seiko too, but with Seiko's lack of consistency on quality the price is just too rich.
I guess this video is more about vintage-inspired and sized divers. That said Longines are also for me the outstanding Swiss brand for bang for buck. Enjoy!
The problem is sekio have done this on a number of occasions and although the latest watch is beautiful it comes without the grand Seiko movement, so for me, it’s a battleTudor are going to win, even though I really would love the sekio
Are you sure the Seiko bezel is ceramic? I dont think it is...anyway I love the look of the 62mas compare to Tudor, which always try to look like a sub. But personally i would rather get the higher grade movement like the SLA43, or17.
It's insane to me that anyone would pay over 3k for a Seiko diver. You can get a Seiko 5 for around $200, a Turtle 🐢 for around $500 and a Willard for around $1300. All amazing watches for much cheaper. But to each their own, maybe they have a very niche reason.
By that rationale, why would anyone pay over $3K for any watch? I might be inclined to agree with you if I didn't have a SLA043. And it is something that you can't explain and can't only understand after wearing the watch for 3 or 4 weeks.
The internet told me that I should really consider the Black Bay lineup. Every time I see them in person, I don’t see the level of finishing that wows me enough to spend thousands of dollars. I own a Grand Seiko. And would probably own the 093, if I saw one in person.
I know the finishing is better than on their 300 bucks models, but I’d never dash out 3.5k for a Seiko without “Grand” on the dial. BB54 is damn sexy and my winner here without a doubt.
@@MrCavalorn I'd call it different taste, that's fine for normal thinking people, because everybody with a brain realizes how boring it would be, if we'd all like the same thing, but you can also call me a sheep if it makes you feel better.
It's a tough choice, but I actually wouldn't buy either. I have no desire for a 38mm dive watch. But, even if I did it would be hard to choose the Tudor on paper wins with a slightly larger case, 20mm lug width and bracelet. But, the Seiko will likely be available for much less on the pre-owned market before too long and the Tudor will likely retain its value for the foreseeable future. So maybe the Seiko if you get a deal?
@@LukitoNumberOne It's too early to judge right now. They both just came out. But, typically Tudors hold their value better in the mid and short term. Seikos are strong out of the gate, fair OK for 8-10 months then lose about 25%. After that depending on demand they'll continue to slowly erode to about 65% of retail or start edging up again. The problem with these 62MAS Limited Editions is every time they release another one it kind of kills the resale of the previous ones. Tudors lose about 10 or 15% initially, then very slowly go down from there. Tudors do well initially, because they're less available. The Seiko? I'm assuming you wouldn't have a problem getting one right now if you wanted it.
@@WatchCrunchOfficial indeed. Tried it a couple times at the AD and I was surprised at how much it felt like a vintage Datejust on the wrist. Just love having that barely-noticed-it-there wearing experience on a modern watch that can be worn pretty much carefree.
good review. Give me both…the Tudor for more elegance and the Seiko, more sporty. As we say in Spain, which hand do I cut off? I have a Seiko spb143 and I think that today I am leaning towards the Tudor to complement the collection and perhaps give myself the ultimate whim.
I've kept my promise of not paying over 1k for a Seiko. Granted I have 6 Seiko watches, with 3 being Samurai's. But also staying away from buying Seikos, for now. I find the Tudor BB line, to dull and boring. But recently I've been sipping the Tudor Cool-Aid and might consider a BB54 or BB36. Key word is "consider". So yes, I would get a poor mans Rolex 😂 over the Seiko.
love this comment. watch haiku of commonly held beliefs : Not paying over $1K for a Seiko, but I have 6. Tudor BB line is not only dull but its boring too! Sipping the Tudor Cool-aid (sic), consider, might consider and of course "poor man's Rolex
@@camelotenglishtuition6394 Yes, I prefer the styling over the Turtle and it's a step above the Seiko5 line if you go with a King Samurai model. I have 2 King Samurais and 1 is a non-King Samurai model. The King Samurai modles, will come with sapphire crystal lens and ceramic bezel. I had to upgrade my non-King Samurai, to an after market sapphire lens and cyclops for the date. I'd shop around to get the best deal. 300 to 400 dollars, for a King Samurai, is a good price. Enjoy!
Nice video, Max. You might want to correct your comparison slide though. It‘s the SLA037 not SLA017 that cost $6,500, and the less expensive models are SPB143, etc., not SBP143.
I should add that I faced a similar dilemma, having looked at Seiko 62mas and Tudor models. My choice came down to what spoke to me more. I tried on a Tudor Pelagos LHD and it just left me cold; my wife called it a boring watch (ouch!). The SPB143 was exciting on wrist but I wasn‘t prepared to live with the 6R35 movement. The SLA055 was really exciting on wrist but my wife said it‘s ugly (this really hurt!). I ended up buying the SLA043 at one third off. This one is just stunning and I love it.
Great video and interesting choice. I own an SPB143 already and just love it (mine is very accurate and lines up great as I suspect most of them do but certainly you hear about those that don't!). I like the SJE093 a lot but hard to justify the cost difference form the SPB (IMHO).
I am not sure where the confusion has come in on the SLA017 price, but I keep seeing it revised upwards in comments and videos. I bought an SLA017 new from the Grand Seiko boutique in NY in summer of 2017. I don't remember the exact price, but after taxes I think I paid something like $3,700 or maybe a few hundred dollars more. Edit: IMHO I think the SJE093 is the nicer watch out of the two.
You are correct. The SLA017 had a price tag of $3,800 back in 2017. It's the SLA037, with its high beat movement, which had a price of $6,300 in 2020. Both were overpriced, in my view, considering their movements were not finished or regulated to Grand Seiko standards.
Yea the specs are not specifically the best on paper or the Seiko but you have to know the industry. Seiko is "underpromise and overdeliver" is not the paper, is the actual result. People complaining for a 3.5k Seiko that has better polishing construction and finishing than a Rolex submariner is crazy. Seiko did not loose their minds is simply that it is expensive to produce the physical object and you gotta understand that.
I have a SLA043, for me it's the perfect watch. I have a 19.5cm wrist, unfortunately I don't feel comfortable wearing watches smaller than 39... But the Seiko you show in the video, just perfect!! I'm happy wearing my Seiko 043 daily. I know what I'm wearing, and I don't need anyone else to know. Sometimes during dinner with friends, they ask me, wow, cool watch, let me see... Seiko? 300€? Yes, a bit less If I remember correctly 😎 Wearing a Tudor will attract some views, but wearing a Seiko .... just a Seiko, not interesting for the untrained eyes ))
Ok the sla017 was about $3500. The sla037 was over 6k usd and the slao43 about $4500. Whilst the new model is closer to the original, its too small for big men , as is the bb54. Both are great watches , with the tudor offering better value all round , but the seiko is just more special , and for me , id take it all day long over the bb. My favourite is the sla043, its adds a modern twist with the baby blue seconds hand , and the deep blue dial is just amazing in different lighting . I also think if your older ,then seiko as a brand carries a great history in watch making , against the tudor , which only took of again in 2015 with the bb line. Tudor have made really big strides in that time , and have produced some great watches , so i get why a younger buyer would lean towards them. I like both brands , but both are guilty or high price increases especially in the last few years. They only seem reasonable because rolex and omega have shot up too. If you only cared about value for money then san martin , would win that battle. They make amazing watches , that i predict could threaten the swiss , just like seiko did with their quartz models in the 70s !!! When you can buy a quality made watch , with on the fly adjustments and decent accuracy , and a fit and finish thats not far off a 3k watch for $300 , the Chinese, will have to be taken seriously imo.
Althought I love the design, with QC issues, heavily overpriced (precisely by riding that vintage wave trend; feels a bit extortionate), non-metal strap ,whatever mechanical performance, with an alternative at a lower price, and well, it's a Seiko. There's no way anyone (even with their heart into it) should be paying retail for that.
I'm guessing you'll be able to find them under $2k before long, but realistically they should have started at $1300ish and be available pretty readily for around $850-900. I am genuinely curious what Seiko's strategy is lately...I can't make sense of so much of it. In this instance they're basically charging 3x for a Prospex line watch, and the main value add proposition seems to be "hey, the dial doesn't actually say 'Prospex' on it!" Sick?
@@strangelove770 Highly doubt they'll go down in price as they're limited to 1,965 pieces. The Prospex divers tend to use 6R movements, which are 3hz and thicker.
Hey Max, we don't just share the name, but also the 6,5 inch wrist. Just one of many reasons why I really appreciate your channel and videos. Just 2 days ago I got the chance for the first time to put on the BB54 and I could have bought it, but I didn't. I broke out in laughter when you said that it feels a bit like a hommage. In the past few days and weeks I got deeper into the topic hommages and copies and yeah I do agree with you. I mean that BB54 is a PERFECT watch. No complaints about anything. And I took time, put in on, and off, and on again, but it did not touch me. Does the fact that everyone can buy a cheap (and not entirely bad) copy for 300 USD ruin the whole feeling? I am seriously wondering. I went to the watch store that night for the BB54 and a Rado Diastar Original 2022 in grey. These were the only watches I put on that night. And that Rado had so much appeal! The reflections of light, the case, the dial, the history, the technology (obviously not talking about the movement). I've researched much about the materials, the Rado R&D since the release of the Diastar 1 in 1962. That is what makes one a watch enthusiast. You've just got to feel it. I did not buy the Rado either, but most likely will buy it soon. Keep doing the good work ✌⌚🎉 Max
Seiko is not 12.5 it's actually around 12.9 Case is 37.5 -Bezel is around 38.1 and not a ceramic insert, lug to lug is 46.5 ; People bang on about the accuracy, however any watch can be regulated!
Good analysis. I too think the Tudor is just a bit flat, a bit boring. I have an SPB143 that I love, and have a line on an SJE093 that I hope to look at very soon.
I bought a Seiko SSK GMT, it's been back to Seiko twice under warranty (Seiko customer service doesn't respond to communication). Having worn a BB (old ETA model) for 5+ years and my experience with buying a cheap travel GMT from Seiko I would never spend 3k on a Seiko, no way. I get it, problems happen but their non responsive customer service sucks and my watch it now outa warranty and the bezel just froze for the THIRD time.
It's funny reading comment here ! Please buy your watch with your heart and not for brand awareness and also don't denigrate SEIKO because it's a mainstream brand. SEIKO it's a great brand with a great heritage whether you like it or not. I will choose to buy this SEIKO because I love it and in my opinion look better than TUDOR BB 54 that all. 🙂
Another vote for the Seiko, I got my SBEN003 (JDM version) last month and can't be happier. I sold my BB58, which on paper was a better watch, but it doesn't have the charm of the Seiko. To me, the Tudor is like a BMW, good in a clinical way, while the Seiko is like a Fast Ford, perhaps not as well built, but the Seiko has charm and character. I just hope Seiko don't make yet another 62MAS re-edition which is even closer to the 1965 original.
Not really... it's all perspective. When the 37.8 (whatever it was) 62Mas originally came out, it was considered a big watch. If anything, I think men's watches are comically big these days. Unless you're one of those people that wants others to notice your watch. I kinda like my watch to disappear... something only to be noticed if you're paying attention. 38mm is perfect... 40mm I can do but it's starting to get into "big watch" territory for me.
When Seiko asks for such premium prices for their new products line, they should provide a comparable movement accuracy and quality control for their watches to convince potential buyers…Me I don’t pay for a watch a 1000$ plus when It has -15 to +20 sec a day movement! My SKX does that but don’t mind it since I paid 200$ only!
Max: "I would think of this as the final incarnation of the greatest watch Seiko has ever made." Me: laughs in Lord Marvel (5740 high beat)..........you know, the movement that helped develop Seiko's most accurate in the 1960s that defeated the Swiss in accuracy competitions.
Should have thrown in the Aquastar Model 60 Re-edition(37mm) or the Vulcain Skindiver Nautique (38mm) into the mix as 2 of the all time classic skin divers from the 1960's that have recently been re-issued.
For $3.5k the seiko should have an applied logo similar to the original 62mas. But then my SLA017 doesn't have an applied logo either, which just makes me want an original 62mas even more.
The Tudor is definitely the superior watch, strangely though i'm drawn to the 62 line instead. If i wasn't already an owner of a SLA017 i'd be all over this one. Likewise i own a BB Smiley so don't feel the need to revisit them again either. If anything i'm drawn to another 62 MAS release, the SLA067. It's a looker but it also carries a price tag of over $3100. The question i keep asking myself is how much is too much?
![The STRONGEST BUILD I've ever played! - Archmage Hierophant Leaguestarter [PoE 3.25]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Kbu2hLKek18/mqdefault.jpg)
I owned both BB58 (sold) and SLA043 (still in the stable) at the same time at one point. I work in a semiconductor lab, we have a very expensive HD optical scope from Keyence. Put both watches under the scope 1st thing I noticed was, the finishings on the BB was quite bad given the price, particularly the edges of all the hands, while SLA is very well finished. The movements too, the finishings on the MT, well, there is nothing to be enjoyed on the MT finishing, just like any Oris 700 series, while the 8L35B finishing is quite good tbh. Performance wise, MT positional deviation is obvious too, +3 s/d here, -2 there, it simply performed like an ETA2824, which makes sense because the BB smily began with an ETA and the MT is to replace the ETA, so they both performed kinda same on timegrapher. The 8L on the other hand performed much better and stable, almost no positional deviation. The only point that MT wins is the 70hr PR, but a bigger gas tank doesnt make a car a better one.
The Seiko finishing is another level to the Tudor and oozes character
💯 from the standpoint of finishing alone, many Swiss watches could be priced thousands less than retail.
My BB54 runs +/-1 second per day or less when worn. It runs +3/-2 when not worn and it stays in one position. It is my most worn watch. Love it.
I bought the sje093 and I already have the sla043. I also bought the bb54 but sold it in a week as I felt the sje093 was a better fit for me. The tudor is clinical. Objectively a better watch but for me the 093 wins out. No contest.
I’m no fan of Rolex but I’ll admit I do like what they do with their Tudor brand. That Black Bay is Spectacular.
Just took in the SJE093 - the stable includes a couple of Omegas, Tudor, IWC, Zenith. I traded a Grand Seiko to score the 093. In short - it does not leave my wrist. It is exceptionally well finished - but it is the simplicity and purity of design that pull me in. The watch is not perfect - the screw down crown is rough, the strap could be better. But is is so, so very satisfying.
I imagine it would be something like waiting to buy the Seiko for it to go down in price, then realising its sold out, then displeased grumpy me would look at Tudor, in the end not buying anything & still liking both a lot. That's life!
Indecision is saving you a lot of money 🤑
Without the comparison, $3k would work. With the comparison, $2k seems about right. The Tudor just wins this particular battle for me.
I’m taking this Seiko over the BB54 all day. The Seiko is gorgeous. You can keep your specs.
I’m waiting for a reissue of Seiko’s 6159 with the 6L37 and the date at 3 not 430. The 6159, to me, is Seiko’s most important and iconic diver. Then I want a Willard and Slim Willard with the same treatment.
Seiko divers are at home on rubber straps.
Most watches are overpriced.
This man knows his Seikos 👌
I bought a Grand Seiko GMT with accuracy of +/-5sec/yr for $2k. That is the best watch value and it's not close.
is it the ivory dial gmt ?
I hear lots of people saying the Seiko is overpriced, and I get it, but my guess is they haven't handled the watch. There really is no comparison between higher and lower end Seikos, it's comparing apples to oranges. As for deciding between the Seiko and BB54, both are on my list, but I bought the Seiko first knowing it'd sell out. I'll get the BB54 later. An interesting distinction between the two: the Seiko will likely always be worth $3500, while in a couple years the BB54 will likely be selling in the mid to upper $2000s, so in that sense I'd argue that the Seiko is actually the better value. I totally understand the detractors quoting Seiko specs, but in my experience they always run better than promised. My SJE093 is running +2, so well with COSC range.
Congrats on your purchase! Fabulous looking Seiko. My favourite design of all dive watches. My experience with the cheaper 4r Seiko movements is that they start off being precise timekeepers and then get out and I can’t be bothered to adjust them, then if I do they get out again. I wonder if the new superior movement in the Seiko will be more consistent. I just wish they had better and more stringent accuracy certification (like COSC) on their more expensive watches. The 8L movements of course are excellent but then you’re paying through your nose for a watch with those movements.
People just regurgitate the same stuff for years. You will not disuade the Seiko haters.
Although I find the 62MAS to be beautiful and desirable, the Tudor wins due to better service and more availability of service centers. Not another limited edition, either, like the Seiko. Better movement. Tighter regulation. Comes with a bracelet with a easy adjust clasp - something most people prefer. Better QC.
If am buying high end seiko its gonna be quartz for that same reason
Good points 👍
Why is Tudor movement better than 6L37?Except power reserve I don't see any advantage?Qc problems are not that common with expensive Seiko watches!
@@Tribalius certified chronometer. Tudor’s regulation is tighter than chronometer. Antimagnetic balance. A lot of people take issue with spending almost $4k on a 6L35 with its stated accuracy. Granted, a lot of 6L35 owners say Seiko "under promises and over delivers" on their accuracy, but that's not a promise.
@@RabbitWatchShop Heck, back in 2017 I thought it as an abuse when Seiko did the SLA017 on rubber with an uregulated / unfinished 8L35 coming at almost twice the price of a MarineMaster 300 with the same movement on bracelet. That was just them getting started to milk the 62MAS design for all its worth. Tudor for me as well, for the movement and the bracelet.
Honestly would get neither. Both are just a passing phase. Each are about 90% the watch I want which means there will inevitably be the next version that gets closer to the goal.
My heart chose the Tudor BB54. No contest. I love this watch and it’s my forever.
I like the Seiko and the history behind the watch. But honestly 3500 $ for it. It's too much.
Hey Max!
Thanks for finally adding Aragon to the badge list. Proof that you really listen to your audience 👍🏾👍🏾❤️
The Seiko is this video has debris on the hour hand, whereas the Tudor in this same video has a misaligned bezel pip 😂
Sigh, it's a shame...
Anne Frankly that isn't good enough lol
Every watch person criticizes Seiko for misaligned chapter rings.
Most watch people just overlook Tudors misaligned bezel pip.
Yes, this comment has racial undertones.
Hi thank you for the video. I really appreciate. I’m a 65-year-old man. I love watches. Fortunately enough. I own both of these watches and you hit the nail in the head. I seem to wear Seiko more than my tutor just me. 👏
3500…if have to have a think about what you could get for that. But it’d be neither of these. Seiko don’t care about QC and I’d take the BB58 over the 54 any day. I know the smaller watch trend is coming back but below 40 generally looks tiny on my 7.25 inch wrist when it comes to divers
I'm with you on this one Max. I prefer the look of the Seiko, I hope I can own one.
This video got me to look more into the 62MAS and i just bought the SPB143 last week. Absolutely love the watch, thanks for the video!
Thanks for the vid. I have to agree with you, the Seiko is stillpriced too high imho, but it nevertheless really captures the 1960s - 1970s vibes better than most. And the finishing looks excellent topnotch.
Yeah this is an emotional buy
@@WatchCrunchOfficial I was hoping you'd swerve hard at the very end..."actually, the real answer is the Doxa Sub 300 COSC"
I own and love both the Tudor BB54 and Seiko SJE093 because they are totally different watches even though they are divers and compliment each other perfectly, the Tudor BB54 reminds of yes the Tudor 7922 but also the 1953 Rolex Sub 6204 as well. The 38mm 62Mas really looks and somewhat feel like the original which I let go several years back. I recently added the Longines Legend Diver on the BOR on bracelet black and blue dial, I couldn't decide but all three are excellent and would do an overview in the near future maybe on WC.
I’ll take a BB58 over the 54 or Seiko.
Can't beat the 58 🐐
Completely agree 👍🏼
That’s sounds crazy to me. To each his own.. 😊
The price is not reasonable. I am on the Seiko camp yet this is WAY too much. My king samurai isn’t far away from this piece, and it costs 1/6. IMO☝🏻
I couldn't swap my 58 for the 54 or the 62 mas. It's near perfection for me on my 6.5 inch wrist.
58 is a very well balanced watch.
Used BB58 for $2200-2300 today is literally unbeatable.
That's the solution!!
2000$ brand new Oris Aquis Caliber 400 ,120h power reserve is literally kiks BB58 ass.
@@edzkar73- That’s if we all bought watches on specs alone without ANY emotion being involved. They are unnecessary pieces of man-jewelry. The cosmetics/form of these things plays
a huge part in all of this. To me, the Aquis is nowhere near as good-looking as the BB58.
The Oris 65 Deauville, on the other hand, is a sweet piece of art.
@@edzkar73 Tell Oris to make it look like a vintage diver and I will probably buy one.
@@edzkar73who buys oris?😂😂😂
Very well said at last
Also someone at least spoke about it.
Tudor is only luxury category because its a sub brand of Rolex.
What authenticity does on itself has?
Today i am happy to be a member of watchcrunch
I was considering between these 2 and a few other watches for my first “luxury” watch and landed on the sje093. It’s just special and as a huge seiko fan I had to have it.
The Seiko looks really good, but for that kind of money…
I’d pickup the 54 or 58.
I cannot get behind the Seiko price at all. I think the SPB 147J1 is every bit as good of dive watch with a classic look. Just under a grand.
Says the Tudor feels like a homage when the 62mas is a complete copy of the Blancpain Bathyscaphe from the 1950s. Tudor is from Rolex, Seiko is not from Blancpain.
Oh the blancpain argument again 😴
I own the BB54 and a longines legend diver 39. Both are excellent in that 3-4k range. Cant go wrong. I cant speak for the 62mas
It is a difficult question to answer I would kind of lean on Seiko SJE093J1 but since I own an spb143 I kind of also want the Tudor BB54
I love Seiko, but the Tudor is on another level, movement-wise. I know anecdotally, the Seiko movement is good. But Tudor guarantees its accuracy for a certain period of time under a warranty. And I like having that added layer of reassurance.
I’ve got both and I’m a huge Tudor fan boy. Owning quite a few of them. However I can’t take the Seiko off and would absolutely take it over a Tudor even my FXD which I love…Its strap is crap, like every Seiko I’ve owned it’s 4-6 seconds fast every 12 hours. It’s completely deficient on paper but it’s Amazing! No idea how else to put it.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Seiko , reason, I absolutely love the case shape.
Just look at the Tudor movement. Seiko every time. Nice Tudor brought back the proper Oyster crown though.
I'm lucky to have both. IMO, the Tudor will appeal more to the "mainstream" watch enthusiasts while the SJE093 is reserved for the Seikoholics (admittedly, I'm one). The actual accuracy of my SJE093 is much better than what the spec sheet says, typical of Seiko.
@5:31 the Tudor Pearl is misaligned, kinda ironic when talking about Seiko QC issues. (Personally this kind of misalignment would kill the watch for me) for this kind of money, just go with Omega 😅
But you'd need way more for an omega wouldn't you? Sorry new to the whole watch thing
@@camelotenglishtuition6394
Not if you go second hand, you can get a near mint SMP 300 for around 3500$
62mas hands down. good comparison and review.
Great video brother 👏 however I’ll stick with my BB58 and SPB143 👍🏼
Yep Miguel, those are the value choices for sure!
Best value choices from each brand for sure especially used. ~$800 for the 143 and ~$2,500 for the BB58
I don't agree with your description of the 54's bezel being sterile. I think toning back the gilt to the dial and simplifying the bezel is what contributes to making the 54 a hit. In comparison the 58 looks a bit overdone. I really like the Seiko too, but with Seiko's lack of consistency on quality the price is just too rich.
The Longines Ultra-Chron is the best dive watch today for the money. With its sapphire bezel and high-beat movement, it's a stunner.
Too big on me
@@WatchCrunchOfficial It's smaller than your Panerai and you wear that with no problem.
Same for me. I love the Ultrachron and would buy it, but it's too large.@@WatchCrunchOfficial
I guess this video is more about vintage-inspired and sized divers. That said Longines are also for me the outstanding Swiss brand for bang for buck. Enjoy!
Love the ultra chron
The Seiko is gorgeous
The problem is sekio have done this on a number of occasions and although the latest watch is beautiful it comes without the grand Seiko movement, so for me, it’s a battleTudor are going to win, even though I really would love the sekio
Are you sure the Seiko bezel is ceramic? I dont think it is...anyway I love the look of the 62mas compare to Tudor, which always try to look like a sub. But personally i would rather get the higher grade movement like the SLA43, or17.
It’s a hard coated stainless steel bezel insert.
@@typebflieger I know that but I think I heard max said it's a ceramic. Anyway prefer the stronger steel bezel than the aluminium insert on Tudor.
I have a seiko 093 and it's not ceramics on basel
The Seiko is beautiful and unique.
It's insane to me that anyone would pay over 3k for a Seiko diver. You can get a Seiko 5 for around $200, a Turtle 🐢 for around $500 and a Willard for around $1300. All amazing watches for much cheaper. But to each their own, maybe they have a very niche reason.
By that rationale, why would anyone pay over $3K for any watch? I might be inclined to agree with you if I didn't have a SLA043. And it is something that you can't explain and can't only understand after wearing the watch for 3 or 4 weeks.
I love my $6000 sla037 and wouldn't trade it for most of the watches in the same price range. Seiko's range goes from very affordable (
@@watchchimp3102 that's fair, at the end of the day it's about what makes you happy
Fun analysis of the two. I have the BB58 (more than pleased) and regret not pulling the trigger on the SLA017 when i had the chance.
Lucky guy, I like your style
I already chose the BB54 which does not leave my wrist since 2 months
Bought the SPB455J1 a week ago... such a beauty
The reference to Christian Bale and his movies was really funny 😂
I'd get the 54, but totally understand your viewpoint.
The internet told me that I should really consider the Black Bay lineup. Every time I see them in person, I don’t see the level of finishing that wows me enough to spend thousands of dollars.
I own a Grand Seiko. And would probably own the 093, if I saw one in person.
I know the finishing is better than on their 300 bucks models, but I’d never dash out 3.5k for a Seiko without “Grand” on the dial.
BB54 is damn sexy and my winner here without a doubt.
Sheep
@@MrCavalorn I'd call it different taste, that's fine for normal thinking people, because everybody with a brain realizes how boring it would be, if we'd all like the same thing, but you can also call me a sheep if it makes you feel better.
It's a tough choice, but I actually wouldn't buy either. I have no desire for a 38mm dive watch.
But, even if I did it would be hard to choose the Tudor on paper wins with a slightly larger case, 20mm lug width and bracelet.
But, the Seiko will likely be available for much less on the pre-owned market before too long and the Tudor will likely retain its value for the foreseeable future. So maybe the Seiko if you get a deal?
You actually got that wrong, in reverse. The Seiko is now selling above retail pre-owned while the Tudor is below.
@@LukitoNumberOne It's too early to judge right now. They both just came out. But, typically Tudors hold their value better in the mid and short term. Seikos are strong out of the gate, fair OK for 8-10 months then lose about 25%. After that depending on demand they'll continue to slowly erode to about 65% of retail or start edging up again. The problem with these 62MAS Limited Editions is every time they release another one it kind of kills the resale of the previous ones.
Tudors lose about 10 or 15% initially, then very slowly go down from there. Tudors do well initially, because they're less available. The Seiko? I'm assuming you wouldn't have a problem getting one right now if you wanted it.
Anyway you could get the fake rivets removed?
I knew you’d have to have your take on these watches! 😏
We both drink that Seikohol 🤤
BB 54 all the way for me. Cant wait to have it be the svelte wingman to my chunky BB Chrono Panda. Should cover all occasions nicely.
It's a sweet lil thing 👌
@@WatchCrunchOfficial indeed. Tried it a couple times at the AD and I was surprised at how much it felt like a vintage Datejust on the wrist. Just love having that barely-noticed-it-there wearing experience on a modern watch that can be worn pretty much carefree.
Is it true that the SJE093 ‘s are made by Grand Seiko watchmakers at the Grand Seiko studios?
good review. Give me both…the Tudor for more elegance and the Seiko, more sporty. As we say in Spain, which hand do I cut off? I have a Seiko spb143 and I think that today I am leaning towards the Tudor to complement the collection and perhaps give myself the ultimate whim.
I've kept my promise of not paying over 1k for a Seiko. Granted I have 6 Seiko watches, with 3 being Samurai's. But also staying away from buying Seikos, for now. I find the Tudor BB line, to dull and boring. But recently I've been sipping the Tudor Cool-Aid and might consider a BB54 or BB36. Key word is "consider". So yes, I would get a poor mans Rolex 😂 over the Seiko.
love this comment. watch haiku of commonly held beliefs : Not paying over $1K for a Seiko, but I have 6. Tudor BB line is not only dull but its boring too! Sipping the Tudor Cool-aid (sic), consider, might consider and of course "poor man's Rolex
I'm tempted to get a samurai.. do you think its worth it?
@@camelotenglishtuition6394 Yes, I prefer the styling over the Turtle and it's a step above the Seiko5 line if you go with a King Samurai model. I have 2 King Samurais and 1 is a non-King Samurai model. The King Samurai modles, will come with sapphire crystal lens and ceramic bezel. I had to upgrade my non-King Samurai, to an after market sapphire lens and cyclops for the date. I'd shop around to get the best deal. 300 to 400 dollars, for a King Samurai, is a good price. Enjoy!
Nice video, Max. You might want to correct your comparison slide though. It‘s the SLA037 not SLA017 that cost $6,500, and the less expensive models are SPB143, etc., not SBP143.
Also, the bezel isn’t ceramic on the SJE093. It’s a hard coated stainless steel material.
I should add that I faced a similar dilemma, having looked at Seiko 62mas and Tudor models. My choice came down to what spoke to me more. I tried on a Tudor Pelagos LHD and it just left me cold; my wife called it a boring watch (ouch!). The SPB143 was exciting on wrist but I wasn‘t prepared to live with the 6R35 movement. The SLA055 was really exciting on wrist but my wife said it‘s ugly (this really hurt!). I ended up buying the SLA043 at one third off. This one is just stunning and I love it.
Dyslexia strikes again!
Yes I agree with you. The BB54 is too similar to the original BB58. I think I would go with the Seiko as well.
Great video and interesting choice. I own an SPB143 already and just love it (mine is very accurate and lines up great as I suspect most of them do but certainly you hear about those that don't!). I like the SJE093 a lot but hard to justify the cost difference form the SPB (IMHO).
Exactly. The spb143 checks a lot of boxes for a much lower price.
I am not sure where the confusion has come in on the SLA017 price, but I keep seeing it revised upwards in comments and videos. I bought an SLA017 new from the Grand Seiko boutique in NY in summer of 2017. I don't remember the exact price, but after taxes I think I paid something like $3,700 or maybe a few hundred dollars more.
Edit: IMHO I think the SJE093 is the nicer watch out of the two.
You are correct. The SLA017 had a price tag of $3,800 back in 2017. It's the SLA037, with its high beat movement, which had a price of $6,300 in 2020. Both were overpriced, in my view, considering their movements were not finished or regulated to Grand Seiko standards.
Sold my Black Bay 54 and got this SJE093, never looked back.
Great video. What is the strap have you put on the 62MAS?
Yea the specs are not specifically the best on paper or the Seiko but you have to know the industry. Seiko is "underpromise and overdeliver" is not the paper, is the actual result.
People complaining for a 3.5k Seiko that has better polishing construction and finishing than a Rolex submariner is crazy.
Seiko did not loose their minds is simply that it is expensive to produce the physical object and you gotta understand that.
Look at the traingle behind lume dot on bezel, can't believe this is the QC of tudor...
I have a SLA043, for me it's the perfect watch. I have a 19.5cm wrist, unfortunately I don't feel comfortable wearing watches smaller than 39... But the Seiko you show in the video, just perfect!!
I'm happy wearing my Seiko 043 daily. I know what I'm wearing, and I don't need anyone else to know.
Sometimes during dinner with friends, they ask me, wow, cool watch, let me see... Seiko? 300€? Yes, a bit less If I remember correctly 😎
Wearing a Tudor will attract some views, but wearing a Seiko .... just a Seiko, not interesting for the untrained eyes ))
I have dilemma, whether I should get SJE093 or SLA043, because I can get SLA043 with same price range now.
I would compare the size
Seiko all the way. I still can't afford the 62mas, so I'll make some of my own lol. Great video! Keep it up!
Wouldn’t be surprised if the Seiko had a hardlex crystal😂
Ok the sla017 was about $3500. The sla037 was over 6k usd and the slao43 about $4500. Whilst the new model is closer to the original, its too small for big men , as is the bb54. Both are great watches , with the tudor offering better value all round , but the seiko is just more special , and for me , id take it all day long over the bb. My favourite is the sla043, its adds a modern twist with the baby blue seconds hand , and the deep blue dial is just amazing in different lighting . I also think if your older ,then seiko as a brand carries a great history in watch making , against the tudor , which only took of again in 2015 with the bb line. Tudor have made really big strides in that time , and have produced some great watches , so i get why a younger buyer would lean towards them. I like both brands , but both are guilty or high price increases especially in the last few years. They only seem reasonable because rolex and omega have shot up too. If you only cared about value for money then san martin , would win that battle. They make amazing watches , that i predict could threaten the swiss , just like seiko did with their quartz models in the 70s !!! When you can buy a quality made watch , with on the fly adjustments and decent accuracy , and a fit and finish thats not far off a 3k watch for $300 , the Chinese, will have to be taken seriously imo.
Althought I love the design, with QC issues, heavily overpriced (precisely by riding that vintage wave trend; feels a bit extortionate), non-metal strap ,whatever mechanical performance, with an alternative at a lower price, and well, it's a Seiko. There's no way anyone (even with their heart into it) should be paying retail for that.
I'm guessing you'll be able to find them under $2k before long, but realistically they should have started at $1300ish and be available pretty readily for around $850-900. I am genuinely curious what Seiko's strategy is lately...I can't make sense of so much of it. In this instance they're basically charging 3x for a Prospex line watch, and the main value add proposition seems to be "hey, the dial doesn't actually say 'Prospex' on it!" Sick?
@@strangelove770 Highly doubt they'll go down in price as they're limited to 1,965 pieces. The Prospex divers tend to use 6R movements, which are 3hz and thicker.
Hey Max, we don't just share the name, but also the 6,5 inch wrist. Just one of many reasons why I really appreciate your channel and videos.
Just 2 days ago I got the chance for the first time to put on the BB54 and I could have bought it, but I didn't. I broke out in laughter when you said that it feels a bit like a hommage.
In the past few days and weeks I got deeper into the topic hommages and copies and yeah I do agree with you.
I mean that BB54 is a PERFECT watch. No complaints about anything. And I took time, put in on, and off, and on again, but it did not touch me. Does the fact that everyone can buy a cheap (and not entirely bad) copy for 300 USD ruin the whole feeling? I am seriously wondering.
I went to the watch store that night for the BB54 and a Rado Diastar Original 2022 in grey. These were the only watches I put on that night. And that Rado had so much appeal! The reflections of light, the case, the dial, the history, the technology (obviously not talking about the movement). I've researched much about the materials, the Rado R&D since the release of the Diastar 1 in 1962. That is what makes one a watch enthusiast. You've just got to feel it. I did not buy the Rado either, but most likely will buy it soon.
Keep doing the good work ✌⌚🎉
Max
Seiko is not 12.5 it's actually around 12.9 Case is 37.5 -Bezel is around 38.1 and not a ceramic insert, lug to lug is 46.5 ; People bang on about the accuracy, however any watch can be regulated!
How's the stock strap on that Seiko? Fear it's way too long and unwearable for 6.5 wrists??
It was, switched it out for a shorter one
I’m a Tudor fan, but I love this Seiko more than the 54, even at the similar price.
Tudor for me.
Good analysis. I too think the Tudor is just a bit flat, a bit boring. I have an SPB143 that I love, and have a line on an SJE093 that I hope to look at very soon.
for me, at that price range i would choose Tudor.
Not in the same league as yours but I just got a Bulova Oceanographer Devil Diver... a redeaux of their 1972 diver. It's fun!
I bought a Seiko SSK GMT, it's been back to Seiko twice under warranty (Seiko customer service doesn't respond to communication). Having worn a BB (old ETA model) for 5+ years and my experience with buying a cheap travel GMT from Seiko I would never spend 3k on a Seiko, no way. I get it, problems happen but their non responsive customer service sucks and my watch it now outa warranty and the bezel just froze for the THIRD time.
It's funny reading comment here ! Please buy your watch with your heart and not for brand awareness and also don't denigrate SEIKO because it's a mainstream brand. SEIKO it's a great brand with a great heritage whether you like it or not. I will choose to buy this SEIKO because I love it and in my opinion look better than TUDOR BB 54 that all. 🙂
Yes yes! Seiko made the bigger effort this time
Hey, the SLA017 retailed for $3400, not $6500. The bezel on the SJE093 is not ceramic either; it's a steel insert.
I must've been looking at second hand prices
Another vote for the Seiko, I got my SBEN003 (JDM version) last month and can't be happier. I sold my BB58, which on paper was a better watch, but it doesn't have the charm of the Seiko. To me, the Tudor is like a BMW, good in a clinical way, while the Seiko is like a Fast Ford, perhaps not as well built, but the Seiko has charm and character. I just hope Seiko don't make yet another 62MAS re-edition which is even closer to the 1965 original.
Absolutely agree with your assessment.
Great vintage watches both. Problem is, if you’re a larger guy, anything below 42mm just doesn’t work on your wrist. Great video though. 🙏👍🏼
Yeah these are smol wrist friendly 😊
Not really... it's all perspective. When the 37.8 (whatever it was) 62Mas originally came out, it was considered a big watch. If anything, I think men's watches are comically big these days. Unless you're one of those people that wants others to notice your watch. I kinda like my watch to disappear... something only to be noticed if you're paying attention. 38mm is perfect... 40mm I can do but it's starting to get into "big watch" territory for me.
When Seiko asks for such premium prices for their new products line, they should provide a comparable movement accuracy and quality control for their watches to convince potential buyers…Me I don’t pay for a watch a 1000$ plus when It has -15 to +20 sec a day movement! My SKX does that but don’t mind it since I paid 200$ only!
Max: "I would think of this as the final incarnation of the greatest watch Seiko has ever made."
Me: laughs in Lord Marvel (5740 high beat)..........you know, the movement that helped develop Seiko's most accurate in the 1960s that defeated the Swiss in accuracy competitions.
i love the seiko but i still choose bb54. since the bb54 still feels like limited edition imo.
got my ranger brand new for $2700 on bracelet. sold the bracelet for $600. i would not spend $3500 for any watch. been there done that
I have the SLA055 coming in soon. Kinda Wish I woulda have seen the SLA075 first, would've went with that one.
Easy choice for me. Bb54 any day
Should have thrown in the Aquastar Model 60 Re-edition(37mm) or the Vulcain Skindiver Nautique (38mm) into the mix as 2 of the all time classic skin divers from the 1960's that have recently been re-issued.
For $3.5k the seiko should have an applied logo similar to the original 62mas. But then my SLA017 doesn't have an applied logo either, which just makes me want an original 62mas even more.
TUDOR for sure
The Tudor is definitely the superior watch, strangely though i'm drawn to the 62 line instead. If i wasn't already an owner of a SLA017 i'd be all over this one. Likewise i own a BB Smiley so don't feel the need to revisit them again either. If anything i'm drawn to another 62 MAS release, the SLA067. It's a looker but it also carries a price tag of over $3100. The question i keep asking myself is how much is too much?
What about the Hi-Beat SLA037