I must be crazy too, because I like the date window; (1) it keeps all the indices full-sized, (2) is small and unobtrusive, is (3) matched with the black dial. Much rather have this than the white day-date that the SKX has, where it can sometimes look like another minute hand at a glance!
@@tmillermann700 Also have the White dial, love it. The rest of the txt on the dial being black, the date does disappear. On a black dial with yellow font, the white date text is an eye sore. Would have been nice if he mentioned how well the watch wears. Biggest difference between the king seiko and the SPB 31# , one is the size of a 16610 Sub, the other a Paneri Luminor. Im fine to pay alittle more for the comfort factor.
Since discovering your reviews, I have found many of them to be helpful by providing helpful, objective information about watches and watch brands. Unfortunately, because this review is focused mainly on your own shit (placement of date windows) and problems unique to your own experiences (tight screw-down crown), it constitutes little more than a personal rant. Seiko’s marketing plan offers designs like the Captain Willard at various price points along its vertically tiered catalogue for diverse budgets and personal tastes. I’m surprised that you don’t get this and can’t discern subtle differences at various price points.
“They got this one wrong.” Really? Beauty is subjective. For me, this a beautiful watch. I have seen it in person. I really, really don’t think this is a $450 watch. The thing that bugs me when people complain about Seiko is that they forget about the support you get. When my 70s Seikos need new parts, I take them to my watchmaker… no problem for OEM. After 50 years? Try doing that with a micro brand: when I tried to buy a bracelet for my four year-old Christopher Ward, I was told it was discontinued. I love Omega and Tudor, but they are even less affordable. So, Seiko is still my favourite brand.
I have this watch and have no issues with the crown. I am not sure if there is another watch on the market I would prefer at a similar price point. Seiko has great designs, great name recognition, and I think their execution is pretty high. If the price is too high surely it won't sell, but I'm pretty sure that isn't happening.
I’m in the same boat with my SPB143. I actually think for $1k, it’s a solid value and I would personally take it over any of the similarly priced competitors. Plus, I disagree with his opinion that Seiko is losing their way as a value watch brand. I simply see this as an attempt to establish a foothold in the mid-entry level market. As Jory mentions several times throughout the video, Seiko offers the King Turtle for half the price with most of the same specs. That sounds like a really good value for most consumers. And if you want to take it a step up from that in terms of finishing and movement, Seiko is now providing these offerings around the $1k range. In short, they’re making something for everybody and based on the sales figures, it seems to be working just fine.
After watching your video, I went out and picked up an SPB317. Viewer beware: I think the time teller was having a shit day with a dodgy SPB, because these are my findings: - The bezel aligns perfectly, is grippy and nicely finished - The AR coated sapphire is double domed and some of the best I've seen in a Seiko diver, ever. - The DiaShield coated case is finely and nicely satin-finished - The hands are finished splendidly under macro, I saw no burrs or edges anywhere - The screw down crown is crisp, easy to use and sturdy feeling, with no play - The case is an ergonomic delight - The date window is completely inconspicuous until you want to know the date Cracking watch. Best Seiko diver I've owned to date, and I've been collecting them for 7 years now.
the date window implementation on this model is great. I have both the white and black dials, I love the no-date look, yet still having a "hidden date". You're entitled to your opinion, but that's all it is. I also have the King Turtle (GRN), this watch is leagues ahead in quality, refinement, and aesthetic.
We can’t expect Seiko to remain at the low end forever. When you have to compete with the Swiss…..up market is the only way to go. If Seiko could ever regulate their movements to be on par with most Swiss, they would dominate the industry.
Seiko already has Grand Seiko and Credor brands to compete with the luxury and high luxury Swiss brands. Seiko should have just stayed in its lane at the lower end.
Seiko is filling in a gap between the Swiss watches and their lower end watches. It used to be quite normal years ago to have watches on the market like that. That were of a premium price but where not some high end handbuilt fairy watch.
1) I must be one of the weird ones but I love the SPB313 (white dial) design. People have been complaining about the Apple "top notch" phone for years yet they still buy it. That 430 date window will grow on most folks imo. 2) You can pay half the price and get a King turtle but you are getting a 4R36 movement with lesser power reserve instead of the 70hr power reserve 6R35. 3) Agree the retail price could be better say around $600. However it would be safe to say nobody would pay retail price MSRP (yet) for a Seiko.
I don’t understand people saying this watch isn’t worth $1000. The Tudor BB36 has a eta and is $3000 and the new Breitlings also have eta’s and they are $5000!!! Why are those ok but this isn’t?
I have a SPB149. Perfect alignment, crown threading is perfect, bezel actuation is very pleasing, I wear it 24/7 (all day all night regardless of activity) and get +4 minutes/month (change time on the 1st of every month). Love it! BTW, bought a 6309-7040 at the PX in 1988 and have had a Seiko diver on my wrist since then... my SPB is leaps and bounds above what I bought from Seiko in the 80's.
I like the date window, no issues at all. I have the new Willard, very similar and love that 70 hour power reserve, the biggest reason I wear it more than any other. I have several seikos and love them all, even the 5 w/o the screw down crown. Just clean simple watches that run well. Now I’m not a fan of the magnifier. 430 date yes, magnifier no. But get what you like.
Two comments: Re the screw in crown, after five years, I learned how to screw in the crown on my Turtle and I'll bet it would work here too. For 5 years I had to put on thin thin gardening gloves, loose weave gloves, to screw in the crown and not hurt my thumb. Then, I figured this out: Have the crown in the winding position. Now push in on it gently, not trying to screw it in. Just push gently and if you try maybe 5 or 6 positions, you'll feel a little sort of a click. Not a sound, a feel. It sort of tells you you're in a position where it can be screwed in. When you feel that, go ahead and put on pressure on the crown as you rotate the crown and it will screw in nicely. But you must find a position of the crown when it is in the winding position where with a little inward pressure, you feel something. You'll know. You can even move your hand off of the crown after you feel this, then grasp it and push in gently while turning it clockwise and it should engage the threads and screw in. If the SPB315 is $1,000, look at the brand new in May, 2023, SPB381 green dial and SPB383 black dial. JUST out in May, 2023. My watch maker has one and it does look good. It is smaller than a turtle. He said retail is ~$1100 or $1200. I think you'll get more watch there than with the SPB315 for maybe a little more money.
I return twice of the Black Series 1968 SPB255j1, first the bezel got stuck and cant turn after a month use, second the time are 30 sec slow per day after a week.
Ok, so I agree with you…this absolutely is not a 1k watch. However, the argument that Seiko needs to go back to how they were in the past is not a good idea. They have been upgrading the materials as us enthusiasts have asked, they have been making watches smaller as us enthusiasts have asked. We have asked for this! No hardlex! I want Sapphire, Ceramic etc. Better materials cost more money! So no, this is not a good $450 watch. This is a solid $800 to $850 retail price watch. Then grey market prices would be around $600 or so
I guess I'm a weirdo but I like the date window. But I think it'd be cool to make the 4 o'clock pip into the window, like a fat circle around the date. Probably not ISO compliant but I'd love to see it.
Saw this watch in person at the store today. I thought the date window was pretty smart. I didn't notice it at first when i saw the watch, but when i did i was pleasantly surprised. I am not the biggest fan of date windows, especially not the ones with the magnifying glass. However it is a welcome addition. To have a date window, and (to me at least) not make it instantly noticeable is pretty cool.
First, it is not a turtle case, it is a cushion case, and perfectly match with the heritage style of the watch. My crown works perfectly, the date window is so small that I forget it is there. It is one of the thinner and lighter prospex I've ever worn. In my opinion it is a great watch correctly priced .
I just saw another video with somebody making fun of Casio because it is so cheap. He called it a cheap watch and now this guy is pissed because it's too expensive. I guess you can't win.
The golden age was 2017 for Seiko? Yeah this convo is over. Personally I think this watch is great and very affordable. Can be had for less than $900 and well worth the price. I’ll be picking one up for beater status. I also have a king turtle which btw has a lower 4r35 movement and multiple Willard reimaginings and multiple 1968 (mm200 reduced) models with 6r35 movements. They’re great watches. This one adds to the great “reimaginings” Seiko has been making. The 6r35 is a more valuable movement than the 4r35 right down to the power reserve. And the finish on these watches do seem a bit better. Like I said the msrp is $1100 but this watch is easily obtained for about $850 from authorized dealers. Btw a Seiko series 5 is still a cheap “great value.” If you can’t keep up with the higher end price increase with Seiko watches it’s time to move on to Ali Express. Good luck with that one.
These new slim turtles sell for about $840 delivered directly from various Japan sellers. Usually no import VAT or TAX too.. So for $840 the realistic street price they are likely a good deal. For $MSRP....well who in the right mind pays MSRP.
Indeed. Comparing the MSRP/RRP from Seiko to gray market prices based on decade old JPY prices in an entirely different watch market and world economy is convenient false equivalence for the sake of rhetoric. I understand the tactic, if it is indeed a tactic and not ignorance, though. Why compare apples to apples when you can manufacture outrage by comparing apples to oranges?
I really don't get your disgust for 4:30 date windows. It's obviously fine to have your opinion, but it's weird to use that as a general negative when it's so subjective.
One of the worst review ever,this watch looks and feels amazing and in live looks better than many watches with way higher price,date actually looks spot on for me and price seems fair.
i think this is the best execution of date window, it doesn't affect the symmetry of the indices, its small and color matched, its round and thus cohesive to general round shape of a round watch
Nah, 4.30 date infinitely preferred to an obvious date complication ( tho better to have none at all) , & necessary to comply with the latest diving standard.... The super hard coating is superb, wish it was on my Omega too. Crown problem is pretty unforgivable. Cheers mate 👍🏻
I have the SPB301 and have the same threading issues. The movement was also -45 spd so I sent the watch in to Seiko repair. The repair technician said that the crown works fine and if it gets stuck, just wind it out slowly and try again. So getting stuck is supposed to normal… I just got the watch back yesterday and they actually replaced the entire movement. It runs +12 spd now and the crown does seem to screw in a little better without getting stuck so I’m a somewhat satisfied. But out of the box with those two problems made me want to return it if I could.
I have to disagree with your take. First the the king turtle uses the 4R, this watch uses a 6R. That alone should increase the price by 100-200 just off movement. Next, a lot of people like the 430 date window, because it doesn’t interfere 3 o clock marker or lume. I’m pretty sure that crown was a issue with that one watch, as many in the comment who have this watch say they don’t have that problem. Also these watches can be had for 800-900 with discounts. Personally I prefer this watch to king turtle, and would pay 400 more it.
I have just purchased a new SPB317, i prefer the 4.30 date window, its unobtrusive out of the way, which leaves a clean dial, and as we all carry a phone these days just check it for the current time 👍 😀
Any objective reasons on why a Seiko can't cost over 1000 ? I mean real reasons, I started watch collecting (in 2020) when Seiko was not selling affordable watches anymore. But I don't get the reasons about why can't compete with swiss brands in that category, like mido, the ocean star is not even close to the heritage of this 6105-8000 reissue, no hard coating, no iso compliant, no in-house movement. Apart of QC issues that seems to be improved this days. All brands have QC, Then, why should not cost over 1000 USD? Is because before, Seiko watches were cheap? Luxury swiss watches can sell you smoke but Seiko can't? It is really interesting the thinking of watch collectors
Another issue I have is the 6R movement. I own/have owned 11 Seiko's with the 4R movement and all but 2 run within 10 secs/day. Some of those even within COSC spec. Now I only own 3 watches with the 6R, but all run at the very edge of the in-spec/out-of-spec window. And one of them is outside of it ☹️. Never any trauma, just gentle wear. Have demagnetized and no change. And one of them was +2 sec/day for the first yr of ownership. So idk...but I do like the longer PR 😐🤷♂️
Also on that one 6R that initially was +2 sec/day for the first yr, and now it's not, is inconsistently off weekly. Sometimes it's at the high end of out-of-range, other wks it's at the low-end. 🤦🤦
I have to agree I have a SKX009 and becaue of the workhorse watch it is I can't find myself buying a Grand Seiko, and yes I own Rolex Omega, Brietling, Tag Heuer, Tudor. Appreicate your point of view and videos, thanks and all the best.
This watch is gorgeous the 41 diameter is great on my hands. The signature for every cut is awesome, with magnetic resistance make this movement really accurate. I don’t think the price is too expensive. I think its good for the price if you know about the spesification & the story . I thnk this one is better choice than capt willard
I don't think Seiko are out of reach, I think they are all over the map. The spirit line are nice, and super cheap at less than $150. The king samurai (my near daily wear) was around $400, with ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal. New monsters and mini turtles can be had for less than $350. The srpg mechanical field watches are $200.... BUT then you have one-offs here and there that make no sense, like the SPB315 in the video. Seiko are all over the place with their pricing.
Grand Seiko have increased their retail prices hugely. Seiko are filling the original position and Seiko owned Orient are now becoming the Seiko low price point option.
Certina Ds are another great option in that price range with 80hours of power reserve.I do love the green dial Captain Willard and bought it and has the 3 o'clock date window I just wish they kept the framed date window like the original but that's a small gripe and the crown is buttery smooth on mine. .The Pogue and Willard are my favorite Seikos of all time. When I think of Seiko those are the two watches I think of. Hopefully we get a faithful recreation of the Pogue 🤞and yes the Certina ds and ds-2 are on my radar
For a LONG time, I was looking for a Seiko Diver for my collection. After months of searching, I went with the Orient Kamasu and have not looked back. It has served me well in my career managing emergencies. I longer need tool/sport watches in my collection as I always reach for that instead of anything else.
I like how it also doesn’t have a signed crown for over $1000. I don’t understand why Seiko acts like signed crowns are some ultimate premium feature in a watch these days. I’ve dabbled in watch modding and I’ve looked for aftermarket parts for Seikos. The folks in China on AE will happily sell you a legit looking Seiko signed crown for $5. They’re not expensive to make, and they used to include them on $300 watches, I.e. the SARB033. You also can’t get sapphire glass on any of their watches south of $500. It irks me that they put such a premium on things that should very well be standard not only at the price they charge, but is standard from the competition charging less.
Totally agree on all Jory. $1000? No way. The King Turtle at half the price? No brainer. I mean, why wouldn't you. I actually think it a more interesting/ striking looking watch anyway. I own a baby turtle, which I consider great value and a MM200 which unless I'm not seeing something, looks and seems a much smarter piece for around the same dough. This not to mention other interesting options like Certina and Glycine as well as what some of the micro brands are doing. Like most all of us I love Seiko as a brand but it's getting hard to escape the conclusion that they are rather taking the p*** these days and seem also to think that nobody is noticing. Well we are! As a former Marketing Director I'd say that it's a damn risky-not to mention greedy-and unnecessary step for any major brand to take. Think on Seiko!
Citizen Promaster "Challenger" is pretty nice for the price. Island watches are still the best bang for the buck with amazing quality, imo, for dive watches under $1k
🤙 - Great Review! I particularly do like the 4:30 date window. More so, with the slanted date which I've only seen on these "Slim Willy's"! (I'm looking for a similar Black Date Wheel BTW...??). It's the most unobtrusive application of a date window I've seen to date. "The "King Turtle" is a 4R35 whereas this is a 6R35. Now, on the Crown, I just purchased an SPB325/SBDC179 ("Sumo") from Sakura ("JDM") and I received it with a malfunctioning crown as well. The threads were stripped/damaged and it would not screw in properly - on a "New" watch...!?! Luckily Sakura was kind enough to offer me a partial refund for the the price of a new crown and I was able to find a new OEM signed one.
Orient is great value. Unfortunately I don't like the aesthetics of their designs. The complaint about the date window on this watch I don't get. It's unobtrusive, the watch looks balanced with full hour markers. Looks fine to me.
@@steelsteez6118 Yes I love that watch ⌚ and being in Apocalypse Now is just a bonus since that's one of my favorite films. Looking at one right now for $850 brand new
Beautiful watch, love that discrete circular date window. Cannot possibly compare the King Turtle to this watch…it’s a class below, and that’s not just the inferior movement.
Jory, not too many people have your aversion to round date windows and maybe the 4:30 position is questionable, but where else would you put it? As for the price, it's pretty much in the same ballpark as similarly spec'ed watches from Seiko, the 63 MASs and. Willards. The turtles are great, but they are way lower watches compared to these.
you forget about the the case hardness as the advantage of it over the King turtle. I have my spb143 most of the time, I have bumped into things with it a thousand times over the last 1.5 yrs. The case looks new. It is practically scratch free! On my SRPG13 which is half the price and I wear a lot less, the scratches are all over the place.
I have this watch , and mm200 and an spb143 ..All three are aligned and have zero issues with the crown..The 6r runs +3 on two and +7 on the third..No complaints..
lucky you then. 6r35 are known to vary in a vast range, mine run 2 mins slow in 3 days when placed 9 down but runs 9sec fast a day when placed back down. unacceptable movement
@@tngchinghwa I have an mm200 like that..Thing is - when it's on the wrist it holds its accuracy..Had it on the entire time on a 3 week holiday and It held its accuracy..
Prefer Steel/Watch/Addiesdive, San Martin, Heimdalr, etc. with Seiko movements, better materials and much better bang for the buck. Even Orient Kamasu is a better choice vs. Seiko. Only thing in Seiko's favor is lots of fine vintage designs but negatives are bad QC even with higher prices. With limited choice other than two or three King Turtles under $450 we must look elsewhere for value.
I have the black and white version. It is my most worn watch. The screw down works superbly. The time is so so accurate in mine. It looks like the man is reviewing a different watch.
looks and size, the spb317 is indeed a winner. but youre buying a watch to tell time. accuracy, and price tag, the king turtle is a no brainer. no second thoughts, the king is worth your money.
I love the looks, love the way it wears, absolutely adore the well executed, correctly aligned, colour matched and subtle 4.30 date window that leaves the indices perfectly symmetrical. Agree that Seiko have pushed prices too far and the QC doesn't match the pricing, but you shouldn't have to pay anywhere near retail for Seiko so the street and sale prices are more of a competitive value. These 'slim turtles' are killer. Horses for courses, Jory, and just be gentle with the crown ;-)
I recently got a grenade King Turtle (after watching a vid here among many other places) at a reduced price, over the moon. This watch though, have they lost their mind?
Hey Jory- yeah, I sure like those sexy cushion cases, but Seiko is kinda doing Orient’s marketing work for it now. *lol* Anyway, fun review/rant and so cool that you gave the shout-out to my hometown micro-brand. Cheers from formerly lovely Portland(ish). Had to come back with a brainstorm- Orient should do a cushion case. With a GMT function. That would make a lot of us feel very sloppy-toppy.
Isn't this watch a little bit cheaper than the other recent Prospex releases with the 6R35 movements? Like all Seikos they will be discounted to below $1000. Shouldn't this be taken into account?
I like the old Samurai, Turtles, Mini Turtles, tortoise, monsters etc but they're moving the wrong direction. Cant imagine I'll be picking up any of their new stuff
I've wanted this exact model since I've first laid eyes on it, but I have the same reserves/complaints as he does in the video so I've procrastinated buying it. The 4:30 date for sure initially bothers me, but I think I'll get used to it once on wrist for a while. Then there's the price for what it is 😕. But that bracelet tho 🥰. So 🤷♂️
I have the white dial version, and it’s the best watch I’ve owned. Thin, light, reliable, classy, sporty, great date window, no complaints whatsoever. I haven’t had an issue with the crown threading like the video shows. I did only pay $600ish for mine (still brand new) which is about what I think this watch is worth, I wouldn’t pay retail.
I barely look at Seiko nowadays regarding divers. They're beautiful watches most of the time but the traditional Orient trio Mako-Ray-Kamasu offers much more value for the money.
I love Seiko but they’re just getting silly with their prices. I bought a homage of this by Rdunae and it’s definitely comparable and the date window is at three oclock. It was the same with the Willard. Just not worth it.
I know a lot of people like having the date on their watches, but I would have to agree. This watch would look much nicer without the date complication all together imo.
Seiko hasn't increased their quality control, or content but have ramped up their pricing substantially. There are too many better options out there these days. They are acting like their name carries the cache of Oris or Tudor.
Haven’t seen the watch in person but the 315 has my eye. I do think the date is small enough that it almost gets lost in the dial to where you could wear it effectively like a no-date watch. I get where you’re coming from as far as pricing is concerned. The new 5’s have pushed Prospex up, but so has inflation (just like almost every other industry). I’ve been torn between the 315 and the new SRP777 reference, even though the 777 is no longer ISO certified, it’s a great value prop.
I don't like 4:30 date windows either. The only watch I've ever bought that had one that I liked is the Sinn 556. You really can't see it unless you look for it.
Perhaps one of the best bracelet to case designs for a seiko? Usually seiko bracelet designs look like they for a different watch - e.g. Sumo… and almost every other diver
I must be crazy too, because I like the date window; (1) it keeps all the indices full-sized, (2) is small and unobtrusive, is (3) matched with the black dial. Much rather have this than the white day-date that the SKX has, where it can sometimes look like another minute hand at a glance!
I totally agree with you… remember, This is an interpretation of a retro…I have the white one and I love it
@@tmillermann700 Also have the White dial, love it. The rest of the txt on the dial being black, the date does disappear. On a black dial with yellow font, the white date text is an eye sore. Would have been nice if he mentioned how well the watch wears. Biggest difference between the king seiko and the SPB 31# , one is the size of a 16610 Sub, the other a Paneri Luminor. Im fine to pay alittle more for the comfort factor.
Agree! I love it!
Totally agree. I love this date window much more than my turtle
Since discovering your reviews, I have found many of them to be helpful by providing helpful, objective information about watches and watch brands. Unfortunately, because this review is focused mainly on your own shit (placement of date windows) and problems unique to your own experiences (tight screw-down crown), it constitutes little more than a personal rant. Seiko’s marketing plan offers designs like the Captain Willard at various price points along its vertically tiered catalogue for diverse budgets and personal tastes. I’m surprised that you don’t get this and can’t discern subtle differences at various price points.
Agreed, very subjective review
I paid about $700 for mine and the crown is fine. I thought the date window is rather cool.
Yes it is cool looks proper
“They got this one wrong.” Really? Beauty is subjective. For me, this a beautiful watch. I have seen it in person.
I really, really don’t think this is a $450 watch. The thing that bugs me when people complain about Seiko is that they forget about the support you get. When my 70s Seikos need new parts, I take them to my watchmaker… no problem for OEM. After 50 years? Try doing that with a micro brand: when I tried to buy a bracelet for my four year-old Christopher Ward, I was told it was discontinued. I love Omega and Tudor, but they are even less affordable. So, Seiko is still my favourite brand.
@@edteach3r absolutely agree
That price is very fair. TT thinks it’s a $450 watch. Absolutely not.
@EPC-ue2cicame here to read that
I have this watch and have no issues with the crown. I am not sure if there is another watch on the market I would prefer at a similar price point. Seiko has great designs, great name recognition, and I think their execution is pretty high. If the price is too high surely it won't sell, but I'm pretty sure that isn't happening.
Yeah...this series is pretty much sold out in my country despite the premium pricing.
I’m in the same boat with my SPB143. I actually think for $1k, it’s a solid value and I would personally take it over any of the similarly priced competitors.
Plus, I disagree with his opinion that Seiko is losing their way as a value watch brand. I simply see this as an attempt to establish a foothold in the mid-entry level market.
As Jory mentions several times throughout the video, Seiko offers the King Turtle for half the price with most of the same specs. That sounds like a really good value for most consumers. And if you want to take it a step up from that in terms of finishing and movement, Seiko is now providing these offerings around the $1k range.
In short, they’re making something for everybody and based on the sales figures, it seems to be working just fine.
I have multiple Zelos in my collection around that price point and they'll eat this Seiko's lunch.
@@TalkingtoGod222 ya but its zelos ..That's the difference that people will care about..Heritage and lineage is more important to many
@@TalkingtoGod222 Hell, you can get a Mido Ocean Star for sub-700 that is far more impressive.
After watching your video, I went out and picked up an SPB317. Viewer beware: I think the time teller was having a shit day with a dodgy SPB, because these are my findings:
- The bezel aligns perfectly, is grippy and nicely finished
- The AR coated sapphire is double domed and some of the best I've seen in a Seiko diver, ever.
- The DiaShield coated case is finely and nicely satin-finished
- The hands are finished splendidly under macro, I saw no burrs or edges anywhere
- The screw down crown is crisp, easy to use and sturdy feeling, with no play
- The case is an ergonomic delight
- The date window is completely inconspicuous until you want to know the date
Cracking watch. Best Seiko diver I've owned to date, and I've been collecting them for 7 years now.
$1000 to play the watch lottery, many of them lose 20 seconds per day or more and aren't properly aligned lol
For a diver, actually prefer date at 4.30, rather than on a marker. No probs with seiko pricepoint in general. Its just the new normal
That date window is awesome, ya crazy. I love that they adjusted so its not side ways like it is on so many others.
Seiko did good here.
Sieko King Turtle all day long. Sapphire, ceramic bezel , cyclops, grenade dial. The ultimate sweet spot when it comes to divers
the date window implementation on this model is great. I have both the white and black dials, I love the no-date look, yet still having a "hidden date".
You're entitled to your opinion, but that's all it is. I also have the King Turtle (GRN), this watch is leagues ahead in quality, refinement, and aesthetic.
We can’t expect Seiko to remain at the low end forever. When you have to compete with the Swiss…..up market is the only way to go. If Seiko could ever regulate their movements to be on par with most Swiss, they would dominate the industry.
And also, up their quality control, because that aspect is not on par with most Swiss standards.
Seiko already has Grand Seiko and Credor brands to compete with the luxury and high luxury Swiss brands. Seiko should have just stayed in its lane at the lower end.
@@Tunnelsnakes True
Seiko is filling in a gap between the Swiss watches and their lower end watches. It used to be quite normal years ago to have watches on the market like that. That were of a premium price but where not some high end handbuilt fairy watch.
you beat the swiss by offering good watches...for cheaper. This is the exact opposite
1) I must be one of the weird ones but I love the SPB313 (white dial) design. People have been complaining about the Apple "top notch" phone for years yet they still buy it. That 430 date window will grow on most folks imo.
2) You can pay half the price and get a King turtle but you are getting a 4R36 movement with lesser power reserve instead of the 70hr power reserve 6R35.
3) Agree the retail price could be better say around $600. However it would be safe to say nobody would pay retail price MSRP (yet) for a Seiko.
I like the date window exactly where it is at 4:30. I like it because at this position, all of the twelve lumed hour index markers are full-sized.
My Seiko Divers watch has lasted me for 65 years, without fault. Nothing else I have ever owned has lasted that long.
Wow thats a long time, what model is it and do you have it serviced regularly?
I don’t understand people saying this watch isn’t worth $1000. The Tudor BB36 has a eta and is $3000 and the new Breitlings also have eta’s and they are $5000!!! Why are those ok but this isn’t?
I have a SPB149. Perfect alignment, crown threading is perfect, bezel actuation is very pleasing, I wear it 24/7 (all day all night regardless of activity) and get +4 minutes/month (change time on the 1st of every month). Love it!
BTW, bought a 6309-7040 at the PX in 1988 and have had a Seiko diver on my wrist since then... my SPB is leaps and bounds above what I bought from Seiko in the 80's.
I like the date window, no issues at all. I have the new Willard, very similar and love that 70 hour power reserve, the biggest reason I wear it more than any other. I have several seikos and love them all, even the 5 w/o the screw down crown. Just clean simple watches that run well. Now I’m not a fan of the magnifier. 430 date yes, magnifier no. But get what you like.
Two comments: Re the screw in crown, after five years, I learned how to screw in the crown on my Turtle and I'll bet it would work here too. For 5 years I had to put on thin thin gardening gloves, loose weave gloves, to screw in the crown and not hurt my thumb. Then, I figured this out: Have the crown in the winding position. Now push in on it gently, not trying to screw it in. Just push gently and if you try maybe 5 or 6 positions, you'll feel a little sort of a click. Not a sound, a feel. It sort of tells you you're in a position where it can be screwed in. When you feel that, go ahead and put on pressure on the crown as you rotate the crown and it will screw in nicely. But you must find a position of the crown when it is in the winding position where with a little inward pressure, you feel something. You'll know. You can even move your hand off of the crown after you feel this, then grasp it and push in gently while turning it clockwise and it should engage the threads and screw in.
If the SPB315 is $1,000, look at the brand new in May, 2023, SPB381 green dial and SPB383 black dial. JUST out in May, 2023. My watch maker has one and it does look good. It is smaller than a turtle. He said retail is ~$1100 or $1200. I think you'll get more watch there than with the SPB315 for maybe a little more money.
Keep in mind that you can get 30% off on practically all Seikos
I return twice of the Black Series 1968 SPB255j1, first the bezel got stuck and cant turn after a month use, second the time are 30 sec slow per day after a week.
Ok, so I agree with you…this absolutely is not a 1k watch. However, the argument that Seiko needs to go back to how they were in the past is not a good idea. They have been upgrading the materials as us enthusiasts have asked, they have been making watches smaller as us enthusiasts have asked. We have asked for this! No hardlex! I want Sapphire, Ceramic etc. Better materials cost more money! So no, this is not a good $450 watch. This is a solid $800 to $850 retail price watch. Then grey market prices would be around $600 or so
I guess I'm a weirdo but I like the date window. But I think it'd be cool to make the 4 o'clock pip into the window, like a fat circle around the date. Probably not ISO compliant but I'd love to see it.
It's about visual balance
Saw this watch in person at the store today. I thought the date window was pretty smart. I didn't notice it at first when i saw the watch, but when i did i was pleasantly surprised. I am not the biggest fan of date windows, especially not the ones with the magnifying glass. However it is a welcome addition. To have a date window, and (to me at least) not make it instantly noticeable is pretty cool.
First, it is not a turtle case, it is a cushion case, and perfectly match with the heritage style of the watch. My crown works perfectly, the date window is so small that I forget it is there. It is one of the thinner and lighter prospex I've ever worn. In my opinion it is a great watch correctly priced .
I just saw another video with somebody making fun of Casio because it is so cheap. He called it a cheap watch and now this guy is pissed because it's too expensive. I guess you can't win.
The golden age was 2017 for Seiko? Yeah this convo is over. Personally I think this watch is great and very affordable. Can be had for less than $900 and well worth the price. I’ll be picking one up for beater status. I also have a king turtle which btw has a lower 4r35 movement and multiple Willard reimaginings and multiple 1968 (mm200 reduced) models with 6r35 movements. They’re great watches. This one adds to the great “reimaginings” Seiko has been making. The 6r35 is a more valuable movement than the 4r35 right down to the power reserve. And the finish on these watches do seem a bit better. Like I said the msrp is $1100 but this watch is easily obtained for about $850 from authorized dealers. Btw a Seiko series 5 is still a cheap “great value.” If you can’t keep up with the higher end price increase with Seiko watches it’s time to move on to Ali Express. Good luck with that one.
These new slim turtles sell for about $840 delivered directly from various Japan sellers. Usually no import VAT or TAX too.. So for $840 the realistic street price they are likely a good deal. For $MSRP....well who in the right mind pays MSRP.
Indeed. Comparing the MSRP/RRP from Seiko to gray market prices based on decade old JPY prices in an entirely different watch market and world economy is convenient false equivalence for the sake of rhetoric. I understand the tactic, if it is indeed a tactic and not ignorance, though. Why compare apples to apples when you can manufacture outrage by comparing apples to oranges?
I really don't get your disgust for 4:30 date windows. It's obviously fine to have your opinion, but it's weird to use that as a general negative when it's so subjective.
One of the worst review ever,this watch looks and feels amazing and in live looks better than many watches with way higher price,date actually looks spot on for me and price seems fair.
i think this is the best execution of date window, it doesn't affect the symmetry of the indices, its small and color matched, its round and thus cohesive to general round shape of a round watch
Citizen replaced Seiko in Affordable Diver's (iso-rated). Best entry level certified divers out there!
Nah, 4.30 date infinitely preferred to an obvious date complication ( tho better to have none at all) , & necessary to comply with the latest diving standard.... The super hard coating is superb, wish it was on my Omega too. Crown problem is pretty unforgivable. Cheers mate 👍🏻
I would not pay 1k for this watch.
I have the SPB301 and have the same threading issues. The movement was also -45 spd so I sent the watch in to Seiko repair. The repair technician said that the crown works fine and if it gets stuck, just wind it out slowly and try again. So getting stuck is supposed to normal… I just got the watch back yesterday and they actually replaced the entire movement. It runs +12 spd now and the crown does seem to screw in a little better without getting stuck so I’m a somewhat satisfied. But out of the box with those two problems made me want to return it if I could.
I have to disagree with your take. First the the king turtle uses the 4R, this watch uses a 6R. That alone should increase the price by 100-200 just off movement. Next, a lot of people like the 430 date window, because it doesn’t interfere 3 o clock marker or lume. I’m pretty sure that crown was a issue with that one watch, as many in the comment who have this watch say they don’t have that problem. Also these watches can be had for 800-900 with discounts. Personally I prefer this watch to king turtle, and would pay 400 more it.
the only thing you really needed to say is the 6r movement is never worth $1k. most Seiko 6r's are $750. all the other hate is not needed.
I have just purchased a new SPB317, i prefer the 4.30 date window, its unobtrusive out of the way, which leaves a clean dial, and as we all carry a phone these days just check it for the current time 👍 😀
Any objective reasons on why a Seiko can't cost over 1000 ? I mean real reasons, I started watch collecting (in 2020) when Seiko was not selling affordable watches anymore. But I don't get the reasons about why can't compete with swiss brands in that category, like mido, the ocean star is not even close to the heritage of this 6105-8000 reissue, no hard coating, no iso compliant, no in-house movement. Apart of QC issues that seems to be improved this days. All brands have QC, Then, why should not cost over 1000 USD? Is because before, Seiko watches were cheap? Luxury swiss watches can sell you smoke but Seiko can't? It is really interesting the thinking of watch collectors
Not really a fan of the 4:30 date window, but I do like how they oriented the printed date horizontally.
Just realized my comment included an inadvertent time-stamp, but it coincided with your “that’s what she said” bit, so I let it ride.
I like the 4.30 date window on my new SPB317 its less obtrusive and neat 👍
Another issue I have is the 6R movement. I own/have owned 11 Seiko's with the 4R movement and all but 2 run within 10 secs/day. Some of those even within COSC spec. Now I only own 3 watches with the 6R, but all run at the very edge of the in-spec/out-of-spec window. And one of them is outside of it ☹️. Never any trauma, just gentle wear. Have demagnetized and no change. And one of them was +2 sec/day for the first yr of ownership. So idk...but I do like the longer PR 😐🤷♂️
Also on that one 6R that initially was +2 sec/day for the first yr, and now it's not, is inconsistently off weekly. Sometimes it's at the high end of out-of-range, other wks it's at the low-end. 🤦🤦
I have to agree I have a SKX009 and becaue of the workhorse watch it is I can't find myself buying a Grand Seiko, and yes I own Rolex Omega, Brietling, Tag Heuer, Tudor. Appreicate your point of view and videos, thanks and all the best.
This watch is gorgeous the 41 diameter is great on my hands. The signature for every cut is awesome, with magnetic resistance make this movement really accurate. I don’t think the price is too expensive. I think its good for the price if you know about the spesification & the story . I thnk this one is better choice than capt willard
Seiko seems to think a 6R35 is $500 more than a 4R35
2:10 - Seiko still has entry level watches. But why would you expect to find them in the Prospex line ..?
I don't think Seiko are out of reach, I think they are all over the map. The spirit line are nice, and super cheap at less than $150. The king samurai (my near daily wear) was around $400, with ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal. New monsters and mini turtles can be had for less than $350. The srpg mechanical field watches are $200.... BUT then you have one-offs here and there that make no sense, like the SPB315 in the video. Seiko are all over the place with their pricing.
Seiko makes watches for a lot of different budgets and tastes. I do not begrudge them for making and/or pricing a watch that is not for me.
Grand Seiko have increased their retail prices hugely. Seiko are filling the original position and Seiko owned Orient are now becoming the Seiko low price point option.
Certina Ds are another great option in that price range with 80hours of power reserve.I do love the green dial Captain Willard and bought it and has the 3 o'clock date window I just wish they kept the framed date window like the original but that's a small gripe and the crown is buttery smooth on mine. .The Pogue and Willard are my favorite Seikos of all time. When I think of Seiko those are the two watches I think of. Hopefully we get a faithful recreation of the Pogue 🤞and yes the Certina ds and ds-2 are on my radar
What’s worse than a 4:30u date window?
A 4 o’clock crown!!
I will never get used to that.
For a LONG time, I was looking for a Seiko Diver for my collection. After months of searching, I went with the Orient Kamasu and have not looked back. It has served me well in my career managing emergencies. I longer need tool/sport watches in my collection as I always reach for that instead of anything else.
My King Turtle rocks! $500 all in. Keeps perfect time and is very tough.
I like how it also doesn’t have a signed crown for over $1000.
I don’t understand why Seiko acts like signed crowns are some ultimate premium feature in a watch these days.
I’ve dabbled in watch modding and I’ve looked for aftermarket parts for Seikos. The folks in China on AE will happily sell you a legit looking Seiko signed crown for $5.
They’re not expensive to make, and they used to include them on $300 watches, I.e. the SARB033.
You also can’t get sapphire glass on any of their watches south of $500. It irks me that they put such a premium on things that should very well be standard not only at the price they charge, but is standard from the competition charging less.
I want this watch even more after this review! Definitely one of their best prospex releases
It’s like Seiko just refuses to give people what they want….. which is a King SKX, without a 5 on the dial, a true ISO 200m and under $600 MSRP.
Totally agree on all Jory. $1000? No way. The King Turtle at half the price? No brainer. I mean, why wouldn't you. I actually think it a more interesting/ striking looking watch anyway. I own a baby turtle, which I consider great value and a MM200 which unless I'm not seeing something, looks and seems a much smarter piece for around the same dough. This not to mention other interesting options like Certina and Glycine as well as what some of the micro brands are doing. Like most all of us I love Seiko as a brand but it's getting hard to escape the conclusion that they are rather taking the p*** these days and seem also to think that nobody is noticing. Well we are! As a former Marketing Director I'd say that it's a damn risky-not to mention greedy-and unnecessary step for any major brand to take. Think on Seiko!
Citizen Promaster "Challenger" is pretty nice for the price. Island watches are still the best bang for the buck with amazing quality, imo, for dive watches under $1k
🤙 - Great Review! I particularly do like the 4:30 date window. More so, with the slanted date which I've only seen on these "Slim Willy's"! (I'm looking for a similar Black Date Wheel BTW...??). It's the most unobtrusive application of a date window I've seen to date. "The "King Turtle" is a 4R35 whereas this is a 6R35. Now, on the Crown, I just purchased an SPB325/SBDC179 ("Sumo") from Sakura ("JDM") and I received it with a malfunctioning crown as well. The threads were stripped/damaged and it would not screw in properly - on a "New" watch...!?! Luckily Sakura was kind enough to offer me a partial refund for the the price of a new crown and I was able to find a new OEM signed one.
Orient is great value. Unfortunately I don't like the aesthetics of their designs.
The complaint about the date window on this watch I don't get. It's unobtrusive, the watch looks balanced with full hour markers. Looks fine to me.
They're in their right mind....its the folks buying it that are questionable.
I’ve got the SPB151 Willard. Tried these new slim turtles on and they felt a lot cheaper. They just didn’t seem comparable in quality imo.
Thinking about adding the green dial Captain Willard to my collection next
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 u should it's a gorgeous watch. Some of seikos best work in that price range.
@@steelsteez6118 Yes I love that watch ⌚ and being in Apocalypse Now is just a bonus since that's one of my favorite films. Looking at one right now for $850 brand new
@@lonewolfemcquade8133 it’s great. Try and get it preowned because I hate the indices at 3 being in the minute track. Might not bother you though.
Beautiful watch, love that discrete circular date window. Cannot possibly compare the King Turtle to this watch…it’s a class below, and that’s not just the inferior movement.
A crown that doesn’t want to screw in is crap and unacceptable at ANY price!!
Jory, not too many people have your aversion to round date windows and maybe the 4:30 position is questionable, but where else would you put it?
As for the price, it's pretty much in the same ballpark as similarly spec'ed watches from Seiko, the 63 MASs and. Willards. The turtles are great, but they are way lower watches compared to these.
Love the date window there. Love the cushion case. Love the smaller case size. They got this one 100% right!
The price is actually $500 but the additional $500 goes toward the cost of getting the alignment right.😁
you forget about the the case hardness as the advantage of it over the King turtle. I have my spb143 most of the time, I have bumped into things with it a thousand times over the last 1.5 yrs. The case looks new. It is practically scratch free! On my SRPG13 which is half the price and I wear a lot less, the scratches are all over the place.
Poor guy who sent him this watch is having second thoughts about it now.
So how much, in your opinion should it be priced at for what you get?
Not worth $1k. Just as a Omega Seamaster Diver 300m is not worth $7k. Not many watches are worth their asking these days.
I have this watch , and mm200 and an spb143 ..All three are aligned and have zero issues with the crown..The 6r runs +3 on two and +7 on the third..No complaints..
lucky you then. 6r35 are known to vary in a vast range, mine run 2 mins slow in 3 days when placed 9 down but runs 9sec fast a day when placed back down. unacceptable movement
@@tngchinghwa I have an mm200 like that..Thing is - when it's on the wrist it holds its accuracy..Had it on the entire time on a 3 week holiday and It held its accuracy..
Prefer Steel/Watch/Addiesdive, San Martin, Heimdalr, etc. with Seiko movements, better materials and much better bang for the buck. Even Orient Kamasu is a better choice vs. Seiko. Only thing in Seiko's favor is lots of fine vintage designs but negatives are bad QC even with higher prices. With limited choice other than two or three King Turtles under $450 we must look elsewhere for value.
I have the black and white version. It is my most worn watch. The screw down works superbly. The time is so so accurate in mine. It looks like the man is reviewing a different watch.
This is a spectacular looking watch, though I much prefer the white dial
The problem with the king Turtle vs the slim Turtle is the 4mm extra and the huge weight difference.
looks and size, the spb317 is indeed a winner. but youre buying a watch to tell time. accuracy, and price tag, the king turtle is a no brainer. no second thoughts, the king is worth your money.
I love the looks, love the way it wears, absolutely adore the well executed, correctly aligned, colour matched and subtle 4.30 date window that leaves the indices perfectly symmetrical. Agree that Seiko have pushed prices too far and the QC doesn't match the pricing, but you shouldn't have to pay anywhere near retail for Seiko so the street and sale prices are more of a competitive value. These 'slim turtles' are killer. Horses for courses, Jory, and just be gentle with the crown ;-)
I recently got a grenade King Turtle (after watching a vid here among many other places) at a reduced price, over the moon. This watch though, have they lost their mind?
I think the the reason the put the date at 430 is to hide it and not to ruin the symmetry
Also welcome to the bean
Hey Jory- yeah, I sure like those sexy cushion cases, but Seiko is kinda doing Orient’s marketing work for it now. *lol* Anyway, fun review/rant and so cool that you gave the shout-out to my hometown micro-brand. Cheers from formerly lovely Portland(ish). Had to come back with a brainstorm- Orient should do a cushion case. With a GMT function. That would make a lot of us feel very sloppy-toppy.
Isn't this watch a little bit cheaper than the other recent Prospex releases with the 6R35 movements? Like all Seikos they will be discounted to below $1000. Shouldn't this be taken into account?
How do you always put no drilled lugs into the cons, but never put drilled lugs into the pros?
Because it should be the STANDARD.
@@thetimeteller Pros: it haz hands!! 😂
Seiko is the best…. at selling $150 watches for 5 times what they are worth.
That Vero is . . fugly compared to the Seiko. IMO
Well I paid 500 bucks for a non Sapphire Seiko watch.. Seiko really killing this watch scene. Go Seiko
I like the old Samurai, Turtles, Mini Turtles, tortoise, monsters etc but they're moving the wrong direction. Cant imagine I'll be picking up any of their new stuff
The crown on mine does the same thing! The first time I set the time I thought I had cross threaded it!
I've wanted this exact model since I've first laid eyes on it, but I have the same reserves/complaints as he does in the video so I've procrastinated buying it. The 4:30 date for sure initially bothers me, but I think I'll get used to it once on wrist for a while. Then there's the price for what it is 😕. But that bracelet tho 🥰. So 🤷♂️
I have the white dial version, and it’s the best watch I’ve owned. Thin, light, reliable, classy, sporty, great date window, no complaints whatsoever. I haven’t had an issue with the crown threading like the video shows. I did only pay $600ish for mine (still brand new) which is about what I think this watch is worth, I wouldn’t pay retail.
nice review, I would like one on the spb143. all the best!
Still want one, dig the date window... probably going for the white one
Date window gets a big thumbs up from me! It keeps all indices full size and preserves the symmetry.
Not worth it in the slightest! We need to accept if we want what Seiko gave us at one point, we need to buy Orient!
Seiko is trying to punch with a lot of Swiss brands now with this price, but I wouldn't pick the New products over those Swiss brands.
I barely look at Seiko nowadays regarding divers. They're beautiful watches most of the time but the traditional Orient trio Mako-Ray-Kamasu offers much more value for the money.
I love Seiko but they’re just getting silly with their prices. I bought a homage of this by Rdunae and it’s definitely comparable and the date window is at three oclock. It was the same with the Willard. Just not worth it.
I know a lot of people like having the date on their watches, but I would have to agree. This watch would look much nicer without the date complication all together imo.
Seiko hasn't increased their quality control, or content but have ramped up their pricing substantially. There are too many better options out there these days. They are acting like their name carries the cache of Oris or Tudor.
They're bigger than Oris
Kill’n it on these reviews. I couldn’t agree more with you in this. I’m wanting the King turtle OD grenade.
Haven’t seen the watch in person but the 315 has my eye. I do think the date is small enough that it almost gets lost in the dial to where you could wear it effectively like a no-date watch.
I get where you’re coming from as far as pricing is concerned. The new 5’s have pushed Prospex up, but so has inflation (just like almost every other industry).
I’ve been torn between the 315 and the new SRP777 reference, even though the 777 is no longer ISO certified, it’s a great value prop.
How about a jeep current build update ?? Nothing against Yet another seiko update. Throwing this out there.
I don't like 4:30 date windows either. The only watch I've ever bought that had one that I liked is the Sinn 556. You really can't see it unless you look for it.
Perhaps one of the best bracelet to case designs for a seiko? Usually seiko bracelet designs look like they for a different watch - e.g. Sumo… and almost every other diver
Nothing ventured nothing gained, Seiko is only successful because of foolish people willing to pay that