i like the misaligned bezels lol!.. its like seiko is saying, 'we designed and made the movement and case, the bezel is the easy bit that anyone can do,, we'll leave that to the amateurs'. Its like when alfa slaps on the number plate on the side of the car, just because its a requirement
I've owned my SPB187 for over a week now. I'm super satisfied with it, everything is perfectly aligned. And the bracelet is very good if you compare it to other Seiko's below 1000 usd. the only thing I'm disappointed with is the bezel action, I hoped that it would be smoother. Good review, keep up the good work Bruce!
1, Bezel is coated steel. It is not ceramic. 2. This is not the "typical Seiko bracelet". It is brand new and released this year. Both the bracelet and the clasp. And a very good one, if I might add. It is dia-shield coated. If you look at the inside of the bracelet you can see that every link pivots individually and that the outer links and inner links also pivot individually. That is a first for Seiko.
AG Watches snd Gear - with respect to the bracelet's "links", this is not a first for Seiko. I'm not sure how experienced you are with wider offerings from the brand, but the links in this bracelet (links made of three or so ndividual pieces, that each pivot etc.) are functionally identical to those used in the 2019 MM200 watches e.g. SPB077. Reviewer "Escapement and Watch" has a comparison confirming same as well. Additionally, Seiko has been building bracelets this way since the late 90s in their Sportura and Velatura lines (now discontinued). Trouble is most forum folk dont have much experience with Seiko's outside the handful of forum favourites everyone goes to (like the Turtle, SKX, Flightmaster etc etc, all of which use links which are each one piece each, just made to look as though they're made of three or so individual pieces). The Sumo (old and new) is guilty of the same thing.
@@branislavradojevic339 Some kind of paint, I would think. I used to have an SBDC153 that had a highly polished bezel that looked like ceramic but wasn't. Then, you have ceramic bezel inserts that aren't highly polished, just to a light sheen, such as the Rolex Subbie.
That dia-shield is worth its weight in gold. The above mentioned SBDC153 got slung, not fell or flew but SLUNG, from my wrist and skidded across a parking lot. 2 very small marks, one on the backside of the case, and no scratches. It does work.
I am willing to pay for a Seiko any price, no matter how much they’re asking for.. on the other hand.. I would never pay 8000 on a panerai or 10.000 on a rolecs 😅🥰
I’ve had mine a week now and I seriously love everything about it, even / especially the bezel alignment I wouldn’t have it any other way! Nothing disappointing anywhere here!
I think the slight rattle on some of these Seikos get too much flak than they deserve. If you wear your watches the way they're meant to be worn, correct placement on the wrist (not at the joint where the arm meets he hand) and tight enough that it doesn't slip there is no rattle. I think the watch looks great. I would prefer the 185 with steel look bezel insert, but definitely appreciate this blue dial black insert combo. Great video thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the excellent review. I was nervous with flop sweat when I heard you talk about this Marine Master being possibly too small with bezel problems. To my relief, my SBDC125, which I just unboxed, feels and looks big enough on my wrist and I do think the watch is worth the money. Would I be happier if it came in priced at the $950 range? Yes, but Seiko calls the shots.
Hello from Scotland Bruce. I used to love Seiko. Prices now are insane. As a true Scotsman I want value and quality. I stumbled across a Brand in the Swatch Group called Union glashutte, the little, cheaper sister of OG. I have to say the quality/price point of these watches is crazy compared to what is coming out of Japan now. Seiko used to be the best in regards there but they are seriously regressing. Great review as always 👍
I think they don't care about the chapter rings and the bezel mis-alingment because the Japanese have a beautiful expression for this honest acknowledgement that true beauty is in the flawed. The perfection in the imperfection. "Wabi Sabi", literally meaning finding beauty in imperfection. And to be honest. I don't even see the alignment issue you mention. NOBODY is going to be looking at your watch THAT closely except you. So I would accept it as Wabi Sabi. That 300 was awesome! I am very pleased my SKX-007 has perfect alignment, but if not, wabi-sabi. 👍🏼 007 came with near perfect timing out the box. +5 seconds/day. At 6-years old it is now losing a good 20-25 sec/day. Need to get it adjusted. OR find an excuse to blow some money on a new Seiko! 😂
All watch reviews focus on case dimensions, but what I really want to know is bezel dimensions. The bezel width determines what a diver looks like on wrist more than anything (SBDC051 vs SBDC061). It would be great if you could start including that information in your most excellent reviews. Gorgeous watch. Love the brushed non-chapter ring and non-controversial arrow hand set.
This is why I will only buy seiko from my local AD where I can get a substantial discount as well as see the watch I’m purchasing and make sure everything is aligned. Sadly this is the case with them and I don’t trust them enough to buy a product sight unseen online and with no discount.
The more I watch this the more I love my MM300. There is simply no comparison and in my opinion, it's the greatest Seiko diver ever made, the real one with Marinemaster on the dial either an SBDX001/017.
The MM300 is undeniably great. But it is way too chunky for the average wrist. I prefer the Tuna 033 quartz. But realistically, the SKX007 is the greatest Seiko dive watch of all time and the best looking.
I've got a skx009 and looking for an upgrade. I fell in love when i saw this on display at an AD. So you say it is a bad value then what about the turtle?
Excellent video Bruce! I got myself an SBDC063 and bought an additional Seiko SS bracelet. It's a bit pricey for both, but once you make sure the chapter ring and the bezel is aligned, this piece is a joy. Incredible like, accurate to 4 seconds a day and it holds its own amongst the Globemaster and Explorer II which I have. Definitely not considering myself a Seikopath, but I definitely understand!
I own both and although this one is not zuratsu polished but it's dial is very comparable to marinemastsr 300 sans lumed bezel and lume is not as strong as MM300.
I know what u mean. I spent nearly $300 for the oem bracelet option for the SBDC105 since it did not have a bracelet option. Was it worth it? Hell no! Pretty sure it's the exact same bracelet they have on this one and I think the new Willard, save that of the respective matching end links. In my example, the weak spot is where the end link connects to the case.. at least one of them is not perfectly tight and does exhibit a little gap play when you move or wiggle it. Generally not noticeable while on wrist. But, when off and just handling the watch, it can be noticeable. The reasons I got it were: 1) I'm a bracelet guy 2a) it is currently the only link bracelet option u can get for the new 62mas (or as some refer to as 63mas) models 2b) in addition, the watch has Diashield which darkens the metal. So, not likely any after market option, if and when available, I likely to be as perfect a match tonally as the OEM option.. which should have Diashield, also.. I mean the metsl looks the same in tone to me and for near $300, it better have it. 3) The SBDC105 looks pretty nice on bracelet.. I was considering the boutique special which I think it near identical with brown dial, but silver accents instead of gold and it does include a matching link bracelet option. But, no where to be found and I kind of like the gold/gilt with the brown dial and dark gray bezel. No, it's still not worth $300. But, it is worth having it for my preferred bracelet option for the watch Btw, bezel was perfectly aligned. I also rather like the bezel action and sound.. unless mine somehow differs from your example in this video? HOWEVER, the new 6R35 movement was crap out of the box. At least -30 secs per day. Enough was enough and I remedied that by regulating movement myself. Now it is at most no greater than +5 secs per day, sometimes better depending on what I'm doing.
@@deanwaller8283 I’m sorry but that’s rubbish, I’ve owned over 20 Seikos and half of them had QC issues, it’s probably the biggest complaint people have about Seiko....
Well explained, there are no watch like Seiko. And thanks for your honesty on this. Appreciate it. Ps. The bezel, I have read somewhere, maybe WatchUSeek forum, that bezel is black titanium carbon coating on it? Cheers,
Will it be noticablely bigger on wrist compared to a bit smaller divers like the SKX or Orient Ray? I'm trying to get one, but i don't think i'm able to check the watch on boutique.
I purchased an SPB179 for 900 and I could not be happier. Everything aligns perfectly. The aluminum bezel is not an issue for me, everything is ceramic its nice to have a change. The clasp is the only issue because it is stamped, but again it is secure so not a deal-breaker for me.
Hello Bruce Willians, i really love this watch the design the colour is just wonderful but from what you said, it's really disappointing that they didn't really put effort on mastering this piece, bezel sound and alignment issues etc, if i were to buy this watch, do you have any recommendations of similar watches like this? Thank you for the big information though.
Hello. Do you think the better choose will be new Willard on 6r35 than this MM200? I don't know that you agree with me but latest recreation MM200 was much better than this one?
I'm considering the Seiko 187J1 and the 207J1 LE. I got a good offer on the 187J1. I really like the blue but I also want to look at the 207J1 first before I decide.
I think it's a beautiful watch and definitely reminds me of my SLA023. I'm such a fan of the brand that these little issues, while annoying, wouldn't be deal breakers for me. Congratulations on the pick up
If this was released before my SPB149, i would have a very hard choice between these. Love the MM300 design but never able to pull it off on my tiny wrist. Does this wear as small as the 63mas? Love the deep gloss black bezel and the true blue dial color instead of the teal-ish blue on the 63mas. My only issue with this is the lume marker at 3, it make the alignment off a little bit imo. Would’ve been great if is wasn’t there (like the initial press release photos)
Thnx for a great video. I am t hi kom 🤔I really like the look of the 187. Should I go for seiko marinemaster reduced or sinn 104 or sinn T1.? Which is better considering quality and movement... A better bang for buck so to say.
it funny that they have these QC issues and refuse to address them........most japanese companies are fanatical about their quality control. with the constant increase in price it makes it that much easier to save a bit more for a quality swiss watch over these seikos.
A great design from Seiko and very wearable. It's not a Marinemaster (RIP) though - its a '68 reinterpretation' and sits in Seiko's lower-mid tier of watches. As such, it's unfair to compare it to a string of way more expensive watches. In the UK these go for around a £1k, probably more like £900. That's less than half the price of any comparable Sinn. It's somewhere between Certina (no bracelet) and Longines. So, comments about the bracelet construction and bezel action need to reflect that. I own 6 Seiko divers and all their bezels align. I don't think you'll find a more substantial, reliable, well designed diver for the money. But, fair to say Seiko is pushing the price to the limit - the HydroConquest for £300 more is a much better watch, from bracelet and bezel to movement. But, the Seiko is a looker - that sunburst dial, very good for the money. But let down by the hideous, tacky Playstation (or is it X Box?) Prospex logo. That logo is a total deal breaker.
The lume on mine compares very well to my Sumo and lasts all night even when there is a bit of light at 5 am when it is notoriously hard to see the lume and the time. I don't do lume compaisons so it may not be last as long the Sumo or any of my other Seiko divers but still an all nighter.
I keep looking at the SPB185J1, just like the black dial with silver bezel over this blue and black. Want to see in person though rather then order online, want to check bezel alignment ect 😁😁
I usually really enjoy these reviews! You really seem to have a bias here though which is apparent even before you start the review. I enjoy honesty in general but the negativity seems to be ingrained into the review. Is Seiko still your favorite brand, or have you gone full Swiss at this point?
Hi Bruce, I just bought a “Willard” from Gnomon watch and wasn’t made aware of any import duties as of yet... What I do know for sure, is that DHL is the carrier. At what point were you told to pay the import duties, and who informed you?
@@rever-mi6qz I received the watch without any issues, or having to pay any import duties whatsoever. The shipping was lighting fast too - 3 days from Singapore to Colorado!
Beautiful watch! Congratulations. This one is closer to the MM300 design. The previous generation SBDC06# series followed the 1968 diver because of the curvature. So, we have a new option.
Great honest review, I love that you have a Submariner to compare it to. I am interested in a Seiko for hard use and adventure travel, but usually wear a Submariner or GMT Master II daily. I love the Seiko in theory (The design) and I like the way the bracelet looks but I am not sure I will like the way it feels. I think for me the battle for this spot would be between the MM300 or the Tudor Pelagos.
I am doing a search for a Seiko Chronograph watch that is automatic, not quartz movement, which of those watches do you recommend, also all Seiko chronographs are quartz movement, why is this?
I tried this one on at a Seiko boutique and compared it with the recent 40mm Seiko 62mas rendition. I could have sworn they have the same dial size. I can't believe that it is 42 mm. Can anyone explain this?
Cool video I’m feeling pretty content with my SPB077. The original SPB077/79 were based on the 6159 rather than the sbdx001 which would explain the difference in case shape as it relates more closely to the 6159. This watch seems like an sbdx001 tribute
It reminds me in a lot of ways of the SBDC 051. I got mine from Chino Watch in Tokyo and I love it a lot. I'm really thinking about getting the steel bezel version of this watch!!!
@@BruceWilliams the allure of titanium is what keeps me drawn to the shogun. I want something nice but I don’t like heavy watches. My plan was to swap the clasps from the old marine master (that was also titanium). I would like to try both watches but unfortunately I don’t know where I can do that.
@@BruceWilliams do you have any suggestions? I’m looking for a sub 2k kinda sporty versatile watch. I’m kinda thinking I might save and wait for the next Speedmaster to come out.
@@wilmara24 Dont let me sour you on the shogun. Its a very light watch! I just wasn't that impressed with mine. Lots of good watches under 2k. Sinn 104, Longines Big Eye Chrono, Oris Aquis, Tudor 1926. Or saving for the updated Speedy would be awesome too
I like the watch and am on the fence with this one. I have the previous iteration of the Mm200 which is a cool watch so I’m not sure if I need this one. I really wish they’d address the QC issues everyone had been commenting on for years, but maybe you are correct, they don’t care. I like that Oris you had next to it though. That was slick. Is that the new Toppers limited edition Divers 65?
I honestly really like this. I seem to be in the minority when it comes to how people nit-pick Seiko. Aesthetically, its a great alternative to a MM300 for $1800 less.
Where I am this is going for around US$1330. I picked up a SPB079 instead for US$440 new. I couldn't justify paying an extra US$900. 'Just watch' posted a recent comparison of the 2 and as Bruce pointed out yes the lume on the new MM200 fades away very quickly. I'm think the 079, the 2018 re-interpretation 62 MAS and stock Sumo's represent very good value at their current prices unlike the new 2020 MM200, Willard and 62 MAS releases. That said they are very nice pieces that might interest me if they drop significantly in price in the future. If not then the MM300 might be an option. I don't know what it is that makes the Seiko bracelets rattle even though they now use solid links. Even when Rolex bracelets were still using hollow links they still sounded and felt better. Maybe the quality of the steel, 904 vs 316.
Bought an SPB 143 ( SBDC101 in Japan), and the bracelet is exactly the same.... Overall though I really like the watch, and since it is such a strap monster, putting it on a Tropic strap leaves me no complaints. Was running fast initially, but after a little while, settled down to +2 sec/day. That plus a 70hr power reserve makes it a keeper.
Bruce thanks for sharing and always a pleasure as I’m a Seiko fanboy as well . You mentioned in your video that you’ve had four MM300 watches and that it’s your Seiko design. My question to you is why do you always sell them off ? Just curious as the MM300 to me is the ultimate grail watch which I hope to obtain one day. I asked Jeffery McMahon a similar question in reference to his buying and selling the Sumo five times lol 😂. I own a Blumo and still my favorite Seiko I own but again the MM300 is my ultimate grail . This new Seiko you’ve featured in this video is nice 👍🏻 and would love to see one in person.
Thanks for the honest review. Let me preface my comments by saying I have owned many Seiko watches - skx, Turtle, mini-turtle, Sumo, Samurai. I currently own a Tuna MM300 sbbn033, Alpinist Sarb017, Kinetic Tuna and my latest Seiko acquisition - MM200 sbdc063. I am very familiar with the good and the bad that comes with Seiko. Recently I purchased an assortment of “Chinese Seiko’s” - San Martin 62mas, Steeldive 6105 (Capt Willard), and a Proxima MM300 (sbdx012). Each of these three watches have the Seiko nh35 movement. I purchased one of these from Amazon and two from Aliexpress so I had no opportunity to preview my purchase. Proxima did send me photos of the watch they were sending me prior to shipment. The alignment of all three was perfect. Bezel action - Steeldive 6105 - very nice - San Martin 62mas - good but “clicky” - Proxima mm300 - hard to turn when new but is now working well. Overall I would say that the Chinese can make a Seiko as good or better than Seiko.
I have this watch, overall very classy, my only gripe and it's a serious issue for me, is the bezel. Sadly it's not ceramic, its coated aluminum and it does scratch, not sure it has the diashield coating. A huge issue for me at this price level. The bracelet is ok for me, can it be better, sure but it's ok. The dial, the dial color, the handset, the bezel coin edge are all good. I especially like the font used on the bezel and that the font is engraved. My King Samurai Deep Blue and My King Turtle both have ceramic inserts at a lower price point, which leads me to believe that this insert is supposed to be better...nope.
From Escapement & Watch he said he emailed SEIKO and they replied the bezel is Titanium with Carbite coating ... 😉😉😉 Not Ceramic which is on the 300m Professional Model 43mm !!!
I guess if you want perfection in a watch, you will have to go Swiss made and pony up the dough. I think Seiko makes an excellent, robust, good looking watch for the money. The bezel alignment is a non issue to me because I know what I'm getting. And I have many Seiko watches. Excellent video. I think this is my next piece.
I like it. Impressed you got one so soon! Quick question... What's your impression of the Steinhart 1655 homage? Good or shite? Considering one as Xmas present to myself ( Mrs not took the hint 😂) Cheers mate 👍🏻
lol maybe she did but shes playing it coy. I've never seen one so I can't really comment from a perspective outside of looking at specs and pics. From that aspect they certainly make a solid watch. Personally I'm not into Rolex homages from 3rd party companies so I wouldn't buy one myself
@@BruceWilliams thanks for the quick reply. No, I'm not really a fan of homages, but the 1655 is ridiculously unobtainable whereas a "normal" Rolex is, so I don't agree with homaging a current model. . Thanks 👍🏻
i like the misaligned bezels lol!.. its like seiko is saying, 'we designed and made the movement and case, the bezel is the easy bit that anyone can do,, we'll leave that to the amateurs'. Its like when alfa slaps on the number plate on the side of the car, just because its a requirement
lol I've never heard that before and I love it
Can anyone post this to r/watchesCirclejerk
Lol high level troll
This year I have seen a misaligned bezel on a Blue Tudor Pelagos and also on a Hulk. Since then it's now ok for me to see that on my Seiko.
Obviously a fake hulk
@@Dede-RR from a rolex AD that says it's all fine ?
@@Dede-RR
Some people can’t come to terms with the fact that they gave more than $ 10,000 for a Rolex, which has a misaligned basel....
the bezels on my bluesy and Oris aquis 400 are not aligned too so...
Rolex will fix all misalignment issues for free...Seiko on the other hand..."its within tolerance...." which in other words means...dog poop
I've owned my SPB187 for over a week now. I'm super satisfied with it, everything is perfectly aligned. And the bracelet is very good if you compare it to other Seiko's below 1000 usd. the only thing I'm disappointed with is the bezel action, I hoped that it would be smoother. Good review, keep up the good work Bruce!
1, Bezel is coated steel. It is not ceramic.
2. This is not the "typical Seiko bracelet". It is brand new and released this year. Both the bracelet and the clasp. And a very good one, if I might add. It is dia-shield coated. If you look at the inside of the bracelet you can see that every link pivots individually and that the outer links and inner links also pivot individually. That is a first for Seiko.
Sure its updated but not really an upgrade. Try harder Seiko
AG Watches snd Gear - with respect to the bracelet's "links", this is not a first for Seiko.
I'm not sure how experienced you are with wider offerings from the brand, but the links in this bracelet (links made of three or so ndividual pieces, that each pivot etc.) are functionally identical to those used in the 2019 MM200 watches e.g. SPB077. Reviewer "Escapement and Watch" has a comparison confirming same as well.
Additionally, Seiko has been building bracelets this way since the late 90s in their Sportura and Velatura lines (now discontinued). Trouble is most forum folk dont have much experience with Seiko's outside the handful of forum favourites everyone goes to (like the Turtle, SKX, Flightmaster etc etc, all of which use links which are each one piece each, just made to look as though they're made of three or so individual pieces). The Sumo (old and new) is guilty of the same thing.
Is it known what the steel basel insert is covered with?
@@branislavradojevic339 Some kind of paint, I would think. I used to have an SBDC153 that had a highly polished bezel that looked like ceramic but wasn't. Then, you have ceramic bezel inserts that aren't highly polished, just to a light sheen, such as the Rolex Subbie.
That dia-shield is worth its weight in gold. The above mentioned SBDC153 got slung, not fell or flew but SLUNG, from my wrist and skidded across a parking lot. 2 very small marks, one on the backside of the case, and no scratches. It does work.
There is something about Seiko design that keeps me a Seikopath regardless of the WARTS. I appreciate the video👍
100 percent!
I agree somewhat but those same warts are becoming less palatable as the prices for seiko mid range pieces increase.
same here. Im a sucker for seiko divers!!!!!
So true. I think Seiko knows this. Their designs have that x factor.
I am willing to pay for a Seiko any price, no matter how much they’re asking for.. on the other hand.. I would never pay 8000 on a panerai or 10.000 on a rolecs 😅🥰
Deep, honest and comparative review are becoming rare these days. thank you very much for this
I’ve had mine a week now and I seriously love everything about it, even / especially the bezel alignment I wouldn’t have it any other way! Nothing disappointing anywhere here!
I think the slight rattle on some of these Seikos get too much flak than they deserve. If you wear your watches the way they're meant to be worn, correct placement on the wrist (not at the joint where the arm meets he hand) and tight enough that it doesn't slip there is no rattle. I think the watch looks great. I would prefer the 185 with steel look bezel insert, but definitely appreciate this blue dial black insert combo. Great video thank you for sharing.
It’s gorgeous. I’m ordering one!❤️
I got 2 already
Thank you for the excellent review. I was nervous with flop sweat when I heard you talk about this Marine Master being possibly too small with bezel problems. To my relief, my SBDC125, which I just unboxed, feels and looks big enough on my wrist and I do think the watch is worth the money. Would I be happier if it came in priced at the $950 range? Yes, but Seiko calls the shots.
Agreed I would be happier with this at sub 1k as well. But like you said they call the shots
Hello from Scotland Bruce. I used to love Seiko. Prices now are insane. As a true Scotsman I want value and quality. I stumbled across a Brand in the Swatch Group called Union glashutte, the little, cheaper sister of OG. I have to say the quality/price point of these watches is crazy compared to what is coming out of Japan now. Seiko used to be the best in regards there but they are seriously regressing. Great review as always 👍
I think orient is now the new Seiko.
Spot on bratko
Orient is under the Seiko Epson banner.
Great unboxing, Bruce, thanks. Would not have guessed it was 42mm, especially when put next to your Hulk.
I kept thinking the coating made it look blue but, it's actually a blue dial, right?
Great review very honest 👍 These movements though are very inaccurate for the price. That's my biggest complaint.
why did they remove the box around date window :(
Agree , it doesn't look nice
I think they don't care about the chapter rings and the bezel mis-alingment because the Japanese have a beautiful expression for this honest acknowledgement that true beauty is in the flawed. The perfection in the imperfection. "Wabi Sabi", literally meaning finding beauty in imperfection. And to be honest. I don't even see the alignment issue you mention. NOBODY is going to be looking at your watch THAT closely except you. So I would accept it as Wabi Sabi. That 300 was awesome! I am very pleased my SKX-007 has perfect alignment, but if not, wabi-sabi. 👍🏼 007 came with near perfect timing out the box. +5 seconds/day. At 6-years old it is now losing a good 20-25 sec/day. Need to get it adjusted. OR find an excuse to blow some money on a new Seiko! 😂
Good and honest Review. It is good that People put Pressure on Seiko to improve their Quality.
All watch reviews focus on case dimensions, but what I really want to know is bezel dimensions. The bezel width determines what a diver looks like on wrist more than anything (SBDC051 vs SBDC061). It would be great if you could start including that information in your most excellent reviews.
Gorgeous watch. Love the brushed non-chapter ring and non-controversial arrow hand set.
This is why I will only buy seiko from my local AD where I can get a substantial discount as well as see the watch I’m purchasing and make sure everything is aligned. Sadly this is the case with them and I don’t trust them enough to buy a product sight unseen online and with no discount.
The more I watch this the more I love my MM300. There is simply no comparison and in my opinion, it's the greatest Seiko diver ever made, the real one with Marinemaster on the dial either an SBDX001/017.
The MM300 is undeniably great. But it is way too chunky for the average wrist.
I prefer the Tuna 033 quartz. But realistically, the SKX007 is the greatest Seiko dive watch of all time and the best looking.
@@lukewalker1051 The turtle is nicer than a SKX. I however have both.
I've got a skx009 and looking for an upgrade. I fell in love when i saw this on display at an AD.
So you say it is a bad value then what about the turtle?
Excellent video Bruce! I got myself an SBDC063 and bought an additional Seiko SS bracelet. It's a bit pricey for both, but once you make sure the chapter ring and the bezel is aligned, this piece is a joy. Incredible like, accurate to 4 seconds a day and it holds its own amongst the Globemaster and Explorer II which I have. Definitely not considering myself a Seikopath, but I definitely understand!
I own both and although this one is not zuratsu polished but it's dial is very comparable to marinemastsr 300 sans lumed bezel and lume is not as strong as MM300.
I have a SBDC059 - is it possible (and easy) to swap out my bezel for the bezel shown in this video?
Thanks for yet another very nice review. I just bought the SPB299 and I am loving it. Are you planning to review this one please? Thanks
I know what u mean. I spent nearly $300 for the oem bracelet option for the SBDC105 since it did not have a bracelet option. Was it worth it? Hell no!
Pretty sure it's the exact same bracelet they have on this one and I think the new Willard, save that of the respective matching end links.
In my example, the weak spot is where the end link connects to the case.. at least one of them is not perfectly tight and does exhibit a little gap play when you move or wiggle it. Generally not noticeable while on wrist. But, when off and just handling the watch, it can be noticeable.
The reasons I got it were:
1) I'm a bracelet guy
2a) it is currently the only link bracelet option u can get for the new 62mas (or as some refer to as 63mas) models
2b) in addition, the watch has Diashield which darkens the metal. So, not likely any after market option, if and when available, I likely to be as perfect a match tonally as the OEM option.. which should have Diashield, also.. I mean the metsl looks the same in tone to me and for near $300, it better have it.
3) The SBDC105 looks pretty nice on bracelet.. I was considering the boutique special which I think it near identical with brown dial, but silver accents instead of gold and it does include a matching link bracelet option. But, no where to be found and I kind of like the gold/gilt with the brown dial and dark gray bezel.
No, it's still not worth $300. But, it is worth having it for my preferred bracelet option for the watch
Btw, bezel was perfectly aligned. I also rather like the bezel action and sound.. unless mine somehow differs from your example in this video?
HOWEVER, the new 6R35 movement was crap out of the box. At least -30 secs per day. Enough was enough and I remedied that by regulating movement myself. Now it is at most no greater than +5 secs per day, sometimes better depending on what I'm doing.
Seiko’s QC is so disappointing, they make some stunning looking watches but their QC is a problem.
Even Rolex have QC issues,go on the Rolex forums to see what I mean,the whole Seiko QC issues thing is over exaggerated.
@@deanwaller8283 I’m sorry but that’s rubbish, I’ve owned over 20 Seikos and half of them had QC issues, it’s probably the biggest complaint people have about Seiko....
@@MrJdp1968 again,go on the Rolex forums,or the omega forums,QC issues happen across the board.
Not rubbish,fact,plain and simple.
ho ho ho, hummmmm
@@deanwaller8283 but qc shouldn’t be something that they make a point of ignoring.
Well explained, there are no watch like Seiko. And thanks for your honesty on this. Appreciate it.
Ps. The bezel, I have read somewhere, maybe WatchUSeek forum, that bezel is black titanium carbon coating on it?
Cheers,
Will it be noticablely bigger on wrist compared to a bit smaller divers like the SKX or Orient Ray? I'm trying to get one, but i don't think i'm able to check the watch on boutique.
Great macro shots as usual Bruce!
I purchased an SPB179 for 900 and I could not be happier. Everything aligns perfectly. The aluminum bezel is not an issue for me, everything is ceramic its nice to have a change. The clasp is the only issue because it is stamped, but again it is secure so not a deal-breaker for me.
Glad I bought the Omega Seamaster 300. Thanks Bruce for the referral to Exquisitetimepieces! Nick was a true professional!
Wonder if Uncle Seiko oyster bracelet is an upgrade?
Still waiting for a 40mm GS diver...
Hello Bruce Willians, i really love this watch the design the colour is just wonderful but from what you said, it's really disappointing that they didn't really put effort on mastering this piece, bezel sound and alignment issues etc, if i were to buy this watch, do you have any recommendations of similar watches like this? Thank you for the big information though.
Ok, so this or a Longines Hydroconquest?
I just picked up the baby blue ice diver and for the money I LOVE IT! Its my favorite watch right now
Congrats man!!
They are good looking watches!
Hello.
Do you think the better choose will be new Willard on 6r35 than this MM200?
I don't know that you agree with me but latest recreation MM200 was much better than this one?
Would this be comparable with oris aquis/aquaracers? Maybe closer to Omega?
I'm considering the Seiko 187J1 and the 207J1 LE. I got a good offer on the 187J1. I really like the blue but I also want to look at the 207J1 first before I decide.
the blue dial its subdue for my taste compared with teh Great Blue Hole. I want to see how is the new SPB207J1 green dial
Awesome looking watch! The steel bezel spb125 looks bigger in appearance for some reason.
Starts washing the Seiko video..... wait was that an Oris 65?? Wheres that come from!? Lets get a video on that!
Coming next week same with the tortoise bezel Aquaracer
I think it's a beautiful watch and definitely reminds me of my SLA023. I'm such a fan of the brand that these little issues, while annoying, wouldn't be deal breakers for me. Congratulations on the pick up
Which watch you think is better, this one or SPB077 aka MM200 (which i own 🙂) considering design, price, size, build quality and bracelet quality
Where did you buy that great wave off kanagawa? Looking rad 🔥
Hey Bruce, is that the new Oris diver 65 topper edition in 42mm or is that the OG topper limited edition 40mm?
If this was released before my SPB149, i would have a very hard choice between these. Love the MM300 design but never able to pull it off on my tiny wrist. Does this wear as small as the 63mas? Love the deep gloss black bezel and the true blue dial color instead of the teal-ish blue on the 63mas. My only issue with this is the lume marker at 3, it make the alignment off a little bit imo. Would’ve been great if is wasn’t there (like the initial press release photos)
I need one of those Seiko trays Bruce!
Is it known what the steel basel insert is covered with?
Thnx for a great video. I am t hi kom 🤔I really like the look of the 187. Should I go for seiko marinemaster reduced or sinn 104 or sinn T1.?
Which is better considering quality and movement... A better bang for buck so to say.
I think this is a beautiful and is one I would love to try, just not at this price. Thank you for another great video Bruce 😊👍
Couldn't take my eyes off the Oris. A cool variant of that model that I haven't seen before.
The date window looks very weird without any kind of backgroud/border design and detailing..
Beautiful. Regretting having bought my king turtle. Does this come in black? If so what is the reference please?
SPB185 is the black dial steel bezel
Thanks!
it funny that they have these QC issues and refuse to address them........most japanese companies are fanatical about their quality control. with the constant increase in price it makes it that much easier to save a bit more for a quality swiss watch over these seikos.
Its because at this price category this watch line is orientated for mass production
Whats the difference of quality between this and a sumo 3rd generation ?
To be honest, I can't even tell if no one mentioned the alignment issue.....
Great discussion. Well done, Sir.
Thank you
A great design from Seiko and very wearable. It's not a Marinemaster (RIP) though - its a '68 reinterpretation' and sits in Seiko's lower-mid tier of watches. As such, it's unfair to compare it to a string of way more expensive watches. In the UK these go for around a £1k, probably more like £900. That's less than half the price of any comparable Sinn. It's somewhere between Certina (no bracelet) and Longines. So, comments about the bracelet construction and bezel action need to reflect that. I own 6 Seiko divers and all their bezels align. I don't think you'll find a more substantial, reliable, well designed diver for the money. But, fair to say Seiko is pushing the price to the limit - the HydroConquest for £300 more is a much better watch, from bracelet and bezel to movement. But, the Seiko is a looker - that sunburst dial, very good for the money. But let down by the hideous, tacky Playstation (or is it X Box?) Prospex logo. That logo is a total deal breaker.
The lume on mine compares very well to my Sumo and lasts all night even when there is a bit of light at 5 am when it is notoriously hard to see the lume and the time. I don't do lume compaisons so it may not be last as long the Sumo or any of my other Seiko divers but still an all nighter.
I keep looking at the SPB185J1, just like the black dial with silver bezel over this blue and black.
Want to see in person though rather then order online, want to check bezel alignment ect 😁😁
I usually really enjoy these reviews! You really seem to have a bias here though which is apparent even before you start the review. I enjoy honesty in general but the negativity seems to be ingrained into the review. Is Seiko still your favorite brand, or have you gone full Swiss at this point?
Congrats, looks sweet. Ive been interested in this also.
Bruce, the bezel is not ceramic. It is aluminum with a coating, my friend has it and scratched it already. lol
Well that sucks! haha
man, i have bunch of swiss watches and seiko always has best lumes, wonder why you say that they are disappointing.
Hi Bruce,
I just bought a “Willard” from Gnomon watch and wasn’t made aware of any import duties as of yet... What I do know for sure, is that DHL is the carrier. At what point were you told to pay the import duties, and who informed you?
to be honest with you, you should've checked with your countries import rules before buying. Gnomon is based in singapore.
@@rever-mi6qz I received the watch without any issues, or having to pay any import duties whatsoever. The shipping was lighting fast too - 3 days from Singapore to Colorado!
Beautiful watch! Congratulations. This one is closer to the MM300 design. The previous generation SBDC06# series followed the 1968 diver because of the curvature. So, we have a new option.
Great honest review, I love that you have a Submariner to compare it to. I am interested in a Seiko for hard use and adventure travel, but usually wear a Submariner or GMT Master II daily. I love the Seiko in theory (The design) and I like the way the bracelet looks but I am not sure I will like the way it feels. I think for me the battle for this spot would be between the MM300 or the Tudor Pelagos.
I am doing a search for a Seiko Chronograph watch that is automatic, not quartz movement, which of those watches do you recommend, also all Seiko chronographs are quartz movement, why is this?
Are their aftermarket bracelet options for these yet? I know it’s a newer and smaller version of a similar case design.
I have a Seiko SBDC055 great loom,great vessel movement and it alines perfect. I also have a Seiko Presage is all the Seiko I need in my collection.
Baby MM* define good bezel action because I tried most swiss bezels and I like much more high end seiko bezels.
Please stop calling it the Baby MM
I dont think it gives it justice, being in the shadow of MM300. It looks more like the 6215 reimagined
@@MammothBehemoth well I agree is not a MM so I don't like the name "baby mm" neither a "mm 200"
It is simply not a marinemaster
I tried this one on at a Seiko boutique and compared it with the recent 40mm Seiko 62mas rendition. I could have sworn they have the same dial size. I can't believe that it is 42 mm. Can anyone explain this?
Cool video I’m feeling pretty content with my SPB077. The original SPB077/79 were based on the 6159 rather than the sbdx001 which would explain the difference in case shape as it relates more closely to the 6159. This watch seems like an sbdx001 tribute
It reminds me in a lot of ways of the SBDC 051. I got mine from Chino Watch in Tokyo and I love it a lot. I'm really thinking about getting the steel bezel version of this watch!!!
Would you have this or a shogun? Any input appreciated because this is my current dilemma.
This. I wasn't impressed by the shogun when I owned it
@@BruceWilliams the allure of titanium is what keeps me drawn to the shogun. I want something nice but I don’t like heavy watches. My plan was to swap the clasps from the old marine master (that was also titanium). I would like to try both watches but unfortunately I don’t know where I can do that.
@@BruceWilliams do you have any suggestions? I’m looking for a sub 2k kinda sporty versatile watch. I’m kinda thinking I might save and wait for the next Speedmaster to come out.
@@wilmara24 Dont let me sour you on the shogun. Its a very light watch! I just wasn't that impressed with mine. Lots of good watches under 2k. Sinn 104, Longines Big Eye Chrono, Oris Aquis, Tudor 1926. Or saving for the updated Speedy would be awesome too
@@BruceWilliams thanks for your suggestions. I decided to wait for the Speedmaster. Hopefully the price won’t be increased too high. Happy holidays!
Seiko it's the best... forget the rest :))))
SBDC061 vs SPB187 vs SPB143 vs Diver 65 would make a good comparison for the price
For the price, they could have easily used the MM300 ratcheting clasp. Still the best clasp Seiko makes IMO.
I agree about the MM 300 clasp I actually put the MM300 clasp to my Blumo and wow what a upgrade 👍🏻
@@1968jpy I use one on my custom SKX007J. Definitely worth the $75.
@@valengreymoon5623 absolutely 👍🏻
Good video and I have come to embrace Seikos through modding. They are great watches and a misaligned bezel takes 10 minutes to fix.
Hey Bruce, is that Oris a 40mm or 42mm version ? It just looks big.
It is the 42mm version which does look pretty big
I like the watch and am on the fence with this one. I have the previous iteration of the Mm200 which is a cool watch so I’m not sure if I need this one. I really wish they’d address the QC issues everyone had been commenting on for years, but maybe you are correct, they don’t care. I like that Oris you had next to it though. That was slick. Is that the new Toppers limited edition Divers 65?
It is! I also just got that one in for review yesterday. It was a good mail day
@@BruceWilliams Nice 👍 Mine should be here tomorrow.
My King Turtle and Blue MM300 are the only aligned bezels I’ve ever had with Seiko. Good looking watch Bruce
I honestly really like this. I seem to be in the minority when it comes to how people nit-pick Seiko. Aesthetically, its a great alternative to a MM300 for $1800 less.
Where I am this is going for around US$1330. I picked up a SPB079 instead for US$440 new. I couldn't justify paying an extra US$900. 'Just watch' posted a recent comparison of the 2 and as Bruce pointed out yes the lume on the new MM200 fades away very quickly. I'm think the 079, the 2018 re-interpretation 62 MAS and stock Sumo's represent very good value at their current prices unlike the new 2020 MM200, Willard and 62 MAS releases. That said they are very nice pieces that might interest me if they drop significantly in price in the future.
If not then the MM300 might be an option.
I don't know what it is that makes the Seiko bracelets rattle even though they now use solid links. Even when Rolex bracelets were still using hollow links they still sounded and felt better. Maybe the quality of the steel, 904 vs 316.
Bought an SPB 143 ( SBDC101 in Japan), and the bracelet is exactly the same.... Overall though I really like the watch, and since it is such a strap monster, putting it on a Tropic strap leaves me no complaints. Was running fast initially, but after a little while, settled down to +2 sec/day. That plus a 70hr power reserve makes it a keeper.
To me, the 143 is the best looking Seiko reissue hands down. Great choice. To me it blows the 187 out of the waterr.
That lume indice by the date window that lacks an hour/minute tracker kills it for me. That would keep me up all night.
Its very nice nonetheless.
Bruce thanks for sharing and always a pleasure as I’m a Seiko fanboy as well . You mentioned in your video that you’ve had four MM300 watches and that it’s your Seiko design. My question to you is why do you always sell them off ? Just curious as the MM300 to me is the ultimate grail watch which I hope to obtain one day. I asked Jeffery McMahon a similar question in reference to his buying and selling the Sumo five times lol 😂. I own a Blumo and still my favorite Seiko I own but again the MM300 is my ultimate grail . This new Seiko you’ve featured in this video is nice 👍🏻 and would love to see one in person.
This guy came into the review hating Seiko. Didn’t disappoint
Wow, that Oris what a beautiful watch, just wow
Thanks for the honest review. Let me preface my comments by saying I have owned many Seiko watches - skx, Turtle, mini-turtle, Sumo, Samurai. I currently own a Tuna MM300 sbbn033, Alpinist Sarb017, Kinetic Tuna and my latest Seiko acquisition - MM200 sbdc063. I am very familiar with the good and the bad that comes with Seiko. Recently I purchased an assortment of “Chinese Seiko’s” - San Martin 62mas, Steeldive 6105 (Capt Willard), and a Proxima MM300 (sbdx012). Each of these three watches have the Seiko nh35 movement. I purchased one of these from Amazon and two from Aliexpress so I had no opportunity to preview my purchase. Proxima did send me photos of the watch they were sending me prior to shipment. The alignment of all three was perfect. Bezel action - Steeldive 6105 - very nice - San Martin 62mas - good but “clicky” - Proxima mm300 - hard to turn when new but is now working well. Overall I would say that the Chinese can make a Seiko as good or better than Seiko.
I'm surprised a Seiko lover would buy the knock offs. Even if they are made as well. I couldn't do it
Nice watch but the mm200 is still a better choice aesthetically as dial looks cleaner and has a more vintage classic look.
To me I’m a bit bored with them atm
It would be hard for you to get excited with your collection I guess
Surely they will do a new clasp one day🙏
I have this watch, overall very classy, my only gripe and it's a serious issue for me, is the bezel. Sadly it's not ceramic, its coated aluminum and it does scratch, not sure it has the diashield coating. A huge issue for me at this price level. The bracelet is ok for me, can it be better, sure but it's ok. The dial, the dial color, the handset, the bezel coin edge are all good. I especially like the font used on the bezel and that the font is engraved. My King Samurai Deep Blue and My King Turtle both have ceramic inserts at a lower price point, which leads me to believe that this insert is supposed to be better...nope.
From Escapement & Watch he said he emailed SEIKO and they replied the bezel is Titanium with Carbite coating ... 😉😉😉 Not Ceramic which is on the 300m Professional Model 43mm !!!
More pros than cons... After comparing with A Hulk and a Divers 65...not bad Seiko!
Seiko, my favourite brand but also the most frustrating one.
Amen brother!
the bezel is steel covered with titanium carbide
I appreciate it!
I guess if you want perfection in a watch, you will have to go Swiss made and pony up the dough. I think Seiko makes an excellent, robust, good looking watch for the money. The bezel alignment is a non issue to me because I know what I'm getting. And I have many Seiko watches. Excellent video. I think this is my next piece.
I like it. Impressed you got one so soon!
Quick question... What's your impression of the Steinhart 1655 homage? Good or shite? Considering one as Xmas present to myself ( Mrs not took the hint 😂)
Cheers mate 👍🏻
lol maybe she did but shes playing it coy. I've never seen one so I can't really comment from a perspective outside of looking at specs and pics. From that aspect they certainly make a solid watch. Personally I'm not into Rolex homages from 3rd party companies so I wouldn't buy one myself
@@BruceWilliams thanks for the quick reply.
No, I'm not really a fan of homages, but the 1655 is ridiculously unobtainable whereas a "normal" Rolex is, so I don't agree with homaging a current model. . Thanks 👍🏻