It's a very handsome watch. I tried one of the $86 AliEx Willard homages in 2022 to see how I'd enjoy the general design. It wore surprisingly well & comfortably... but the experience confirmed for me that I prefer the shape and simplicity of my Seiko SRPE093 black regular ol' turtle. Thanks for the review.
Yeah i gotta say the unique crown guard really makes quite a bit of a difference! That being said, I used to own the SRP773, the blue dial version of your turtle and theres no going wrong with the classic turtle, i still miss the overall simplicity!
Incredible looking willard, this would be the version I'd get if I were in the market for a willard. Also I'm glad to see that Marcus and Izzy approve of this one, definitely a plus point towards me getting one😂 Happy New Year!
Yeah go check it out in person if you get a chance! Also I had to check with Marcus and Izzy before buying it, so I'm happy they are on board 😁 I have a feeling that this one is going to get quite a bit of wrist time this year. Happy new year to you and your family, onwards to a great 2023!
The ultimate Willard is my SLA063J1, LE to 500pcs and mine is #18. It’s pretty much a GS grade Willard with Suratsu finishing, ceramic bezel insert and a 8L35 movement that’s just as accurate as my Omega SM’s coaxial movement.😎
Another cracking review TWI, I think I want to get one of these on the wrist at some point. The dial is fantastic and for once I'll not groan on about the date a 3 as the aperture and date wheel have been well done and balance the dial better than some others. It might be an ISO requirement but I'm a tad unsure about that offset lume slice at 3. These days when I look at Seiko watches I almost ignore the bracelet as my old '5's had that swapped out right away unless it's integrated. This is a tempting watch for sure, it's been some years since I purchased a Seiko and now I have a list of considerations. Great work TWI, it's always good to hear your interesting and constructive reviews.
This Willard varient looks absolutely great , but i still hope Seiko someday will make a 36.000 SOH , slimmed down version of the Willard. I'd even be down for a manual wind version someday... Or imagine a hi-beat microrotor... 🤯
a high beat version of it would be pretty awesome! I wish they made more seiko SLA watches with a high beat movement it would definitely make things interesting. A micro rotor would be that much better lol!😁
@@thewatchidiot if they made a Seiko SLA diver with slimmer true hi beat movement and 50+ hours power reserve , it would sell great. Even if priced around 3 grand.
Size-wise, the bracelet might fit the Willard better than the SPB143, but the shape of the case just doesn't work on a bracelet, IMO. People seem to complain about the 2mm of taper and the thickness of the links, but I guess that's because they're comparing it to an Oyster bracelet, which would be far to flimsy for the chunky watches Seiko uses this bracelet on. I think it makes more sense to compare it to the bracelet on the 39,5mm Planet Ocean 600m.
The bracelet weight has to do with the tapering, Seiko does the 2mm taper in most of their bracelet which works well with the case and keeps the overall balanced feel. The 4mm taper on Tudor work well because of the thin watch case of the BB58. You only find a 2mm taper in the BB pro which is quite a top heavy watch. If your wrist are larger than 7 inches, the diver clasp is not an issue but it is nice to still swap out with a standard 18mm diver clasp from strapcode or zuludiver. The diver extension is their for the ISO rating, the great woe. Willard is the only missing diver in my collection from Seiko, have to search for these ice diver lineup.
Yeah the 2mm taper doesn't help out the weight issue for sure like you said, however with the Willard it's mainly down to the thickness of the links since the bracelet on the Slim Turtle tapers only 2mm as well but weighs 17 grams less. But despite my complaints it still is an overall comfortable watch, (although it could have been more comfortable lol!) Its a very striking watch especially in person so hopefully you get to see them in person!
I'm a fan of the Willard case. It's a stand out case design. I don't own one (I do have an homage, I like to beat up on) but would like to perhaps one day have the real deal. And I agree that dial is amazing, it's both subtle enough to keep tool like aesthetics and yet different to give the dial something to catch the eye and provide interest. Great version of the Willard.
I'm late to the party, but I love this dial just as much as you do and I'm planning a turtle mod using it. The hands are black on the SPB165, but in pictures I cannot quite tell what finish the indices have? Are the black chrome kinda like the hands or are they regular polished like most other Seiko diver dials?
The clasp is attached through spring bars and it's an 18mm clasp and a lot of watches and all strapcode bracelets come with this sort of clasp which makes thing easier. There are thinner 18mm clasps available from strapcode on Amazon if you want as well!
Happy New Year! What a crazy awesome dial!!! I like Seiko but with this bracelet especially the calsp I will stick with the other micro brands. I sold my MM200 2 years ago and I am now enjoying the latest CW C60 300 pro. It has a fantastic bracelet. I don't understand why Seiko & GS are so stubborn and can't improve their bracelets and clasps. Is their marketing team listening and reading these reviews?! I still have non diver Seiko's but all on straps.
I completely agree! The bracelets are why I pretty much avoid Seiko's. I absolutely hate their pin and collar system and their terrible stamped metal claps.
Oh dear god that's an impossible question! Mainly bc I would want to have my Alpinist and a diver but I guess if I'm thinking more clinically it would have to be the SSK GMT. It's got the absolute classic Seiko diver look plus an GMT function and since I've got mine on a beads of rice bracelet, it's an unbelievably comfortable watch. Every time I see it on my wrist I just love it more. But if I had to make a snap decision right now with my current feelings I think it would be my white dial slim turtle with the ice diver coming in as a close second.
@Sinjin Adams I've been wanting to get a shogun for ages especially considering how much I love titanium! I think I'll have to make it happen this year
After buying numerous Seiko dive watches. My Seiko Spork remains my favorite dive watch. I wish that Seiko brought back the models with a ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal. It’s a non hacking movement but it’s very accurate. I recently put it on a grey Seiko silicon strap. It’s a perfect match.
I'm having a really hard time deciding whether or not I like these dials or not. They made very similar looking dials for the new Seiko Shogun's. They look nice enough but just not enough to make me want to go out and buy one.
what a surprise the whiskey glasses and stones are, where did you get it from and do you know if they're still available? If you're not gonna use it, I'd be happy to buy them off you. If not, I'm tempted to buy this beautiful piece half because this willard is fantastic, half because I really want a prospex branded drinking set 😂
Yeah it was quite a nice surprise! I bought mine from Hodinkee using a trade and they're still available there as far as I can tell so do check them out! How soon are you thinking of buying the watch set? At the moment I'm really in love with it but I haven't locked in whether it's a keeper especially given how much the white dial slim turtle clicked with me. So if you're looking to buy feel free to send me an email thewatchidiot@gmail.com ! It's in the description and the about tab of my channel as well😁
@@thewatchidiot I'll have to see about the full kit, being in Canada makes the price a lot harder to swallow. I'll have to think about it but if you don't end up using/needing the whiskey set I could just buy that off you. I guess we'll see
All said and done seiko india has the most laidback customer care and they don’t even worry to inform the customer whether the watch has been shipped or not….
All respect for the Willard (I have a black one) but this dial and hands into the 62MAS case, and a Uncle Seiko Z199 bracelet for that case is just awesome. I also used a slim caseback, slim bezel and slim crystal to make it slim and light.
Any watch that comes without a 4mm taper on its bracelet gets an immediate no from me. I’m not willing to pay for an after market bracelet/strap any more. These watch companies have zero taste imo. A decent taper looks aesthetically pleasing and works for those of us with smaller wrists too.
You did not talk about the elephant in the room, the price! I really want the white or baby blue - will probably get it off the grey market when it's discounted 3-500 USD
Lol yeah I didn't get into the specifics and detail bc of time constraints although I mentioned it being 100 more than the standard tho! I was actually looking at getting the baby blue one first and then I saw the real life photos of this one and I couldn't get it out of my mind lol. Hopefully I get to see the gray and baby blue ones in person tho bc they look incredible! Hope you get yours soon😁
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
It's a very handsome watch. I tried one of the $86 AliEx Willard homages in 2022 to see how I'd enjoy the general design. It wore surprisingly well & comfortably... but the experience confirmed for me that I prefer the shape and simplicity of my Seiko SRPE093 black regular ol' turtle. Thanks for the review.
Yeah i gotta say the unique crown guard really makes quite a bit of a difference! That being said, I used to own the SRP773, the blue dial version of your turtle and theres no going wrong with the classic turtle, i still miss the overall simplicity!
That yellow really pops and makes the watch a lot more interesting to me.
Incredible looking willard, this would be the version I'd get if I were in the market for a willard. Also I'm glad to see that Marcus and Izzy approve of this one, definitely a plus point towards me getting one😂 Happy New Year!
Yeah go check it out in person if you get a chance! Also I had to check with Marcus and Izzy before buying it, so I'm happy they are on board 😁 I have a feeling that this one is going to get quite a bit of wrist time this year. Happy new year to you and your family, onwards to a great 2023!
The ultimate Willard is my SLA063J1, LE to 500pcs and mine is #18. It’s pretty much a GS grade Willard with Suratsu finishing, ceramic bezel insert and a 8L35 movement that’s just as accurate as my Omega SM’s coaxial movement.😎
I picked up #30 yesterday!
“For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.”
Great review!
Agreed on all counts; great video and many thanks!
Green dial is best! Thanks!
I have the spb237 and love it. This variant is also very excellent! Try Uncle Seikos z199 bracelet for it, you won’t regret it.
The 22 22 22 thing is very cool. I bought my first Tudor - Black Bay Heritage on 12.12.2022. Also auspicious?!!
Fair point about the bracelet weight but I like the diver's extension because I wear a wetsuit when surfing, snorkling, diving and it fits over it.
Another cracking review TWI, I think I want to get one of these on the wrist at some point. The dial is fantastic and for once I'll not groan on about the date a 3 as the aperture and date wheel have been well done and balance the dial better than some others. It might be an ISO requirement but I'm a tad unsure about that offset lume slice at 3. These days when I look at Seiko watches I almost ignore the bracelet as my old '5's had that swapped out right away unless it's integrated. This is a tempting watch for sure, it's been some years since I purchased a Seiko and now I have a list of considerations. Great work TWI, it's always good to hear your interesting and constructive reviews.
That's a beautiful watch, also like the naomi uemura. Looks good on your 7.5 inch wrist 👍
This Willard varient looks absolutely great , but i still hope Seiko someday will make a 36.000 SOH , slimmed down version of the Willard. I'd even be down for a manual wind version someday... Or imagine a hi-beat microrotor... 🤯
a high beat version of it would be pretty awesome! I wish they made more seiko SLA watches with a high beat movement it would definitely make things interesting. A micro rotor would be that much better lol!😁
@@thewatchidiot if they made a Seiko SLA diver with slimmer true hi beat movement and 50+ hours power reserve , it would sell great. Even if priced around 3 grand.
What clasp do you swap out to? The diver clasp on my SBDC133/SPB207 kinda bugs me too. Thanks for the review. This is on my list to check out.
Size-wise, the bracelet might fit the Willard better than the SPB143, but the shape of the case just doesn't work on a bracelet, IMO. People seem to complain about the 2mm of taper and the thickness of the links, but I guess that's because they're comparing it to an Oyster bracelet, which would be far to flimsy for the chunky watches Seiko uses this bracelet on. I think it makes more sense to compare it to the bracelet on the 39,5mm Planet Ocean 600m.
Great review! Interested to know which bracelet you went with?
The bracelet weight has to do with the tapering, Seiko does the 2mm taper in most of their bracelet which works well with the case and keeps the overall balanced feel. The 4mm taper on Tudor work well because of the thin watch case of the BB58. You only find a 2mm taper in the BB pro which is quite a top heavy watch. If your wrist are larger than 7 inches, the diver clasp is not an issue but it is nice to still swap out with a standard 18mm diver clasp from strapcode or zuludiver. The diver extension is their for the ISO rating, the great woe. Willard is the only missing diver in my collection from Seiko, have to search for these ice diver lineup.
Yeah the 2mm taper doesn't help out the weight issue for sure like you said, however with the Willard it's mainly down to the thickness of the links since the bracelet on the Slim Turtle tapers only 2mm as well but weighs 17 grams less.
But despite my complaints it still is an overall comfortable watch, (although it could have been more comfortable lol!) Its a very striking watch especially in person so hopefully you get to see them in person!
I'm a fan of the Willard case. It's a stand out case design. I don't own one (I do have an homage, I like to beat up on) but would like to perhaps one day have the real deal. And I agree that dial is amazing, it's both subtle enough to keep tool like aesthetics and yet different to give the dial something to catch the eye and provide interest.
Great version of the Willard.
Nice review. What alternate clasp did you buy?
I'm late to the party, but I love this dial just as much as you do and I'm planning a turtle mod using it. The hands are black on the SPB165, but in pictures I cannot quite tell what finish the indices have? Are the black chrome kinda like the hands or are they regular polished like most other Seiko diver dials?
You said you swap out the divers extension. How do you do that?
The clasp is attached through spring bars and it's an 18mm clasp and a lot of watches and all strapcode bracelets come with this sort of clasp which makes thing easier. There are thinner 18mm clasps available from strapcode on Amazon if you want as well!
Happy New Year! What a crazy awesome dial!!! I like Seiko but with this bracelet especially the calsp I will stick with the other micro brands. I sold my MM200 2 years ago and I am now enjoying the latest CW C60 300 pro. It has a fantastic bracelet. I don't understand why Seiko & GS are so stubborn and can't improve their bracelets and clasps. Is their marketing team listening and reading these reviews?! I still have non diver Seiko's but all on straps.
I completely agree! The bracelets are why I pretty much avoid Seiko's. I absolutely hate their pin and collar system and their terrible stamped metal claps.
Great content! Okay, so if you can only keep one Seiko which one do you keep?
For me it's the first generation Shogun. I absolutely love that watch.
Oh dear god that's an impossible question! Mainly bc I would want to have my Alpinist and a diver but I guess if I'm thinking more clinically it would have to be the SSK GMT. It's got the absolute classic Seiko diver look plus an GMT function and since I've got mine on a beads of rice bracelet, it's an unbelievably comfortable watch. Every time I see it on my wrist I just love it more.
But if I had to make a snap decision right now with my current feelings I think it would be my white dial slim turtle with the ice diver coming in as a close second.
@Sinjin Adams I've been wanting to get a shogun for ages especially considering how much I love titanium! I think I'll have to make it happen this year
After buying numerous Seiko dive watches. My Seiko Spork remains my favorite dive watch. I wish that Seiko brought back the models with a ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal. It’s a non hacking movement but it’s very accurate. I recently put it on a grey Seiko silicon strap. It’s a perfect match.
Where did you buy this watch that they sent you that prospex gift set?
Great looking watch. I love the look of the turtle dial. But it probably looks like a hockey puck on my wrist. 😢
I'm having a really hard time deciding whether or not I like these dials or not. They made very similar looking dials for the new Seiko Shogun's. They look nice enough but just not enough to make me want to go out and buy one.
what a surprise the whiskey glasses and stones are, where did you get it from and do you know if they're still available?
If you're not gonna use it, I'd be happy to buy them off you. If not, I'm tempted to buy this beautiful piece half because this willard is fantastic, half because I really want a prospex branded drinking set 😂
Yeah it was quite a nice surprise! I bought mine from Hodinkee using a trade and they're still available there as far as I can tell so do check them out!
How soon are you thinking of buying the watch set? At the moment I'm really in love with it but I haven't locked in whether it's a keeper especially given how much the white dial slim turtle clicked with me. So if you're looking to buy feel free to send me an email thewatchidiot@gmail.com ! It's in the description and the about tab of my channel as well😁
@@thewatchidiot I'll have to see about the full kit, being in Canada makes the price a lot harder to swallow. I'll have to think about it but if you don't end up using/needing the whiskey set I could just buy that off you. I guess we'll see
And the hour hand is not properly aligned at 3:07... Ah Seiko, Seiko...
So it's been a few months now - do you still have it? did it stick to the collection?
Yup its still here and I'm still loving it! I'm planning on doing a long term update on this soon😁
All said and done seiko india has the most laidback customer care and they don’t even worry to inform the customer whether the watch has been shipped or not….
I put the inside of this watch into a 62MAS reissue case. The result is outstanding
ooooo yeah I'd be down for that too! It would be super stealthy 😁
All respect for the Willard (I have a black one) but this dial and hands into the 62MAS case, and a Uncle Seiko Z199 bracelet for that case is just awesome. I also used a slim caseback, slim bezel and slim crystal to make it slim and light.
i would have preferred a ceramic bezel
I like the dial texture but I'm neither a dive watch nor big watch person so any other nuances are totally lost on me.
Any watch that comes without a 4mm taper on its bracelet gets an immediate no from me. I’m not willing to pay for an after market bracelet/strap any more. These watch companies have zero taste imo. A decent taper looks aesthetically pleasing and works for those of us with smaller wrists too.
Ditch that Prospex logo. For the same money get a real 6309. Iconic.
kinda disappointed with the dial I was expecting a whale in the background like the mantis version. It looks underwhelming...
Overpriced and probably misaligned
You did not talk about the elephant in the room, the price! I really want the white or baby blue - will probably get it off the grey market when it's discounted 3-500 USD
Lol yeah I didn't get into the specifics and detail bc of time constraints although I mentioned it being 100 more than the standard tho! I was actually looking at getting the baby blue one first and then I saw the real life photos of this one and I couldn't get it out of my mind lol. Hopefully I get to see the gray and baby blue ones in person tho bc they look incredible! Hope you get yours soon😁