Our Favorite Seiko Watches Under $500: Are the Flightmaster & Monster Diver Still King in 2023?
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- Опубликовано: 1 дек 2024
- Today I'm joined by engineer turned watch entrepreneur Marc Frankel of Long Island Watch for an essential #WatchTalk episode all about Seiko, where we ask and answer: is Seiko still the best choice under $500 in 2023? In this month's watch chat we share our unique perspectives on the brand, our favorite Seiko watches, what we love about them, and why, plus our thoughts on Seiko's evolution, and its design history. We also discuss the watches we've personally owned, sold, and repurchased, watches we totally disagree on, watches we'd love to own one day, our desires for new Seiko versions, and what we'd like to see them do in the future. Join us for another fun and laidback watch talk featuring a brand close to our hearts, to find out why we love it so much, and if it's still the best bet for affordable watches under $500. What do you think about the watches featured in this video? And what's your favorite Seiko under $500? Please share in the comments!
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Wow these episodes are always so perfectly timed! Can't wait to settle in this evening and watch another TGV and Marc discussion. 🥂 TGV!
My Seiko Sarb is my everyday watch. Got it for £400. Its simply wonderful. I wear it on steel, and in evenings on a brown leather strap. Incredible watch.
The deadly duo is back! Love it when you guys sit down for a chat. Opposite style preferences but a complete appreciation for one another's tatse. I think the SRPG63 was a flop for Seiko, I absolutely love it though, and a proud owner. Once a month isn't enough for these videos!
😃 I could listen to you two talk watches all day long. You ask great questions, tell good stories, and you're kind. 🙏
TGV, your video production and editing really is becoming next level. Well done.
Great choices and video, gentlemen!
My favorites are the 'Speedtimer' SSC813P1, 'King Samurai' SRPE35 and 'Cocktail Time' SSA343J1.
Greetings from Denmark!
I love my white dial King Samurai
Always anticipate these collab videos they’re the best! Can’t wait to see the Rangemaster 2 and what changes have been made.
Nizza the Italian name for Niece, the city on the southern coast of France. It was formerly Italian territory, gifted to France in the late 19th century as a thank you for French support in the Italian independence wars.
Correct but it's Nice not Niece
Jnkg
The man is italian but hasnt heard about Nizza lmao
Great episode, my 3 picks that I own would be 1) Flight master SNA411 2) Atlas/Land Shark SKZ211 3) Seiko 5 55th Anniversary edition
Great discussion on Seiko. An SKX009 was the first automatic watch I purchased. I’ve bought and sold maybe 50 watches and the SKX remains. It’s my favorite watch and probably always will be.
32:21 The Arnie, and it's not close. Coolest, most unique design they make, with the performance, pedigree, and provenance to back it up. I never get bored of it.
Nice pick . Love mine .
Aah, Friday night! Sit back, relax and enjoy. Thanks for making such great content!
Under 500 I'm not looking at seiko I'm afraid - so many stronger options at that price point. However, around 1000 mark the new alpinist gmt white dial looks INCREDIBLE
Around 500 I would actually look at Tissot, Hanova, Alpina, Hamilton, Glycine.
@@ArniesTech I don't find that Tissot beats Seiko in quality, designs or options below $500.
@@alangil40citizen is up there for me alot of quality made sub 500 designs. The super titanium range is rlly nice got one myself and its beautiful
LOL... the 400-500 range is EXACTLY where seiko shines.
Turtle, Tuna, Monster, Samurai...there's a bunch more!
Yet another beautiful, down to earth collaboration. Applause, guys 🙏✨
Love the opening! You and Marc should have a standing weekly podcast. Could listen to the two of you all day.
The thought and creativity that goes into every video you make is top notch! Always such a pleasure to watch. I also appreciate all of your affordable watch discussions; it inspires me to know there are always beautiful watches I can save and aim for with my humble NHS pay. Thanks TGV 🙏
Marc is such a cool guy, seems so genuine. Regarding Seikos, think you need to go over $500 for more decent movement and sapphire glass tbh. PS bought a Hanhart fly back panda chrono after your video trip to manufacturer. You are costing me a fortune!! Great channel.
Had one of the roughest days I’ve had in a while at work, and you Gents literally lifted my spirits with this video. The only thing that would have been better if you announced another Watch collaboration! Cheers.
Did you see the intro?
@@dparis2172I am apparently dumbass. 🫏I completely missed it. Truth be told, I was actually more listening to them while I was doing chores around the house than watching.
For anybody that doesn’t know Uncle Seiko (unlimited straps in the UK) recently started doing both an oyster and a president bracelet specifically for the Flightmaster. I bought the oyster for mine and it looks stunning on it, no more natos or leather straps from now on, the Flighty is staying on the bracelet. I have owned my Flighty for about eight years and paid £225 for it. I also have a Gen 1 Orange monster that I got for £175.
I love that the Monster is it's own thing. It's not trying to look like anything else. You either love it or hate it. It's looks can be polarizing and that's just another one of the things I like about it.
Absolutely its own thing ,I love the monster 👹 just wish I could have all the gens from Seiko , but imo the second gen is the real monster with the teeth etc but other gens just don't have the aggressive teeth a that's a shame, but overall I love the monster more so than the s.k.x 007 or even my Willard.
@@darrenfry4695I’ve just bought a gen1 monster and it’s even better than I imagined a real head turner
Your videos are always of the highest caliber - informative and entertaining! An excellent way to start any weekend. Well done 🥃
100% with Marc on this one. Love my Black Monster gen 1, updated with a NH36 movement and a yellow seconds hand after the original broke when the watch hit the concrete floor....
I’m going to start getting the popcorn ready for this level of production value, just pure class. Love it, love it!
The production doesn’t need to be so good, but I greatly appreciate it as it brings already great content up many levels. Pure class.
No way I only watched your 4 year old RUclips video yesterday. Which got me thinking about buying another and refreshing my old daily Panda version which has been with me since 2008. Thank you both love the shows 🙇♂️
Perfectly timed after a tough day. I watched the video after dinner while enjoying a glass of wine. I really enjoy these collaboration videos.
Monster. my first automatic when it came out. It's been all over the world, never been serviced and I still love it. Great video as usual.
Great video, thanks. I feel blessed as I own both. The flightmaster and the monster gen 1 . Have had them for years, and I still love them .
so true about the tight flighty lugs and spring bars. i found 21mm quick release straps and that worked great.
Great video as usual TGV! 👍 Always love when you and Marc sit down for a chat.
Thank goodness I bought my flightmaster when it was still affordable.. prices have sky rocketed since.. love the watch.. would never sell it.
Absolutely I had one sold it then bought another I had to pay over £300 for it 🙈
These are always my favorite episodes. You two compliment each other so well. Good times!
man i love it when you two guys hang out. good sense of humor and good show fellas.
Hi Tristano, it's Andrea and I'm originally Italian but following you from London.
I guess I am pretty late with this comment but Nizza is italian for Nice, the coastal city in the south of France, not too far from the italian borders. It is fairly close to Monaco on the french side and to Sanremo on the Italian one. Being a French city with italian influences (similar to Monaco) I find the name of the strap pretty sophisticated and romantic.
I also want to say that I am a big fan of your channel and that I will probably send you my watch collection to rate soon 😜. Keep up the good work amico mio, ciao 🙋🏻♂️
Great video again guys, I love the fact that you left the end in (I'm still smiling)
Yes! Great start to the long weekend with my fav collab. Enjoy the long weekend!
Thank you, have a wonderful weekend too.
Best regards,
TGV
So my sister in law bought me a Japanese watch magazine, just for the pictures...pulled out my phone and google translate the text and magic I’m reading it in English. Finally a useful feature other than watch RUclips
I work for the major European Aircraft manufacturer and wear my flighty for work purely for the looks. It makes me smile every time I look at it as it looks much more expensive than it cost.
For me, the pepsi bezel padi Turtle or King Turtle are my favourite of all sub £500 seikos. Supremely comfortable on the wrist, proven 7s26 movement and classy design which works brilliantly with rubber strap or jubilee bracelet.
Yeah, proven to be super crap :))) that's why we all love 'em :)
Great video. I have owned the SNA414, gold flightmaster for about five years now. I have over 50 watches and this might be my favorite. SEIKO IS KING !!!
Great episode boys!!!!
This is the perfect class of watch to get when first getting into watches. After I bought some Casios and Timexs, a Seiko diver was next on the list as my first automatic. Great video
Love that Marc digs the Monster. I have the Save the Ocean Antarctic he mentions at the end and I agree, you either love it or hate it. I actually remember seeing the press photos for it and having zero interest. Was in a jeweller with the wife and asked to try it on out of boredom and was instantly hooked. Such a great fitting watch, steel bezel makes it work with any attire and the dial work is right up there with Grand Seiko
I am thankful I followed your lead on the flight master a few years back. If only I had done the same on the SKX….huge regret. Thanks 🙏
A number of years ago I picked up the SKX Japanese model from Mark at LIW. Replaced band w a Crafter Blue.
I was astonished to see that their going for as much as >$900. Crazy!
@@jameswconforti4248 smart move
Always a pleasure to sit in on these conversations. Thanks so much for the hard work you guys!
Personally my favourite is the seiko Arnie. It's a big watch but it fits my wrist so well, plus its got history, legacy and an epic story. I LOVE IT!
👏👏👏 The ultimate watch when you absolutely positively.....
Thank you my friend, I very temped to buy on again.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Do it! If you can wear a Panerai, you can wear an Arnie!
Great collab as usual, gents. My own sub-$500 Seikos, past and present: fuest up, my SARB 017 Alpinist, bought just before Seiko killed off the whole SARB line; and, just this year, the SSK003 5 Sports GMT (Blueberry/Batman...take your pick). Both watches care of Marc/LIW at a great price. Keep these videos coming, guys!
I have had my SNA411 for more than 3 years now and it is my perfect grab and go piece and it is not even close! it is fantastic and i bought them when it was $A280... feels like a steal now! but forget the price, I use all of its functionalities more than once a week! one word to describe it: legendary!
They made a Gen III orange Monster. I picked one up in a secondhand store in Narita, Japan. It was pristine and is one of my favorite Seikos in my collection. Love it…and my Flighty too! Always a pleasure to see you two get together!
2004 was what year I was told for the Flightmaster SNA411 came out, but take that with a big pinch of salt.
One of your best, thanks guys!!
Great video. Love the enthusiasm. Makes me smile and cheers me up.
Another GREAT video with you..TGV and Marc. Talking about a GREAT watch brand.. Seiko.
Thank you so much TGV for such an entertaining video with Mark! I really enjoyed your watch recommendations and the humorous environment that you both create when you guys get together!!
Thank you so much for educating me! I always learn something new from every video that you create!
Stay healthy and well as always!
Your watch enthusiast, Nicholas L 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻⏱️⏱️⏱️🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇮🇹🇮🇹🇮🇹🦖🦖🦖🥂🥂🥂
Just ordered that same Antarctica monster and cannot wait to get it. Normally wouldn’t get a blue dial but this one is absolutely gorgeous!
I have an SKX007 but then I got a Turtle for Scuba diving. And on a Crafter Blue rubber strap, it is the perfect diver for diving. Now I'm a turtle guy and I love it!
The Samurai has the same handset as the 1st generation Monster. I have them both. An orange Samurai and a limited edition Green Monster. Love them both.
Mark is such a Long Islander I’m from long islander and the way he talks is so genuine imo long islander are the most genuine of the New Yorkers out there
I bought my 1st generation Black Monster for only $178.99! At their official Seiko outlet stores. It just arrived according to the manager, and one look was all it took for me. It's the first major design style change in Seiko's diver philosophy, and it was an instant winner. This is going to be Seiko's "Rolex Submariner". The Seiko diver icon. They nailed the case-bezel and bracelet. The minor iterations to the dial and markers are fine. The case back design has changed too, which is fine for each generation. It can become a form of differentiation and collective value to have multiple case back designs. My only regret today was that I didn't buy an additional Orange Monster at the time. They were considered cheap. I wore my Black Monster as a daily workhorse. It looks nearly new to this day. Almost 25 years later.
Great way to start the weekend! Thanks Marc & TGV!
Fellas, some time ago I paired the Seiko powered ISL-133 with the Valor strap. The occasion was a memorable trip to Padre Island National Seashore. Thanks for sharing your designs and wonderful personalities.
Thing I love about the both of you is how different you are, yet common ground is found. Usually that leads to lasting friendship’s
I always enjoy hearing TGV and Mark.
I just discovered your channel and I love it! As a butler I really appreciate your style. I have subscribed and will enjoy watching your videos - thank you
Excellent entertainment -- as always. And the best intros on the Tube.
Another great collaboration TGV and Marc. The Seiko Flightmaster is the watch that gets more wrist time than any of my watches.
Great video, enjoyed watching with my morning Lavazza coffee
For me Seiko Save The Ocean mini Tuna is my current fav
Always dig your brilliant intro edits. I was at the movies recently and before the previews they had a Rolex meets Cinema advert. I thought to myself while watching; did TGV edit this advert?? I think the Rolex ad agency has been watching your videos for inspiration.
Ha ha the ending of the video with Marc really had me laughing, I really wasn't going to comment anything this time around because I had no answer for your question lol but that last bit of the video with you struggling to say the word sponsorship really made me laugh because we can all relate to not been able to say a word lol. It's always a joy to see you two to work together
My favorite is my newest, a JDM model, the Seiko Selection Men's Radio-Controlled Solar Watch SBTM319. 39mm green dial on bracelet, sapphire crystal, wonderful anti-reflective coating, power savings mode, perpetual calendar, and more. A conservative design, the indices glisten in the light when you move your arm, as do the dauphine hands. Price with shipping was about $400. Keeps great time and nice not to worry whether or not it needs a battery and can sit in a box for months without having to be recharged.
Thanks for the excellent presentation. The Monster is a watch that has occupied my watch imagination for 15 years. I regret selling my 3rd-Gen models. I would like Seiko to bring back a 3rd-Gen style with sapphire and a new movement for under a thousand with black, jade, gray, blue, and sunray orange dials. I suspect they would sell out in a week.
Love your videos sir. 🖖🏼
Fun video, have a great Labor Day weekend guys.
The SRP 777 / 779 is an awesome watch. For a short time It got some attention but not anymore. You can get IT for around 250€ now and that is an awesome price for such a capable diver. I take It diving using the OEM strap which fits over my 7mm dive suit. I wear It on a brown colareb and the aftermarket super jubile.
Luckily my watch is super accurate. So i guess any 4R36 can be regulated like this. I changed the bezel to a coin edge and steel inlay. If your wrist can take the size it is a wonderful choice.
I have been wearing a SARB035 for about 5 years as a daily. Superb watch. Just got the Seiko 5 55th anniversary and apart from the Christopher Ward twelve it's the best release of the year for me.
There's still life in Seiko's value offers.
Great video gents. Love the Energy Star start up screen. 90s computing was the greatest. That shot of Marks wrist watch check I can tell just by the way the sky and ocean looks that it is 4:02 pm on a Thursday.
Love yalls collaborations. Keep it up yall make a great duo
This video is the reason I own the Prospex Save The Ocean Penguins Antarctica Monster! Thanks Marc!
I'll preface this by saying that I'm a longtime subscriber, and love your content. No insult intended, but I just have to share this. My daughter, who is sometimes around when I watch RUclips, just walked past as I was watching this video and said, "Oh, it's that watch guy that looks and sounds like a knock-off Bond villain. I can totally hear him say, 'We meet again, Mr. Bond!'" She then walked away, chuckling.
Still have my flighty as my daily work watch. It's still ticking and loving every moment of it. And the ndc strap is the cherry on top. This and my original sarb017 are never leaving my collection.
Well done....this is a great format
TGV,what are your thoughts on the new Seiko GMT's ,specifically the SBT385.
Another great video. But the shocker was the Rangemaster 2 news. I was hoping they would expound a bit about that bit of news. I missed out, just barely, on the first. I will not miss the second. Notifications will be turned ON this time.
Speaking of the sub-500 price bracket I believe that the Cocktail Time dress watch collection is still worthwhile looking at. Especially because of the tasteful and premium-looking dials like in the newer "Irish Coffee". It´s a pity, though that the lack of saphire and the stepping down from the 6R to the 4R movement family mean they aren´t as good a deal as some Seiko offerings in that price segment were 10 years ago.
Very true. I got the frozen margarita presage. I've almost sold it 4 times but the dial just won't let me. How much would you have spend in another brand to match that. And impossible to copy well.
Already looking forward to the new Rangemaster in October!! 😄👍🏼
Love these sessions. Keep ’em coming! (wow ... that was a mouthful at the end! 😆)
Love the 2nd Gen monster. It's always been in my want list but I've just never gone for one. Maybe one day. Till then I will have to just be satisfied with my original save the ocean turtle 🐢. Great discussion as always
Excellent video guys. I myself am also a proud owner of a 2nd gen orange Monster. Love it. Now a confession, I saw an ad quite a long time ago for a Heimdallr 2nd gen homage with NH36A, solid end link bracelet, milled clasp, sapphire crystal, great all night lume that I suspect they might have gotten from Seiko, it's so good! I couldn't resist and I bought it, because it had a red dial, and looks like a red mouthed shark coming at you! And it's perfect for diving! It will never replace the original though, I have to grudgingly admit, the bracelet, and the crystal are just better and I can't deny it. I have my eye on a Save the Ocean Monster, though I'm not sure having a 3rd Monster is for me.
Good evening TGV!
Great that you and Marc are doing a show together again.
And of course a good topic for a Friday evening. I'll make myself a Martini now and then I'll enjoy the video with a drink
Have a great evening!
Evening Heiko!!! I will be joining in a martini shortly, chin chin my friend and here to a great weekend.
Thank you as always,
Best,
T.
Yes..the good ol days..still have my 1st and 2nd gen monsters..still love them.
„Nizza“ is the name of the French city Nice in German (as it was a German handcrafted strap)
I'd have to go with the SNKL23. It's a very special watch for me: it was my first automatic watch and a birthday gift from my girlfriend.
I loved the episode, keep up with the great work!!
Cheers all the way from Mexico City.
My first "nice watch" was a Seiko "Flight Computer," which had the four subdials, and was a progenitor of your Flighty, both in function and design. I believe they were released in the late 80s and were in production until the mid-90s. Really cool chronographs!
As for my favorite sub-$500 Seiko, the SKX007/009s are still my favorites. I've been in this crazy hobby for about twenty years - and have owned some iconic watches (Submariner, Speedmaster, Explorer) - but I've always had an SKX in my collection.
Personally I recently purchased a SRPD79K1 (Fan name: STEALTH or at least that's my fan name for it) and this replaced a 10 year old Seiko Diver watch of mine again worn on the same NATO strap that appears on the 1964 production of Goldfinger staring Sean Connery sadly watch wasn't a Rolex Submariner 6583. I'm thrilled with the look and feel of the timepiece. I've newly rediscovered my love of watches and have previously been a owner and fan of TAGs but switched to Seiko in the past 10 years. What are your thoughts on the SRPD79K1?
Great content by the way Sirs and many thanks for taking the time to edit and put these episodes together so slickly. Keep up the good work Sirs.
The tongue-twisting in the end was gold! 😂
Dear TGV, amico mio, i'm really surprised you're asking about Nizza. It's a city in southern france, called "Nice" in french. It's got it's name from the latin "Nicea" that was later transformed to "Nizza" (pron.: "Nittssa" for the english speakers). You can look it up on wikipedia.
Last question: Did Omega really sell the rights for "Flightmaster" to Seiko or did they simply give it up when Seiko took it and didn't defend their ownership? (Because that story also exists.)
Thanks for the video. Looking forward to watching the next one...
My goodness. My two favourite watch guys talking about my favourite watch brand in the only price bracket I can afford
The Monster is a cool watch.Seiko came outwith Thailand editions that were awesome. This would be my only gripe is that the Monster should come in more color variations.
They do put the Monster hands on one other watch model, I think - the modern Samurai. The Samurai will always be my fave Seiko diver, although all models have their charms. Absolutely adore the case shape, the very distinct aluminum bezel insert design, the way it wears both big and smaller than you think. Life would probably be easier (and more costly) if I had a thing for Turtles or Willards. At least I'm not a mini-Turtle enthusiast, that model seems to be in the Seiko graveyard along side the Laurel and Baby Alpinists.
I know Marc got his own Flighty after this video was shot with that elusive SNA413, with those very NASA-esque colors. Would've been a fantastic Schwarzkopf selection. 😁
They look the same , but is there a little difference!??
i love Samurai and Monster 2 the most due to the most unique/different from other seikos and the typical Rolex sub Homage diver looks most brands just ripe off from. these 2 models 1 glance can tell it definitely not copycat or homaging from any other watch models . i myself owned a Seiko Monster Gen 2 orange exactly like Marc and i got it at early years around 2015 or so for only around 300 singapore dollars. now could worth around 800 or 1000 S dollars probably....???
Nizza is the name for the French city of Nice in German, Swedish and Italian as far as I know.
So it's probably just named the "Nice" after the city I reckon. Slightly strange that you didn't pick that up given your knowledge of Italian TGV..... Lovely discussion as always!
One of my favorite Seiko's is the SSB031, in fact I have two so that I can keep one on its metal bracelet and the other I can swap between several quick release leather and/or rubber straps. It's a great looking chronograph and it features a mechaquartz movement, so the chronograph secondhand sweep is very mechanical like smooth. I also have the venerable SKX007 as well as the recent SSK003K1 Sekio 5 GMT Automatic 'batman'. I also have the SSB355P1, a 45mm mechaquartz chronograph which has great dial detail. Lastly, I just picked up a not well known Prospex SSC705P1 which is a solar chronograph with a compass bezel and 200m water resistance which is quite sporty at 44mm and which I use for hiking and camping. Seiko is quite prolific with so many models and tiers and I have to try to not have too many lest my watch collection becomes just a Seiko collection.
Nicely done again guys, mad me miss my long gone 1st automatic watch Orange Monster ver. 2. Currently my SRPC93K Samurai has such a nice dial I will say that one.
The timing of this video couldn't have been better. I had never heard of the Seiko monster up until a week ago when the 'Happy feet' version popped up in my Instagram feed. I started looking into them and found one at a good price (£375 down from £500) and ordered it straight away. It arrived on Wednesday and I haven't worn anything else since! The dial is awesome, but it's also a very wearable watch despite the on paper dimensions.
Yay, Mark and TGV!!!! and whats that...talking SEIKO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!