An abusive relationship: perfect summation of Seiko. Initially I was thinking- what a nice watch, but was shocked when I clicked the link and found it sells for a grand!
This is a very nice looking watch. I guess i could ignore the tiny date window and sloppy end·links if this was priced at $500. But at $1100 this is a total pass compared to my similarly priced Christopher Ward white C60 Trident Pro 300 which is near perfection and blows away the Seiko in every respect. Still this is an attractive looking Seiko and thanks for the great review, Shane.
First thing I thought…that’s the 6105-8000. Great case, but yes…extremely simple. I have the San Martin homage I bought for 105.00. Zero qc issues and all the specs.
I perfectly found myself in the words at the end of the video. I bought a 5KX in january, looked perfect, nothing wrong, I loved it. A day later I found a small black dot in the lume and then I saw that the rehaut was misaligned. Frustration ensued, every time i looked at it i saw that damned rehaut, but quickly it all turned back to love. It's something that you can't really explain, it really is a Seiko thing.
I have several Seiko watches and have had a great experience and none of the issues I've heard others claim. I prefer a larger watch, most of mine being 42.5 with the exception of my Alpinist and my recently acquired King Turtle, which after fighting/learning about the pin and collar system, has instantly become my favorite watch. I plan to get another turtle, but it will have to be a 45mm or bust.
you are very right, a typical Seiko story. I also have slight remarks about my Seiko. but I love them very much and I am satisfied with the mechanism 6r ./ three climbers and 62 mas/ . I know all the flaws of seiko and yet I still buy😁
*My favorito is the basic, matte black dial, day date Turtle. After a regulation it keeps COSC time. Superb luminosity and legibility. The bezel is off about 1 degree, however...* 😂
It has a slightly domed crystal and is not flat as stated. This is obvious in many of the images cobbled together for the presentation. To me the apotheosis of this particular model is the black face rubber strap back to basics. It possesses those clean lines and is not overburdened by bulk. Sure mine may run a little fast but it a true baby Willard if you ignore the original Willard which is round rather than barrel shaped.
Tried the black PVD version of this on the rubber strap. It wears fantastic on the wrist! The only thing that stopped me from buying it? I cannot convince myself that it is worth 3x the mini turtle I've had for more than 5 years now... :(
I also have a mini-turtle and I just don’t see 3x as much watch for 3x the cost in this one. My mini-turtle wears like a 40-41mm due to its short lug-lug and the case gracefully sloping up from the wrist rather than a sharp edge and vertical case side, eliminating edge grind on the wrist when lifting my hand up toward the watch. I’m really getting tired of all these $1,000 watches. It’s also happening with many micro brands. They used to start at $400-$500, and now many are starting at $1,000 or more. It’s no wonder I’m rotating back to, and appreciating my Seiko sarbs, Flighties, 80’s chronographs, Citizens, and G-Shocks. If I want to wear a $1,000+ watch I’ll stick to my Tudor or Rolex.
When I was working in a Seiko dealership back in 1979, I got to take a look at their whole line and even bought a few using my employee discount (50% off). The QC issues were there at that time, but I turned a blind eye to them due to the discount.
Thanks. Although I have to admit the only reason I know is that someone corrected me in another video. Afterward, I did some research to see if it was true.
Good review. I have owned this watch for about 5 months now and still love it. It's key piece in my collection, I love the look plus it's so comforatble on my 7.25inch wrist. I haven't had any QC problems with mine so far, but I did ask the online store I bought it from (that I have used before to buy a couple of other watches) to check for any issues before shipping it to me.
You just had me looking at my GMT blueberry for any of these defects and can’t find any so they can build them correctly if they wanted to, or did I get a one off Seiko 🙏
I don’t mind the tiny date because I ignore it when wearing the watch. At least the date isn’t canted. Mine is running (at times) within +1 sec a day. At first it was +18 sec a day. I let it run down several time then fully wound it. Now it’s operating extremely well. I bought mine from an AD, and everything aligns except for the slight misalignment when both hands are at 12 o’clock. I had my doubts about Diashield, but after month of daily wear, there are no scratches. The case has no polishing. I think the understated aesthetic is quite nice, I love the watch, but with all that said, it will be my last Seiko. They’ve become too expensive, and the QC issues are too numerous. Great video!
After owning the steel dive Captain Willard, I went for the Dark Manta and swap a leather aytron blue and black leather strap and its a beauty. I swap the blue strap to my black waffle king samurai and its a treat. With the price of these new one, I bought Skx007(185$) a King Turtle Dark Manta (265$) and a Sumo Hulk (350$), SRPE35 King Samurai (265$). All Amount equal to 1065$. This is a very good piece but I would love a better specs and pay more than these as Chinese manufacturers now makes almost similar specs at fraction of the cost. I would love Seiko to survive as a lot of seiko fan boys now are shifting to the homages which are also using NH35 which literally is a seiko movement.
From what I've heard, the unreliability from 6R movements has mainly been sloppy QC on the movements with over oiling the friction points, causing movement failure
Nice video, the size of the watch is tempting but I don’t plan to run out and buy one. Regarding, the dive extension, I have the SPB179 “Ice Diver” and use the dive extension over my wetsuit whenever I’m diving in cooler water. To me being an ISO Diver and having a dive extension just makes it that much more authentic.
While watching the vid, a rabbit passed me by, mumbling something like " Turtles, tortoises, it's all the f@ckin same to me"... He looked a bit disturbed, i think he also said something about a race, ain't sure though.... 🤪 Thanks for the review Shane. I'm not at all a fan of those cases, so i just pass, plus if i ever change my mind a homage will save the day, on a fraction of the price and with less QC issues! Cheers.
Very good looking watch. I hope I get an opportunity to try it on. And I have to say, I love the strap at 3:33! Probably the first nylon(?) strap I have really found appealing.
I’ve had 5 6r movements all great but one, I bought it used it ran slow reason for the sale in the first place. Took a week to regulate but after that run spot on. My experience with all seiko movements even the 8r series they tend to perform poor on the time grafter and better when worn.
My favorite current model Seiko, I bought the black and gilt SPB315. QC and movement concerns are legit imo but mine only noticably gains time when it's off my wrist which is rare.
Tubular! I Love this watch for the hands. I have run my course with the SKX style ones. I have the MM Reduced and love the marine master hands. I have put MM hands on other NH movements I own. I don't see any Seiko 5s in my near future because of this. I love my arrow & syringe hands on the classics, but I want them to stay there.
Yep, this can be frustrating: I bought a 5 Sports GMT a little under a month ago: happily, dial alignment and finish are actually flawless, and since the bezel action is friction-based rather than ratcheted, alignment there is a non-issue. Bracelet end-links (solid, not hollow!) fit between the lugs fine, though there's the usual height-mismatch. What baffles me is why Seiko can "get it done" with a sub-$500 watch, and do okay with an over-$1500 watch, but gets in trouble with stuff in-between. The Slim Turtle is drop-dead gorgeous, but those flaws in the dial and bracelet end-links are hard to swallow. definitely a watch to either (a) buy in-person to check out closely before cracking open your wallet, or (b) buy online only from a dealer with a *very* liberal return policy. Otherwise it's a hard pass, sadly.
I bought one of these on an amazing deal from a local AD (40% off). I like it. The gunmetal hands and indices are really cool. Unfortunately it runs way too fast (+23 spd). Seiko shortened the clasp for some reason which is really annoying to get a precise fit. I bought a Scurfa Treausure Seeker in white intending to replace this, however, I can’t bring myself to sell it.
Thank you for this review! I love Seiko designs and this was the watch I was gonna buy next but now I’m not so sure anymore. I was gonna put it on a nato strap anyway so the bracelet isn’t a big deal but still, at this price point it’s quite disappointing that Seiko doesn’t care about the watch as a whole package. Not to mention the qc issues! It’s ok on a 100$ Seiko 5 but not 1000$ lol. Guess I’ll save up a bit more for the seamaster white dial ;)
I have a visual disability. I really liked this watch but felt there wasn't enough contrast between the hands and dial for me. Frustratingly, it just wasn't available to see in any of the watch stores near me. However, ive bought the SPB315J1 Gilt version. Overall, not bad but I got mine new for £525. If I'd paid the RRP. of £1040 I'd not see it as good value. It's actually cheaper than my Dark Manta Turtle. My main beef is no half links on the bracelet which has only two micro adjust positions.
I got in with Seiko 8 years ago and got out about 4 years ago, I did pretty well, I wish I started 12-13 years ago but still glad I got out at the time I did, They are no longer the value props they once were and seem to longer be even trying to offer value. All good things come to an end with Seiko, the good news is microbrands have taken up that dollar value feature market. So, we the consumers have enticed the market to fill a void for affordable value oriented and innovative watch offerings.
Cool watch and great review. I've always thought the mini turtle looks more like a mini sumo, at least from above. Speaking of which, I don't suppose a solar sumo gmt review might be in the cards?
Haven't purchased a dive Turtle; I like aspects of them all. But I could not resist the beige-green Land Tortoise, as an anti-Turtle choice that offers a different take and at a smaller size. The grey color way is tempting also.
Hey Shane. This is about another watch. (Didn't know how to message you...) Have you ever found an aftermarket bracelet that works on your Orient Star Standard? I'd like to try something different, and didn't know if you had any experience. Thanks!
Email is listed on the Channel page, or you can always DM me through instagram / Facebook. But no, I haven't seen any aftermarket bracelets for the Orient Star.
@@RelativeTime Thanks for your quick reply! I didn't think there was a specific aftermarket bracelet, but sometimes one from another watch will fit. Just curious. Thanks again!
Not even an applied seiko logo for the price 😢... The baby turtle is still my favorite watch. By the way, I do like the circular date, at least it is not a square, which looks quite awful at that position.
Nicest looking current Seiko diver. Without the tedious legacy of the HEY THIS IS A 5 SPORTS DID YOU KNOW THAT? DO YOU SEE THE SHIELD? HERE HAVE A DAY DATE ALWAYS ON EVERY SINGLE WATCH Ahem. Anyhow the best colorway and the lollipop looks like a good ol’ plastic fishing bobber.
I have this watch, and I think it's one of the nicest watches I have. it looks great, it feels great.The only issue I really think seriously is a problem on your particular watch is the spot on the dial. I can't understand why you didn't return it, as that is an unacceptable flaw. If you are characterizing buying a watch from a certain company as a toxic relationship, you might need to re-examine how you see watch collecting in general. maybe you need to take a step back, as this seems like an extreme position.
The short version is that I didn't notice the spots (there is another down by the date) until it was too late to return. It's really hard to see with just the naked eye, and I never noticed it until I got around to getting the macro shots. Plus It takes a while to make these videos, and I don't always immediately start making them as soon as I get the watch. Although I definitely have to disagree with you on the end links being ok. On a regular turtle, sure, but not on a $1000 + watch. Especially when I've seen other Seikos in that price range that have a great fit with theirs.
@@RelativeTime it appear to be a much nicer finished case. The end links are atrocious on the slim turtle but I’m drawn to the foolish look. Thank you for the response!
I love the look of this one but haven’t pulled the trigger due to concerns over quality control, I sent back a new misaligned seiko and they said it was acceptable, what a joke!
I like the watch I know it’s got some shortcomings but it occurred to me back to the 1970s 1960s people bought watches to tell time not so much as collectors. I would say that probably went into the 80s for the most part unless you were rather wealthy, and then you would probably be collecting Rolexes and the alike. now that the every man is now collecting watches, we’ve got more time to sit there, and scrutinize these entry-level watches that were more of an upper level every day man’s watch and we notice a lot more of the flaws, and there are so many niche watch builders in the micro brand market that are going that extra mile because they are passionate about what they do and probably sacrifice Some profit for putting out a better product because of their passion companies like psycho that are after the bottom line, suffer, slings, and arrows from people that have expected more for less even though prices are higher than we’ve ever paid for their watches. These are just some of the thoughts that help me enjoy my Seiko watches even though they’re not perfect I put it in perspective. I think the times have changed I do think we are getting better watches these days than we did in the 60s and 70s. Truly, as many watches, a Seiko turns out you’ve got to expect a few to escape quality control. I truly enjoy the channel and look forward to your reviews
Excellent video, Shane. My thoughts exactly with regard to my SPB333J1. I have grown to love it for its versatility… you can really dress this watch any way you want it and it will play its part. I find that I wear mine once or twice a week when I am unsure what to choose.
Love this watch, but I wish they offered it on a regular oyster, not a fan of the engineer. And aftermarket is not an option if, like me, you want the Diashield bracelet coating to match the bracelet.
We all loved Seiko watches because of their prices and qualities. It's old story now. Don't waste your money(more than $500 on that thing) Better to build a mod watch by yourself with $200 from the internet. In my opinion, the BEST thing from SEIKO is NH35,34,36 movement. They're the best in the world for many reasons.
I don't know if the Seiko issue can be addressed any better than you did. I find Swiss designs to be boring. And there's something about Seiko's design language that really speaks to me. Perhaps we have to accept flawed beauty? From a distance? Uh ohh, here comes another Seiko release!
For me that's the best turtle in the range, I even like the date. Thank God there are QC issues, you then know it isn't a fake. We must remember, Seiko make watches for the masses, they have no interest in enthusiasts. Regards the movement, it may have a longer power reserve, but the positional variance is dreadful. A Miyota 9000 caliber is far better
I dunno, man. I think that "you can just enjoy this style, even with the flaws" starts to fall apart when you climb up anywhere near the four-figure price point. I'd be willing to overlook the scuff on the dial and the poor endlinks if I was buying a $250 Orient. But at over a thousand dollars, those are beyond imperfections and well into "I want my money back" territory.
I agree, and if you can return it after seeing stuff like this you absolutely should. But depending on who you buy it from, or how long it takes you to notice everything, it's not always possible. Like in this instance it was a couple months before I ever noticed the marks on the dial. It's once you are stuck with it is when I think the circle of resentment and acceptance starts to kick in.
I have not bought a new seiko since the retirement of the skx007 and the move upmarket (despite no improvement in quality). This is what you all threaten to do for like 5 seconds but I am actually doing. I am disappointed in Seiko and thankfully there are many other watch brands out there.
Feels like Seiko pushing up prices and down the effort to push people towards stretching for a grand seiko. Though they lately seem to be pushing people more towards citizen.
@7:45 This is a shame and an insult to the client. In this post-pandemic economy, Seiko had a price correction, so the best watch you can get from them for one thousand dollars is: a smudge and stain dial with a wobbly bracelet! Is infuriating and disheartening. Anyway nice review.
Pretty much. I've always wanted to get a Grand Seiko, but after a watch like this, I'm not so sure. I mean if they can't get the basics of a 1k watch right, why would I risk 3-4 times that.
Casio is the new Seiko. Things line up and excellent value for money. I feel even Orient is better and at least better in value. And citizen beats seiko all day long on execution and price. Im just not buying seiko anymore, its omega, rowleks, or citizen solar with the later the best choice for real world use :-)
Have you tried a Caio Oceanus yet? I really need to get the review out, but got a S5000 Manta recently. Amazing watch. So thin and lightweight, yet so much detail to it.
A Turtle needs to have round indices to be a Turtle IMO for superior legibility underwater. This looks like a dress diver. The lume is not dive spec lume. For me the older Seiko's get the wrist time and the SPB087 is my go to.
@@RelativeTime I bought mine secondhand for a smidge over 200€, full set. That was a bargain, can’t find this version under 350€.. Although the best Prospex I ever owned was a gen2 Sumo, very accurate, insane lume, mesmerising dial, as it was the rare JDM sbdc069 “blue coral” version. I’d have that over any modern Prospex.
The turtle is a love it or hate it. Am from those that find it atrocious. Since I wouldn't buy 1 I guess no way for it's homages. Sidenote, Seiko might want to improve their QC and realize that a ton of micro brands at a fraction of their retail, offer better watches....
They really need to. If they can get their act together, and ensure better regulation on the watches at this price range, it would really build confidence back in them.
@@RelativeTime exactly and we'll done for saying this out loud. Edit: forgot to mention, review 10/10 and this channel might be one of the 5 I know with impartial reviews, keep it up,:)
![Seiko Glacier Marine Master Reduced: Almost Perfect! SBDC167 / SPB299 [ SBDC167J1 / SPB299J1] MM200](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CJqpR4tgR7s/mqdefault.jpg)
I like the date... I think 4:30 dates are the best, they don't ruin any of the indexes.
An abusive relationship: perfect summation of Seiko. Initially I was thinking- what a nice watch, but was shocked when I clicked the link and found it sells for a grand!
This is a very nice looking watch. I guess i could ignore the tiny date window and sloppy end·links if this was priced at $500. But at $1100 this is a total pass compared to my similarly priced Christopher Ward white C60 Trident Pro 300 which is near perfection and blows away the Seiko in every respect. Still this is an attractive looking Seiko and thanks for the great review, Shane.
They’re selling for 850 right now but yeah, still too expensive
I want to love Christopher ward so much but, I just can’t with the trident counter balance. Ik it’s their signature but😂
@@theannouncer5538 I love the trident and find it appropriate and clever but can understand a different opinion.
It's a totally different watch. Guess what, people like other watches than CW.
@Vox-Populi Of course they do, and that's wonderful.
First thing I thought…that’s the 6105-8000. Great case, but yes…extremely simple. I have the San Martin homage I bought for 105.00. Zero qc issues and all the specs.
You have the full lumed wave dial one?
@@michaelc4917 I have the mother of pearl dial. Really cool watch, the crystal is special.
They had me with the second hand. I love the red/white tip. White dial is awesome.
Pokemon gotta catch em all
I perfectly found myself in the words at the end of the video. I bought a 5KX in january, looked perfect, nothing wrong, I loved it. A day later I found a small black dot in the lume and then I saw that the rehaut was misaligned. Frustration ensued, every time i looked at it i saw that damned rehaut, but quickly it all turned back to love. It's something that you can't really explain, it really is a Seiko thing.
I have several Seiko watches and have had a great experience and none of the issues I've heard others claim. I prefer a larger watch, most of mine being 42.5 with the exception of my Alpinist and my recently acquired King Turtle, which after fighting/learning about the pin and collar system, has instantly become my favorite watch. I plan to get another turtle, but it will have to be a 45mm or bust.
you are very right, a typical Seiko story. I also have slight remarks about my Seiko. but I love them very much and I am satisfied with the mechanism 6r ./ three climbers and 62 mas/ . I know all the flaws of seiko and yet I still buy😁
The misalignment looks to be caused by the slightly tilted dial, and bezel actually looks okay.
*My favorito is the basic, matte black dial, day date Turtle. After a regulation it keeps COSC time. Superb luminosity and legibility. The bezel is off about 1 degree, however...* 😂
It has a slightly domed crystal and is not flat as stated. This is obvious in many of the images cobbled together for the presentation. To me the apotheosis of this particular model is the black face rubber strap back to basics. It possesses those clean lines and is not overburdened by bulk. Sure mine may run a little fast but it a true baby Willard if you ignore the original Willard which is round rather than barrel shaped.
I forgot to mention that my favourite turtle is the Steeldive SD1970, perfect and only $104 aud
Tried the black PVD version of this on the rubber strap. It wears fantastic on the wrist! The only thing that stopped me from buying it? I cannot convince myself that it is worth 3x the mini turtle I've had for more than 5 years now... :(
Black PVD version? I haven't seen that... 😮
@@joed3613 spb 335j1. Limited edition.
I also have a mini-turtle and I just don’t see 3x as much watch for 3x the cost in this one. My mini-turtle wears like a 40-41mm due to its short lug-lug and the case gracefully sloping up from the wrist rather than a sharp edge and vertical case side, eliminating edge grind on the wrist when lifting my hand up toward the watch. I’m really getting tired of all these $1,000 watches. It’s also happening with many micro brands. They used to start at $400-$500, and now many are starting at $1,000 or more. It’s no wonder I’m rotating back to, and appreciating my Seiko sarbs, Flighties, 80’s chronographs, Citizens, and G-Shocks. If I want to wear a $1,000+ watch I’ll stick to my Tudor or Rolex.
When I was working in a Seiko dealership back in 1979, I got to take a look at their whole line and even bought a few using my employee discount (50% off). The QC issues were there at that time, but I turned a blind eye to them due to the discount.
Thanks for being one of the few RUclips reviewers I've seen who truthfully call out seiko prospex indices like these for what they are: NOT applied.
Thanks. Although I have to admit the only reason I know is that someone corrected me in another video. Afterward, I did some research to see if it was true.
" Abusive Relationship " good summary Shane 🎬
Good review. I have owned this watch for about 5 months now and still love it. It's key piece in my collection, I love the look plus it's so comforatble on my 7.25inch wrist. I haven't had any QC problems with mine so far, but I did ask the online store I bought it from (that I have used before to buy a couple of other watches) to check for any issues before shipping it to me.
You just had me looking at my GMT blueberry for any of these defects and can’t find any so they can build them correctly if they wanted to, or did I get a one off Seiko 🙏
Looks nice but those QC issues kill it for me. I'll stick to my white dial Citizen Fugu...
I don’t mind the tiny date because I ignore it when wearing the watch. At least the date isn’t canted.
Mine is running (at times) within +1 sec a day. At first it was +18 sec a day. I let it run down several time then fully wound it. Now it’s operating extremely well.
I bought mine from an AD, and everything aligns except for the slight misalignment when both hands are at 12 o’clock.
I had my doubts about Diashield, but after month of daily wear, there are no scratches.
The case has no polishing. I think the understated aesthetic is quite nice, I love the watch, but with all that said, it will be my last Seiko. They’ve become too expensive, and the QC issues are too numerous.
Great video!
So far I've been impressed with Diashield. Not as much on this one as my Marine Master Reduced. I've worn that much more, and still looks new.
After owning the steel dive Captain Willard, I went for the Dark Manta and swap a leather aytron blue and black leather strap and its a beauty. I swap the blue strap to my black waffle king samurai and its a treat. With the price of these new one, I bought Skx007(185$) a King Turtle Dark Manta (265$) and a Sumo Hulk (350$), SRPE35 King Samurai (265$). All Amount equal to 1065$.
This is a very good piece but I would love a better specs and pay more than these as Chinese manufacturers now makes almost similar specs at fraction of the cost. I would love Seiko to survive as a lot of seiko fan boys now are shifting to the homages which are also using NH35 which literally is a seiko movement.
From what I've heard, the unreliability from 6R movements has mainly been sloppy QC on the movements with over oiling the friction points, causing movement failure
Slim turtle….I’m sold, but maybe if the price drops😂 $1100? Better options out there
Nice video, the size of the watch is tempting but I don’t plan to run out and buy one. Regarding, the dive extension, I have the SPB179 “Ice Diver” and use the dive extension over my wetsuit whenever I’m diving in cooler water. To me being an ISO Diver and having a dive extension just makes it that much more authentic.
What came first? The Turtle or the Vostock scuba dude?
While watching the vid, a rabbit passed me by, mumbling something like " Turtles, tortoises, it's all the f@ckin same to me"... He looked a bit disturbed, i think he also said something about a race, ain't sure though.... 🤪
Thanks for the review Shane. I'm not at all a fan of those cases, so i just pass, plus if i ever change my mind a homage will save the day, on a fraction of the price and with less QC issues! Cheers.
I've got a slim turtle from steeldive and I've got the Seiko turtle darknight. I prefer the turtle every time.
I like the watch a lot, but didn't expect those flaws. Indeed, an abusive relationship 😂
Very good looking watch. I hope I get an opportunity to try it on. And I have to say, I love the strap at 3:33! Probably the first nylon(?) strap I have really found appealing.
I’ve had 5 6r movements all great but one, I bought it used it ran slow reason for the sale in the first place. Took a week to regulate but after that run spot on. My experience with all seiko movements even the 8r series they tend to perform poor on the time grafter and better when worn.
I'm not so keen on the slim case shape, I much prefer the full fat turtle. Great photography.
My favorite current model Seiko, I bought the black and gilt SPB315. QC and movement concerns are legit imo but mine only noticably gains time when it's off my wrist which is rare.
Tubular! I Love this watch for the hands. I have run my course with the SKX style ones. I have the MM Reduced and love the marine master hands. I have put MM hands on other NH movements I own. I don't see any Seiko 5s in my near future because of this. I love my arrow & syringe hands on the classics, but I want them to stay there.
Yep, this can be frustrating: I bought a 5 Sports GMT a little under a month ago: happily, dial alignment and finish are actually flawless, and since the bezel action is friction-based rather than ratcheted, alignment there is a non-issue. Bracelet end-links (solid, not hollow!) fit between the lugs fine, though there's the usual height-mismatch. What baffles me is why Seiko can "get it done" with a sub-$500 watch, and do okay with an over-$1500 watch, but gets in trouble with stuff in-between. The Slim Turtle is drop-dead gorgeous, but those flaws in the dial and bracelet end-links are hard to swallow. definitely a watch to either (a) buy in-person to check out closely before cracking open your wallet, or (b) buy online only from a dealer with a *very* liberal return policy. Otherwise it's a hard pass, sadly.
Excellent video and analysis Shane, well done!
Held out for a white dial Helm Khuraburi in titanium. Not disappointed at all.
I bought one of these on an amazing deal from a local AD (40% off). I like it. The gunmetal hands and indices are really cool. Unfortunately it runs way too fast (+23 spd). Seiko shortened the clasp for some reason which is really annoying to get a precise fit. I bought a Scurfa Treausure Seeker in white intending to replace this, however, I can’t bring myself to sell it.
10:06 there also appt to be a massive smudge mark on the dial next to the date window..!!!
Yeah there is, I didn't even notice that one until I started doing this video. Tried putting a circle on that one too when I was talking about it.
OMG That date window! What were they thinking
They weren't
Seiko’s really hopping on the “inflation” wagon, aren’t they?
Greedflation
Thank you for this review! I love Seiko designs and this was the watch I was gonna buy next but now I’m not so sure anymore. I was gonna put it on a nato strap anyway so the bracelet isn’t a big deal but still, at this price point it’s quite disappointing that Seiko doesn’t care about the watch as a whole package. Not to mention the qc issues! It’s ok on a 100$ Seiko 5 but not 1000$ lol. Guess I’ll save up a bit more for the seamaster white dial ;)
Good review as always 👍
I have a visual disability. I really liked this watch but felt there wasn't enough contrast between the hands and dial for me. Frustratingly, it just wasn't available to see in any of the watch stores near me. However, ive bought the SPB315J1 Gilt version. Overall, not bad but I got mine new for £525. If I'd paid the RRP. of £1040 I'd not see it as good value. It's actually cheaper than my Dark Manta Turtle. My main beef is no half links on the bracelet which has only two micro adjust positions.
I got in with Seiko 8 years ago and got out about 4 years ago, I did pretty well, I wish I started 12-13 years ago but still glad I got out at the time I did, They are no longer the value props they once were and seem to longer be even trying to offer value. All good things come to an end with Seiko, the good news is microbrands have taken up that dollar value feature market. So, we the consumers have enticed the market to fill a void for affordable value oriented and innovative watch offerings.
Looks decent Shane nice colour dial just bit pricey for me
Cool watch and great review. I've always thought the mini turtle looks more like a mini sumo, at least from above. Speaking of which, I don't suppose a solar sumo gmt review might be in the cards?
I was thinking about which Seiko I should try to review next, Solar Sumo sounds like a good idea.
Own a regular turtle and very happy with it... But Citizen has better quality price for sure
Haven't purchased a dive Turtle; I like aspects of them all. But I could not resist the beige-green Land Tortoise, as an anti-Turtle choice that offers a different take and at a smaller size. The grey color way is tempting also.
I didn't realize those were smaller than the regular turtle. I'll have to check it out
@@RelativeTime Yeah, 42mm and a sapphire crystal / takes a 20mm band
Am I seeing that correctly? The “ER’S” and “20” at the bottom of the dial look darker Than the “DIV” and last 0?
Seiko watch are a bit too expensive but any company using their movements are really interesting!
✌🏼😎👍🏼
SPB333’s pretty awesome too!
Seiko… It is what it is…. 🤷🏻♂️. The sad thing is, I still like them. Thanks for the great review Shane!
Hey Shane. This is about another watch. (Didn't know how to message you...) Have you ever found an aftermarket bracelet that works on your Orient Star Standard? I'd like to try something different, and didn't know if you had any experience. Thanks!
Email is listed on the Channel page, or you can always DM me through instagram / Facebook. But no, I haven't seen any aftermarket bracelets for the Orient Star.
@@RelativeTime Thanks for your quick reply! I didn't think there was a specific aftermarket bracelet, but sometimes one from another watch will fit. Just curious. Thanks again!
LOL I seriously thought that smudge on the dial was on my laptop screen for a minute 😆
LOL... yeah. Yeah I did the same thing at first. Started rubbing the screen with my finger.
May I ask what the green strap is?
As always great review! Thanks!
Thanks!
Not even an applied seiko logo for the price 😢... The baby turtle is still my favorite watch. By the way, I do like the circular date, at least it is not a square, which looks quite awful at that position.
Perfectly summed up, Shane.
Thanks
Great review as always Shane. As you say, beautiful but flawed and yet we love them anyways
Nicest looking current Seiko diver. Without the tedious legacy of the HEY THIS IS A 5 SPORTS DID YOU KNOW THAT? DO YOU SEE THE SHIELD? HERE HAVE A DAY DATE ALWAYS ON EVERY SINGLE WATCH
Ahem. Anyhow the best colorway and the lollipop looks like a good ol’ plastic fishing bobber.
Who makes that leather rally strap you had on it?
The Rally one? I belive that's from Blushark.
Thats just a 6105-8000 remake with a different dial. I own an original. They wear great.
I have this watch, and I think it's one of the nicest watches I have. it looks great, it feels great.The only issue I really think seriously is a problem on your particular watch is the spot on the dial. I can't understand why you didn't return it, as that is an unacceptable flaw. If you are characterizing buying a watch from a certain company as a toxic relationship, you might need to re-examine how you see watch collecting in general. maybe you need to take a step back, as this seems like an extreme position.
The short version is that I didn't notice the spots (there is another down by the date) until it was too late to return. It's really hard to see with just the naked eye, and I never noticed it until I got around to getting the macro shots. Plus It takes a while to make these videos, and I don't always immediately start making them as soon as I get the watch.
Although I definitely have to disagree with you on the end links being ok. On a regular turtle, sure, but not on a $1000 + watch. Especially when I've seen other Seikos in that price range that have a great fit with theirs.
If you only could have one $1k Seiko diver would you choose the slim turtle or the mm200 reduced?
I prefer the MMR. This might be a tad more comfortable, but the case is much cooler on the MMR.
@@RelativeTime it appear to be a much nicer finished case. The end links are atrocious on the slim turtle but I’m drawn to the foolish look. Thank you for the response!
Wish i do have a Seiko diver's watch. 😭. Anyway, thanks Shane for your another informative episode.
The Seiko Land tortoise has sapphire crystal at half the price I believe this the hidden gem in the Seiko line.
I still have to check one of those out.
I love the look of this one but haven’t pulled the trigger due to concerns over quality control, I sent back a new misaligned seiko and they said it was acceptable, what a joke!
I like the watch I know it’s got some shortcomings but it occurred to me back to the 1970s 1960s people bought watches to tell time not so much as collectors. I would say that probably went into the 80s for the most part unless you were rather wealthy, and then you would probably be collecting Rolexes and the alike. now that the every man is now collecting watches, we’ve got more time to sit there, and scrutinize these entry-level watches that were more of an upper level every day man’s watch and we notice a lot more of the flaws, and there are so many niche watch builders in the micro brand market that are going that extra mile because they are passionate about what they do and probably sacrifice Some profit for putting out a better product because of their passion companies like psycho that are after the bottom line, suffer, slings, and arrows from people that have expected more for less even though prices are higher than we’ve ever paid for their watches. These are just some of the thoughts that help me enjoy my Seiko watches even though they’re not perfect I put it in perspective. I think the times have changed I do think we are getting better watches these days than we did in the 60s and 70s. Truly, as many watches, a Seiko turns out you’ve got to expect a few to escape quality control. I truly enjoy the channel and look forward to your reviews
Excellent video, Shane. My thoughts exactly with regard to my SPB333J1. I have grown to love it for its versatility… you can really dress this watch any way you want it and it will play its part. I find that I wear mine once or twice a week when I am unsure what to choose.
Love this watch, but I wish they offered it on a regular oyster, not a fan of the engineer. And aftermarket is not an option if, like me, you want the Diashield bracelet coating to match the bracelet.
Great review.
Thanks!
5:50 One less thing for Seiko to screw up 😂
We all loved Seiko watches because of their prices and qualities. It's old story now. Don't waste your money(more than $500 on that thing) Better to build a mod watch by yourself with $200 from the internet. In my opinion, the BEST thing from SEIKO is NH35,34,36 movement. They're the best in the world for many reasons.
I don't know if the Seiko issue can be addressed any better than you did. I find Swiss designs to be boring. And there's something about Seiko's design language that really speaks to me. Perhaps we have to accept flawed beauty? From a distance? Uh ohh, here comes another Seiko release!
Got mine for £660 bargain I think and I love it
Seiko's QC issues used to be quaintly amusing. Now though, it just seems like they're taking the p*ss, it really does.
Aliexpress watches have more quality than seiko.
It has the same colorway as the face of the "I LIKE TURTLES!" kid (Jonathan Ware, aka Zombie Kid).
I almost forgot about him
@@RelativeTime It lives rent-free in my brain every time I see a watch in a turtle/cushion case.
San Martin is making what seiko should.
After seeing this, I have to reiterate that the only Seiko I will ever buy would be a Grand Seiko!
It's actually better the indices are embossed rather than applied. If they were, the alignment would be all over the place! 😂
LOL true
Hopefully SteelDive sees this video and homages this watch.
Unacceptable, especially for the price. But they’ll keep doing it as long as they sell.
For me that's the best turtle in the range, I even like the date. Thank God there are QC issues, you then know it isn't a fake. We must remember, Seiko make watches for the masses, they have no interest in enthusiasts. Regards the movement, it may have a longer power reserve, but the positional variance is dreadful. A Miyota 9000 caliber is far better
I wonder if the variance is due to the longer power reserve. That its hard to get it into a fully wound state where it might be more stable.
My favourite turtle has a new movie releasing soon, the teenage mutant kind.
The new one does look good.
🐢 remember be kind to your turtle 🐢
👋🏻🧑🏻🦲👋🏻
I dunno, man. I think that "you can just enjoy this style, even with the flaws" starts to fall apart when you climb up anywhere near the four-figure price point. I'd be willing to overlook the scuff on the dial and the poor endlinks if I was buying a $250 Orient. But at over a thousand dollars, those are beyond imperfections and well into "I want my money back" territory.
I agree, and if you can return it after seeing stuff like this you absolutely should. But depending on who you buy it from, or how long it takes you to notice everything, it's not always possible. Like in this instance it was a couple months before I ever noticed the marks on the dial.
It's once you are stuck with it is when I think the circle of resentment and acceptance starts to kick in.
$1100? Seiko smoking some samurai kush
I have not bought a new seiko since the retirement of the skx007 and the move upmarket (despite no improvement in quality). This is what you all threaten to do for like 5 seconds but I am actually doing. I am disappointed in Seiko and thankfully there are many other watch brands out there.
Feels like Seiko pushing up prices and down the effort to push people towards stretching for a grand seiko. Though they lately seem to be pushing people more towards citizen.
@7:45 This is a shame and an insult to the client.
In this post-pandemic economy, Seiko had a price correction, so the best watch you can get from them for one thousand dollars is: a smudge and stain dial with a wobbly bracelet! Is infuriating and disheartening. Anyway nice review.
Pretty much. I've always wanted to get a Grand Seiko, but after a watch like this, I'm not so sure. I mean if they can't get the basics of a 1k watch right, why would I risk 3-4 times that.
Typical Seiko. And yet I'll probably buy one...
Would the real slim turtle 🐢 please stand up? 😂
Had to say it...
Casio is the new Seiko. Things line up and excellent value for money. I feel even Orient is better and at least better in value. And citizen beats seiko all day long on execution and price. Im just not buying seiko anymore, its omega, rowleks, or citizen solar with the later the best choice for real world use :-)
Have you tried a Caio Oceanus yet? I really need to get the review out, but got a S5000 Manta recently. Amazing watch. So thin and lightweight, yet so much detail to it.
Nobody pays rrp for seiko, I just picked up the black version for £650
Well us reviewers do if we want to be one of the first to have a video. But otherwise no one else should.
A Turtle needs to have round indices to be a Turtle IMO for superior legibility underwater. This looks like a dress diver. The lume is not dive spec lume. For me the older Seiko's get the wrist time and the SPB087 is my go to.
Give us a blue dial pepsi bezel mini turtle
That would be cool.
Stop showing me that Batman turtle, sold mine, and then prices went up….😢
Have they? I still have mine, but haven't been wearing it as much. Debating selling it.
@@RelativeTime
I bought mine secondhand for a smidge over 200€, full set.
That was a bargain, can’t find this version under 350€..
Although the best Prospex I ever owned was a gen2 Sumo, very accurate, insane lume, mesmerising dial, as it was the rare JDM sbdc069 “blue coral” version.
I’d have that over any modern Prospex.
The turtle is a love it or hate it. Am from those that find it atrocious. Since I wouldn't buy 1 I guess no way for it's homages. Sidenote, Seiko might want to improve their QC and realize that a ton of micro brands at a fraction of their retail, offer better watches....
They really need to. If they can get their act together, and ensure better regulation on the watches at this price range, it would really build confidence back in them.
@@RelativeTime exactly and we'll done for saying this out loud. Edit: forgot to mention, review 10/10 and this channel might be one of the 5 I know with impartial reviews, keep it up,:)
get the white samurai with waffle dials instead for $400…
Is that one of the King samurai?
@@RelativeTime I think it is a King Samurai. I thought about buying it on release and liked the waffle dial and sapphire glass.
They keep going downhill. I have been looking at micro brands, which blow Seiko out of the water! Think Chris Ward.