I have seikos with hardlex that has been worn daily for over ten years. And as a pilot when you wear them in a cockpit there are many hard points that your can hit your hand and watch easily while you move your hands(to reach buttons, switches etc witout looking). And never managed to scratch one. Gmt function is only a gimmick. I can do all time zone calculations from my mind(also flight computers have digital clock for ETA:). So if it looks good its just enough for me to buy:)
Same here. I have several hardlex Seikos and none of them have a single scratch. And the GMT is absolutely a gimmick! But man I love that gimmick (only have one GMT watch and it’s a Seiko 6R.
i can attest to this, i have orange monster Gen 2 for some years. the scratch mark is unable to be seen and so small that one need a lope magnifier to be found
The biggest problem is QC and I always will complain when I get a watch that isn't put together correctly. A major brand like Seiko should be able to improve but as I experienced for the last 15 years, they don't. And it's not related to the price of a watch. You can buy a $2000 Seiko and get dust on the dial, misaligned printing, chapter ring, bezel etc. That's why buyers complain.
that's a sorry excuse for not doing your job. it doesn't matter the cost of the watch. do your job properly or don't do it at all. wtf is wrong with you?
@@joeybossolo7 “Hey Seiko, I know your watches are flying off the shelves faster than you can make them, but I want you to lower prices anyway, just to be nice.” 🤔
Recently got one on sale through a department store for $280 and couldn’t be more pleased, the black dial on the jubilee is simply stunning. Movement +1 or 2 seconds depending on the day. I can agree the clasp isn’t great but I own plenty of other seikos and personally have kinda gotten used to it. Don’t really see the clasp as a dealbreaker for day to day use. Also I think on paper sapphire crystal sounds better from my experience hardlex doesn’t disappoint. I’ve owned multiple seikos with it for years and they still look flawless after daily wear. If you like it buy it, don’t get too hung up on the specs
I got this watch a week ago, I have had 50+ watches, price ranges from low end to mid/high end and I have to say for 500$ this is an awesome watch. Looks amazing too. Its a true gmt from seiko with a great movement for the price and yes theres a few kinks but its great overall
I like mine and disagree with most of what you’ve said, apart from the bezel not having a ratchet. You are right, that’s a big drawback and I knock mine all the time. I have no QC issues and I knew what I was buying when I pre-ordered. I like the cyclops as my eyes are not so good, it’s useful for me. The only complaint I really have is that the GMT hand moves when you reset the time to local when travelling. That’s the bit I didn’t know and rather surprised me. I would have thought that it should stay at the hour you set it, independently of the local time setting.
I actually enjoy the bezel not having a ratchet because it aligns perfectly with anything - I wish my Glycine GMT didn’t have it either instead of a 48-hour click one!
This watch is an 'office GMT' not 'travel GMT' in the sense that you can freely adjust the GMT hand without the local time moving, but not the other way around. Google more about it, but hope it helps
I got mine 1 day after the release here in the UK on the 2nd. I love it. It is pretty, solid links and only +6 seconds a day. No screw down crown so every morning I reset at minus 3 secs. I have no alignment issues, my GMT hand lines up beautifully. Midnight they all line up spot on, and the date is changing. You must have a Friday afternoon one 😞
Hello, as you said yourself, one has not necessarily the same POV than yours. I bought the 3 different Seiko 5 GMT last week. I have had no QC issue at all, all is perfectly aligned. The price is quite fair and I got 10% reduction on each watch. All the 3 watches are beautiful, and work perfectly. I am a big fan of the cyclop because at my age (63), reading the date without a cyclop is a big challenge. Hardlex is not a problem unless you want to use your watch as a hammer. By contrast, covering the bezel with hardlex is a very nice idea and makes it shiny and original. All in all, I really love these 3 watches, which for me near the perfection fat this price point (the only drawback for me is the stamped steel clasp). I hope sincerely that Seiko will put on the market in the next few months additional variations (black and green, black and red for instance) that I will buy instantly. Best.
Hello, I'm glad you enjoy them, that's the whole point of buying these mini time capsules 😊. As everyone was unanimous in saying that these were absolute bargains I wanted to present the other POV. Keep on enjoying yours!
Obviously, it's a bargain to someone who can afford to buy three $500 watches at a time, at the height of their sales value🙄. At 63, it's easy for you to defend hardlex, but the rest of us can scratch it up easily without "using our watches as hammers". Btw, it wasn't Seiko's "nice idea" to put it on their bezel insert. It was Seiko cutting costs by not using sapphire like other companies do. Seiko has become the greediest watch company in the world today. It's a joke that (with their huge margins compared to smaller companies) they sell a $500 watch that doesn't include things like: sapphire, a signed crown, a milled clasp, a clicking bezel etc. when others can offer all those things for a fraction of the price. They can't even package it in a decent watch box for Christ's sake! All this, and the worst QC in the industry to top it off. I hope you enjoy your five Seiko GMT's when the other color variations come out... you know, because the GMT function isn't gimmicky at all in today's world 🙄
I think a major problem with Seiko's QC is the AD's and boutiques. If they were doing their jobs properly they'd be returning misaligned shipments and declaring them unfit for purpose. A very fair review Olivier. Thanks.
Too true. I pointed out a major misalignment on a Seiko I was about to buy and they changed it for the one on display then put the dodgy one back in stock.
Thanks for the review. I really like the watch but have decided not to buy one, mainly for the reasons you have highlighted. The one thing I disagree with is the cyclops being Rolex heritage (which it well may be); but for my old eyes, a decent cyclops is a life changer. It is like seat belts in a car… Volvo invented the seatbelt but all cars use it for obvious reasons. Thanks again for a well-balanced video.
Nice review! I think it is a beautiful watch for a very good price. I do agree with some of the drawbacks, especially with the misalignment. But I find other drawbacks rather a non-issue. Who cares that a movement is not built up from ground but a modified nh35 movement? I think all affordable watch companies do that. Why entirely redesigning a thing that works well? And then the cyclops that is Rolex heritage? Who cares what the heritage is - if you like it then buy it. I also think buyers do not mind in which of their watch categories SEIKO puts the watch - either you like it or not; who cares how SEIKO advertises it...
Even 200 usd orient kamasu has saphire. How much does saphire cost to the manufacturers iver the price of mineral or hardkex? Extra 1 dollar? Extra 2 dollars? It is a shame not to include it on 500 bucks watch!
Hello guys, just want to know if GMT watches be worth buying for someone who doesn't travel to other countries? Will SRDP/SRPE watches be a better and simpler options ? Please suggest
I just purchased the GMT rarely travel. I live in Australia and use it to keep track of what time sporting events start in the US & also to know when I can speak to my friends that live in London. It's very useful
Well it's actually around 468 USD where I live and can be had for lower around 370 USD at launch everywhere. I think it is a fair price to pay for what is offered.
Just snapped this up in the back Friday sale for £300. Never pay retail for seiko they are always discounted if you are prepared to wait. It always surprises me when people complain about the retail prices for new releases. Be patient, shop smart you will get a bargain.
I'm loving my ssk003. I'm lucky to have purchased one that was Made in Japan. Everything lines up perfectly. I have slept with my watch on and have not had any issues with the bezel moving. Just ordered the Marinemaster ratcheting clasp to swap out. I am considering on replacing the hardlex to sapphire in the future but for now I'm just enjoying the watch. 👍
Rhis watch is perfect for me, I am 70 years old so the cyclops is essential, the GMT is perfect as I always need to know the time in adifferent time zone, I like dive style watches and a little misalignment does not matter as I can't see it anyway and a few seconds out on my decompression time doesn't matter, I have been wearing hardlex crystal watches working underground for years and change the crystal every ten years or so if I need to or not. I have six seiko divers both auto and quartz and they all do the job they are designed for.
Thank you dor your insight Steve, it's precious coming from a decades old user and lover of Seiko watches. Seiko used to be my favourite brand, and I wouldn't have minded all the classic quirks if their prices hadn't Risen so much without upping the quality
I've had this model for about a year now and it's been great. No QC issues with mine at all. Movement is running about plus 15 seconds a day but apart from that no complaints and it looks so good.
That's wonderdul, as I say in the video as long as you don't have QC issues, you are ok with its weaknesses and you got it at the right price it's a good watch
I am looking to buy this same watch, but after your unbiased review, I decided to pause to see if Seiko will make the improvements in the crystal and clasp. I do want to ask the viewers about what is the issue with the chapter ring under the crystal?
Thank you very much for your comment. My version came with a very misaligned chapter ring as you can see in yhe6close ups. That's my major pet peev against this watch for the price asked. If you can find one for less money and with good QC then it might be worth it, they are beautiful after all, and that will be for you to decide. Good luck 👍
Sincere question--I see lots of comments saying all the things a $400 automatic GMT watch SHOULD have that this one is lacking... a sapphire crystal, 200m WR, a 120-click bezel, and a milled clasp. Can someone point me to a $400 (or even $600) watch like that? I've been looking for a better alternative to this Seiko and haven't found anything...
Hello Jefferson. The alternative would be with Steihanrt, their Ocean One GMT line. Otherwise, if you want to stay below the $400 there's the San Martin GMT as well: ruclips.net/video/tlBWpi0KKIM/видео.html
I can't stand rotating bezels moving by themselves. Along with the Hardlex crystal it is what keeps from buying the watch. I don't mind cyclopses when they are well done, well aligned that is to say. I see this as a prelude to many interesting microbrand watches featuring this movement. I often hear watch reviewers giving expression to their hope Seiko finally get misalignment issues under control. I don't know whether there is even the will to improve on that. I just got caught out with another Seiko with horrendous alignment that goes back to the seller. Finally I noticed quite a lot of dust under the crystal on your macro footage.
Thank you for your comment my friend. To be fair most of the dust is over the crystal, it's my fault for not cleaning it up properly (although it's amazing how dust lingers under macro). What was the Seiko you bought?
At that price point, sapphire crystal, milled clasp and a cap on the seconds hand is the least they can do. They have been riding their brand name into the swamp because of greed and laziness 🤷🏻♂️
I bought the black GMT for $357 as I was lucky enough to get 25% on a July 4th sale here in the US. At that price it's a fantastic bargain. Yes, Seiko's QC problems are an issue and very disappointing. But I think folks don't understand that they are just operating at such a bigger scale than microbrands and Chinese manufacturers, so ensuring QC is much more difficult. Also, they are designing and selling watches to their ADs for not much more than the price of some of the better microbrands or Chinese companies. Whole sale price of watches distributed through ADs is about 50-60% of the suggested Retail price. So, Seiko is probably selling this watch to dealers at around $250-280, which is not that much more than a San Martin's retail price. Microbrands and Chinese manufacturers sell direct and thus don't have to allow for dealer profit. They can price much more aggressively. I'd be surprised if some of the Chinese companies are making more than 10-15% profit off each unit. They have minimal R&D, design, marketing costs and just crank out homages based on the work of the established brands, though some trying out new designs of their own making (though still influenced by old designs). So, of course, they can offer fantastic value with sapphire crystal, milled clasp (as all divers use the exact same clasp found on Ali-express for a few dollars). And when you see how many units they make and move on Aliexpress, it's sometimes as low as a couple dozen units per model (100-200 is a breakout seller). Finally the entire microbrand sector would not exist without Seiko and Citizen Miyota making and selling movements to them.
@@catlike1 hello Ed and thank you for your very sensible response. At around the 350 dollar mark I reckon this is fair value. You are absolutely right about the challenges Seiko has to offer against what Chinese brands do. That's why I appreciate Chinese brands with original designs! They are few but they exist, even from San Martin 😉
@@Horologique I agree with pretty much everything you said and have made the same arguments myself in responses in several other reviews. The other side of the coin however…first, a 6r movement wouldn’t have worked (in my understanding of how they developed this movement) as it lacks the day to modify into the gmt and would have required the development of a new movement rather than a modification of an existing movement. The price at full msrp is definitely high when you focus on what it isn’t and I agree completely with you on the Hardlex, lack of screw down crown and clasp (the bracelet is ok…the clasp sucks). But if you consider what it IS….a functional GMT movement for sub $500 usd from a major manufacturer…..more importantly a manufacturer that provides movements that are going to allow some solid microbrands to bring gmt offerings to the market it’s a good thing. And once the “gotta have it first” rush dies off, the street price will drop dramatically and a year from now we’re going to be a lot happier with what it is. I agree however that they put a better bracelet on it with a milled clasp, sapphire crystal and screw down crown and market it in the Prospex line and I’d pay $700 for one 😂
@@johnmoyer9719 now that you say it you are totally right about the 6r movement. Totally, at $300 to $350 this is totally another proposition. My pet peev was hearing all the mainstream press praising this watch, I really had to give the other side of the argument 😉
Seiko 5 watches almost traditionally decrease in price as time goes on. I predict this watch will eventually be available for around $270 to $300. BTW, the Steinhart has a unidirectional bezel because it is primarily considered as a dive watch. However, it is still the greatest value GMT on the market.
Of you are not against homages, totally, the San Martin GMT: ruclips.net/video/tlBWpi0KKIM/видео.html It will be just over $300 during the sale starting on the 22nd of August but it's possible to already put it in the basket
Yes I have looked at the Wise: ruclips.net/video/QFKXAVh7LuI/видео.html A great watch that I wore this summer vacation, photos all over my IG @horologique83
Thanks for your opinion - although I don’t agree with anything you said - I think it’s just not a watch for you. Your bezel may be too loose, mine is stiff enough not to be accidentally moved. The only thing that bothers me is that the budget clasp may bend over time but it’s very comfortable and has a lot of microadjustments.
Thank you for sharing your opinion as well. That's what mine is, just an opinion, and I try my best to give both positive and negative points about this watch to all the viewers so they can make an informed decision 👍
Notice the circular light reflection on the dial at 5:44. Sapphire crystal does not do this, it is unique to hardlex. Still a cool watch but I can’t stand those swirls on my current seiko 5. I wish this one had sapphire and I’d buy an orange gmt in a heartbeat.
@@Horologique Hey that actually sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve never really thought about it and don’t necessarily know where to start. Do you know if they make aftermarket crystal for these as they’re newer and a tad larger than other 5’s?
I agree with you completely on this. but the modified movement is fine with me, why re-invent the wheel, the movement is solid, so to build upon it is a smart move.
Thanks mate. I'm totally for them building on what they already have but what pisses me off is the Hodinkee crowd prasing the fact it's "so affordable". It's just not when they are building in what they already have
Thank you! In spite of the title6of the video you can see that I point to both positives and negatives. And more than a year after I still have this watch 😁
i been wearing this for the past week and i have no complaints. this is a cheap gmt and it does its job pretty well. im impressed its way better than what i expected but maybe its because this is my 2nd seiko watch. i personally think its the perfect beater watch and it looks good on nato straps.
I love my Blueberry!! But didn’t like the heavily-beveled crystal, nor the slightly garish bezel insert. So I swapped those out for a no-bevel domed sapphire, and a sloped ceramic 24 hr Batman bezel, both from DLW. Very pleased with it. Love the dial, love the GMT hand, love the 40 hour movement, love the hacking and hand winding, love the solid link bracelet, I’m even happy with the clasp!! Very pleased with the whole watch.
Slightly garish insert? How? Where? WTF are you talking about? It’s a GMT bezel. I’ve never seen anyone else refer to it this way, and I’ve watched tons of reviews and read hundreds of comments.
Mine keeps great time and chapter ring and dial are dead-on, but I did replace the crystal with a double dome saphirre and replaced to unsigned crown with a signed one. I do not like the free rotating bezel either and I tried to put an SKX bezel spring but it's not compatible. For the price and the possibilities that the SRPD models offer and almost full compatibility with SKX aftermarket parts, then the SRPD modded to one's taste is a much better alternative. I bought like 4 SRPD's in last month and modded them (sapphire crystal, ceramic sloped bezel insert, bezel and signed crown) and gave one to my son but I use my other 3 on a rotation basis while my SSK stays in watch case.
I just watched the video, and I couldn’t agree more. I’ve watched quite a few people have negatives about the watch, but nobody put it quite as good as you just did. This is the first video of yours I’ve seen, I will be subscribing. Keep up the good work my friend, I look forward to more reviews and opinions.
I agree with this guy. I had the gmt seiko. And I sold it to get the orient ray 2 lol. I know they are different types of watches but I believe the orient is all around better watch. friction fit bezel sucks, and unless you are traveling the country everyday a diver are much more useful and more durable imo
Really honest and just review. These are (except the QC) the main reasons for my desicion not to buy this watch. Price it around $300 with pressed end links and an aluminium bezel; or install a sapphire crystal, a milled clasp and a ratcheting bezel and price it around $600.
Good review. What is most surprising is the accuracy of your watch. I would not have suspected that as no one has EVER used "Seiko" and "accuracy" in the same sentence. At least not short of GS watches.
I noticed the same misalignment issue on my $1200 Seiko Prospex ISO certified Dive watch... once I noticed, I could not help but see it. But, the Seiko dive watch is far cheaper than my Omega Seamaster Dive Watch... so there you go.
İt is a great watch! I have it and also I have longines quadriple which is 5000$ but seiko much more comfortable than it, so I didnt listen to you, I just wanna write after seeing the topic. I mean dont agree with you!
I would have preferred a 6r34 in a Prospex model, but it would have been $600-800 and I probably would not have purchased it. At $450, I will buy these all day.
You described some really good pionts to not buy this GMT!!!! for 500 - 600 dollars...and you get ...."Hardlex", Non Ratcheting Bezel, Bad Clasp and Bad QC??? yeah this is a no go for me. I am gonna wait till the prices go WAY down on this and buy it second hand. For 500 - 600...i could get a prospex Seiko. I actually just bought an Automatic Seiko King Turtle for $450.....Sapphire Crystal and Ceramic Bezel with 200m water resistant. I think "Value" for your money is what people should be looking for in watches, try to get a bang for your buck guys...and this GMT is just not that at all.
Thank you, I'm glad you think so as well! You are absolutely right, this is almost Prospex Money for a watch that lacks Prospex advantages: WR, sapphire... I still think I'm the only one on the RUclips watch space holding these views, everyone else is praising this watch, at least major RUclipsrs and many viewers as well, but I guess that almost $500 is nothing for them 😂
@@Horologique I have an opportunity to buy this watch in black for 350 but still on the fence about it. I think your video did do a very good job of highlight the goods and the bads.....it made a lot of sense to me. It is a very nice looking watch but looks can only go so far. I really like your view point!!! You review watches very well, love your Channel and got a new Subscriber!!!
I got the watch and i love it. All the negatives you mentioned i never noticed. I dont care if its +/- 3 secs or even minutes. I mean if you look for the time your probably looking at your watch for a second. You cant see if its 14:57 or 14:58 anyway so who botter. Its not cheap but looks really nice.
As a diver the non-screwdown and friction bezel are deal breakers. Had a Seiko for over 25 years and it took a beating. Good watch and it finally quit and was going to cost more to fix than the watch cost new. Went with an EcoDrive and seems pretty tough after 10+ years.
A very nice review, I see your points and rightfully so for that kind of money you expect a bit more, as a Seiko owner of multiple ones , I’ll consider buying one just because is so beautiful. Thank you for your review.
I love mine. I got the black/grey (SSK001) and can’t stop looking at it. I did have to send my first one back as there was a little blob of lume on the minute hand. Everything is perfect on the replacement though. I love the cyclops and the jubilee style bracelet (although I’ve put it on an oyster bracelet for everyday). If and when the hardlex gets scratched, I’ll put a sapphire in. I paid £360 so not bank breaking for something I love. I always wanted a SKX but never got one and I like GMTs so this was just right for me.
I purchased the Tanfoglio GMT (Batman) for $99.00. NH 34. Everything is perfectly aligned. Sapphire crystal. Ceramic bezel insert. Unidirectional 120 click bezel. Claims 200 meters WR (I won't be testing that!). Screw down , signed crown. Nice finishing. On ss bracelet. Check it out!!😊
@@Horologique the display back version failed a RUclipsr pressure test.. I bought the solid steel case . I suspect the WR is better. However I use digital scuba equipment for actual diving.
Too much for too little. Last week I bought the Seiko PADI Kinetic (brand new) with a TRUE GMT function for about $200 less than the asking price of this watch. I get a beautiful watch with Diver's certification and fantastic build quality.
Hardlex is acceptable on their sub £300 watches, but they use it on £500+ models, and it becomes a deal breaker when you're spending that much. They have some beautiful models that got my attention, but I backed off when I saw their Hardlex specs. I'm not anti Seiko and have two Alpinists with sapphire crystals, but they were both £600+ so that seems to be the point where they use it.
While not my favorite design I can appreciate the importance of the piece and possibilities for future revisions and spin-offs more caters to different tastes. My question is where are these multitude of options? Where are these automatic GMT watches with sapphire crystals and bespoke movements? 🤔🤷♂️ I really want to know.
I made a video about the first one from Venezianico: ruclips.net/video/3Hw87GGq9Wc/видео.html There's another from a Singaporean brand called Vesuviate
Great looking watch . The misalignment of the dial is a trademark of Seiko ! Albeit a very very bad trademark . I don’t understand why after all these years why Seiko can’t get it right ? 😮
I have a San Martin GMT Master II clone with sapphire crystal, ceramic 24 click bi-directional bezel, and screw down crown with 200 meters of water resistance. It costs less than what Seiko is asking for.
I’ve had a seiko 5 sea urchin on my wrist everyday for the last 9 yrs , im in the building trade mostly muck shifting and concrete work, it’s not very pretty anymore but hands down the best watch I’ve had . I’ve used seiko watches since the early 80s mostly all 5’s . Great quality and looks for not alot of cash. 😊
This watch is easily available at us400. It's around the same price as a turtle. I don't mind hardlex because it's clearer than non AR Sapphire. I agree the jubilee construction is crap but it is so comfortable.
Why not Quartz? Without the self winding boxes, what a pain in the 'A' to have to reset it. 10/15 seconds a day!? I bought the Bulova Moon watch. $400. 10/15 seconds a YEAR! Just my opinion. A far better watch (with Sapphire Crystal).
Thanks for the awesome review. After watching your review I changed my mind about buying this watch, I will look else where, I will buy either Glycine or Stienhart.
I have this watch and like it for what it is and didn't pay retail, not even close. I would like however more micro adjustments available in the clasp. Looks nice and I enjoy wearing it among other watches I wear. Thanks for the review
Great video and lots of interesting points for and against buying this watch! I’m glad you do however like it enough to keep it!! I received mine on 1st July the day it was released and have worn in nearly every day since then. Like you I’m keeping mine! I love it and have become more fond of it as the month has gone by. I have no problem with any of the negative points you’ve mentioned: no QC issues, love the friction bezel, happy with hardlex, like that my poor old eyesight can see the date through the cyclops etc. My only negative is it not having a screw down crown. I get it’s not a diver watch, but my perfect holiday watch needs to be able to spend lots of time in the sea without any worries!! Overall, I’m glad I bought it - and with my 15% discount think I got a real bargain! Thanks for a great video. I’ve subscribed and looking forward to catching up with some previous videos 👍😎
Thank you very much for the support! As for the watch I'm really glad you got a deal for it and that you are enjoying yours, after all that's all that matters 👍
Unless you are actually going diving you’ll be fine. I wear my Seiko 5s (30m WR) to the beach all the time. The idea that a crown needs to screw down for WR is a myth. And if you look at Seiko’s proprietary design you’ll see that unlike Rolex it doesn’t need the crown to secure the seal. So while a Rolex will or could let water in with the crown unscrewed a Seiko won’t have that problem.
Great review, the usual unsurprising issues we have all become accustomed too. A charming watch for sure, but then dissapointing with it. Great job mate!
Thank you so much my friend! Dissapointing is the term, we have really let Seiko get away with too much, it's time they get their act together. Have a great Sunday and start of the week 👍
Asking for a bespoke movement on a sub $500 watch seems like a bridge too far. I do agree on Hardlex as bummer. Sapphire crystals and ceramic bezel's are ubiquitous even at this price point. I have an Orient with both for a smidge over $400.
I have to say after watching this review several times. This is the fairest and most honest review of a watch I have seen..The SK5 GMT is like Marmite, love it or hate it. I agree, there are so many clever things about this watch yet so many wtf's! The one off glass covered bezel, multi directional, I love that innovation. Wake up Rolex ZZZ, boring!! The irritating offset of the 12 hauret is somewhat cute in a deliberate clumsy error type of way. If Seiko were to fix that, this release would be in demand, for ironically having a floor in it, like bank notes, stamps and coins. Embrace the beauty of this watch and it's idiosyncratic nature. Personally, I'm not selling. I think overall it's a wonderful piece. Some might say an "Ugly duckling" and we all know how that turned out right? 😁
I have 5 watches with Hardlex, 3 of them are perfect, 2 of gem got immediately and easily scratched. Anything above $300 really needs a sapphire crystal.
Don't buy!! It's really a bad watch. I sold it after I buy one day later. Now I bought a Steinhart and I am pretty happy. My humble suggestion to Seiko company is to transfer several quality managers from Toyota or Denso companies.
I have seikos with hardlex that has been worn daily for over ten years. And as a pilot when you wear them
in a cockpit there are many hard points that your can hit your hand and watch easily while you move your hands(to reach buttons, switches etc witout looking). And never managed to scratch one. Gmt function is only a gimmick. I can do all time zone calculations from my mind(also flight computers have digital clock for ETA:). So if it looks good its just enough for me to buy:)
Same here. I have several hardlex Seikos and none of them have a single scratch. And the GMT is absolutely a gimmick! But man I love that gimmick (only have one GMT watch and it’s a Seiko 6R.
@@AgonxOC DITTO!! My hardlex original Shogun is still scratch free. I just ordered this Seiko 5 sport in Orange.
i can attest to this, i have orange monster Gen 2 for some years. the scratch mark is unable to be seen and so small that one need a lope magnifier to be found
My I have several Seiko's with the hardlex crystal and all of them have scratches, some fairly deep.
🤝👌
One thing is clear: no matter what the company does, Seiko buyers will always complain
Well said. Don’t know what he expected. He wants a true in-house GMT movement, with sapphire and ratcheting bezel, all for under $500. Unrealistic.
The biggest problem is QC and I always will complain when I get a watch that isn't put together correctly. A major brand like Seiko should be able to improve but as I experienced for the last 15 years, they don't. And it's not related to the price of a watch. You can buy a $2000 Seiko and get dust on the dial, misaligned printing, chapter ring, bezel etc. That's why buyers complain.
@@joeybossolo7 better QC, as always 😉
that's a sorry excuse for not doing your job. it doesn't matter the cost of the watch. do your job properly or don't do it at all. wtf is wrong with you?
@@joeybossolo7 “Hey Seiko, I know your watches are flying off the shelves faster than you can make them, but I want you to lower prices anyway, just to be nice.”
🤔
To anyone reading this: Buy the GMT! It's a great watch and an amazing value for money. I have a huge watch collection and this one is a keeper.
Sheep
¹a@@Psysso
Dude, it’s a Seiko 5, not a Grand Seiko. It now costs less than $300. It’s an awesome watch for what it is.
You're right and I own one myself but I've never seen a Seiko 5 GMT for
@@enasnI127 Yes - I was referring to the standard version. Congrats on your Seiko 5 GMT. It’s a beautiful and ultra reliable timepiece.
Recently got one on sale through a department store for $280 and couldn’t be more pleased, the black dial on the jubilee is simply stunning. Movement +1 or 2 seconds depending on the day. I can agree the clasp isn’t great but I own plenty of other seikos and personally have kinda gotten used to it. Don’t really see the clasp as a dealbreaker for day to day use. Also I think on paper sapphire crystal sounds better from my experience hardlex doesn’t disappoint. I’ve owned multiple seikos with it for years and they still look flawless after daily wear. If you like it buy it, don’t get too hung up on the specs
That's a great price! If you get one with good QC that's wonderful 👍👍
Where did you buy it for 280$?
I know it looks cool to me .
@@zaindhorajiwala8571 ebay selling one right now, just got one
you can customise the watch and modify whatever you dont like as new.
I’m getting the ssk033 white dial tomorrow. I’m so excited
Such a nice looking watch!
I got this watch a week ago, I have had 50+ watches, price ranges from low end to mid/high end and I have to say for 500$ this is an awesome watch. Looks amazing too. Its a true gmt from seiko with a great movement for the price and yes theres a few kinks but its great overall
I'm really glad you are enjoying yours! I but give my point of view here, stating that it's only that. Peace ✌️
The same here, is an incredible watch for the money
I like mine and disagree with most of what you’ve said, apart from the bezel not having a ratchet. You are right, that’s a big drawback and I knock mine all the time. I have no QC issues and I knew what I was buying when I pre-ordered. I like the cyclops as my eyes are not so good, it’s useful for me. The only complaint I really have is that the GMT hand moves when you reset the time to local when travelling. That’s the bit I didn’t know and rather surprised me. I would have thought that it should stay at the hour you set it, independently of the local time setting.
I actually enjoy the bezel not having a ratchet because it aligns perfectly with anything - I wish my Glycine GMT didn’t have it either instead of a 48-hour click one!
cant you just readjust the GMT hand back after you change to local time? It takes no time at all
This watch is an 'office GMT' not 'travel GMT' in the sense that you can freely adjust the GMT hand without the local time moving, but not the other way around. Google more about it, but hope it helps
I got mine 1 day after the release here in the UK on the 2nd. I love it. It is pretty, solid links and only +6 seconds a day. No screw down crown so every morning I reset at minus 3 secs. I have no alignment issues, my GMT hand lines up beautifully. Midnight they all line up spot on, and the date is changing. You must have a Friday afternoon one 😞
Haha then I've had a lot of Friday afternoon Seikos in my time 🤣
Hello, as you said yourself, one has not necessarily the same POV than yours. I bought the 3 different Seiko 5 GMT last week. I have had no QC issue at all, all is perfectly aligned. The price is quite fair and I got 10% reduction on each watch. All the 3 watches are beautiful, and work perfectly. I am a big fan of the cyclop because at my age (63), reading the date without a cyclop is a big challenge. Hardlex is not a problem unless you want to use your watch as a hammer. By contrast, covering the bezel with hardlex is a very nice idea and makes it shiny and original. All in all, I really love these 3 watches, which for me near the perfection fat this price point (the only drawback for me is the stamped steel clasp). I hope sincerely that Seiko will put on the market in the next few months additional variations (black and green, black and red for instance) that I will buy instantly. Best.
Hello, I'm glad you enjoy them, that's the whole point of buying these mini time capsules 😊. As everyone was unanimous in saying that these were absolute bargains I wanted to present the other POV. Keep on enjoying yours!
Obviously, it's a bargain to someone who can afford to buy three $500 watches at a time, at the height of their sales value🙄. At 63, it's easy for you to defend hardlex, but the rest of us can scratch it up easily without "using our watches as hammers". Btw, it wasn't Seiko's "nice idea" to put it on their bezel insert. It was Seiko cutting costs by not using sapphire like other companies do.
Seiko has become the greediest watch company in the world today. It's a joke that (with their huge margins compared to smaller companies) they sell a $500 watch that doesn't include things like: sapphire, a signed crown, a milled clasp, a clicking bezel etc. when others can offer all those things for a fraction of the price. They can't even package it in a decent watch box for Christ's sake! All this, and the worst QC in the industry to top it off.
I hope you enjoy your five Seiko GMT's when the other color variations come out... you know, because the GMT function isn't gimmicky at all in today's world 🙄
I’m on the same page as you Michael! See my comment just added!! 👍
I think a major problem with Seiko's QC is the AD's and boutiques. If they were doing their jobs properly they'd be returning misaligned shipments and declaring them unfit for purpose. A very fair review Olivier. Thanks.
Thank you Dave! Yes that's a good point! It's also up to us
Too true. I pointed out a major misalignment on a Seiko I was about to buy and they changed it for the one on display then put the dodgy one back in stock.
@@davids1194 that's really dissapointing. As long as we continue buying nothing will change
@@davids1194 we definitely deserve better 👍
Yes correct .. if im buying from a shop ill ask to see several n then pick best one
Thanks for the review. I really like the watch but have decided not to buy one, mainly for the reasons you have highlighted. The one thing I disagree with is the cyclops being Rolex heritage (which it well may be); but for my old eyes, a decent cyclops is a life changer. It is like seat belts in a car… Volvo invented the seatbelt but all cars use it for obvious reasons. Thanks again for a well-balanced video.
Great video. Thank you. The lack of saphire and QC issues are not only maddening, but, not understandable
Totally, thank you for your comment 👍
I like it but I don't even travel so a gmt watch is useless to me . Would you wear it just for looks
theyre on sale right now for around $350 but considering this for my first watch. or even at that price should i be looking elsewhere?
That's a good price, if you can also check the QC is OK then you've got yourself a deal!
Nice review! I think it is a beautiful watch for a very good price. I do agree with some of the drawbacks, especially with the misalignment. But I find other drawbacks rather a non-issue. Who cares that a movement is not built up from ground but a modified nh35 movement? I think all affordable watch companies do that. Why entirely redesigning a thing that works well? And then the cyclops that is Rolex heritage? Who cares what the heritage is - if you like it then buy it. I also think buyers do not mind in which of their watch categories SEIKO puts the watch - either you like it or not; who cares how SEIKO advertises it...
Great review. I’m so tired of the SKX case shape used for EVERY watch.
Thank you so much! It's true they have used the case design extensively!
Even 200 usd orient kamasu has saphire.
How much does saphire cost to the manufacturers iver the price of mineral or hardkex? Extra 1 dollar? Extra 2 dollars? It is a shame not to include it on 500 bucks watch!
I know right?
Hello guys, just want to know if GMT watches be worth buying for someone who doesn't travel to other countries?
Will SRDP/SRPE watches be a better and simpler options ?
Please suggest
I just purchased the GMT rarely travel. I live in Australia and use it to keep track of what time sporting events start in the US & also to know when I can speak to my friends that live in London. It's very useful
Well it's actually around 468 USD where I live and can be had for lower around 370 USD at launch everywhere. I think it is a fair price to pay for what is offered.
Totally, at that price and with no QC issues you wouldn't see me complaining, quiet the contrary
Just snapped this up in the back Friday sale for £300. Never pay retail for seiko they are always discounted if you are prepared to wait. It always surprises me when people complain about the retail prices for new releases. Be patient, shop smart you will get a bargain.
£280 at H.M Samuel
@@jamiek7289 that's a great price
@@jamiek7289
H Samuel's are rich pickings. My local branch seem always ready to do sweet deals.
I'm loving my ssk003. I'm lucky to have purchased one that was Made in Japan. Everything lines up perfectly. I have slept with my watch on and have not had any issues with the bezel moving. Just ordered the Marinemaster ratcheting clasp to swap out. I am considering on replacing the hardlex to sapphire in the future but for now I'm just enjoying the watch. 👍
I'm glad that you are enjoying it 👍. With Seiko QC is a matter of luck and at this price point it shouldn't be
Made in Japan, that's some kind of quality guarantee. 🎉
How can we get a Japan made ?
The guy is lying. There is no made in Japan in this model.@@raidenb4512
Rhis watch is perfect for me, I am 70 years old so the cyclops is essential, the GMT is perfect as I always need to know the time in adifferent time zone, I like dive style watches and a little misalignment does not matter as I can't see it anyway and a few seconds out on my decompression time doesn't matter, I have been wearing hardlex crystal watches working underground for years and change the crystal every ten years or so if I need to or not. I have six seiko divers both auto and quartz and they all do the job they are designed for.
Thank you dor your insight Steve, it's precious coming from a decades old user and lover of Seiko watches. Seiko used to be my favourite brand, and I wouldn't have minded all the classic quirks if their prices hadn't Risen so much without upping the quality
I've had this model for about a year now and it's been great. No QC issues with mine at all. Movement is running about plus 15 seconds a day but apart from that no complaints and it looks so good.
That's wonderdul, as I say in the video as long as you don't have QC issues, you are ok with its weaknesses and you got it at the right price it's a good watch
I want to hear your opinion about the seiko speed timer sbdl097 blue and red please!
I am looking to buy this same watch, but after your unbiased review, I decided to pause to see if Seiko will make the improvements in the crystal and clasp. I do want to ask the viewers about what is the issue with the chapter ring under the crystal?
Thank you very much for your comment. My version came with a very misaligned chapter ring as you can see in yhe6close ups. That's my major pet peev against this watch for the price asked. If you can find one for less money and with good QC then it might be worth it, they are beautiful after all, and that will be for you to decide. Good luck 👍
Am just wondering why the Seiko 5 gmt doesn't have the words written made in japan or just japan ? Is it made in china or Malaysia ?
Seiko 5s are made in Malaysia. There's some debate as to where the JDM ones are made, I would say in the same Malaysian factories
@@Horologique mine is printed Made in Japan.
@@dennissourvanos737 That means you've got the J version, so SSK003J1
@@Horologique The hang tag is SSK019.
Sincere question--I see lots of comments saying all the things a $400 automatic GMT watch SHOULD have that this one is lacking... a sapphire crystal, 200m WR, a 120-click bezel, and a milled clasp. Can someone point me to a $400 (or even $600) watch like that? I've been looking for a better alternative to this Seiko and haven't found anything...
Hello Jefferson. The alternative would be with Steihanrt, their Ocean One GMT line. Otherwise, if you want to stay below the $400 there's the San Martin GMT as well: ruclips.net/video/tlBWpi0KKIM/видео.html
@@Horologique Those are just knock-off watches, homages at best
So then what's a good sekio watch to buy if gmt sekio isn't a good one!!! I like it looks very cool lile rolex..
I can't stand rotating bezels moving by themselves. Along with the Hardlex crystal it is what keeps from buying the watch. I don't mind cyclopses when they are well done, well aligned that is to say. I see this as a prelude to many interesting microbrand watches featuring this movement. I often hear watch reviewers giving expression to their hope Seiko finally get misalignment issues under control. I don't know whether there is even the will to improve on that. I just got caught out with another Seiko with horrendous alignment that goes back to the seller. Finally I noticed quite a lot of dust under the crystal on your macro footage.
Thank you for your comment my friend. To be fair most of the dust is over the crystal, it's my fault for not cleaning it up properly (although it's amazing how dust lingers under macro). What was the Seiko you bought?
👀
You made some really good points. I was considering buying one, but now I'm going to hold off and look elsewhere for a GMT.
At that price point, sapphire crystal, milled clasp and a cap on the seconds hand is the least they can do. They have been riding their brand name into the swamp because of greed and laziness 🤷🏻♂️
Well put sir
I bought the black GMT for $357 as I was lucky enough to get 25% on a July 4th sale here in the US. At that price it's a fantastic bargain. Yes, Seiko's QC problems are an issue and very disappointing. But I think folks don't understand that they are just operating at such a bigger scale than microbrands and Chinese manufacturers, so ensuring QC is much more difficult. Also, they are designing and selling watches to their ADs for not much more than the price of some of the better microbrands or Chinese companies. Whole sale price of watches distributed through ADs is about 50-60% of the suggested Retail price. So, Seiko is probably selling this watch to dealers at around $250-280, which is not that much more than a San Martin's retail price. Microbrands and Chinese manufacturers sell direct and thus don't have to allow for dealer profit. They can price much more aggressively. I'd be surprised if some of the Chinese companies are making more than 10-15% profit off each unit. They have minimal R&D, design, marketing costs and just crank out homages based on the work of the established brands, though some trying out new designs of their own making (though still influenced by old designs). So, of course, they can offer fantastic value with sapphire crystal, milled clasp (as all divers use the exact same clasp found on Ali-express for a few dollars). And when you see how many units they make and move on Aliexpress, it's sometimes as low as a couple dozen units per model (100-200 is a breakout seller). Finally the entire microbrand sector would not exist without Seiko and Citizen Miyota making and selling movements to them.
@@catlike1 hello Ed and thank you for your very sensible response. At around the 350 dollar mark I reckon this is fair value.
You are absolutely right about the challenges Seiko has to offer against what Chinese brands do. That's why I appreciate Chinese brands with original designs! They are few but they exist, even from San Martin 😉
@@Horologique I agree with pretty much everything you said and have made the same arguments myself in responses in several other reviews. The other side of the coin however…first, a 6r movement wouldn’t have worked (in my understanding of how they developed this movement) as it lacks the day to modify into the gmt and would have required the development of a new movement rather than a modification of an existing movement. The price at full msrp is definitely high when you focus on what it isn’t and I agree completely with you on the Hardlex, lack of screw down crown and clasp (the bracelet is ok…the clasp sucks). But if you consider what it IS….a functional GMT movement for sub $500 usd from a major manufacturer…..more importantly a manufacturer that provides movements that are going to allow some solid microbrands to bring gmt offerings to the market it’s a good thing. And once the “gotta have it first” rush dies off, the street price will drop dramatically and a year from now we’re going to be a lot happier with what it is.
I agree however that they put a better bracelet on it with a milled clasp, sapphire crystal and screw down crown and market it in the Prospex line and I’d pay $700 for one 😂
@@johnmoyer9719 now that you say it you are totally right about the 6r movement.
Totally, at $300 to $350 this is totally another proposition. My pet peev was hearing all the mainstream press praising this watch, I really had to give the other side of the argument 😉
Seiko 5 watches almost traditionally decrease in price as time goes on. I predict this watch will eventually be available for around $270 to $300. BTW, the Steinhart has a unidirectional bezel because it is primarily considered as a dive watch. However, it is still the greatest value GMT on the market.
That price point doesn't make sense they will never let it get that low.
@@Chris-de2qc £280 atm at H.M Samuel.
@@jamiek7289 its 400 at H.M Samuel
@itskoota I just got this from H Samuel with their 30% discount. for £294.
Available here in Japan on Amazon for the equivalent of around £260 or $320.
Question: is there an alternative high quality mechanical GMT watch for this price?
Of you are not against homages, totally, the San Martin GMT: ruclips.net/video/tlBWpi0KKIM/видео.html
It will be just over $300 during the sale starting on the 22nd of August but it's possible to already put it in the basket
@@Horologique So the answer is no?
@@xpynuker well, I answer above, the answer is certainly!
Have you looked at Zelos and Wise GMT. If so, let me know what you think?
Yes I have looked at the Wise: ruclips.net/video/QFKXAVh7LuI/видео.html
A great watch that I wore this summer vacation, photos all over my IG @horologique83
But is this a watch that will become a dad watch? I have my farther’s yellow 6139 from 72, and it still looks and feels amazing.
It just might, with good care and servicing a mechanical timepiece can last decades
Is that dust particles I can see around the watch face on the inside when closeup? The same around the date box.
No, that's just me not cleaning the watch really well before the macros, sorry...
This watch is now 350$! Is it worth a buy now? Seems like the price has stabilized between 295$ to 355$ for the SSK range!
At that price point if you can get one with good QC then yes, it's a good buy
any other brand that can produce a GMT movement this economical & reliable?
Thanks for your opinion - although I don’t agree with anything you said - I think it’s just not a watch for you. Your bezel may be too loose, mine is stiff enough not to be accidentally moved. The only thing that bothers me is that the budget clasp may bend over time but it’s very comfortable and has a lot of microadjustments.
Thank you for sharing your opinion as well. That's what mine is, just an opinion, and I try my best to give both positive and negative points about this watch to all the viewers so they can make an informed decision 👍
Notice the circular light reflection on the dial at 5:44. Sapphire crystal does not do this, it is unique to hardlex. Still a cool watch but I can’t stand those swirls on my current seiko 5. I wish this one had sapphire and I’d buy an orange gmt in a heartbeat.
You are damn right about the particularity of the hardlex 👌.
Why not get one and try to mod it with a sapphire crystal?
@@Horologique Hey that actually sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve never really thought about it and don’t necessarily know where to start. Do you know if they make aftermarket crystal for these as they’re newer and a tad larger than other 5’s?
@@bendawg69420 you can try DLW watches or Uncle Seiko, which are the biggest names on Seiko modding parts
Update: My local dealer had a 25% off sale. With a $25 gift card they had sent me in the mail I got the orange boi for right under $380!
@@bendawg69420 that's a price I understand, especially if yo7 get ti check the QC of the timepiece you are getting
Kenapa seiko solar banyak menemukan masalah ???
I agree with you completely on this. but the modified movement is fine with me, why re-invent the wheel, the movement is solid, so to build upon it is a smart move.
Thanks mate. I'm totally for them building on what they already have but what pisses me off is the Hodinkee crowd prasing the fact it's "so affordable". It's just not when they are building in what they already have
@@Horologique lol the Hondinkee crowd are a bunch of apes
Great watch have over 30 sports 5 watches all been great a fraction of the price of Swiss watches and just as good.
I've looked at getting one as an alternative wear, and I thought I was going to disagree with your criticisms. But, on point. I still may pick one up.
Thank you! In spite of the title6of the video you can see that I point to both positives and negatives. And more than a year after I still have this watch 😁
i been wearing this for the past week and i have no complaints. this is a cheap gmt and it does its job pretty well. im impressed its way better than what i expected but maybe its because this is my 2nd seiko watch. i personally think its the perfect beater watch and it looks good on nato straps.
I love my Blueberry!! But didn’t like the heavily-beveled crystal, nor the slightly garish bezel insert. So I swapped those out for a no-bevel domed sapphire, and a sloped ceramic 24 hr Batman bezel, both from DLW. Very pleased with it. Love the dial, love the GMT hand, love the 40 hour movement, love the hacking and hand winding, love the solid link bracelet, I’m even happy with the clasp!! Very pleased with the whole watch.
Slightly garish insert? How? Where? WTF are you talking about? It’s a GMT bezel. I’ve never seen anyone else refer to it this way, and I’ve watched tons of reviews and read hundreds of comments.
Wow. Can you upload a photo of that mod aomewhere?
I bought mine today! I traded the braclet for a black and orange rubber one ond got it for 320 euros. I'm very happy with the deal☺️
That's a correct pricing for this watch indeed, as long as it doesn't come with QC issues. Enjoy it to the fullest 👍
Mine keeps great time and chapter ring and dial are dead-on, but I did replace the crystal with a double dome saphirre and replaced to unsigned crown with a signed one. I do not like the free rotating bezel either and I tried to put an SKX bezel spring but it's not compatible. For the price and the possibilities that the SRPD models offer and almost full compatibility with SKX aftermarket parts, then the SRPD modded to one's taste is a much better alternative. I bought like 4 SRPD's in last month and modded them (sapphire crystal, ceramic sloped bezel insert, bezel and signed crown) and gave one to my son but I use my other 3 on a rotation basis while my SSK stays in watch case.
That's great, you are lucky! As ling6as you end uo with a watch you love, that's a great investment 👍
If you keep looking for Stuff about your next watch YOU ALWAYS WILL FIND NEGATIVE VIBES FROM OTHERS. Just buy what makes you happy
That I can totally agree on 😁. But people also need to know what they are buying
Did it have protective film on the crystal?
Nope...
I just watched the video, and I couldn’t agree more. I’ve watched quite a few people have negatives about the watch, but nobody put it quite as good as you just did. This is the first video of yours I’ve seen, I will be subscribing. Keep up the good work my friend, I look forward to more reviews and opinions.
Thank you so much for your support Mike! As you can see this is a very divisive subject 😂
I agree with this guy. I had the gmt seiko. And I sold it to get the orient ray 2 lol. I know they are different types of watches but I believe the orient is all around better watch. friction fit bezel sucks, and unless you are traveling the country everyday a diver are much more useful and more durable imo
I like this watch a lot. My first automatic gmt watch. It looks so stunning compared to the other two $200 watches that I had.
Really honest and just review. These are (except the QC) the main reasons for my desicion not to buy this watch. Price it around $300 with pressed end links and an aluminium bezel; or install a sapphire crystal, a milled clasp and a ratcheting bezel and price it around $600.
For my explained reasoning... I'm sticking with Tissot. Their qc is excellent.
It is indeed, better than Seiko for sure
I have a Tissot PRX auto. Top notch quality. If I was to spend the same money on a Seiko diver, the bezel would be misaligned for sure.
I bought SSK001 yesterday in BKK. I paid about 350-360 USD. If you are in Thailand at the moment though :)
At that price and if you manage to find one with good QC it's a good buy. But only IF!
@@Horologique Luckily This one seems fine to me. There is no missed alignment.
@@peakyblyater8636 congrats 👏
Good review. What is most surprising is the accuracy of your watch. I would not have suspected that as no one has EVER used "Seiko" and "accuracy" in the same sentence. At least not short of GS watches.
I noticed the same misalignment issue on my $1200 Seiko Prospex ISO certified Dive watch... once I noticed, I could not help but see it. But, the Seiko dive watch is far cheaper than my Omega Seamaster Dive Watch... so there you go.
İt is a great watch! I have it and also I have longines quadriple which is 5000$ but seiko much more comfortable than it, so I didnt listen to you, I just wanna write after seeing the topic. I mean dont agree with you!
I would have preferred a 6r34 in a Prospex model, but it would have been $600-800 and I probably would not have purchased it. At $450, I will buy these all day.
You described some really good pionts to not buy this GMT!!!! for 500 - 600 dollars...and you get ...."Hardlex", Non Ratcheting Bezel, Bad Clasp and Bad QC??? yeah this is a no go for me. I am gonna wait till the prices go WAY down on this and buy it second hand. For 500 - 600...i could get a prospex Seiko. I actually just bought an Automatic Seiko King Turtle for $450.....Sapphire Crystal and Ceramic Bezel with 200m water resistant. I think "Value" for your money is what people should be looking for in watches, try to get a bang for your buck guys...and this GMT is just not that at all.
Thank you, I'm glad you think so as well! You are absolutely right, this is almost Prospex Money for a watch that lacks Prospex advantages: WR, sapphire...
I still think I'm the only one on the RUclips watch space holding these views, everyone else is praising this watch, at least major RUclipsrs and many viewers as well, but I guess that almost $500 is nothing for them 😂
@@Horologique I have an opportunity to buy this watch in black for 350 but still on the fence about it. I think your video did do a very good job of highlight the goods and the bads.....it made a lot of sense to me. It is a very nice looking watch but looks can only go so far. I really like your view point!!! You review watches very well, love your Channel and got a new Subscriber!!!
@@Crimson_626 thank you so much for the support 👍👍
I got the watch and i love it. All the negatives you mentioned i never noticed. I dont care if its +/- 3 secs or even minutes. I mean if you look for the time your probably looking at your watch for a second. You cant see if its 14:57 or 14:58 anyway so who botter. Its not cheap but looks really nice.
As a diver the non-screwdown and friction bezel are deal breakers. Had a Seiko for over 25 years and it took a beating. Good watch and it finally quit and was going to cost more to fix than the watch cost new. Went with an EcoDrive and seems pretty tough after 10+ years.
A very nice review, I see your points and rightfully so for that kind of money you expect a bit more, as a Seiko owner of multiple ones , I’ll consider buying one just because is so beautiful. Thank you for your review.
Its actually 280-300$ here in Philippines and im about to buy it
That's a wonderdul price totally in line with what this watch has to offer. If you can check that you get one with good QC
Got mine for 380€ and gpt lucky, no qc issues and after 2 weeks it stays in the range of +3~+5s a day
At that proce6and with those characteristics it's great! Just hope it had sapphire
I love mine. I got the black/grey (SSK001) and can’t stop looking at it. I did have to send my first one back as there was a little blob of lume on the minute hand. Everything is perfect on the replacement though. I love the cyclops and the jubilee style bracelet (although I’ve put it on an oyster bracelet for everyday). If and when the hardlex gets scratched, I’ll put a sapphire in. I paid £360 so not bank breaking for something I love. I always wanted a SKX but never got one and I like GMTs so this was just right for me.
How did you end paying just £360? I found them for £400 everywhere. Which dealer? Would appreciate the inputs!
@@muhammaddaniyalubaidullah8363 I signed up to the mailing list for ‘First Class Watches’ and got 10% off 🙌
@@Captainmattwebb Thanks for that bro!
At that price and with no QC issues I can totally get behind this watch
I purchased the Tanfoglio GMT (Batman) for $99.00. NH 34. Everything is perfectly aligned. Sapphire crystal. Ceramic bezel insert. Unidirectional 120 click bezel. Claims 200 meters WR (I won't be testing that!). Screw down , signed crown. Nice finishing. On ss bracelet. Check it out!!😊
Thank you very much! Yes I heard the WR resistance is terrible but once you know to keep it away from water it's a bargain
@@Horologique the display back version failed a RUclipsr pressure test.. I bought the solid steel case . I suspect the WR is better. However I use digital scuba equipment for actual diving.
Too much for too little. Last week I bought the Seiko PADI Kinetic (brand new) with a TRUE GMT function for about $200 less than the asking price of this watch. I get a beautiful watch with Diver's certification and fantastic build quality.
That's an amazing price and an amazing watch 👍
Hardlex is acceptable on their sub £300 watches, but they use it on £500+ models, and it becomes a deal breaker when you're spending that much. They have some beautiful models that got my attention, but I backed off when I saw their Hardlex specs. I'm not anti Seiko and have two Alpinists with sapphire crystals, but they were both £600+ so that seems to be the point where they use it.
I have my SKX Alpinist that's I bought $400 new... those were the days 😢
While not my favorite design I can appreciate the importance of the piece and possibilities for future revisions and spin-offs more caters to different tastes. My question is where are these multitude of options? Where are these automatic GMT watches with sapphire crystals and bespoke movements? 🤔🤷♂️ I really want to know.
I made a video about the first one from Venezianico: ruclips.net/video/3Hw87GGq9Wc/видео.html
There's another from a Singaporean brand called Vesuviate
And what about steeldive gmt ?
I really don't get all the hissy fits over Hardlex.
I found the lowest price on the the black model Seiko SSK001 for only $255 with free delivery.
This blue model is the SSK003.
Wonderful price! Don't hesitate to share the link it tell us where you got it
Great looking watch . The misalignment of the dial is a trademark of Seiko ! Albeit a very very bad trademark . I don’t understand why after all these years why Seiko can’t get it right ? 😮
I really don't get it either, especially at this higher price point 🤔
Nice Timepiece but OP, will wait and see if they make way cheaper homages and sell with better specs on AliExpress.
I have a San Martin GMT Master II clone with sapphire crystal, ceramic 24 click bi-directional bezel, and screw down crown with 200 meters of water resistance. It costs less than what Seiko is asking for.
Thanks for buying chinese mr demo
You will certainly get that very soon 👍
I’ve had a seiko 5 sea urchin on my wrist everyday for the last 9 yrs , im in the building trade mostly muck shifting and concrete work, it’s not very pretty anymore but hands down the best watch I’ve had . I’ve used seiko watches since the early 80s mostly all 5’s . Great quality and looks for not alot of cash. 😊
Thank you for sharing your great experience with Seiko 5s! Great watches indeed that used to cost way below $100, but that's in the past 😢
This watch is easily available at us400. It's around the same price as a turtle. I don't mind hardlex because it's clearer than non AR Sapphire. I agree the jubilee construction is crap but it is so comfortable.
Where
Why not Quartz? Without the self winding boxes, what a pain in the 'A' to have to reset it. 10/15 seconds a day!? I bought the Bulova Moon watch. $400. 10/15 seconds a YEAR! Just my opinion. A far better watch (with Sapphire Crystal).
Thanks for the awesome review. After watching your review I changed my mind about buying this watch, I will look else where, I will buy either Glycine or Stienhart.
Do you work at a theme park? You mentioned you have been on a roller coaster many times with this watch? It is good, yes?
media.tenor.com/HnX8u6-Nw6gAAAAM/rollercoaster-roller.gif
I love your honest reviews, and I love your channel! ♥
Thank you so much 👍👍
I have this watch and like it for what it is and didn't pay retail, not even close. I would like however more micro adjustments available in the clasp. Looks nice and I enjoy wearing it among other watches I wear. Thanks for the review
At the second position of the crown, the hour/minutes hands can not be rotated without the rotation of GMT hand. It is a big mistake for GMT watch.
For this price, I consider the modified nh35 to be a good thing. It's been time tested and rock solid. And servicing will be easy and cheap.
Love my seiko 5…switch it out with my seiko sport every other day. No complaints, only compliments. I don’t bring rocks with the crystal so no worry.
We get it for about 330 Euros in Malaysia so it's a pretty good value for what Seiko is offering.
In that case it's a good deal and I can totally jump behind it... but for the huge QC issues that should be resolved
Great video and lots of interesting points for and against buying this watch! I’m glad you do however like it enough to keep it!!
I received mine on 1st July the day it was released and have worn in nearly every day since then. Like you I’m keeping mine! I love it and have become more fond of it as the month has gone by.
I have no problem with any of the negative points you’ve mentioned: no QC issues, love the friction bezel, happy with hardlex, like that my poor old eyesight can see the date through the cyclops etc.
My only negative is it not having a screw down crown. I get it’s not a diver watch, but my perfect holiday watch needs to be able to spend lots of time in the sea without any worries!!
Overall, I’m glad I bought it - and with my 15% discount think I got a real bargain!
Thanks for a great video. I’ve subscribed and looking forward to catching up with some previous videos 👍😎
Thank you very much for the support! As for the watch I'm really glad you got a deal for it and that you are enjoying yours, after all that's all that matters 👍
Unless you are actually going diving you’ll be fine. I wear my Seiko 5s (30m WR) to the beach all the time.
The idea that a crown needs to screw down for WR is a myth. And if you look at Seiko’s proprietary design you’ll see that unlike Rolex it doesn’t need the crown to secure the seal. So while a Rolex will or could let water in with the crown unscrewed a Seiko won’t have that problem.
Best honest review I've heard...so between misalignment and their persistence for hardlex crystal, I'll pass...👍
Thank you!
Great review, the usual unsurprising issues we have all become accustomed too. A charming watch for sure, but then dissapointing with it. Great job mate!
Thank you so much my friend! Dissapointing is the term, we have really let Seiko get away with too much, it's time they get their act together.
Have a great Sunday and start of the week 👍
@@Horologique you too my friend!
Asking for a bespoke movement on a sub $500 watch seems like a bridge too far. I do agree on Hardlex as bummer. Sapphire crystals and ceramic bezel's are ubiquitous even at this price point. I have an Orient with both for a smidge over $400.
I have to say after watching this review several times. This is the fairest and most honest review of a watch I have seen..The SK5 GMT is like Marmite, love it or hate it.
I agree, there are so many clever things about this watch yet so many wtf's!
The one off glass covered bezel, multi directional, I love that innovation.
Wake up Rolex ZZZ, boring!!
The irritating offset of the 12 hauret is somewhat cute in a deliberate clumsy error type of way.
If Seiko were to fix that, this release would be in demand, for ironically having a floor in it, like bank notes, stamps and coins.
Embrace the beauty of this watch and it's idiosyncratic nature.
Personally, I'm not selling. I think overall it's a wonderful piece. Some might say an "Ugly duckling" and we all know how that turned out right? 😁
I have 5 watches with Hardlex, 3 of them are perfect, 2 of gem got immediately and easily scratched. Anything above $300 really needs a sapphire crystal.
You were right, I just paid $350 on a black Friday deal!
That's a cool price, congrats 👍
Right, so I'll be looking at heimdallr and steeldive when they release gmt versions of this watch😅
Totally! And don't forget San Martin 😁
Suggest the best watch to buy in this budget PLEASEEEEEE.
Great review! I felt like it was a little too expensive, and you confirmed what I suspected.
Thank you, not too many agree with me 😁
Don't buy!! It's really a bad watch. I sold it after I buy one day later. Now I bought a Steinhart and I am pretty happy. My humble suggestion to Seiko company is to transfer several quality managers from Toyota or Denso companies.
My Explorer Pagani Design has GMT and it works, and also has sapphire crystal.