This watch is from another planet. Never had a watch before on that high level - and I have/had a lot of watches including RLX and Omega. Since I have this one, I don't look at watches anymore. But be aware, the first 2 days you may be disapointed or not impressed. The recognition and appreciation will come on day two or three with a BANG! 😊
Surprised at this viewpoint from the well respected Rob. I know you weren't "knocking it" per se. However, you've handled enough Seiko divers to see that the price difference is more than justified when you look at the ENTIRE package - not just the movement. The finishing, which you barely mentioned, is on par or better than my BB58, and just a hair under my white dial Seamaster 300 Ceramic. The latter priced at $5400 with very little discounts as of Q2 this year. The only other bargain in the higher end seiko catalogue that trumps the SLA51/49 family, is my Marine Master 300 SLA023. And the sheer massive size of that piece makes this more of an attractive piece to some with smaller wrists. I think the neutral gray dial color, which is great for wearing everyday because it matches entire wardrobes, doesn't make this piece jump out at you like the blue dial SLA049 does. But this piece is the real deal. An underrated gem. Bruce was spot on with his review of this peice from a few months back. Check it out.
I feel like comparing a Turtle to the SLA051 is like comparing a SKX007 to a MM300. Both watches may have their roots in the same line of watches. But fit and finish are worlds apart.
I’ve just got the SLA049 which is the limited Edition Uemura version of the SLA051. I also have a Turtle which I love but the Uemura is on a different level. You have to wear this watch in different lights to see how the bezel and dial move and change their colour and feel. It’s more of a work or art than a work horse. The case is beautifully finished and the extra width makes it far more attractive in my eyes than a standard Willard. Is it worth the money? If you are just concerned with the shape of a watch then no, if you want something a little special with a fine movement that flies under the radar then I have to say for me it was. It’s spec and movement definitely warrants the extra money and the Uemura is limited to 1200 pieces. I would actually go as far to say I think the SLA51 and SLA049 are better value than a standard Willard for what you are getting.
Completely agree. I also own the turtle PADI, this watch is on a different level. I’ve had bad luck with the accuracy of the 6R movements…the 8L movement is Grand Seiko level as is this watch. I have the SLA51 and it’s my grail diver and hasn’t disappointed.
I read the comments and I don't think there's an issue with the watch in terms of it's price but with the branding. Its a shame because this is a great watch that a lot of people will miss out on, and probably without ever even holding it in person.
Beautiful Willard! Definitely a little pricey, but that is a high beat movement. Is it worth $1000 more than the regular Willard? I'm not sure about that, but whatever works!
Anyone know if this has a replaceable crown tube like the SLA055? Seiko love to spot weld press fit crown tubes in, which makes fixing a crown tube an expensive ordeal
Hello Rob! Thanks for this video! Is the bracelet on this watch of better quality than the steel bracelet that come with the regular "Capitain"? Like SPB151? Or are they better in terms of quality? What is your opinion about that? Thanks!!
I was about to leave a comment in jest saying something crazy like I bet the price tag is going to be $2500, because I felt that was such an exaggeration. But then it literally is priced that much.
I would expect these to be more accurate than the 4R movements. My SPB143 is way more accurate that my Samurai’s and is really close to my SNR033 Spring Drive.
It’s a small thing and probably stupid but I will not buy a modern Seiko Prospex until they get rid of that stupid X logo. It immediately cheapens the watch.
Cheapens it? I would prefer not to have it on the dial but I can't see how it cheapens the look. Do cheap watches have an 'X' on the dial or something?
I've seen these at very keen prices 2nd hand.. around 1500 dollars or under.. but that date window is really off putting IMO a real shame because a Willard with the superior movement and quality is a win otherwise.
This watch is from another planet. Never had a watch before on that high level - and I have/had a lot of watches including RLX and Omega. Since I have this one, I don't look at watches anymore. But be aware, the first 2 days you may be disapointed or not impressed. The recognition and appreciation will come on day two or three with a BANG! 😊
Interesting
Surprised at this viewpoint from the well respected Rob. I know you weren't "knocking it" per se. However, you've handled enough Seiko divers to see that the price difference is more than justified when you look at the ENTIRE package - not just the movement. The finishing, which you barely mentioned, is on par or better than my BB58, and just a hair under my white dial Seamaster 300 Ceramic. The latter priced at $5400 with very little discounts as of Q2 this year. The only other bargain in the higher end seiko catalogue that trumps the SLA51/49 family, is my Marine Master 300 SLA023. And the sheer massive size of that piece makes this more of an attractive piece to some with smaller wrists. I think the neutral gray dial color, which is great for wearing everyday because it matches entire wardrobes, doesn't make this piece jump out at you like the blue dial SLA049 does. But this piece is the real deal. An underrated gem. Bruce was spot on with his review of this peice from a few months back. Check it out.
Agreed...I'd personally take this over a submariner...
@@algorithm007ify So true! I wear this piece literally 5 times more than my 114060 sub. I actually get more questions about it, too.
I feel like comparing a Turtle to the SLA051 is like comparing a SKX007 to a MM300.
Both watches may have their roots in the same line of watches. But fit and finish are worlds apart.
This comment is spot on.
I’ve just got the SLA049 which is the limited Edition Uemura version of the SLA051. I also have a Turtle which I love but the Uemura is on a different level. You have to wear this watch in different lights to see how the bezel and dial move and change their colour and feel. It’s more of a work or art than a work horse. The case is beautifully finished and the extra width makes it far more attractive in my eyes than a standard Willard. Is it worth the money? If you are just concerned with the shape of a watch then no, if you want something a little special with a fine movement that flies under the radar then I have to say for me it was. It’s spec and movement definitely warrants the extra money and the Uemura is limited to 1200 pieces. I would actually go as far to say I think the SLA51 and SLA049 are better value than a standard Willard for what you are getting.
Completely agree. I also own the turtle PADI, this watch is on a different level. I’ve had bad luck with the accuracy of the 6R movements…the 8L movement is Grand Seiko level as is this watch. I have the SLA51 and it’s my grail diver and hasn’t disappointed.
That is a gorgeous watch.
I would choose this over a rolex submariner ... The painful bit will be the servicing...not many places can do this locally.
I like it a lot, but not $2500 a lot.
lol, it’s yours for $250
It's a very nice watch in my opinion.
Beautiful watch. Another on point review.
I read the comments and I don't think there's an issue with the watch in terms of it's price but with the branding. Its a shame because this is a great watch that a lot of people will miss out on, and probably without ever even holding it in person.
Looks much more refined than the standard turtle.
Can’t wait to see a Spb313 and 315 review
Beautiful Willard! Definitely a little pricey, but that is a high beat movement. Is it worth $1000 more than the regular Willard? I'm not sure about that, but whatever works!
I think it's worth it..servicing might be a bit more of a pain though
Not a high beat movement, but still lovely! I have the 8L35 in another watch and it is smooth as silk.
I don’t think you understand or appreciate this watch. The regular Turtle is a very good watch but this watch is in a different league.
I like the turtle and love the sla051.
Come on Seiko, no signed crown for $2500...really?
Honest review… thanks Rob!!
8L35 movement is premium, so price is acceptable. Would get the marinemaster over this one though.
Beautiful watch, it is pricey though. Also, the placement of the date window bothers me! No date would be the way to go, IMO.
I really like the dial colour, it's almost identical to the original 62 mas
The date is in a returded spot
That is stunning, but I just managed to snag a solar tuna for $145, this is really pricey
Anyone know if this has a replaceable crown tube like the SLA055?
Seiko love to spot weld press fit crown tubes in, which makes fixing a crown tube an expensive ordeal
I have SLA049 Uemura limited diiference level from turtle but yes price a bit too high.
Hello Rob!
Thanks for this video!
Is the bracelet on this watch of better quality than the steel bracelet that come with the regular "Capitain"? Like SPB151?
Or are they better in terms of quality? What is your opinion about that?
Thanks!!
Personally I prefer date at 4:30 and crown aligned at 4
I was about to leave a comment in jest saying something crazy like I bet the price tag is going to be $2500, because I felt that was such an exaggeration. But then it literally is priced that much.
I don’t get why seiko blurs the line with what you would expect to be the grand seiko price range.
I would expect these to be more accurate than the 4R movements. My SPB143 is way more accurate that my Samurai’s and is really close to my SNR033 Spring Drive.
I like the Willard too but for that money it's nearly worth holding out for the new Rolex Kurtz bezel-less Master-GMT reissue.
Good review
No signed crown.
Great high level review! Do you still have your Rolex?
I still have both my Rolex.
@@RandomRobReviews this watch beats them both ;) Cant believe you compared this watch to a turtle..it even has zaratsu polishing on the case sides..!
Amazing piece but the king turtles make it hard to justify this price point! I just got my king turtle for under 450 USD!
This is better than the KT in every department. The standard Willard is better than the KT in every dept too.
Can anyone explain to me why the sla033 is so much more money than the sla051. They both share the same movement.
Should have been no-date
Agree
Naw…I’ll stick with my King Turtle. It works just fine, and looks great with a Strapcode bracelet.
It’s a small thing and probably stupid but I will not buy a modern Seiko Prospex until they get rid of that stupid X logo. It immediately cheapens the watch.
Cheapens it? I would prefer not to have it on the dial but I can't see how it cheapens the look. Do cheap watches have an 'X' on the dial or something?
I've seen these at very keen prices 2nd hand.. around 1500 dollars or under.. but that date window is really off putting IMO a real shame because a Willard with the superior movement and quality is a win otherwise.
I love it but unfortunately way out of my price range. Hello Aliexpress! Lol!
Booo
🌹👌
Is Jeff selling it?
No
Does anyone know how many divers 200 M or greater that Seiko offers it must be close to 100 different models
Too many. Overload. You want to collect 2 or 3 and not feel that 10 are still out there.
Nice but just too expensive...
$2500 ouch
Thanks for the review!