Searching For My Next Grail Seiko Diver Watch: SPB299 vs SPB183 vs SPB297 Review
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
- Seiko divers-primarily the SKX007 and SKX009- are the watches that converted me into a diehard Seikoholic. But as I prepare for my State of the Collection video for 2022, I couldn't help noticing that I'm very light on Seiko divers. What has changed? What are Seiko's newest divers for 2021 and 2022 like in comparison? Is the much higher asking price justified? And how do these new releases fit in with regards to the rich, illustrious heritage and achievement of their diving watches? Recently I've decided that one of my collecting goals for 2023 is to add a Seiko diver back to my collection-but which one? In this triple watch review, I take a look at three heavyweight options, including two Seiko Save the Ocean Re-Creation models (SPB299 and SPB297) along with a limited-edition Seiko Turtle (SPB183) aka The Captain Willard. Join me for a long overdue revisit and review, including all the positives and negatives of these 3 watches, to see if my passion for Seiko divers has been reignited or extinguished with these latest offerings, as I consider which Seiko diver, if any, will be my next collecting grail.
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Thank you for continuing to pump out quality content TGV. Keeps me sane when the world races past. Wear your pieces in good health and keep chuffing!
Thank you Satya, I very much appreciate that. Hang in there my friend. O&U!
Best regards,
TGV
I've always admired Seiko watches, the divers in particular. I'm now a collector. Wouldn't wear anything else. Absolutely love the design elements, the history and how they make me feel when I see and wear them. The blue limited edition Willard looks stunning...
I’ve had the green Willard on the oem black rubber strap for nearly a year, absolutely love it. Every time I put it on it hits me. I have come to love this watch more and more as the months have passed, I know it’s a keeper! 🙂🤘🏻
I bought the olive green Willard mid july. It's my favourite and I just miss it after 2 days wearing other watches and so happy to see him back on my wrist. Should I consult a doctor?
Buy the Limited Edition Blue Willard. They are almost all sold out at ADs and it will be seen as a classic.
Always a pleasure to watch one of your videos. So well researched. Classy. Well done. I'd never considered a Willard but you may have me rethinking my position. $1100 is a lot for a Seiko dive watch especially with the beautiful Zodiac Skin coming in around the same price on a rubber strap. But.... you've got me looking now. Well done. Really enjoyed this one.
I mostly agree with your point that you have to experience a watch to really get a feel for it, the only problem is that I’d end up buying everything I try😂
So true, so damn true. Thank you Julian,
Best regards,
TGV
Yep, if only my wallet matched my watch wishes!
Hmm. I think maybe the best new iteration of the Seiko diver is not a Seiko at all, but rather the Islander ISL-01 or -02. It's an SKX007 with the same dimensions, Seiko NH36 movement, sapphire crystal, and a very nice solid-lug (and milled clasp) bracelet for $299.
Really like that Blue Northport that Mark released this year, with the ripple dial.
Agreed. I bought Marc's ISL-03, his version of the 009. An excellent choice indeed.👍
They are amazing!
Islander rules! My wife has a 64, 38mm, and I've got a 56, the white dial Monster. Hoping to get another Islander next year.
Yes.
I would rather spend my money on an Islander than a Seiko that has for most parts lower quality and is way over priced.
A TGV video on affordable Seiko divers! First class! Just my cup of tea! ☕️ CWT 🏴
Just like the old days!
I know just what you mean by when it comes to the Willard’s case shape. It might be out of the question but have you considered any of the Tuna models? There was a Marine Master 1000m, that used the GS movement (8L-something). I don’t think it would fit my wrist either but love the rose gold color.
I think of the ‘modern’ Seiko divers the 63 mas is my favourite, though I’d be interested to check out the new spb313/315/317.
Seiko is killing it at all price ranges. I definitely want to add a SLA level seiko too my collection down the line.
I think the right Captain Willard for you will be the SLA033, because is has a Grand Seiko caliber. On the other side it is very expensive (€ 4.350) and big (47 cm) 😒!
TGV, your commitment to your audience is very compelling. You do a great job of educating us on nuances of brands , and it is like watching horological knowledge being told in a very warming way. I have been collecting for 50 years, starting with a Seiko Quartz sports 100 that I received at 13, now I am 70, and I have everything from a Rainbow Daytona to a Casio FW91 and the Bowmar brain calculator, you have taught me to appreciate everything in this hobby. Please keep up the good work, and Watchbox made a HUGE MISTAKE in parting company with you
SPB 183 limited edition all the way. Love it. Such a value for money.
👏👏👏 Such a cool watch,
Congrats and enjoy Luciano, thank you.
Best regards,
TGV
I still have no doubts that Seiko is one of the best options for a diver watch.
ISO certified diver, great heritage, and further, even the movement is no reason to be underestimated. Accurate, and very durable.
Bracelet is what Seiko need to get better
but considering the price, still one of the best!
Great video, as always TGV.
The Willard does stand apart and I am quite fond of the design. I suggest you buy it with a back dial, seeing as you already have the blue Squale.
Stay safe, O&U!
I know you addressed the elephant in the room regarding the QC issues that Seiko is known for and said you didn't see any in the ones you had on hand to review, but @17:45 that pip on the bezel looks absolutely atrocious with what appears to dark scuff marks all around it. Honestly, if you gave me $1200 and said I could spend it on a Seiko or a brand like Squale or even Oris, I'd choose the Squale/Oris every time just based off the poor QC repuatation that Seiko has developed and maintained as evidenced even in this video. I'm not meaning to trash Seiko...I want them to do better!!!! Thanks for the continued amazing videos TGV!!!
I love the SPB297! I myself own the SPB213, the 140th anniversary edition with the sunburst silver dial and I wear it quite often. These 1965 divers have perfect proportions and look so much more expensive on wrist than even their ~$1000 dollar price would imply. My only complaint is the bracelet they come on, but that was quickly remedied by putting mine on an Uncle Seiko Z199.
The new Seiko mm200 reduced save the ocean (1968) is one of my favorite watches. And I own many from hundreds to thousands. It fits my 7in wrist perfectly and btw is pretty much exactly the same measurement as the new Breitling 42mm superocean 2022. Great watch.
Same. I own SPB187 and SPB299 and this design really is the perfect dive watch on wrist. It's just such a great case shape.
@@CydeWeys I own the Seiko SPB255 and the SPB299 and I have no issue saying I’ll buy another mm200 if one comes out looking just as nice or better. They change enough little details where they look like slightly different watches. I also have the Willard from this most recent Save the ocean line and that might actually be my favorite Seiko right now.
Great Seiko Episode!! I’m lucky enough to have the SPB147 & can attest to its quality.. Definitely a level up.. Good Stuff TGV.. BMJ ENGLAND 🏴
Great video my friend! Seiko has some great offerings. It's a brand that always pulls me back in. Funny, I just did a "Best Seiko dive watches" video myself. Great minds think a like 👊😊
The 6r35 is a bad movement, my is slowing with 10-15 sek a day. The watch looks nice, but the precision is really sub-par
thanks for this superb video , i love seiko ....but ,the service center in Germany is a small to medium-sized catastrophe and if there is something worse about the watch, shipping to Japan is too much for me, sometimes the rolex is back home quicker . so I only have a few left ,that I don't want to part with. like the SPB299 the most , the dial with the wave's , just beautiful .
Sold all my Seiko's recently, fell out of love for them, got a new titanium Helm Khuraburi inbound in white, double domed sapphire, ceramic bezel all for under £400 with extra straps, still with a Seiko movement but does all i need it to and 300m water resistantance, no brainer.
One must have patience if one is after a Helm! I recently received my fourth, the Miyako, and it's every bit as well made as the earlier three models. Exceptional value indeed.
I love my Seikos but their pricing recently confuses me. I understand worth and value are subjective, but I can't get my head around how these cost over double that of my king Turtle. I think that will be the last Seiko diver I buy and now my eyes are drawn towards a Baltic aquascaphe.
From my point of view - new Samurai Manta or Black edition is the TOP
The Glacier Marinemaster 200 is the best looking dive watch I’ve seen in a long time. It has surpassed my 16600 SD as my favorite diver.
WOW GREAT VID. I love the baby blue on the 1968. How could you go wrong with any of these watches. I’ll stay with my $300-$600 Seiko divers, a must unfortunately when I like to keep my collection between 50 and 70 watches., 60% of them Seiko. Thanks TGV SEIKO IS KING !!!
I would honestly own any of these watches, but the SPB297 is my favorite. I didn't vibe with the Willard (SBP151) for some reason, even though I own a King Turtle. The new "MM200" cases are nice, but definitely not for the small wristed. I have a 7-1/4" and could pull it off. That one looks quite nice, but the "62MAS" reinterpretation just suits me so perfectly. I was shockingly impressed when I tried the SPB143 on. I've yet to see these new STO models in person, but I've only been to one Seiko Luxe AD since their release. Now if Seiko could up their bracelet game a little, and regulate their movements from the factory, these >$1K prices could more easily be justified. If I didn't love their designs so much, I'd go with Swatch group divers in that range due to accuracy and build quality.
I have so much love for a good Seiko diver! Out of the new Willards I’m most drawn to the ice white SPB301 with the blue bezel and matching pop of blue on the seconds hand. Great video as per usual TGV!
Thank you Alastair, well observed on that pop of blue on the seconds hand, stunning ice dial, if only the been was white too, OMG, I would buy it now, ice ice baby willard 😂😂.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry I have it and I love the spb301. Best Willard hands down. What do you mean by "if only the been was white too"? Beans as in like BBQ beans?
@@steelsteez6118 guessing he meant bezel
The SRPC91 holds up there with the best Seikos imo. I got mine from Marc, actually lol. He used to mod them.
I am too
Old to buy expensive Seiko whenever I approach their store, I wish I could fight those demons though- they look and feel amazing!
Has TGV gotten his Willard yet?😂
Got a few seikos in my collection and I don't think anyone can argue that for the money there quality is hard to beat especially in the prospects and padi line.
Great as always TGV look forward to the next one 👍 👏 🇬🇧
Seiko shuffle gang like this comment! :P
I appeased my desire for a 'Willard' by buying a Steeldive SD1970. I couldn't justify the price Seiko was asking for theirs. As much as I like Seiko as a whole (and I have 15 of them), their pricing is beginning to detract from their once great value.
You should definitely check out the SPB313, SPB315 and SPB317. These are the latest set released and they combine a lot of the aspects of the ones you reviewed here. Very tempted by the black dial version, even though I've only recently acquired a limited edition SPB213. OK, ciao :)
Great video as always! Seiko very rarely do flat, matte, simple dials. I really wish they would do so i.e. alongside the sunburst and more exotic finishes they offer, like those shown here. I think that would go a long way to pull more people into the brand. Seiko watches are often so polarizing, but I feel they needn't be.
You're not helping my Seiko addiction, TGV. Maybe just 1 more.
Gooooo on. Life is short my friend. Thank you Winston,
Best regards,
TGV
OG - Original Gentry! I love it!
… and the fact that you have a Willard on the short list as a grail, well TGV, you certainly are an evolutionary being
Got my Prospex Black Series SPB255J1 Limited Edition for just £648, 40% discount from £1080 at H.Samuel.
When you said Seiko, and knowing your penchant for smaller watches I thought you’d be looking at the new 6105 reinterpretations the spb317 313 etc?
😉 Plenty more Seiko vids to come, great suggestion, thank you David,
Best regards,
TGV
Aha!! This is the video you were referring to. I recently got my turtle but been digging other divers too
Excellent content which one of the 3 would you go for
At 7:51 does any italian speaker know what he said? I've been learning Italian and have heard TGV say this multiple times but can't find what expression this.
"capolavoro" means "masterpiece"
It’s all down to personal preference, but I agree on the bracelets not really matching all the work they put into the watch. I bought a used SPB143, replaced the bracelet with the Uncle Seiko tapered oyster style bracelet and then drilled out a couple of the smallest links to fit a knockoff unbranded glide lock clasp. It made it lighter and gave it a more refined look with the taper.
Thanks, TGV, for another interesting, amusing, and informative segment. I have been turned onto Seiko divers for some time. One question: what would you think of me if I preferred a metal bracelet? Rick from Hackensack.
Great video, I picked up the 62 reissue SPB147 gen 1 couple of years ago with the brown dial and rubber strap not looked back, with its 72 hrs and case finishing it gives the black bay a run for its money. I don't think the new seikos are overpriced for what they are, providing everything lines up! Which mine does
They're not overpriced at all.
I have experienced accuracy that bad with mine I have the spb147j1 great to look at but looses 30s a day straight out the box wanted it for a year and a half got it 2 months ago and just can't seem to enjoy it because of this my king turtle losses about 10s a day and it was half the price
I love my Smurf Willard. It gets more wrist time than my Snowflake.
Great video as always 👍👍 you probably know, but there is one new watch from seiko, it is not so well known, but it is the slim turtle, spb317. It has the potential to be the ideal seiko diver. Hope i will try it on soon
Check out Seiko SLA 051 , even if you arent interested in buying one , seeing you present the watch with such history would be amazing to watch.
Your history lessons on watches are best on youtube and this just seems like the perfect watch .
kind regards
I purchased the SPB297 last week, and I agree on the dive extension - it's at best functional, but really cheap feeling. Would much prefer Seiko to bring some kind of on the fly adjustment, but I guess perhaps in 5 years it'll arrive for them 😅...the textured dials are a beaut, so happy to see them taking a slither of Grand Seiko and bringing it to mere mortal levels. Great video summary, thanks TGV.
@legod u can always put a mm300 diver clasp on it..I know .u shouldn't have to at these prices but it is an option
@@flow2tech not a bad idea, thanks!
Wonderful as always! I agree the Willard is the Cat Pajamas of the Three but yes the other the textured Dials are more interesting, I think a Dark Ruby Red would be a hit! Keep the Content Coming!
Great video. I have one of those new reimagined 62mas in the gray (SPB143). It's been my favourite watch and I almost don't wear anything else since getting it. I would check out one of those new prospex "slim turtles' that just released. They have a very vintagey vibe and the wearing dimensions should work great on smaller wrists.
@Rydock definitely getting a slim turtle..most likely that new gilt version
I would love to see you take a look at the SLA 049. It's a watch that the pictures and even the videos do not quite do justice to. Who knows it might just be the willard you're looking for.
Really think you should check out the SPB313!
I did wait for a video like this for so long! Awesome video Tristano!
Enjoying it while wearing my SRP773j1 turtle. Feeling happy!
3 fantastic watches from the greatest brand of all time. Whichever you choose, wear it in good health!
Kind regards,
Mister Seiko, Netherlands
I have the same with my Seiko spb 143. Poland
I've had the olive green Willard for a little over a year now and it gets the most wrist time out of all my watches. I originally bought it more for the film connection as opposed to the design. But as time has passed I've grown to love the cushion case. For me it is my everyday do it all watch. I did almost bought the blue dial but I already have a blue dial Seiko diver in my collection and I didn't want them to clash. My only two grips are: I wish the Seiko logo was applied and (for the prospex line as a whole) I wish the crown was signed.
The SLA017, SLA043 etc, give off a greater grail vibe, although I'm not a fan of limited editions (which hikes the price up artificially).
The sla models are fantastic watches , as good as anything seiko does.
Great review... You should look more closely at the Willard SPB 237... For my taste it's the best till now!
Hey TGV! Blue is just a magic color for watches! I bought a Yema superman just for the color:) Would you consider making a special about the Steinhart Appolon?
3:00 - Hard to believe the chunk of steel Willard was the lightest watch.
I agree the diver extension leaves little to be desired. Spare me the extension in lieu of a better quality bracelet.
I love the editing, the visuals, the humor, keep doing what you are doing.
Great video. Any of these would feel like a down grade to my beloved 5 sports srpd. Simply because I love a DAY date function.
I bought a Blue 62 MAS with the black bezel about 6 months ago. It gets about 50% wrist time, there are now watches I don't wear in my collection since it arrived. It's perfection, comfortably, looks great, iconic, subtle and hugely affordable. It's also a strap hound
I own the SPB237 Captain Willard. It has a grey textured dial with a Matte Black Bezel insert. I think it’s the best CW out there. Check it out!
I purchased the olive green Capt. Willard because of your review. LOVE it. Thank you.
I’m new to the brand as I’ve bought an SPB239, love everything about it. The NATO is the best I’ve tried yet. I have also an SPB313 on the way for Christmas 🎄 2 Seikos for the price of less than one Black Bay. I challenge you to try an SBP313 before getting the Willard ;) I think you’ll like the SPB317 also. I got the silicone strap to go with my 313
Great review of the AK 47 of watches..there is one model of the baby marine that's has the most beautiful dial ever.. that its the spbd083 "great blue hole" . I DARE ANYONE TO FIND A BETTER DIAL!
Thank you for continuing to create an unique atmosphere and quality content! OG here since ~2016, the time of SKXs, G-Shocks, Omegas, Rolexes, Bond connections, watch battles, model planes and model cars reviews and little big Earnie! I would recommend the Seiko SRP Prospex Turtle, perhaps the PADI, or the plain black SRP-777, still the most comfortable watch I have worn to this date, despite the size, and my wrists are similarly sized to yours. I know it has been reviewed to death, but the Gentry demands a TGV spin on it! I know you reviewed the baby Turtle, but I think the SRP Prospex Turtle wears better than the baby Turtle. You could consider one of its rare harder-to-find reincarnations, such as the Blue Lagoon. Wishing you the best of health, to you, your family and loved ones, onwards and upwards!
Nice to have these options without the fauxtina lume that lots of Seikos have lately!
Oh for a Willard in 40 mm.
Been waiting for the SPB lineup Urban Gentry review every since the models came out, what a treat.
Hello again from Macau 🇲🇴, where taxi drivers wear Submariners and rare hulkss 😂
I can't see Hugo lowering himself to Seiko darling! ❤️
TGV has the best intro in the business. Period!
Totally turned off by Seiko after they went ivory tower. The turtle case is perhaps the epitome of case ergonomics. Their lume is amazing and enlightening. Mechanics is good. CS and repair is subpar. I really feel like they are not in touch with their enthusiasts. Adapting the skx007 to an entire watch line was genius. Sad that they lowered their standards in the move. I won't be sending Seiko any more money. I'd rather buy an older model used or an homage. I love their 62mas my all time favorite diver. I am a professional diver by trade. My sons first watch was the skx 013. Seiko should give a nod to their fans as well as cater to the mass market. Watch enthusiasts appreciate the finer and higher aspects of their craft.
TY,,,,,,WOW incredible very interesting super kool ,1st class great info.,, AAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++++ again great video I liked it a lot ,keep up the great work.
Wearing my OG automatic today, the Seiko 5 dress watch!
Perfecting timing for this video, I pulled the trigger on the SPB297 2 days ago. As you say the bracelets are terrible. The Seiko boutique here in Knightsbridge hooked me up with a blue silicon strap and a black seichu nato strap to fix my dislike of the bracelet 👌🏽
Picked this up around 2 weeks ago. Put it on a Strapcode rubber strap straight away as the bracelet was just disappointing . You’d expect a watch at this price point to at least have a decent bracelet.
Not to mention the movement . Anyone know if I could get this watch properly regulated at a local watchmaker ?
Such a perfect video with profound information on the topic yet again. Putting the dial finish in context with japanese culture and its relation to nature, the infamous mr mountbatten, "you shouldn't drink and bake" out of nowhere... it is a informative joy watching your videos!
If you are still looking for the Santos that Hugo, well, "borrowed", I think I found it at 11:45 ;)
Just recently got a automatic baby tuna ( urban safari as SEIKO calls it ). Absolutely love the watch and very accurate. Want another one with different dial color
For me, the SPB297 here is the clear favorite. My next Seiko will either be that or the original grey sunburst dialed SPB143 it’s based on. The Willard for me looks like a pricier Turtle, and I already own the PADI variant of that watch…with its terrible bezel action (at least on my one) abysmal accuracy…it loses a minute a day and doesn’t hack for some reason either! Despite having a 4R36 inside. Very disappointing, I got a stinker apparently. It’s really put me off budget Seiko’s. Anyway the SPB143/297 which ever I go for in the end, should complement my Alpinist Ginza, which I love! 💕
I contacted my AD because they had a used 55th Anniversary Edition Willard at a great price. I checked on availability and pulled the trigger. Then they contacted me to tell me it was sold. But the store manager had a new one he’d let me have it for the same price since they should have known before I purchased originally. Basically, I waited for years to get this watch…and I got an amazing deal. Waiting for it to arrive….pretty excited. My most comfortable watch ever is my Turtle. But I always loved the look of the Willard. Finally, the waiting paid off.
Slim turtle (SPB 313 etc.) - only black or white dials, but a truly beautiful case
I just acquired a SPB053 (62MAS re-interpretation from back in late 2017) and I'm over the moon. You should give it another look.
Well TGV we don’t disagree very often but I have to disagree with you on this. Seiko is not killing it, Seiko is killing itself. Why would I spend $1,200 on a watch with a 3 hertz movement when I can get countless other watches at half the price and they have 4 hertz movements. Two examples Traska for $660 4 Hertz and Squale 1545 for around $600 and 4 Hertz movement.
New to watches and a true Seikopath. 4 colors of the SNK800 series, dress KX, (Blue, Green, and black Land Tortoises), as well as my fathers 1970's orange 5 UFO. Please Seiko lord, forgive me for I have sinned upon the!!!!!!!!! I let the temptation infiltrate my soul!!!!!!!! I bought an Orient Kamasu.
Thank you TGV for such a great explanation of Seiko diver watches! I found all of the watches in this video quite interesting! Stay healthy and well as always! P.S-very funny intro! (Nicholas L) ❤🦖🌊⛴⏱
I lost my trust in Seiko. My Prospex SPB051 (a Japanese SBDC051 release) has lost it's bezel inlay twice since I bought it in July of 2018. It originally was a €1100 watch. It was put back in, at €40 cost, in November of 2018. They don't warrant the worldwide guarantee if it's a Japanse release for some reason. Two months back, same thing happened.. bezel inlay fell out.. now losing my lume pip. Which for some reason is loose under the bezel inlay. These bezels, on a diving watch, are held in place by a 3M film. Seiko is now only offering completely replacing the bezel (which is working fine) for €186. Still love my SKX007 though, has been a trooper and more accurate than the 6R15 in my SPB051.
TGV, fantastic video as always thanks so much. I think for your wrist, you should really check out the recently released SPB317. It’s slim and 41mm in case with 39mm bezel and crown at 4 o’clock.
My favorite watch, skx007, unfortunately now is at the bottom of the ocean 😔 😟. Maybe someday I'll be able to get another.
Thank you for consistently making quality content. It just takes one video to completely turn my day around every time. Hope you have a great day TGV!
Hi Bro, My dog eat a cat today and now he fart sounds like meow meow meow all the time. You advice for this can help please. :)
Haha you were true your word and picked the SPB237!!
You should also check out the spb265 ice diver willard. The teal textured dial may have been just what you were looking for!
I have Seiko Turtle and I would say that’s enough diver type watches I need. Yet, I just purchased a Certina PH200 PVD on a 20mm leather strap. I believe it’s far superior than the Turtle. As a diver watch, the Certina PH200 is in between field and diver watch.
I just bought the seiko marinemaster “seigaiha” it’s brilliant!
Thank you, I will check it out!
Best regards,
TGV
I work in a Jewellers which sell Seiko. I currently own SPB077J1,SSC813P1,SSK001K1 all fairly new models. My biggest peeve with Seiko is the bracelets. They do have an almost cheap feel to them vs similar price ranges. However £1000 and below (In a UK Store Retailer) I do feel like almost all brand are similar boat, however the extension clasp on the diver in particular for me is the most awful design. My Citizen BN0100-51E clasp however and bracelet has an a lot more something about it and the extender has been very clearly been made with it in vs Seiko which I believe they half heartedly make their bracelets. If anyone can recommend where i could find a better bracelet for my SPB077J1 I would definitely appreciate that!