IIRC, the story behind the Cocktail Time series goes like this: A team of coworkers got out of the Seiko in Ginza and decided to go have some drinks (common aspect of the Japanese work culture), they chose to go to Star Bar, a cocktail bar in Ginza that is world-famous for its drinks having won multiple international awards. They liked it so much that they approached the owner and asked if he'd be willing to make a collab with the brand, which resulted in the original Cocktail Time (SARB065). The SARB065 was a huge success, so much so that they decided to spin it into a brand new lineup: the Cocktail Time series. Each watch is inspired by a drink served at Star Bar and carries the name of the drink.
It was interesting to see people raving about this watch at Baselworld when it was announced. The original cocktail time without the presage branding is the watch for me!
@@ivangamer8022 Your opinion only. GS is much better value than pretty much anything coming out of Europe, and the Lexus LC500? Come on, that's one of the greatest cars of all time. You're welcome.
"did you say panda??" "No!" definetly made my day. i own two seikos. a old, very much loved "windrose" as it was named in germany, with a 24 hour dial and a hour hand that moves around it in one day and two minute hands in a 180 degrees angle that move around the dial in two hours each... a realy special watch... unfortunately and undeserved forgotten today so it seems.... and a modern sports automatic in stunning yellow and black colour sceme ...
@@melody3741 unfortunately i don't have much information.i got mine in the late 1980s new. they did some advertising in germany at the time. it holds still well and runs fine. exelent quality. very slim and slender. if yougo for a used one, be aware, they did also a variant of the model with conventionaldial
My father gave me his Alpinist for Christmas 2 years ago and I absolutely fell in love with Seiko. I own a few of their divers but the Baby Turtle has been my daily watch for well over a year now.
I love the seiko divers especially save the ocean series. The more sea animals based watches the better. They are a lot of fun. And alpinist series. Sporty and with splash of color and class. The other watch I'm interested in is the Astron. Getting your time from Satellite twice a day. Always get the time no matter where you are and they wont shut down like Multiband 6.
Since we're talking about Seiko, we should really talk about their amazing quartz offerings as well. I remember people going absolute bonkers over the mechanical SARB033 and 035. However, they were sold 2-3 times the retail on eBay and people still thought they were getting a steal of a deal. However, Seiko has watches in their Essential line (models whose names start with SUR) that look a lot like the SARB AND cost a lot less. They have unbelievable finish for the money, look way better than any Seiko 5 (the one in this video included), and wear really really great on the wrist. It's a shame that most of the watch-loving community have never even considered them. Maybe it's time we let our snobbishness over mechanical movements slide and embrace all movements for our collection.
It's not snobbery just because one doesn't want quartz. The whole hobby is not necessarily logical. If I prefer to stick to mechanical, that's my choice. Do you, and enjoy what you want.
If you like a quartz watch, buy it, wear it and enjoy it. Who cares what the community thinks! Also I think the crazy moonswatch prices have shown that we'll go nuts for a quartz watch too, if it hits the right notes.
My buddy has one that his older sister bought him as a highschool graduation gift. Really cool watch, definitely way cooler than any watch I had at the time.
BTW, the Presage line starts around MSRP $450 USD for the early Cocktail watches, jump up to the $1000-$1200 USD for the Sharp Edges series, but then they have models that go up to as high as $4500 with Spring Drive movements. There are some amazing watches with artisan enamel dials as well as ones made of Arita porcelain with some finishing details coming from Grand Seiko.
Currently own the SARB033 as my 1 watch collection. Planning on getting the SPB143 next month for my 30th birthday to make it the perfect 2 watch collection. The SSC813 is tempting me though...
Finally Presage Old Clock gets the Watchfinder love. I have been trying to get it featured on the channel since almost 1.5 years. During that time, I actually bought the watch. Thanks Tom.
I was not aware of Seiko until by chance I came across and purchased a 1960's Seiko Sportsmatic with a superlative design, case and exquisite beads of rice bracelet. It still keeps a very accurate time sometimes better than my more modern watches and most importantly puts a smile on my face every day I wear it - I have new found respect for the Japanese watchmakers of this era and am always on the lookout for old Seikomatics, Bell-Matics or Sportsmatics.
I wish that the SLA series of seiko watches had made an appearance. There are some truly great offerings that are are approaching luxury sport/dive watch territory.
Seiko is by far my favourite watch brand ever. Am proud to own a Seiko 5(2020) and one of their Quartz Chronograph. But in a fictional world, if I were to become the CEO of Seiko, There are a few fundamental things i would change Firstly I would Stop pushing the brand too much into GS territory. They have done a stellar job with the new 5series and the entire presage series. But the highest anyone needs to pay for a Seiko should be around £1000 max. Focus more in the mid range 400-750 and release some all purpose watches. Secondly Relaunch the SNX at an entry level price point(120-150) with a revamped movement. Revamp the Presage line, although its doing great but diversify it a bit, with like a dressy chronographs, a sleek moonphase or some "makes it look more expensive than it is" complications. The prospex series needs to be streamlined a bit, too many watches with too many identities. Prospex would a dive specific sub brand and have a wide range £500-£1000. Instead of pushing GS into the the realms of PP, AP, VC, JLC etc, make the Credor brand more visible. GS should stand strong as a competitor to Rolex,Omega, Breitling, Zenith etc . Credor should be the high horology hotshot, the Perpetual Calendars, Hand painted dials and the craftsmanship it is renowned for. Finally with Orient, market the watches a bit more, The Bambino, Kamasu and many others are great value for money so keep it at a very affordable price whilst maintaining the same level of finishing. So if anyone from Seiko HQ is reading this, You're welcome, and please send over a White Birch Spring Drive.
I think a vintage dressy Seiko needs to be a part of the collection. Something like the Marvel or Crown. Those late 50's pieces were sort of the ancestors of the first Grand Seiko. There's so much history there to be explored but those poor chaps are always overlooked.
Honestly I think the hibeat lord marvel is the best vintage value proposition out there. The second 36000 hibeat ever produced, and you can have it for around $300-$600 easily.
5:03 Over three months of ownership of a Speedtimer SSC813P1 - as I bought for myself as a belated birthday present. (I turned 27) An aamzing solar chronograph watch, which I highly recommend, and it even wears brilliantly with a black/grey OMEGA Nato strap! Rolex Daytona: Seiko Speedtimer "Seitona/Seikona": + Better design and finish + An excellent and affordable alternative to the Daytona - maybe the best? - Insanely expensive + Solar quartz that keeps better time + date function between 4 and 5 and a power reserve indicator.
I love Seiko divers. King Turtle Save the Ocean series has some of the best dials. My favorite is SPRE39 Manta Ray. Probably the best dial out there and best seiko has to offer.
Some esoteric recommendations: - The no-longer-made SARN001/003 or SAEN001: a "flyer" GMT that still has quickset day and date, and (as a bonus) was made in the Shizukuishi Watch Studio. - Any pre-2018 Grand Seiko: I'm cheating a bit here, but they *did* have both Seiko and GS branding on the dial.
Excellent video, one of my favourite brands. My daily beater is a Willard, the pride of my collection ( even tho it's not my most expensive piece) is a True Pogue. For me, they sit comfortably alongside my more prestigious Swiss & German watches. They make something for everyone imho. Thank you Gentlemen 👍🏻👍🏻
I'm only a few years into this fascinating hobby...but, I'm already aware my favourite era of Seiko's are the quartz tool watches of the 80's and 90's. Marinemasters, Landmasters, Scuba's, etc. Titanium and technology abounded...and ceramic cases....oh my. When quartz wasn't a dirty word to the average buyer. This morning, I ordered from eBay one of those beautiful, orange dialled, 6458-600A mid-sized divers. And not outrageously priced yet, either.
The new 62MAS (SPB147 and its close references) is an excellent watch. Just bought the SPB213 and It totally monopolized my wrist. Perfect proportions, sits low on the wrist, drilled lugs, sunburst dial that varies between silver and white with a dark blue bezel. Accurate to +1,2 sec./day and with the 70h power reserve. Everything perfect aligned. It’s more expensive than a regular Seiko, but you do get more for it. Nice to see this reference getting some attention on this channel.
You’re lucky with the accuracy, my SPB147 has been running between +15 to +20 sec/day since I bought it back in 2020. Annoying because it is in the range of 6R35, but a lovely watch regardless ended up getting a lot of wrist times since!
I have 38 Seiko watches including 1 Grand Seiko. I think you have the best watch videos on You Tube and hearing you give so much respect to Seiko brings joy to my heart. Seiko is fun and collectable for average people. You go from the high end to Seiko seamlessly and it's very encouraging. Thank you!
I've got the baby grand seiko SARB033 and alpinist SARB017, both japanese domestic models, both discontinued, both bought on trips to Japan for about 300 usd each (033 was 300). They were the first 2 watches of my very small watch collection. Still blows me away every time I wear them. They fit perfectly, work well, and go along with many straps. Every time I see '23 jewels' on the dial I get reminded of 23yo me graduating, starting my first job, excited about life, and deciding to buy a watch (or 2). Who knows when I turn 30 soon I will get a Grand Seiko with 30 jewels to commemorate aother life event
I own the most priceless Seiko. My fathers 1972 gold face 6139 Pogue chronograph, the he taught me to tell the time with as I sat on his lap as a 6 year old.
My collection : King Turtle or 62 mas as a diver, SARX055 and Alpinist (Ginza) and Arita enamel or KS as my special. I wouldn't mind a seiko 5 diver or two to complete that. :)
The crazy thing is, that until the advent of a watch industry that could afford to pay assemblers enough to work in the watch industry year round, the Swiss had little to crow about when it comes to fine, carefully wrought items. The Japanese? Many hundreds of years of everything from exquisite fabrics, painting, cloisonné, carving in wood, stone, metal and ceramics. The Swiss? Not so much. It’s little wonder the Japanese would eventually make watches that are equally as well crafted as the Swiss. Now, I wonder how long it will take them to give say, Lange or PP a run for their money?
Would love to see a review on the Seiko SRPE53K1. Looks to be a great watch at the price, with a good movement and a very pretty dial. Love the channel! 🙌🏻
The first automatic wristwatch was a Fortis. Nice collection, my picks would be: everyday: SPB121J1 New green alpinist diver/sports: SPB237 Willard reissue with the patterned grey dial and woven nato complication/chrono: Seiko Flightmaster SNA411(can double up as a beater as I wouldn't really beat the Willard) dress: SPB287 - the blood red dial one with the bracelet, doubles up as everyday but can be dressed up with a leather strap
Can’t believe it has taken me a year to find this video! And I’m a subscriber!! Isn’t the Tudor version of Seiko called “Timex” 😉 these are the watches that get almost everyone feverish for more and more watches
Records (mostly made in Czech Republic) gather wear, that's part of their appeal if you buy into it. Rice paper damages the surface less than big CD cover.
@18.00, you pondered if there's something "under Seiko", price/brand/positioning-wise. There actually is a seiko sub-brand in that position, called Alba. Not bad, but definitely aimed at the fun/cheap/quartz market. They made some funky throwback models in the early 2000s, which have recently become pretty desirable (particularly a brown-dialed bullhead chrono, which became collectable after Brad Pitt's Citizen bullhead in that Tarantino 'Once Upon a Time' flick....
I bought my first seiko in 2020.its now 2022 and I have over 20 seikos all of which are divers.from turtles to samurais and a couple sport 5.its addictive and all started because of lume which seiko is one of thee best in that department
I have my Seiko collection 1971 King seiko 5246-6000 special chronometer, sarb033, Grand Seiko sbgv221. I also have a no. Of swiss but i'm very happy with the seiko's, now i just need a Grand Seiko automatic & i'm finished.. I think!
Just love Seiko, I have a vintage SQ100 Quartz, 55 Fathoms, Presage Zen Garden, JDM Spirit Quartz with a cream dial. I also got a pre-owned Solar sports which a work horse. Do like the diver, but need to start saving...
I’d say the Seiko LX Diver. It’s the pinnacle of Seiko Divers…since Grand Seiko is it’s own entity. Titanium case and bracelet (If you squint you can see the Ferrari lines) and a spring drive movement! What more could you ask of a Seiko diver? Great conversation on this podcast! Thanks 🙏
exactly on point, those are hand finished awsome albeit chunky but thats ok since they real tool watches, i own two of them and sold my grand seiko diver because it did not have wrist presence with those two in my collection.
Love Seiko! But not all of them. I currently own a Sarb 033 which I think is the perfect watch. I also have a Sarb 017 green alpinist, a SARX 045, a Cocktail time Skydiving and my orange/ pepsi Pogue that I got for my 11th birthday in 1975. I have other brands as well but for me some of the well designed Seiko's are hard to beat. Then there is Grand Seiko!
I had an idea while watching this. How about a hypothetical watch collection set in the past sometime. Like what would a cool collection look like in the 70's for example.
Some strikes against Seiko Presage Cocktail Time: (1) 4R35B movement is pretty low end with poor stated accuracy (+45 / -35 operating range), (2) For a dress watch, they are large in every direction: 40.5 mm x 11.8 mm thick, (3) Bracelet has hollow end links, (4) The exhibition crystal shows undecorated movement. What's the point?, (5) No sapphire crystal. In the end it is a low end automatic with a pretty dial.
After buying my Seiko Speedtimer in white, I have been surprised at how easily it wears. It's a bit chunky for a quartz, but the case shape, bezel, crystal, and bracelet all just kind of flow together on the wrist.
srpe51k1 is my first automatic watch, everyday watch. Swapped the crystal for a sapphire DD and bracelet with a strapcode without feeling guilty. Grand Seiko is my wish I had watch. Great video as always.
Its vintage Seiko for me. All 6138/39. So far I have: Panda, JDM Kakume, Pepsi, and Coke. Seeking: Bruce Lee, John Player Special, Ghost, Bullhead, Helmet, UFO, Monaco, and many more!
I own 3 Seikos: SNK809, SARB033 and Prospex SPB149J1. And the last two of them. Maybe the best of all my collection and they are not going anywhere. As you said. You get a lot for the money.
I have both the Presage 'Old Clock' and the 'Negroni'. Bother area beautiful watches and are beautiful with the light playing across the dial as you move your arm or wrist. I have to say, the 'Old Clock' is even more beautiful in person than in the photos! I find myself sitting and looking at the watch when I wear it, just enjoying the blue color (I believe they term it a Navy, it does seem different than most blue dials I;ve seen). Also the reflections of the light off the indices and the Dauphine hands. Next on my list is a Presage Sharp Edge watch with the traditional Japanese hemp-leaf design.
An early Weekdater with the unframed day window (or any Weekdater for that matter) definitely belongs in a Seiko collection. I have yet to see any brand use this day-date configuration, with the date at 3 and the day at 6 o'clock, it integrates into the dial so nicely. Even Seiko stopped using it, for reasons unknown to me, and i am of the opinion that they should bring them back. Another one would be a 7A28 chrono in either white or black.
I love the diver but with grey and white instead of faux patina. But the the pick of the bunch for me is the “baby snowflake” srpd97j1. Put this on a leather strap and it looks like a Grand Seiko.
Love the sardonic tone of these videos, very amusing. Great collection, if you wanted to save a few hundred the spb147 has a lot of the vintage tone of the diver you suggested, a bit of gilt, and a lovely chocolate sunburst dial
Possibly an overused phrase 'Seiko is the gateway drug to watch collecting' but for a lot of people, it's still true. Agree the SNXS79 is superb little dress watch with a Rolex OP look.
Interesting point about them blurring the line between Seiko & Grand Seiko with some of their prices. I get the impression that they don't see it as two brands (as-in Grand Seiko vs normal Seiko), but rather as a suite of collections: Five, Presage, Credor, the other ones I can't think of right now, and Grand Seiko, all under the Seiko umbrella, with each collection blurring into the next so they're covering all of the bases.
I own several 6138 and 6139, the only Seikos worth, in my humble opinion, to be in a collection. I also have a pair of Bell matic, a 7S36 and a 7002. This two are my workhorses, my everyday watches and I like them both. But I didn't put them in the charger box with the others I have. And probably none of these you reviewed would. I love Seiko, but for me, I'd rather go for vintage ones to build a proper Seiko collection.
*I COLLECT VINTAGE SEIKO 5's* from the 1970's mostly - they cost me about £50 to £100 to buy and professional service is about £75 After that they WORK PERFECTLY and they keep a really decent time - they are GOOD WATCHES. And I say that as a guy who used to collect Rolex's pre boom in price.
Good shout. Love the Pressage GMT and it ticks the heirloom box. Cocktail time new dials look great. Not yet found a Seiko 5 at under £100. Some very overpriced fives about…for the 7s26 or 4r35 to be in watches costing £500 or more is crazy really. How about the Seiko Recraft making that list? For a classy sports watch the green dial Alpinist pressage would be on my list, especially with brown leather strap.
21:42 A chinese watch with a Seiko NH-35a movement. They have even higher case and bracelet quality than Seiko in that price range and have stainless steel cases and sapphire crystals.
Have you guys seen Seiko essential series specially SUR319P1 and SUR315P1. Comes in two sizes 36mm and 40mm quartz with some grand seiko vibes to it and they are so cheap but has sapphire crystal.
Tudor Seiko - isn't that Lorus? By the way I have three of the pieces featured in my collection and two Seiko quartz watches which are 40 years old and are still going strong. Please look at the Alpinist - IMHO the best Seiko for the money!
Speaking about Seiko’s, how come no one ever talks about the SEIKO 5 Sports SSA171K1 Spacewalk 50th Anniversary? It’s an amazing unique piece, based on the spring drive Seiko SPS005 going for almost $40k now?
If you want to have a lot of fun collecting watches and don't have a bundle of money (or perhaps even if you do)...and you want to specialise in only one company, well, you'd have to go some to beat Seiko. Heritage, history and many technological firsts; they sure are serious about their business and make some lovely looking watches to boot. I own a pretty smart watch collection but I think every proper watch geek and collector has to own a 'least' a couple of Seiko's :-)
I had seen one about 30 years ago. It was a chronograph with a 1/10th second retrograde movement. Had a world timer, perpetual calendar alarm etc.. Beautiful piece. Can't remember the model tho..
I wonder if they make the same watch with an automatic movement. I really like the dial face, sub dials, colors & overall aesthetic. quartz movement? I just cannot being myself to purchase. A big part of the marvel that draws me to watches, is, in no small part, about the micro-engineering that goes into the making of automatic movements.
thanks for this.. I really love watches, but with kids / morgage and inflation... its difficult to make a "nice" watch purchase.. Can't really get a Tudor.. but maybe that Seiko Diver from the 60's remake... thanks again!
We know you want more watches…. click here: linktr.ee/watchfinder
IIRC, the story behind the Cocktail Time series goes like this:
A team of coworkers got out of the Seiko in Ginza and decided to go have some drinks (common aspect of the Japanese work culture), they chose to go to Star Bar, a cocktail bar in Ginza that is world-famous for its drinks having won multiple international awards. They liked it so much that they approached the owner and asked if he'd be willing to make a collab with the brand, which resulted in the original Cocktail Time (SARB065).
The SARB065 was a huge success, so much so that they decided to spin it into a brand new lineup: the Cocktail Time series. Each watch is inspired by a drink served at Star Bar and carries the name of the drink.
There were three original Cocktail times, but only the SARB065 really took off.
@@mahazroko6753 That I didn't know, thanks!
It was interesting to see people raving about this watch at Baselworld when it was announced. The original cocktail time without the presage branding is the watch for me!
grand seiko is like a scam. makes me think about lexus, acura and other japanese shit that are made to cash grab
@@ivangamer8022 Your opinion only. GS is much better value than pretty much anything coming out of Europe, and the Lexus LC500? Come on, that's one of the greatest cars of all time. You're welcome.
"did you say panda??" "No!" definetly made my day. i own two seikos. a old, very much loved "windrose" as it was named in germany, with a 24 hour dial and a hour hand that moves around it in one day and two minute hands in a 180 degrees angle that move around the dial in two hours each... a realy special watch... unfortunately and undeserved forgotten today so it seems.... and a modern sports automatic in stunning yellow and black colour sceme ...
I just looked it up, WOW 😍. It looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
do you have any more info on this? this sounds wonderful and very unique
@@melody3741 unfortunately i don't have much information.i got mine in the late 1980s new. they did some advertising in germany at the time. it holds still well and runs fine. exelent quality. very slim and slender. if yougo for a used one, be aware, they did also a variant of the model with conventionaldial
My father gave me his Alpinist for Christmas 2 years ago and I absolutely fell in love with Seiko. I own a few of their divers but the Baby Turtle has been my daily watch for well over a year now.
I love these podcasts, I hope this will be an ongoing thing. I can’t remember them being on the channel further back
I love the seiko divers especially save the ocean series. The more sea animals based watches the better. They are a lot of fun. And alpinist series. Sporty and with splash of color and class. The other watch I'm interested in is the Astron. Getting your time from Satellite twice a day. Always get the time no matter where you are and they wont shut down like Multiband 6.
Agree on the save the ocean animal print dials. I currently own all 5 releases. Great looks, plus a great cause. Win - win. 😊
Yeah i hope they do a sea lice model!
Since we're talking about Seiko, we should really talk about their amazing quartz offerings as well. I remember people going absolute bonkers over the mechanical SARB033 and 035. However, they were sold 2-3 times the retail on eBay and people still thought they were getting a steal of a deal. However, Seiko has watches in their Essential line (models whose names start with SUR) that look a lot like the SARB AND cost a lot less. They have unbelievable finish for the money, look way better than any Seiko 5 (the one in this video included), and wear really really great on the wrist. It's a shame that most of the watch-loving community have never even considered them. Maybe it's time we let our snobbishness over mechanical movements slide and embrace all movements for our collection.
Sold mine for 800,- on Chrono24. 😅
@@sixteenbynine do you honestly think that watch is worth $800?
It's not snobbery just because one doesn't want quartz. The whole hobby is not necessarily logical. If I prefer to stick to mechanical, that's my choice. Do you, and enjoy what you want.
If you like a quartz watch, buy it, wear it and enjoy it. Who cares what the community thinks! Also I think the crazy moonswatch prices have shown that we'll go nuts for a quartz watch too, if it hits the right notes.
My buddy has one that his older sister bought him as a highschool graduation gift. Really cool watch, definitely way cooler than any watch I had at the time.
BTW, the Presage line starts around MSRP $450 USD for the early Cocktail watches, jump up to the $1000-$1200 USD for the Sharp Edges series, but then they have models that go up to as high as $4500 with Spring Drive movements. There are some amazing watches with artisan enamel dials as well as ones made of Arita porcelain with some finishing details coming from Grand Seiko.
I went for an Arita with the blue strap but at the time the retailer has none in stock so I opted for the Laurel SRQ025 for about £500 lwss
Currently own the SARB033 as my 1 watch collection. Planning on getting the SPB143 next month for my 30th birthday to make it the perfect 2 watch collection. The SSC813 is tempting me though...
sarb033+143 perfect combo.
The spb143 is such a cool watch I think that one is gonna be my next watch after get my SRPE
Finally Presage Old Clock gets the Watchfinder love. I have been trying to get it featured on the channel since almost 1.5 years. During that time, I actually bought the watch. Thanks Tom.
I was not aware of Seiko until by chance I came across and purchased a 1960's Seiko Sportsmatic with a superlative design, case and exquisite beads of rice bracelet. It still keeps a very accurate time sometimes better than my more modern watches and most importantly puts a smile on my face every day I wear it - I have new found respect for the Japanese watchmakers of this era and am always on the lookout for old Seikomatics, Bell-Matics or Sportsmatics.
This talk show is honestly my favourite YT video series on watches, it’s funny, smart yet classy.
My seiko bench: SNK3 beater, Shark tooth alpinist for the field, was a samurai for wet times (gave it to me dad), and (incoming) SPB 147
I wish that the SLA series of seiko watches had made an appearance. There are some truly great offerings that are are approaching luxury sport/dive watch territory.
Seiko is by far my favourite watch brand ever. Am proud to own a Seiko 5(2020) and one of their Quartz Chronograph. But in a fictional world, if I were to become the CEO of Seiko, There are a few fundamental things i would change
Firstly I would Stop pushing the brand too much into GS territory. They have done a stellar job with the new 5series and the entire presage series. But the highest anyone needs to pay for a Seiko should be around £1000 max. Focus more in the mid range 400-750 and release some all purpose watches. Secondly Relaunch the SNX at an entry level price point(120-150) with a revamped movement.
Revamp the Presage line, although its doing great but diversify it a bit, with like a dressy chronographs, a sleek moonphase or some "makes it look more expensive than it is" complications.
The prospex series needs to be streamlined a bit, too many watches with too many identities. Prospex would a dive specific sub brand and have a wide range £500-£1000.
Instead of pushing GS into the the realms of PP, AP, VC, JLC etc, make the Credor brand more visible. GS should stand strong as a competitor to Rolex,Omega, Breitling, Zenith etc . Credor should be the high horology hotshot, the Perpetual Calendars, Hand painted dials and the craftsmanship it is renowned for.
Finally with Orient, market the watches a bit more, The Bambino, Kamasu and many others are great value for money so keep it at a very affordable price whilst maintaining the same level of finishing.
So if anyone from Seiko HQ is reading this, You're welcome, and please send over a White Birch Spring Drive.
I think a vintage dressy Seiko needs to be a part of the collection. Something like the Marvel or Crown. Those late 50's pieces were sort of the ancestors of the first Grand Seiko. There's so much history there to be explored but those poor chaps are always overlooked.
Honestly I think the hibeat lord marvel is the best vintage value proposition out there. The second 36000 hibeat ever produced, and you can have it for around $300-$600 easily.
@@saucyseek4137 5 - Sportsmatic, Bell-Matic or Seikomatic - all excellent design timepieces.
5:03
Over three months of ownership of a Speedtimer SSC813P1 - as I bought for myself as a belated birthday present. (I turned 27)
An aamzing solar chronograph watch, which I highly recommend, and it even wears brilliantly with a black/grey OMEGA Nato strap!
Rolex Daytona: Seiko Speedtimer "Seitona/Seikona":
+ Better design and finish + An excellent and affordable alternative to the Daytona - maybe the best?
- Insanely expensive + Solar quartz that keeps better time + date function between 4 and 5 and a power reserve indicator.
I love Seiko divers. King Turtle Save the Ocean series has some of the best dials. My favorite is SPRE39 Manta Ray. Probably the best dial out there and best seiko has to offer.
Absolutely. I have a turtle and can't justify another but the Manta Ray is one I wish I had waited for.
Some esoteric recommendations:
- The no-longer-made SARN001/003 or SAEN001: a "flyer" GMT that still has quickset day and date, and (as a bonus) was made in the Shizukuishi Watch Studio.
- Any pre-2018 Grand Seiko: I'm cheating a bit here, but they *did* have both Seiko and GS branding on the dial.
Excellent video, one of my favourite brands. My daily beater is a Willard, the pride of my collection ( even tho it's not my most expensive piece) is a True Pogue. For me, they sit comfortably alongside my more prestigious Swiss & German watches. They make something for everyone imho.
Thank you Gentlemen 👍🏻👍🏻
I'm only a few years into this fascinating hobby...but, I'm already aware my favourite era of Seiko's are the quartz tool watches of the 80's and 90's. Marinemasters, Landmasters, Scuba's, etc. Titanium and technology abounded...and ceramic cases....oh my. When quartz wasn't a dirty word to the average buyer. This morning, I ordered from eBay one of those beautiful, orange dialled, 6458-600A mid-sized divers. And not outrageously priced yet, either.
Proud Spb143j owner here, wonderful watch! Had it for just over a year and I can’t stop looking at it!
I will never get over how amazing those $100-ish Seiko 5s are… as mentioned, on a strap, these punch way above their weight class! Great list!
The new 62MAS (SPB147 and its close references) is an excellent watch. Just bought the SPB213 and It totally monopolized my wrist. Perfect proportions, sits low on the wrist, drilled lugs, sunburst dial that varies between silver and white with a dark blue bezel. Accurate to +1,2 sec./day and with the 70h power reserve. Everything perfect aligned. It’s more expensive than a regular Seiko, but you do get more for it. Nice to see this reference getting some attention on this channel.
You’re lucky with the accuracy, my SPB147 has been running between +15 to +20 sec/day since I bought it back in 2020. Annoying because it is in the range of 6R35, but a lovely watch regardless ended up getting a lot of wrist times since!
I have 38 Seiko watches including 1 Grand Seiko. I think you have the best watch videos on You Tube and hearing you give so much respect to Seiko brings joy to my heart. Seiko is fun and collectable for average people. You go from the high end to Seiko seamlessly and it's very encouraging. Thank you!
Congratulations! That is a lot of Seiko's..
Get help😂
Love Seiko! They got both my brother and I into watches, and I think they are often overlooked. Nice to have them having proper air time here!
The new Alpinist deserves an individual mention. Quirky old-school or new "dress-casual," they are both unique and would help round out a collection.
The Seiko Presage with the green dial and golden numerals looks absolutely amazing.
I love my SNXS77, which is the blue dial. It was also my first mechanical watch and I'm more inclined to just collect Seiko's
I own a Sarb017, I’d add a Turtle, the original JDM Cocktail Time, the SRQ037, and maybe a blue Marine Master for good measure.
The Baby / Mini Turtles are lovely. The new Apinist series at 38mm are also awesome.
Honestly my favorite watch channel. Thank you.
Great video. I have about 40 vintage Seiko chronographs in addition to some of the new divers. I have a lot of love ❤️
The Jenny Ele collaboration paid off- you pronounce A.Lange & Sohne so brilliantly now👌🏻👏😊
I've got the baby grand seiko SARB033 and alpinist SARB017, both japanese domestic models, both discontinued, both bought on trips to Japan for about 300 usd each (033 was 300). They were the first 2 watches of my very small watch collection. Still blows me away every time I wear them. They fit perfectly, work well, and go along with many straps. Every time I see '23 jewels' on the dial I get reminded of 23yo me graduating, starting my first job, excited about life, and deciding to buy a watch (or 2). Who knows when I turn 30 soon I will get a Grand Seiko with 30 jewels to commemorate aother life event
I own the most priceless Seiko. My fathers 1972 gold face 6139 Pogue chronograph, the he taught me to tell the time with as I sat on his lap as a 6 year old.
SPB149 owner here, love it and very happy with the value for the price. It was a birthday gift to myself
My collection : King Turtle or 62 mas as a diver, SARX055 and Alpinist (Ginza) and Arita enamel or KS as my special. I wouldn't mind a seiko 5 diver or two to complete that. :)
The crazy thing is, that until the advent of a watch industry that could afford to pay assemblers enough to work in the watch industry year round, the Swiss had little to crow about when it comes to fine, carefully wrought items. The Japanese? Many hundreds of years of everything from exquisite fabrics, painting, cloisonné, carving in wood, stone, metal and ceramics. The Swiss? Not so much. It’s little wonder the Japanese would eventually make watches that are equally as well crafted as the Swiss. Now, I wonder how long it will take them to give say, Lange or PP a run for their money?
Would love to see a review on the Seiko SRPE53K1. Looks to be a great watch at the price, with a good movement and a very pretty dial. Love the channel! 🙌🏻
The first automatic wristwatch was a Fortis. Nice collection, my picks would be:
everyday: SPB121J1 New green alpinist
diver/sports: SPB237 Willard reissue with the patterned grey dial and woven nato
complication/chrono: Seiko Flightmaster SNA411(can double up as a beater as I wouldn't really beat the Willard)
dress: SPB287 - the blood red dial one with the bracelet, doubles up as everyday but can be dressed up with a leather strap
The sorting hat calling “Presage” was perfect
Vintage/Discontinued Seiko...
1. 6139 Pogue
2. 6105-8110 Captain Willard
3. 6309-7040 Turtle
4. 6106 / 6119 Rally Diver
5. H558 Arnie
and last but not least... SKX007J1 or 009J1
Can’t believe it has taken me a year to find this video! And I’m a subscriber!! Isn’t the Tudor version of Seiko called “Timex” 😉 these are the watches that get almost everyone feverish for more and more watches
Records (mostly made in Czech Republic) gather wear, that's part of their appeal if you buy into it. Rice paper damages the surface less than big CD cover.
@18.00, you pondered if there's something "under Seiko", price/brand/positioning-wise. There actually is a seiko sub-brand in that position, called Alba. Not bad, but definitely aimed at the fun/cheap/quartz market. They made some funky throwback models in the early 2000s, which have recently become pretty desirable (particularly a brown-dialed bullhead chrono, which became collectable after Brad Pitt's Citizen bullhead in that Tarantino 'Once Upon a Time' flick....
I bought my first seiko in 2020.its now 2022 and I have over 20 seikos all of which are divers.from turtles to samurais and a couple sport 5.its addictive and all started because of lume which seiko is one of thee best in that department
5:30
"panda"
"did you say panda"
"no.."
"ok, good"😂
I have my Seiko collection 1971 King seiko 5246-6000 special chronometer, sarb033, Grand Seiko sbgv221. I also have a no. Of swiss but i'm very happy with the seiko's, now i just need a Grand Seiko automatic & i'm finished.. I think!
Just love Seiko, I have a vintage SQ100 Quartz, 55 Fathoms, Presage Zen Garden, JDM Spirit Quartz with a cream dial. I also got a pre-owned Solar sports which a work horse. Do like the diver, but need to start saving...
I get emotional about Seiko :) Currently in my collection: Pogue '72, Bell-Matic '77, SQ '80, SNKK17, SRPC83, SRPD71, SRPD25 and SPB197.
I’d say the Seiko LX Diver. It’s the pinnacle of Seiko Divers…since Grand Seiko is it’s own entity. Titanium case and bracelet (If you squint you can see the Ferrari lines) and a spring drive movement! What more could you ask of a Seiko diver? Great conversation on this podcast! Thanks 🙏
exactly on point, those are hand finished awsome albeit chunky but thats ok since they real tool watches, i own two of them and sold my grand seiko diver because it did not have wrist presence with those two in my collection.
Love Seiko! But not all of them. I currently own a Sarb 033 which I think is the perfect watch. I also have a Sarb 017 green alpinist, a SARX 045, a Cocktail time Skydiving and my orange/ pepsi Pogue that I got for my 11th birthday in 1975. I have other brands as well but for me some of the well designed Seiko's are hard to beat. Then there is Grand Seiko!
I had an idea while watching this.
How about a hypothetical watch collection set in the past sometime. Like what would a cool collection look like in the 70's for example.
Some strikes against Seiko Presage Cocktail Time: (1) 4R35B movement is pretty low end with poor stated accuracy (+45 / -35 operating range), (2) For a dress watch, they are large in every direction: 40.5 mm x 11.8 mm thick, (3) Bracelet has hollow end links, (4) The exhibition crystal shows undecorated movement. What's the point?, (5) No sapphire crystal. In the end it is a low end automatic with a pretty dial.
After buying my Seiko Speedtimer in white, I have been surprised at how easily it wears. It's a bit chunky for a quartz, but the case shape, bezel, crystal, and bracelet all just kind of flow together on the wrist.
Love my speed timer in panda!
I have a Seiko Spb207 that I absolutely love. Green dials are some of my favorites.
My Seiko collection so far. A SSC274P9, SNAE91P1, SKX007J1, SNE577P1, SPB253J1 and a SSC761J1.
I feel like this really needs to be a audio podcast too. The pictures here help but that voice is podcast heaven.
srpe51k1 is my first automatic watch, everyday watch. Swapped the crystal for a sapphire DD and bracelet with a strapcode without feeling guilty. Grand Seiko is my wish I had watch. Great video as always.
My very first mechicial watch was a Seiko! Still have it after 25 years and still beating.
Its vintage Seiko for me. All 6138/39.
So far I have: Panda, JDM Kakume, Pepsi, and Coke.
Seeking: Bruce Lee, John Player Special, Ghost, Bullhead, Helmet, UFO, Monaco, and many more!
I own 3 Seikos: SNK809, SARB033 and Prospex SPB149J1. And the last two of them. Maybe the best of all my collection and they are not going anywhere. As you said. You get a lot for the money.
I have both the Presage 'Old Clock' and the 'Negroni'. Bother area beautiful watches and are beautiful with the light playing across the dial as you move your arm or wrist. I have to say, the 'Old Clock' is even more beautiful in person than in the photos! I find myself sitting and looking at the watch when I wear it, just enjoying the blue color (I believe they term it a Navy, it does seem different than most blue dials I;ve seen). Also the reflections of the light off the indices and the Dauphine hands. Next on my list is a Presage Sharp Edge watch with the traditional Japanese hemp-leaf design.
An early Weekdater with the unframed day window (or any Weekdater for that matter) definitely belongs in a Seiko collection. I have yet to see any brand use this day-date configuration, with the date at 3 and the day at 6 o'clock, it integrates into the dial so nicely. Even Seiko stopped using it, for reasons unknown to me, and i am of the opinion that they should bring them back.
Another one would be a 7A28 chrono in either white or black.
Love my SARB017 and SPB143, cant wait to see what Seiko brings this summer.
Got my Seiko Prospex Black Series SPB255J1 Limited Edition for just £648, 40% discount from £1080 retail price in UK.
8:40 "tenuous". I learned a new word today. Thank you! 😀
I love my Seiko watches ...you said it perfectly... you can't find a better value for the price
I love the diver but with grey and white instead of faux patina. But the the pick of the bunch for me is the “baby snowflake” srpd97j1. Put this on a leather strap and it looks like a Grand Seiko.
Love the sardonic tone of these videos, very amusing. Great collection, if you wanted to save a few hundred the spb147 has a lot of the vintage tone of the diver you suggested, a bit of gilt, and a lovely chocolate sunburst dial
Hahaha didn't expect to hear the Seiko 5 anime collabs come up... 🤣🤣🤣 Tom is a man of culture! 😏
I just got myself a Seiko SNXF05. Beautiful dial that reminded me of a maths graph paper.
That Presage Sharp Edged Series GMT looks like a Grand Seiko it may be one of the best bang for your buck or at least it should be on people's radar
5:30
Me: "Oh, a panda dial"
WF: "Did you just say 'panda'?"
Tom: "No"
Me: "Absolutely not"
Possibly an overused phrase 'Seiko is the gateway drug to watch collecting' but for a lot of people, it's still true. Agree the SNXS79 is superb little dress watch with a Rolex OP look.
Interesting point about them blurring the line between Seiko & Grand Seiko with some of their prices. I get the impression that they don't see it as two brands (as-in Grand Seiko vs normal Seiko), but rather as a suite of collections: Five, Presage, Credor, the other ones I can't think of right now, and Grand Seiko, all under the Seiko umbrella, with each collection blurring into the next so they're covering all of the bases.
Lord Seiko is the one that they need to bring back , great vid thanks for sharing keep up the good work
I own several 6138 and 6139, the only Seikos worth, in my humble opinion, to be in a collection. I also have a pair of Bell matic, a 7S36 and a 7002. This two are my workhorses, my everyday watches and I like them both. But I didn't put them in the charger box with the others I have. And probably none of these you reviewed would. I love Seiko, but for me, I'd rather go for vintage ones to build a proper Seiko collection.
The blue Cocktail time I've seen in person and is amazing. And this is coming from a Seiko Prospex fan that is not into Presage at all
*I COLLECT VINTAGE SEIKO 5's* from the 1970's mostly - they cost me about £50 to £100 to buy and professional service is about £75
After that they WORK PERFECTLY and they keep a really decent time - they are GOOD WATCHES. And I say that as a guy who used to collect Rolex's pre boom in price.
"... in the office, mulling over your life choices". Ouch, that one hit home hard.
Good shout. Love the Pressage GMT and it ticks the heirloom box. Cocktail time new dials look great. Not yet found a Seiko 5 at under £100. Some very overpriced fives about…for the 7s26 or 4r35 to be in watches costing £500 or more is crazy really. How about the Seiko Recraft making that list? For a classy sports watch the green dial Alpinist pressage would be on my list, especially with brown leather strap.
You folks are fun to listen to thank you
21:42 A chinese watch with a Seiko NH-35a movement. They have even higher case and bracelet quality than Seiko in that price range and have stainless steel cases and sapphire crystals.
Keep 'em coming, loving the Podcasts!
Have you guys seen Seiko essential series specially SUR319P1 and SUR315P1. Comes in two sizes 36mm and 40mm quartz with some grand seiko vibes to it and they are so cheap but has sapphire crystal.
Tudor Seiko - isn't that Lorus? By the way I have three of the pieces featured in my collection and two Seiko quartz watches which are 40 years old and are still going strong. Please look at the Alpinist - IMHO the best Seiko for the money!
Speaking about Seiko’s, how come no one ever talks about the SEIKO 5 Sports SSA171K1 Spacewalk 50th Anniversary? It’s an amazing unique piece, based on the spring drive Seiko SPS005 going for almost $40k now?
If you want to have a lot of fun collecting watches and don't have a bundle of money (or perhaps even if you do)...and you want to specialise in only one company, well, you'd have to go some to beat Seiko. Heritage, history and many technological firsts; they sure are serious about their business and make some lovely looking watches to boot. I own a pretty smart watch collection but I think every proper watch geek and collector has to own a 'least' a couple of Seiko's :-)
Great episode.
How about another one on moded Seiko, there's a big market, fan following for it.
I had seen one about 30 years ago. It was a chronograph with a 1/10th second retrograde movement. Had a world timer, perpetual calendar alarm etc.. Beautiful piece. Can't remember the model tho..
Great video, you guys are hilarious. Love the "do it your way" with the Burger King pop up!! LOLLL
The Seiko 4R35 movement ... aka the 'Forest Gump' (FG35) in the U.S market ... not that clever, but it will keep on running.
Seiko SUP880? Great option especially if you want a Cartier Tank-like watch on a budget.
Just get vintage Seiko 6138s and 6139s.. Poques, UFO, Bull Head, Pandas
Love the spb case design, it's squat angular dimensions just looks right
SJE073/SARA015, SARW041 or SARX055 for sure, they have great dials :)
I wonder if they make the same watch with an automatic movement. I really like the dial face, sub dials, colors & overall aesthetic. quartz movement? I just cannot being myself to purchase. A big part of the marvel that draws me to watches, is, in no small part, about the micro-engineering that goes into the making of automatic movements.
thanks for this.. I really love watches, but with kids / morgage and inflation... its difficult to make a "nice" watch purchase.. Can't really get a Tudor.. but maybe that Seiko Diver from the 60's remake...
thanks again!