Thanks for the great review. Considering its modest size and 70-hour power reserve, it makes a great one-only watch for those who can live with just one.
This was my 40th bday gift. I love it. It’s a bit thick but I live with it. It has the brand history and styling to be very versatile and while understated, there are little design elements and polished finish highlights that I don’t get tired of looking it it. Bezel is painted steel.
My favourite watch. Even more so than my 2020 Aqua Terra. Yeah, sure, it has its flaws but the bracelet gap is barely noticeable. It’s a absolutely fantastic watch and feels premium and well above its price tag! Also, it’s a absolute strap monster.
So true, I too own this watch I pair it with a cheap Barton ballistic Nato black and smoke (their bond version) and it pops all day long. This watch has totally scratched my itch for Tudor or Rolex classic sub.
The crafter blue makes the sumo so much better. For this spb143 the bracelet doesn’t bother me at all but with the drilled lugs and how good it looks on a nato or rubber strap I change my regularly but still use bracelet the most. The clasp and movement aren’t great but they’re fine and at least I can change micros easily enough (with a pin or even a toothpick)- my old Omega and grand seikos didn’t even have that “luxury”) It’s not a perfect watch but it perfectly compliments my Reverso for a great two watch collection …with a Speedmaster potentially making it a perfect three (for me anyway). Thanks for the video👍🏼👍🏼
Its a beautiful watch..i have the sbdc105 on an aftermarket oyster strap with ratchet expansion and its my grail watch. Its made in japan where the culture is as perfect as the country. Beautiful in every way. I love it.
As a bicyclists and the owner of both the Seiko SPB143 and for example the Omega Seamaster Professional 300m I feel the click action of the bezel of the Seiko is as buttery smooth as a well oiled high quality Shimano drivetrain, whereas the click action of the Omega is as coarse and unrefined as that of a really cheap unoiled chinese drivetrain, and I bet that cheap coarse chinese feel of the bezel action is present in your Rolex Submariner as well!
I got this Seiko and a Reverso duoface, both new and with discounts, for the cost of a Submariner (that I had wanted but gave up waiting for). It really scratches the itch for me but I think only because I have another watch that is higher quality, it means I can really enjoy this and look forward to beating it up a bit over time and seeing it age with me. Aesthetically I prefer it to the sub and I don’t have the same security issues with those two I would have had with a Rolex. I think if I got the call now for a Rolex I can honestly say I’d not take it (I have enough friends who would luckily so it still wouldn’t go to waste!)
If based on just pure looks alone, i too like this spb143 better than the rolex submariner. Only 2 things bother me on the submariner though. The mercedes style hour hand and the cyclops magnifier. Just 2 cents. Happy weekend. 😊
On looks alone I agree, definitely better than the Sub but unfortunately it ends there as the Sub wins by a mile in every other area. The lug gap issue is a non issue when on the wrist plus you can sell the bracelet and stick it on the silicon strap from the SPB147, problem solved.
I'd recommend anyone considering buying one to buy a used one, I do love mine and won't be selling it but I expected more for my money, especially in regards to the bracelet. These retail at £1100 ($1525) here in the UK - If you look hard enough like I did you can get a new one for 15% off £935 ($1300) however nice condition used ones occasionally pop up for £750 ($1040) if you're lucky. I feel retail should be no more than £700 ($970) on this watch, I wouldn't complain at that price.
Wearing this exact model right now. The bezel lines up and it keeps great time. Never noticed the end link issue until I watched this video. I own a few Seiko watches from the prospex line and this is my most refined one.
Beautiful 🤩 I love this watch the price is a little steep, but if I had the money I would have paid $1200 and would have taken this watch over the black bay 58 any day of the week. There is a real hype about this watch, check out all the reviews and everyone seems to be in love 😻 with this. Definitely on my wish list. 💚
I have the OG BB58 and the SPB149, they are similar but no same, they are just two different leagues but can coexist and complement each other. BB 58 is more refined and Seiko feels more like a tool watch.
I like it... thing is, I haven't had a Seiko itch for a while now... worries me as I have been G-Shock Square for a while now. One thing that I notice is having to set the time on mechanicals whenever you put a watch on as I rotate a lot.. with my G-Shocks they always have the right time and I do like and notice this. Perhaps I am just lazy.
@@steelsteez6118 I think there is a bit of truth in that. Am still preferring auto time G-Shocks and we are over a year now.. perhaps I've gone too far and I am over the edge 😀
Rob just curious. Why would you accept $1,200 watch that the bracelet doesn't even fit in there . wouldn't you take it back and ask for another one fits properly. I just purchased a San Martin Grand Seiko homage where everything lines up and fits perfectly for $350. A grand Seiko diver retails for $6,000. How could seiko not have a nice bracelet fit for $1,200 is beyond me. I would just try to get another one that fits perfect. Ray usa
Unfortunately Seiko squeezed a small lume pip next to the date window to apply to iso standards in 2021...its like a warts on a perfect face. Had the the later model and returned it to buy the earlier version (like the one in the review) used. The endlink fit isn't really a problem with this case shape imho. Since the endlink design is not matching the case by design anyway.
Not trying to argue with you, but i prefer the one with the lume at 3 oclock. Just makes it more symmetrical specially in the dark, having all hour marks lighting up. I do understand we all have our preferences and opinions so no judgements here. Enjoy 😊 I hope to get mine soon. Ordered it from gnomon watches singapore because no stock available locally. It is stuck in philippine customs at the moment. 😑
@@ryangochuico wait till you see it in the flesh...the lume pip rather un-balanced the dial since its less symmetrical now. Still an attractive watch, but I much prefer the 1st version. Probably if they put it left of the date window, it would have made the dial more balanced. In practical terms it makes not much sense, rather than applying to iso standards. You will never misread the time even without the lume pip...as an owner of an 114270 Explorer where all the 3,6,9 numerals aren't lumed I can tell you that
Finally got my watch august 17. Been wearing it daily since then. Lume at 3 oclock is so small i barely notice it. I like how all hour indices glow in the dark, and not have a black spot at 3oclock. It would have been a little bit nicer if they scootched the date window a little bit to the left to make room for the lume pip, like how they do it with the seiko samurais. Not a deal breaker in any case. Happy watch keeping. 😊
For 1200 USD inwpuldnt want any form of rattle with SOLID end links. Also, I assume the bezel and/or chapter ring doesnt align 100%. Between those 2 faults, I find it unacceptable for the price. Especially when San Martin makes an equivalent watch for $260 USD. Seiko really needs to step up their QC across the board. We seem to laugh and brush it off but if San Martin can do it for 1/5 the price, Seiko can do it for $1200. Just my opinion, of course.
Thanks for the review, Rob. This model has been one of my grails for quite a while, and since I'm looking for a retro-inspired watch with history and heritage behind it but not too expensive (around 1000 USD), this watch ticks those boxes for me, paying homage to the 62MAS. But with modern Seikos you never know whether you'll get it all aligned or not, even on a 1000+ dollar watch, so I'm leaning more towards Squale 1521 Militaire at this point.
Think the 051 was nicer. The indices and the bezel looked better. Yes the size is better on the 143 , but I have bigger wrists. The bracelet was better on the 051 too. Some improvement, some negatives, but all in all the 051 is better bang for buck. I actually think the 051 is the best modern diver seiko have produced for its price . It doesn't fit all wrist sizes but under 43mm it still is sweet. The quality of build is just fantastic considering you can get a mint used one now for under £600. Mine gains about 2mins a week , but I couldn't care less. I've owned mine 3 years and worn it to work , and it's still looks as good as the day I got it. Superb watch, and tough as old boots !!! Don't waste your money on a sub, the 051 is just as good , and a fraction of the price !!!
i too have a sbdc051 and prefer it's size to this watch's smaller 40mm. i have seen the 051 modded with a 143 style handset and it looks really great. but like you alluded to, bang for buck, i'll keep my 051!
Beautiful watch. I absolutely love this classic Seiko design. But . . . those gaps between the end links and lugs are more than a quirk, it’s not acceptable at $1200. I mean, San Martin $250 Seiko homages typically have excellent tolerances better than this.
I got one, loved the look, feel and fit, but returned it because the screw down crown and winding action was rough and, in my mind, not worthy of the $1200 price tag
Actually bought one this morning, they're £1100 from a Seiko dealer here in the UK but I got it lowered to £935. Can't wait for it to arrive tomorrow. Great review Oh and the bezel insert is stainless steel and coated like the bracelet
The end links aren’t a deal breaker for me, but also incredibly annoying. My SBDC053 end links fit completely tight so pretty disappointing on these models. I had the SPB147 and got the OEM bracelet, sold it. I’ll be buying a 143 eventually too
@@vitaboost I had the watch so I’d disagree. Why is in a Seiko at this price it’s ok, but pretty much any other company this would be wildly unacceptable. Too many Seiko apologists, I’m a Seiko realist and I’ll continue to purchase them in person to ensure the QC was good, but this bracelet end link thing is on every single watch, unlike misaligned bezels etc
There seems to be an updated version of this that has a reduced lumed marker at 3 o’clock, next to the date windows. Ca you get a hold of that one too and see if there’s anything else that is updated, like the end links or other shortcomings?
Saati satın aldım fakat tuhaf bir sorun yaşadım. Saat 12 de akrep ve yelkovanın hizalı olmadığını fark ettim. Saat başlarında akrep geri kalıyor. Videodaki saatte de aynı sorun var gibi. Saat 4 ama akrep geride. Kronik mi bu
At that price, that bracelet misfit would drive me nuts. Is Seiko TRYING to chase away customers? Higher prices and even more QC issues is a bad idea!😡
I agree. Read what I said to Rob. That's ridiculous that somebody would accept a watch like that for $1,200. When you can get beautiful watches for two to three hundred dollars
I have an old skx007, and I would like to renew with a new prospex watch. Thing is, I need to sell my skx to help finance new watch. Would you recommend replacing the skx with this model?? 😊
there’s a loads of ‘swiss’watches at ++1200$ with some off the shelf eta but seiko puts out a watch 100% produced under one roof and people sh!t their pants.
@@MrMadvillan I want the Land Tortoise as it does seem good value around 400 dollars no more hardlex so it looks like the micro brands might just have got their attention.
@@danielthompson803 yeah, well for whatever reason sapphire has become the default. It also make for a fairly boring watch. Sapphire is a very harder material which makes it scratch resistant, however hardness also makes it way more brittle and shatter prone. That mean sapphire is always thick and because its very difficult to shape(grind and polish) you usually get only flat and thick glass. Oh and that blue AR coating(that i personally find tacky), you need that because sapphire its much more reflective than Hardlex or acrylic. 😅
Being produced “under one roof” means nothing, so do Orients and Vostoks. It all depend on the roof, actually any off the shelf ETA is miles better than the terrible Seiko 6R and 4R movements.
I like the watch but not the price. At that price point, you're getting into entry level swiss territory like Longines. I've never owned a Longines watch but I never heard of them having qc issues like Seiko. I would like to see someone compare this watch to a Longines Hydroconquest as that would be the watch I would consider buying instead.
This is the only Seiko in my collection and it's the perfect only one Seiko to have in my opinion . It's the type of watch you can wear to the beach on a Sunday then to a business meeting on Monday (which I've done with this quite a few times)
I’ve got multiple Seiko on bracelets, I’ve never seen that sort of loose bracelet fit. Usually I’m struggling to get everything aligned to get the end link in between the lugs, it’s so tight. I’d be asking my AD to look in to it, tbh.
I've been looking back into Seiko lately and bought one recently. I wonder why one would pay more for a Tudor Back Bay (I couldn't afford a Rolex watch).
I purchased the San Martin V(4) 62 MAS Homage (It’s really an exact Homage to this model. Dimensions are almost exactly the same all the way around. I bought it to see if I wanted to drop the 1200 on this watch…It costs to 220. As for the San Martin? It is every bit as nice as any Seiko that I own including the $1200 ‘captain Willard’ reissue. I’m gonna go ahead and pick up one of these however I will say that the extended mail end-link Really increases the affective lug to lug…Ends up being 52/53 mm… 7 1/2 inch wrist and in my opinion it’s the max that I can pull off comfortably. Just something to keep in mind. Also, the bracelet on the San Martin has no play, it’s better quality, and has a fully milled clasp. Really wish they could pick up their game on bracelets at this price point.
@@djzrobzombie2813 I actually bought a Pagani Omega Seamaster and Homage just for fun… It’s OK… For 110 bucks it was fine… The San Martin is actually very nice…Very close to the quality of the Seiko…. I have a lot of namebrand watches some of which cost a lot of money… But I don’t mind buying Homages of a bunch of them either…As long as it’s not a counterfeit/fake… I’m cool with it.
the chinese guys figured out that rather than selling counterfeits outright, people will all the same buy fakes even with nonsense names on them. hilarious.
@@MrMadvillan don't get how people can ignore the fact that alot of the homage watches are just exact copies which are basically fakes but a different brand name. Like buy them if you want but the mental gymnastics is funny.
@@kewlger oh, check this out. if you wonder how some fakes make it to the second hand market, there are threads on reddit where people discuss swapping chinese homages dials with genuine seiko ones. but like can’t comprehend what that means 😅
What ticks me off is what you said…the end links being loose isnt a deal breaker, hey this one lines up…Seiko needs to get their S together and just pay attention to the details…if San Martin can pump out watches with better QC then I expect Seiko to as well…especially for the price…they make such beautiful iconic watches, but consistently fail in QC.
I bought…. Terrible erratic movement plus 30 secs a day. Rattling poor tolerances bracelet. Kind of bulky. But makes good daily beater and aesthetically beautiful. Wish seiko would make a slimmer case version with better movement closer to the original 62 MAS. People comparing to bb 58 this thing doesn’t come close……
It's a nice looking watch with some nice features. I just don't know that I'd pay 1200 for it. The end link gaps are a mild annoyance, but I could probably look past that if it was a little more competitively priced. There are too many other brands right now making quality watches under 800 that are a far better value.
Would be nice if there was just a way to remove the dive extension from the clasp. Like make it modular. I just hate how that's the only part of the bracelet that only bends one direction. I wear my watches loose and it makes an awkward 'v' at the dive extension. Ditch it already. (Based off my experience with the Seiko Monster).
That bracelet is generic it should have end links to fit the watch especially at that price. For me another example of Seiko charging more and giving you less.
The very similar "limited edition" (5500!) SPB149 has a subtle dark blue dial, comes on the same bracelet but with an additional -- and very nice -- blue Seiko rubber strap, which is how I wear it. Love it.
For half the price i’d rather go with a King Samurai with a Strapcode bracelet. Sure i’d be losing out on the 6R35 and that 70 hour power reserve, but the 4R35 is still decent enough, and the longer power reserve isn’t worth 2x the price imo.
SPB143 is nice looking watch, but not worth the asking price. Bracelet is better than a typical Seiko bracelet, but watch and bracelet together reveals problems (end link does not match the case, rattles and gap etc). Best way to get SPB143 is buy used then sell the bracelet and get Uncle Seiko GL831 or Waffle strap.
10 Seiko SPB143 for 1 Submariner 🎤 drop I own a Speedy Moonwatch and a Pelagos Blue and I’m strongly considering this watch to wrap up my 3 watch collection
the end links would be a deal breaker for me. If the watch was $500, no, but for the price, they need to a better job with the endlinks. My Ginault is around the same price and the bracelet fits PERFECT. Zero play.
Rob, I used to be a Seiko diehard but my goodness. How much longer is Seiko going to ride on the goodwill of past greats? Even the $450 Zelos is waaaay better quality and their micro adjust on their bracelets like on my Mako is so good. My sarb 017 was my Seiko. If I ever go back I will save and move up to a Grand Seiko.
It's nice but Seiko is charging way too much given their QC. I just can't get behind them much anymore. Especially when their new price puts them in competition with watchmakers that don't do lazy BS like Seiko does. I'll just keep buying Orient for my Seiko fix and move along to other more competitive offerings in the mid-entry level tier segment, of which there are many.
That Rolex makes the Seiko look like a sundial. Rob, I'm going to say it again. Maybe if you want another colour to add to the collection but when you have the best diver in the world there is no need for another black diver. Deep down I think you know that too. Don't settle for second best in this case 10th best.
Thanks for the great review. Considering its modest size and 70-hour power reserve, it makes a great one-only watch for those who can live with just one.
For those who can live with just one? I'm assuming you're excluded from "those" Jeff?
This was my 40th bday gift. I love it. It’s a bit thick but I live with it. It has the brand history and styling to be very versatile and while understated, there are little design elements and polished finish highlights that I don’t get tired of looking it it. Bezel is painted steel.
The SPB143 is my grail watch.
Did you get it yet?
My favourite watch. Even more so than my 2020 Aqua Terra.
Yeah, sure, it has its flaws but the bracelet gap is barely noticeable. It’s a absolutely fantastic watch and feels premium and well above its price tag!
Also, it’s a absolute strap monster.
I have 2020 SEIKO Sumo, and is the same bracelet same issue....... so I already changed CRAFTER BLUE strap~~~
So true, I too own this watch I pair it with a cheap Barton ballistic Nato black and smoke (their bond version) and it pops all day long. This watch has totally scratched my itch for Tudor or Rolex classic sub.
The crafter blue makes the sumo so much better.
For this spb143 the bracelet doesn’t bother me at all but with the drilled lugs and how good it looks on a nato or rubber strap I change my regularly but still use bracelet the most. The clasp and movement aren’t great but they’re fine and at least I can change micros easily enough (with a pin or even a toothpick)- my old Omega and grand seikos didn’t even have that “luxury”)
It’s not a perfect watch but it perfectly compliments my Reverso for a great two watch collection …with a Speedmaster potentially making it a perfect three (for me anyway).
Thanks for the video👍🏼👍🏼
Does any one have an alternative for the bracelet?
@@scott_addict Strapcode check them out
Popped my 143 on an uncle seiko irezumi and it has pretty much became my everyday wear. Great combo
I really like the designs on this series over other divers Seiko manufacturer. There is a kind of elegance to them that I find really appealing
One of my favorite seiko hand sets
Its a beautiful watch..i have the sbdc105 on an aftermarket oyster strap with ratchet expansion and its my grail watch. Its made in japan where the culture is as perfect as the country. Beautiful in every way. I love it.
As a bicyclists and the owner of both the Seiko SPB143 and for example the Omega Seamaster Professional 300m I feel the click action of the bezel of the Seiko is as buttery smooth as a well oiled high quality Shimano drivetrain, whereas the click action of the Omega is as coarse and unrefined as that of a really cheap unoiled chinese drivetrain, and I bet that cheap coarse chinese feel of the bezel action is present in your Rolex Submariner as well!
This series and the V1 MM200s are my favourite Seikos ever. On my way to collecting all of them.
I like these mid tier Seiko's. Feels like you have something going for you and have something nice on the wrist without breaking the bank.
I definitely will have one of these , I already have the bb58 which is awesome. This is one of my favourite seiko models at the moment.
Have it since Friday. This is absolute badass!
I got this Seiko and a Reverso duoface, both new and with discounts, for the cost of a Submariner (that I had wanted but gave up waiting for). It really scratches the itch for me but I think only because I have another watch that is higher quality, it means I can really enjoy this and look forward to beating it up a bit over time and seeing it age with me. Aesthetically I prefer it to the sub and I don’t have the same security issues with those two I would have had with a Rolex.
I think if I got the call now for a Rolex I can honestly say I’d not take it (I have enough friends who would luckily so it still wouldn’t go to waste!)
I like it more then the submariner.
Wow
If based on just pure looks alone, i too like this spb143 better than the rolex submariner.
Only 2 things bother me on the submariner though. The mercedes style hour hand and the cyclops magnifier. Just 2 cents. Happy weekend. 😊
On looks alone I agree, definitely better than the Sub but unfortunately it ends there as the Sub wins by a mile in every other area. The lug gap issue is a non issue when on the wrist plus you can sell the bracelet and stick it on the silicon strap from the SPB147, problem solved.
I'd recommend anyone considering buying one to buy a used one, I do love mine and won't be selling it but I expected more for my money, especially in regards to the bracelet. These retail at £1100 ($1525) here in the UK - If you look hard enough like I did you can get a new one for 15% off £935 ($1300) however nice condition used ones occasionally pop up for £750 ($1040) if you're lucky.
I feel retail should be no more than £700 ($970) on this watch, I wouldn't complain at that price.
This is the perfect 1 watch collection.
I bought one when they first came out and I wear it regularly.
That Seiko is more handsome than Rolex❤
Wearing this exact model right now. The bezel lines up and it keeps great time. Never noticed the end link issue until I watched this video. I own a few Seiko watches from the prospex line and this is my most refined one.
i will own this watch one day!
Beautiful 🤩 I love this watch the price is a little steep, but if I had the money I would have paid $1200 and would have taken this watch over the black bay 58 any day of the week. There is a real hype about this watch, check out all the reviews and everyone seems to be in love 😻 with this. Definitely on my wish list. 💚
I like these. If I hadn’t got a BB58 I’d absolutely get the one with gold accents
I have the OG BB58 and the SPB149, they are similar but no same, they are just two different leagues but can coexist and complement each other. BB 58 is more refined and Seiko feels more like a tool watch.
This watch is awesome.
I just measured my wrist. It's 7.5 at the low end and 7.75 in the upper end. Is this SPB143 too small for a wrist that size?
No but yes. I wouldn’t wear it if my wrist was that size. If that makes sense at all
@@RandomRobReviews You make sense. For your personal sense of scale, the watch would play too small for you. Thanks. Perhaps you have saved me $1,100.
I wish Seiko would do a 62mas reissue, but put in a 4r35, hardlex etc and sold it for a reasonably affordable price, they’d sell like hot cakes
I like it... thing is, I haven't had a Seiko itch for a while now... worries me as I have been G-Shock Square for a while now. One thing that I notice is having to set the time on mechanicals whenever you put a watch on as I rotate a lot.. with my G-Shocks they always have the right time and I do like and notice this. Perhaps I am just lazy.
@@steelsteez6118 I think there is a bit of truth in that. Am still preferring auto time G-Shocks and we are over a year now.. perhaps I've gone too far and I am over the edge 😀
The SPB143 is a very nice watch, i love that anthracite grey dial, it's so neat 👍 Au
Rob just curious. Why would you accept $1,200 watch that the bracelet doesn't even fit in there . wouldn't you take it back and ask for another one fits properly. I just purchased a San Martin Grand Seiko homage where everything lines up and fits perfectly for $350. A grand Seiko diver retails for $6,000. How could seiko not have a nice bracelet fit for $1,200 is beyond me. I would just try to get another one that fits perfect. Ray usa
Unfortunately Seiko squeezed a small lume pip next to the date window to apply to iso standards in 2021...its like a warts on a perfect face. Had the the later model and returned it to buy the earlier version (like the one in the review) used.
The endlink fit isn't really a problem with this case shape imho. Since the endlink design is not matching the case by design anyway.
Not trying to argue with you, but i prefer the one with the lume at 3 oclock. Just makes it more symmetrical specially in the dark, having all hour marks lighting up. I do understand we all have our preferences and opinions so no judgements here. Enjoy 😊
I hope to get mine soon. Ordered it from gnomon watches singapore because no stock available locally. It is stuck in philippine customs at the moment. 😑
@@ryangochuico wait till you see it in the flesh...the lume pip rather un-balanced the dial since its less symmetrical now. Still an attractive watch, but I much prefer the 1st version. Probably if they put it left of the date window, it would have made the dial more balanced. In practical terms it makes not much sense, rather than applying to iso standards. You will never misread the time even without the lume pip...as an owner of an 114270 Explorer where all the 3,6,9 numerals aren't lumed I can tell you that
Hopefully it doesnt bother me when i finally see it. 😁
Agree. Lume at the date window just ruins the 65 vibe.
Finally got my watch august 17. Been wearing it daily since then. Lume at 3 oclock is so small i barely notice it. I like how all hour indices glow in the dark, and not have a black spot at 3oclock. It would have been a little bit nicer if they scootched the date window a little bit to the left to make room for the lume pip, like how they do it with the seiko samurais. Not a deal breaker in any case. Happy watch keeping. 😊
For 1200 USD inwpuldnt want any form of rattle with SOLID end links. Also, I assume the bezel and/or chapter ring doesnt align 100%. Between those 2 faults, I find it unacceptable for the price. Especially when San Martin makes an equivalent watch for $260 USD. Seiko really needs to step up their QC across the board. We seem to laugh and brush it off but if San Martin can do it for 1/5 the price, Seiko can do it for $1200.
Just my opinion, of course.
You are right ✅
Avuti entrambi. Il 62 mas e’ ancora con me e lo adoro. Il bb58 l ho venduto. Penso questo dica tutto
Thanks for the review, Rob. This model has been one of my grails for quite a while, and since I'm looking for a retro-inspired watch with history and heritage behind it but not too expensive (around 1000 USD), this watch ticks those boxes for me, paying homage to the 62MAS. But with modern Seikos you never know whether you'll get it all aligned or not, even on a 1000+ dollar watch, so I'm leaning more towards Squale 1521 Militaire at this point.
Nice seiko, I myself have been in that price range for seiko lately and I don't see myself going back to the lesser priced seiko's.
Yeah, even other examples in the Prospex range don't scratch the same itch as these SPBs. It's hard to go back to a Sumo after wearing this.
A great watch and a great review. Thanks for sharing the video Rob 🙂
Think the 051 was nicer. The indices and the bezel looked better. Yes the size is better on the 143 , but I have bigger wrists. The bracelet was better on the 051 too. Some improvement, some negatives, but all in all the 051 is better bang for buck. I actually think the 051 is the best modern diver seiko have produced for its price . It doesn't fit all wrist sizes but under 43mm it still is sweet. The quality of build is just fantastic considering you can get a mint used one now for under £600. Mine gains about 2mins a week , but I couldn't care less. I've owned mine 3 years and worn it to work , and it's still looks as good as the day I got it. Superb watch, and tough as old boots !!! Don't waste your money on a sub, the 051 is just as good , and a fraction of the price !!!
i too have a sbdc051 and prefer it's size to this watch's smaller 40mm. i have seen the 051 modded with a 143 style handset and it looks really great. but like you alluded to, bang for buck, i'll keep my 051!
@@jh-il5sb I like the hands on the 051 too. More modern . And better lume too.
Beautiful watch. I absolutely love this classic Seiko design. But . . . those gaps between the end links and lugs are more than a quirk, it’s not acceptable at $1200. I mean, San Martin $250 Seiko homages typically have excellent tolerances better than this.
My $90 aliexpress watch has better tolerances
@@RestrictedHades I am not surprised. There are definitely some AliExpress brands that punch above their weight.
That's a steel bezzel coated with seiko's ultra hard diashield coating
Looks great on a mesh bracelet, similar to the superocean heritage 2
STAIB makes a good one
Awesome video thanks Rob !
I got one, loved the look, feel and fit, but returned it because the screw down crown and winding action was rough and, in my mind, not worthy of the $1200 price tag
Actually bought one this morning, they're £1100 from a Seiko dealer here in the UK but I got it lowered to £935. Can't wait for it to arrive tomorrow. Great review
Oh and the bezel insert is stainless steel and coated like the bracelet
That play in the end links is a deal breaker for sure
The end links aren’t a deal breaker for me, but also incredibly annoying. My SBDC053 end links fit completely tight so pretty disappointing on these models. I had the SPB147 and got the OEM bracelet, sold it. I’ll be buying a 143 eventually too
@@vitaboost I had the watch so I’d disagree. Why is in a Seiko at this price it’s ok, but pretty much any other company this would be wildly unacceptable. Too many Seiko apologists, I’m a Seiko realist and I’ll continue to purchase them in person to ensure the QC was good, but this bracelet end link thing is on every single watch, unlike misaligned bezels etc
There seems to be an updated version of this that has a reduced lumed marker at 3 o’clock, next to the date windows. Ca you get a hold of that one too and see if there’s anything else that is updated, like the end links or other shortcomings?
A very nice watch, as always a great review.
Saati satın aldım fakat tuhaf bir sorun yaşadım. Saat 12 de akrep ve yelkovanın hizalı olmadığını fark ettim. Saat başlarında akrep geri kalıyor. Videodaki saatte de aynı sorun var gibi. Saat 4 ama akrep geride. Kronik mi bu
If only grand seiko would make a diver in these dimensions and case shape.
At that price, that bracelet misfit would drive me nuts. Is Seiko TRYING to chase away customers? Higher prices and even more QC issues is a bad idea!😡
I agree. Read what I said to Rob. That's ridiculous that somebody would accept a watch like that for $1,200. When you can get beautiful watches for two to three hundred dollars
@@wed265 Well, spb143 is selling like crazy, so....
Looks so good before they ruined it with lume next to the date window .. trying to find me an older version
On the wish list for sure
I have an old skx007, and I would like to renew with a new prospex watch. Thing is, I need to sell my skx to help finance new watch. Would you recommend replacing the skx with this model?? 😊
there’s a loads of ‘swiss’watches at ++1200$ with some off the shelf eta but seiko puts out a watch 100% produced under one roof and people sh!t their pants.
It's made under one roof but it looks like it has started to leek.
@@danielthompson803 😂 ha unexpected dorky comment 💯 you got me
@@MrMadvillan I want the Land Tortoise as it does seem good value around 400 dollars no more hardlex so it looks like the micro brands might just have got their attention.
@@danielthompson803 yeah, well for whatever reason sapphire has become the default. It also make for a fairly boring watch. Sapphire is a very harder material which makes it scratch resistant, however hardness also makes it way more brittle and shatter prone. That mean sapphire is always thick and because its very difficult to shape(grind and polish) you usually get only flat and thick glass. Oh and that blue AR coating(that i personally find tacky), you need that because sapphire its much more reflective than Hardlex or acrylic. 😅
Being produced “under one roof” means nothing, so do Orients and Vostoks. It all depend on the roof, actually any off the shelf ETA is miles better than the terrible Seiko 6R and 4R movements.
I have the 147. Swapped out a Miltat bracelet. Love it.
I’m going to get the 147 too and was wondering about the Miltat. How is it? I’ve previously found them way too chunky especially the clasps.
wearing one right now. Current favorite watch. Slight play in the end links, but it doesnt bother me. Its usually on a tropic strap
No gap on my 1200$ oris , idk i think seiko is great at like 800< maybe im alone on that , definitely a banger of a watch
I like the watch but not the price. At that price point, you're getting into entry level swiss territory like Longines. I've never owned a Longines watch but I never heard of them having qc issues like Seiko.
I would like to see someone compare this watch to a Longines Hydroconquest as that would be the watch I would consider buying instead.
This is the only Seiko in my collection and it's the perfect only one Seiko to have in my opinion . It's the type of watch you can wear to the beach on a Sunday then to a business meeting on Monday (which I've done with this quite a few times)
100%.
Which strap is the one on SKX?
I’ve got multiple Seiko on bracelets, I’ve never seen that sort of loose bracelet fit. Usually I’m struggling to get everything aligned to get the end link in between the lugs, it’s so tight. I’d be asking my AD to look in to it, tbh.
this or the Aquis Date 39.5 (SW200)?
Wearing mine right now on a Uncleseiko tropical rubber strap
I've been looking back into Seiko lately and bought one recently. I wonder why one would pay more for a Tudor Back Bay (I couldn't afford a Rolex watch).
The endlinks will rattle for sure. I would wear it on a shark mesh. The watch is great.
The SKX has more character and stands alone. It doesn't pretend to be anything else but the most iconic and affordable Seiko diver ever made.
The crown on mine has begun unscrewing by itself. My only complaint.
I purchased the San Martin V(4) 62 MAS Homage (It’s really an exact Homage to this model. Dimensions are almost exactly the same all the way around. I bought it to see if I wanted to drop the 1200 on this watch…It costs to 220. As for the San Martin? It is every bit as nice as any Seiko that I own including the $1200 ‘captain Willard’ reissue. I’m gonna go ahead and pick up one of these however I will say that the extended mail end-link Really increases the affective lug to lug…Ends up being 52/53 mm… 7 1/2 inch wrist and in my opinion it’s the max that I can pull off comfortably. Just something to keep in mind. Also, the bracelet on the San Martin has no play, it’s better quality, and has a fully milled clasp. Really wish they could pick up their game on bracelets at this price point.
You are lucky that you didn't bought a Pagani design 🤣🤣
@@djzrobzombie2813 I actually bought a Pagani Omega Seamaster and Homage just for fun… It’s OK… For 110 bucks it was fine… The San Martin is actually very nice…Very close to the quality of the Seiko…. I have a lot of namebrand watches some of which cost a lot of money… But I don’t mind buying Homages of a bunch of them either…As long as it’s not a counterfeit/fake… I’m cool with it.
the chinese guys figured out that rather than selling counterfeits outright, people will all the same buy fakes even with nonsense names on them. hilarious.
@@MrMadvillan don't get how people can ignore the fact that alot of the homage watches are just exact copies which are basically fakes but a different brand name. Like buy them if you want but the mental gymnastics is funny.
@@kewlger oh, check this out. if you wonder how some fakes make it to the second hand market, there are threads on reddit where people discuss swapping chinese homages dials with genuine seiko ones. but like can’t comprehend what that means 😅
Great looking watch, but Seikos have inexcusable movement regulation standards.
What ticks me off is what you said…the end links being loose isnt a deal breaker, hey this one lines up…Seiko needs to get their S together and just pay attention to the details…if San Martin can pump out watches with better QC then I expect Seiko to as well…especially for the price…they make such beautiful iconic watches, but consistently fail in QC.
I bought…. Terrible erratic movement plus 30 secs a day. Rattling poor tolerances bracelet. Kind of bulky. But makes good daily beater and aesthetically beautiful. Wish seiko would make a slimmer case version with better movement closer to the original 62 MAS. People comparing to bb 58 this thing doesn’t come close……
Was able to get the white dial w blue bezel 62mas for under $1k. Definitely overpriced for a lowbeat movement but a gorgeous Seiko.
It's a nice looking watch with some nice features. I just don't know that I'd pay 1200 for it. The end link gaps are a mild annoyance, but I could probably look past that if it was a little more competitively priced. There are too many other brands right now making quality watches under 800 that are a far better value.
Would be nice if there was just a way to remove the dive extension from the clasp. Like make it modular. I just hate how that's the only part of the bracelet that only bends one direction. I wear my watches loose and it makes an awkward 'v' at the dive extension. Ditch it already. (Based off my experience with the Seiko Monster).
Great review. SOLD
That bracelet is generic it should have end links to fit the watch especially at that price. For me another example of Seiko charging more and giving you less.
1200 us dollars for a Seiko is a real breaker ..... 🤣🤣🤣
It's not a placeholder. Don't even call it that.
This watch seems like it's worth about $400.
$600 on the high side. A few years ago this would have been a $500 watch from Seiko.
I will get 5 of them if’s $400 🤣🤣
Get this and a Strapcode super jubilee and problem solved for an affordable daily
I really think at this price it should be a 4 Hz movement
The very similar "limited edition" (5500!) SPB149 has a subtle dark blue dial, comes on the same bracelet but with an additional -- and very nice -- blue Seiko rubber strap, which is how I wear it. Love it.
For half the price i’d rather go with a King Samurai with a Strapcode bracelet. Sure i’d be losing out on the 6R35 and that 70 hour power reserve, but the 4R35 is still decent enough, and the longer power reserve isn’t worth 2x the price imo.
SPB143 is nice looking watch, but not worth the asking price.
Bracelet is better than a typical Seiko bracelet, but watch and bracelet together reveals problems (end link does not match the case, rattles and gap etc).
Best way to get SPB143 is buy used then sell the bracelet and get Uncle Seiko GL831 or Waffle strap.
endlinks just look bad, movement or not. They are not made for this case, just an after thought...
I got the SPB213. Definitely not ceramic.
10 Seiko SPB143 for 1 Submariner 🎤 drop
I own a Speedy Moonwatch and a Pelagos Blue and I’m strongly considering this watch to wrap up my 3 watch collection
It’s not a deal breaker with that endlink Rob! Looks really 👍
the end links would be a deal breaker for me. If the watch was $500, no, but for the price, they need to a better job with the endlinks. My Ginault is around the same price and the bracelet fits PERFECT. Zero play.
I think I'd pull the trigger if it had a flat crystal, applied Seiko logo, and embossed crown
Rob, I used to be a Seiko diehard but my goodness. How much longer is Seiko going to ride on the goodwill of past greats? Even the $450 Zelos is waaaay better quality and their micro adjust on their bracelets like on my Mako is so good. My sarb 017 was my Seiko. If I ever go back I will save and move up to a Grand Seiko.
Zelos is a great watch but IMO no zelos watch beats this Seiko spb143 in design
the bezel is just coated metal
u can fix the bracelet with uncle seiko / Strapcode
For me it's a deal breaker
Prefer that 009 honestly
Beautifull classic seiko's. But only with date.
No date on this kind of classics makes them 100% authentic. No seiko for me. ☹️
It’s not a quirk !! Stop making excuses for bad quality control ! Why keep defending seiko when all they do is keep ripping off their customers
It's nice but Seiko is charging way too much given their QC. I just can't get behind them much anymore. Especially when their new price puts them in competition with watchmakers that don't do lazy BS like Seiko does. I'll just keep buying Orient for my Seiko fix and move along to other more competitive offerings in the mid-entry level tier segment, of which there are many.
I am not hot. Seiko. Better around.
That Rolex makes the Seiko look like a sundial. Rob, I'm going to say it again. Maybe if you want another colour to add to the collection but when you have the best diver in the world there is no need for another black diver. Deep down I think you know that too. Don't settle for second best in this case 10th best.
And the Sub isn't ISO certified. LOL