Great comparison of the two watches, thank you! I know many people have complained about the 6r35's accuracy. I think it's important to keep in mind that it takes 57 winds to achieve a full power reserve and there's also a break-in period. For me, within a few months of owning the Spb153, it started running great and keeping time at about +3-5 a day. Once I gave it a full wind, started wearing it regularly, and also winding it 10-15 revolutions a day, it's accuracy was on par with any other Seiko I have owned. From my experience, as with any of their other movements, when the power reserve is low, they all tend to slow down. I've become less obsessed with accuracy, as I can let a watch run and just set it a minute ahead or behind as needed. I've somewhat gotten away from the need to constantly unscrew the crown and set watches to the precise second. I leave that to my JDM "black & blue" G-shock.
I'd agree. I have the movement in 2 Alpinists and a 62 MAS and haven't had any issues with either reliability or accuracy. I think it got a bit of a bad rep when the first of the new alpinists came out, it was one of the first to have the new extended mainspring/lower beat and I think it got caught up in the 'Seiko's all about the bread l, dude' debate given the price point of the new Alpinist vs the Sarb017. Thus compounded with some early QC issues and several viral posts about new movements breaking. Personally I think the movement is a good one and certainly as reliable as the Selita 200, maybe not as refined but you don't buy a lower mid range Seiko movement for refinement, you're buying it for rugged capability and power reserve. My only issue is I don't understand why they bothered putting a display back on the new alpinists as the crystal is tiny and the movement undecorated.
I'm surprised McMahon that you have not figured out that, not interacting with a watch style for a while allows for a renewed appreciation for that unique style. Multiple similar watches interferes with the style rebond experience. So, rebonding rather than rebuying could be the slicker way to go about keeping the collection appreciated.
Thanks for the side by side comparison. I’ve never seen a Uemura in person but I did get the green Willard. It’s a brilliant watch. It sits comfortably on the wrist and has the nicest, most comfortable rubber strap I’ve ever worn.
I own a 153, and lately I've been yearning for a 151- nothing at all against the Uemura. I look at these watches not so much as beaters, but watches I can wear and not be stressed if it catches a nick or gets dirty. I'm not timing heartbeats or anything critical, so the movement is not an issue. The 153 wears a lot of different straps really well, and it's a super comfortable watch. But as a semi watch geek, I get pleasure from wearing this in public even though 1 in probably 10,000 knows anything about it. Good review, you must hold both watches. I don't know how so many people sell so many of their watches. I only buy when I'm sure it's something I want. I don't bother counting my collection, I just wear whatever I'm in the mood to wear. No regrets-
I love the Willard. I have a SPB237 (on the SPB153’s black silicone strap) which I love and it’s my new daily. Mine is +|- 5 seconds a day which I’m definitely happy with. The bezel lines up too!
I ordered the black and green willard as soon as they where available. The 6105 is an icon and having a version that would seemingly fit my 6.5" wrist was going to be heaven for me. However, the "pudgy" design with the crown at 3:45 and the short lug to lug made the SBDC Willards fit really odd on my wrist. The first link to the bracelet has an abrupt step up to the case and even on a nato they just didn't look right. I wanted to love them but in the end I sprung for the Sla033 and to me it looks and even fits so much better on the wrist. I have tried on the 049 Uemura and will probably add the 051 to the collection.
@Jeffrey Mcmahon the super hard coating is just another term for diashield coating which is the scratch-resistant coating seen on prospex models around $1,000 +
The problem with diashield is that if you do indeed make a deep and or large scratch, it cannot be polished out like other high-end or even low-end stainless steel watches. It is not advised to do on diashield, unfortunately. I sold my sla049 a few months back. Resale value holds strong 💪 with the Uemura's. Absolutely no worries there. The 8l35b movement was nothing short of amazing. I personally prefer minimalist design of the Uemura's.
Steve fox, one of the best sla is the 043. The new ever brilliant steel is just amazing. The deep blue dial is really something, looks almost black indoors, but really pops, out in the sunlight. The dommed sapphire is really beautiful and although it's really expensive, it's definitely worth the out lay. I've tried on rolex subs and many omegas, but the sla043 is easily as good , it's just beautiful.
I love the SLA033 and may have bought one except that the beveled glass reflecting the minute markers is such an important part of the Willard look and for some crazy reason Seiko decided to do something different…but they followed other nice 6105 features like the framed date windows and “Lock” on the crown that I think Seiko should have put on the SPBs.
I have both, the cheaper one is better in the looks department, and it bugs me. The Willard looks better on the wrist also, but the Willard doesn’t have the 8L35.
Ugh I just pushed ‘buy’ on my 3RD re-buy 151. I just can’t quit that watch. I wanted to choose between the Willard and 62MAS but I guess I just need both of them.
I have an SPB183 (the blue Willard) and love it so much. I long thought the Uemura would be my next big step, but something about its lack of chunk factor compared to the Willards bothers me... and for about the same money, I could just go for something like an SLA023 MM300. It's kind of the perfected form of that kind of Seiko diver in the way the Willard is the perfected form of Seiko cushion divers. You could say, like the Willard, it's more... ...iconic.
I’ve had mm300, it’s an amazing watch however it is top heavy so not ideal for long wear periods. Check out the LX or the sla055. Much better because they are more wearable and even more refined.
I’ve got a green Steeldive Willard homage that I paid like $90 something for and it might be my favorite watch. Has an NH35 movement and keeps great time. Thinking of selling my Sinn 556i to get the real deal. That sounds crazy though and probably is. Is it?
I agree I think the Willard looks nicer in proportion, to the sla. Personally my 8l35 movement doesn't perform any better than my 6r15 . The sweep is smoother . Mines loses a couple of mins a week, just like the 6r15. The dommed sapphire and bevel edge is also nicer on the Willard. I have similar issues with my 051 to my sla043. The 051 looks more impressive on my wrist , because it's 2mm bigger, although the difference in build quality of the sla is much nicer , with the new ever bright steel, ceramic bezel and amazing blue dial that looks amazing in natural sunlight. Personally I'd sell the sla, and get something a bit different, as the two are very similar really. You still got your spb143 Jeff ?
@@JeffreyMcMahon glad your still loving it Jeff. Try getting the sla043, yes it doesn't have a bracelet, but it's easily the nicest seiko I've ever owned. The deep blue face is just awesome in the sunlight. And the build quality is on par with any omega or rolex too.
@@JeffreyMcMahon but the spb143, is only 40mm . The sla043 has a thinner bezel and makes the watch seem bigger. I have big wrists too, and initially it felt a tad small. But if you can wear the 143, then the 043 will be fine, trust me. Honestly I don't crave another watch now, I'm done . My Mrs has just offered to buy me a rolex, but I told her no thanks, as I have worn subs etc, and no watch is as beautiful to my eyes as this 043. It gives me everything a rolex does and more , and I got mine used but mint for less than 3000 dollars !!!
Nice comparison! I'm debating between the King Turtle vs Willard. I like SKX-style dial and the case design of the Turtle, but the smaller size of the Willard. Have you ever had/tried a Turtle (the new reissue)? What can you recommend?
You have an SLA051, not an Uemura! The Uemura is an SLA049 which is the same watch but in blue and made as a limited edition. The grey SLA051 is not a limited edition. Also, the "hard coating" on the Willard is the same as the infamous DiaShield.
The Blue one is the 80th Birthday Uemura, LE with 80th Anniversary Uemura engraved on the back. Seiko also refer to the Grey one (and the other colours in this case) as the Uemura.
The problem with diashield is that if you do indeed make a deep and or large scratch, it cannot be polished out like other high-end or even low-end stainless steel watches. It is not advised to do on diashield, unfortunately. I sold my sla049 a few months back. Resale value holds strong 💪 with the Uemura's. Absolutely no worries there. The 8l35b movement was nothing short of amazing. I personally prefer minimalist design of the Uemura's.
@@wolfgangpohlmann5952 Personally I prefer no dates, but have no problems with other enthusiasts having other preferences. The uemura seems in most respects to be a great watch 👍
Great comparison of the two watches, thank you!
I know many people have complained about the 6r35's accuracy. I think it's important to keep in mind that it takes 57 winds to achieve a full power reserve and there's also a break-in period.
For me, within a few months of owning the Spb153, it started running great and keeping time at about +3-5 a day. Once I gave it a full wind, started wearing it regularly, and also winding it 10-15 revolutions a day, it's accuracy was on par with any other Seiko I have owned. From my experience, as with any of their other movements, when the power reserve is low, they all tend to slow down.
I've become less obsessed with accuracy, as I can let a watch run and just set it a minute ahead or behind as needed. I've somewhat gotten away from the need to constantly unscrew the crown and set watches to the precise second. I leave that to my JDM "black & blue" G-shock.
I'd agree. I have the movement in 2 Alpinists and a 62 MAS and haven't had any issues with either reliability or accuracy. I think it got a bit of a bad rep when the first of the new alpinists came out, it was one of the first to have the new extended mainspring/lower beat and I think it got caught up in the 'Seiko's all about the bread l, dude' debate given the price point of the new Alpinist vs the Sarb017. Thus compounded with some early QC issues and several viral posts about new movements breaking.
Personally I think the movement is a good one and certainly as reliable as the Selita 200, maybe not as refined but you don't buy a lower mid range Seiko movement for refinement, you're buying it for rugged capability and power reserve. My only issue is I don't understand why they bothered putting a display back on the new alpinists as the crystal is tiny and the movement undecorated.
I'm surprised McMahon that you have not figured out that, not interacting with a watch style for a while allows for a renewed appreciation for that unique style. Multiple similar watches interferes with the style rebond experience. So, rebonding rather than rebuying could be the slicker way to go about keeping the collection appreciated.
So true 👍, Loving my Pro Master, eco Drive of Late
Thanks for the side by side comparison. I’ve never seen a Uemura in person but I did get the green Willard. It’s a brilliant watch. It sits comfortably on the wrist and has the nicest, most comfortable rubber strap I’ve ever worn.
I have the black and green Willard. It’s my favorite dive case design. Congrats on the rebuy!
I own a 153, and lately I've been yearning for a 151- nothing at all against the Uemura. I look at these watches not so much as beaters, but watches I can wear and not be stressed if it catches a nick or gets dirty. I'm not timing heartbeats or anything critical, so the movement is not an issue. The 153 wears a lot of different straps really well, and it's a super comfortable watch. But as a semi watch geek, I get pleasure from wearing this in public even though 1 in probably 10,000 knows anything about it. Good review, you must hold both watches. I don't know how so many people sell so many of their watches. I only buy when I'm sure it's something I want. I don't bother counting my collection, I just wear whatever I'm in the mood to wear. No regrets-
I love the Capt. Willard. So much so I have three. Black, blue and green. I love to add the uemura as well. Great comparison. McMahon👍
I love the Willard. I have a SPB237 (on the SPB153’s black silicone strap) which I love and it’s my new daily. Mine is +|- 5 seconds a day which I’m definitely happy with. The bezel lines up too!
I ordered the black and green willard as soon as they where available. The 6105 is an icon and having a version that would seemingly fit my 6.5" wrist was going to be heaven for me. However, the "pudgy" design with the crown at 3:45 and the short lug to lug made the SBDC Willards fit really odd on my wrist. The first link to the bracelet has an abrupt step up to the case and even on a nato they just didn't look right. I wanted to love them but in the end I sprung for the Sla033 and to me it looks and even fits so much better on the wrist. I have tried on the 049 Uemura and will probably add the 051 to the collection.
Keep going back & forth, hard to follow. Tuned out!
@Jeffrey Mcmahon the super hard coating is just another term for diashield coating which is the scratch-resistant coating seen on prospex models around $1,000 +
The problem with diashield is that if you do indeed make a deep and or large scratch, it cannot be polished out like other high-end or even low-end stainless steel watches. It is not advised to do on diashield, unfortunately. I sold my sla049 a few months back. Resale value holds strong 💪 with the Uemura's. Absolutely no worries there. The 8l35b movement was nothing short of amazing. I personally prefer minimalist design of the Uemura's.
Adore my Willard, been seriously thinking about upgrading to the SLA - think you may have helped talk me out of it. Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻
Steve fox, one of the best sla is the 043. The new ever brilliant steel is just amazing. The deep blue dial is really something, looks almost black indoors, but really pops, out in the sunlight. The dommed sapphire is really beautiful and although it's really expensive, it's definitely worth the out lay. I've tried on rolex subs and many omegas, but the sla043 is easily as good , it's just beautiful.
I love the SLA033 and may have bought one except that the beveled glass reflecting the minute markers is such an important part of the Willard look and for some crazy reason Seiko decided to do something different…but they followed other nice 6105 features like the framed date windows and “Lock” on the crown that I think Seiko should have put on the SPBs.
I have both, the cheaper one is better in the looks department, and it bugs me. The Willard looks better on the wrist also, but the Willard doesn’t have the 8L35.
Glad to know I'm not alone.
Ugh I just pushed ‘buy’ on my 3RD re-buy 151. I just can’t quit that watch. I wanted to choose between the Willard and 62MAS but I guess I just need both of them.
I have an SPB183 (the blue Willard) and love it so much. I long thought the Uemura would be my next big step, but something about its lack of chunk factor compared to the Willards bothers me... and for about the same money, I could just go for something like an SLA023 MM300. It's kind of the perfected form of that kind of Seiko diver in the way the Willard is the perfected form of Seiko cushion divers. You could say, like the Willard, it's more...
...iconic.
I’ve had mm300, it’s an amazing watch however it is top heavy so not ideal for long wear periods. Check out the LX or the sla055. Much better because they are more wearable and even more refined.
Did you manage to scratch the watches during the vid🤣😂🤣
Or did the protective coating save the watches?
I like them both.
I’ve got a green Steeldive Willard homage that I paid like $90 something for and it might be my favorite watch. Has an NH35 movement and keeps great time. Thinking of selling my Sinn 556i to get the real deal. That sounds crazy though and probably is. Is it?
Peter Kotsa
The missing last name, Peter. Thank you. I won't forget again.
Pudgy for me all the way. It has been such a great watch for a long time for a reason.
In my opinion, keep the 42 new black Willard this time and keep it, Do Not Sell.
Also keep the Eumera coz of the beauty and 8L movement.
I agree I think the Willard looks nicer in proportion, to the sla. Personally my 8l35 movement doesn't perform any better than my 6r15 . The sweep is smoother . Mines loses a couple of mins a week, just like the 6r15. The dommed sapphire and bevel edge is also nicer on the Willard. I have similar issues with my 051 to my sla043. The 051 looks more impressive on my wrist , because it's 2mm bigger, although the difference in build quality of the sla is much nicer , with the new ever bright steel, ceramic bezel and amazing blue dial that looks amazing in natural sunlight. Personally I'd sell the sla, and get something a bit different, as the two are very similar really. You still got your spb143 Jeff ?
Yes, the SPB143 is my very favorite watch, the one I'd keep if I couldn't have any others.
@@JeffreyMcMahon glad your still loving it Jeff. Try getting the sla043, yes it doesn't have a bracelet, but it's easily the nicest seiko I've ever owned. The deep blue face is just awesome in the sunlight. And the build quality is on par with any omega or rolex too.
@@martinharrison4245 At that price point, I'd go with the SLA055. I fear 39.5 mm might run a tad small for me.
@@JeffreyMcMahon but the spb143, is only 40mm . The sla043 has a thinner bezel and makes the watch seem bigger. I have big wrists too, and initially it felt a tad small. But if you can wear the 143, then the 043 will be fine, trust me. Honestly I don't crave another watch now, I'm done . My Mrs has just offered to buy me a rolex, but I told her no thanks, as I have worn subs etc, and no watch is as beautiful to my eyes as this 043. It gives me everything a rolex does and more , and I got mine used but mint for less than 3000 dollars !!!
@@martinharrison4245 I'd need to try one on first. I agree it's a special timepiece.
Nice comparison! I'm debating between the King Turtle vs Willard. I like SKX-style dial and the case design of the Turtle, but the smaller size of the Willard. Have you ever had/tried a Turtle (the new reissue)? What can you recommend?
The Willard has more charm and it will provide more satisfaction in the long-term.
@@JeffreyMcMahon thanks :)
Not hopeless but hopeful!
They both should have ceramic bezels and adjustable clasps
At this price point certainly although personally I don't like the looks of ceramic.
I don’t think so. Willard has aluminium bezel insert.
You have an SLA051, not an Uemura! The Uemura is an SLA049 which is the same watch but in blue and made as a limited edition. The grey SLA051 is not a limited edition. Also, the "hard coating" on the Willard is the same as the infamous DiaShield.
The Blue one is the 80th Birthday Uemura, LE with 80th Anniversary Uemura engraved on the back. Seiko also refer to the Grey one (and the other colours in this case) as the Uemura.
Please stop hitting them with each other Jeff! You're giving me panic attacks Bro!
Look identical to me.
For the money,cant think of better watch with good movement and “luxury” feel than sla
Hi McMahon
I hope you do not mind, I would like to ask you why you sold the Black Willard twice ?
Take care
I bought it on Gnomon and 2 different eBay sellers. Total of 3 buys.
The problem with diashield is that if you do indeed make a deep and or large scratch, it cannot be polished out like other high-end or even low-end stainless steel watches. It is not advised to do on diashield, unfortunately. I sold my sla049 a few months back. Resale value holds strong 💪 with the Uemura's. Absolutely no worries there. The 8l35b movement was nothing short of amazing. I personally prefer minimalist design of the Uemura's.
McMahon, I like them both
I'd prefer to look out for the SLA049 over the 051, the blue dial Uemura is just much more interesting to look at.
I have to confess I wish I had bought the 049; that blue dial is stunning.
Placement of the date window on the uemura is a big no….
When you wear the watch, it is quite unobtrusive. I prefer to have a full index on the three.
@@wolfgangpohlmann5952 Personally I prefer no dates, but have no problems with other enthusiasts having other preferences. The uemura seems in most respects to be a great watch 👍
Dia Sheild
Props for calling yourself out on “iconic”.🤣. Yeah, I try not to use the word for any watch.
Pudgy is what you want 🤣🤣
Peter Kosta