One Of The Most Wearable & Attractive Seiko Divers BUT Are They Too Expensive? Seiko SPB143 & 239
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
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In this video, I take a look at the SPB143 and SPB239, two excellent vintage-inspired dive watches from Seiko, both housed in a smaller 40mm case. For me, these are some of the most compelling Seiko dive watches on the market at the moment, but are they too expensive for what you're actually getting?
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I picked up the spb147 for my 40th at full retail. I had internet window shopped for ages before this and had my heart set on an alpinist but wasn’t too keen when I saw it in the AD. Love my 147 and no regrets.
I just received the SPB143 for my 30th birthday 3 days ago. It's been a grail watch that I've been chasing for the past 2 years and I have to say, it is incredible. I don't think anybody will be truly disappointed with it. Is it worth the £1100/$1200 price tag? I believe the answer is subjective but the important thing is how you feel when you wear the watch and I would highly recommend this watch to anybody.
Very true. It's all about how it makes you feel. Enjoy !
Whoa. I got one for my 30th birthday last year too. That's funny. But yes, I share your sentiment. This watch might be a bit expensive when you look at objective value, but it's got that X-factor that a lot of other watches don't.
I don’t get the fuss over the price. They seem to me as nice as any other $1200 watch. Enjoy your beautiful watch, and happy birthday!
Lol. I almost bought one for my 30th too! For me, I decided to spend a little more to get a Sinn EZM 3 which I am happy with. But I still have the want for this Seiko. The design is so clean and so damn good looking. I was looking for the best I could get for the money. It all came down to the movement for me. I couldn’t justify the price tag for a movement that potentially be around ± 30 sec a day.
Well said. These are an absolute joy to wear. I wish the movement was regulated with 4hz and they should have included the bracelet and silicone strap together. This would have made the asking price more fair IMO. The dimensions and case design is perfect! The dials also look amazing.
Teddy, any plans to review the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1965 Heritage Diver’s watches, like SJE117 and the $2800 price tag?
If you’ve ever swapped a strap with this watch you’ll find that the spring bars are super beefy. Reminds me of the kind of spring bars you might find on a submariner.
I didnt know these Seikos existed, and had saved up for an Oris Aquis, got on Chrono24 to buy the Aquis and the SPB147 popped up in my suggested, and I bought it on the spot. Just immediately fell in love with it, first time i saw it, which hasn’t happened very often. I later got the Aquis, and its a better watch, but i find myself wearing the 147 more often than not, its just to dang good lookin’, can’t get away from it.
Nice review. The throwback to the old 60s design is what sets it apart - I agree with you mentioning the vintage Submariner as a similar vibe. Assuming we will get standard (excellent) Seiko reliability from the movement I personally think it's worth paying the extra for the design. It looks really tool like / cool - and that's what you want from a dive watch.
I think this is a general throwback people are loving right now to the sixties. I think Japan in the sixties was interesting to look at. The 64 olyimpics. A welcoming back to international recognition. My shouldn’t we consider this time period as a way to cut through the crap and and get back to basics.
Before pulling the trigger on the SPB143, I compared it against the Mido Oceanstar and Doxa Sub200. The Mido wore big for me while I don't fancy the beads of rice bracelet on the Doxa. Settled for the 143 and never regretted since.
I did the same thing, I really liked the doxa and I was really ready to have my very first “swiss made” watch but after a lot of research I finally decided on spb143. It really is the perfect watch.
Enjoy your pick
1 year on and the new BB54 will be the next step.
If Seiko was Swiss, This watch would cost 3k.
I’ve had this watch (143) for a year now and can honestly say that, although I love the design and find it fun to wear as a great modern rendition of a classic, the fact that a thousand dollar watch runs consistently 20+ seconds fast per day makes it a fail. I have Hamiltons that cost half what this watch costs that run +4 or 5 seconds. In this day and age there’s just no excuse for such a well executed watch to perform so poorly. I’ll be selling it and am probably done with seiko until they bring their workhorse movements up to modern standards.
I think Seiko product management is did well with the SPB143 for two reasons: a) They have a winning design and they know it. b) They have built a fan base with their lower-tier offerings that is inherently interested in the design, far more than other manufacturers that would directly compete at that level.
While people fuss over specs, I think it eventually it always boils down to design and wearability. Teddy was right pointing out the secondary market pricing. It's hard to argue the price if the watch is actually selling at that price point.
Someone who appticiates design this watch is a beauty
I got my SPB143 for just $645 USD from a guy who has "too many watches" he said and willing to let this one go. I was so lucky and delighted to upgrade from my skx013. OH SWEET JESUS I'm in LOVE with it, rocking it daily. My point is, if you think it is not worth the price tag, or simiply could not afford one like I do, just be patient, there are affortable deals out there. I have seen similar deals but didn't act quick enough.
Dude you stole that watch. I got mine for $850 and I was very happy to pay that.
@@AIRFORCEFREAK1 $850 still isn’t a bad deal at all
I have the SPB143 and while I think it should be closer to be $850, it has a beauty and charm that defies objective price analysis. I notice that Seiko fans are very enthusiastic about the SPB143, which along with the 3rd-Gen Monster is the most enthusiasm I've seen for Seiko models in the last decade.
It hints at the quality of the SLA037J1. For much much less cash
I’ve been wearing my 149 most days for the last 21 months. Accurate to +5 to +10 spd. Closer to +5 spd if I wear it daily for several weeks. Bracelet is fine - I don’t like the divers extension. The Dia Shield coating is legit. To me, it’s worth the price. I keep thinking I want a BB58, but this is so good I can’t justify the expenditure. Great video Teddy!
Make sure you like the design of BB58 before jumping on it. I personally think that it is boring when checking out at AD. While I really like my SPB213, and my gone but not forgotten 147.
I went on the spb213, which is the limited edition “arctic” white-blue version of this series. It is a bit of pity that it was not mentioned in this video. It is truly beautiful shiny masterpiece. I agree that for this price there are good other options to consider, but due to my small wrist size I took this one because this wears really perfect on any wrist size. 🎉
It is a little expensive when you consider the same movement is in other cheaper watches. But you really are paying for the design. I’ve got the brown dial spb147 and it’s stunning. There are very subtle refinements in the brushing and polished coin edge bezel. the size is perfect. They have really nailed the reinterpretation of the original 62mas. E.g The original had big rectangular hour markers. The markers on this appear rectangular but there is a really subtle taper on the 1/2 4/5 etc. which just gives them more breathing space and a more modern feel rather than bulky rectangles getting too close at the corners. A very considered and beautiful looking watch.
You're talking about whether a €1200 watch is twice as good as one for €600?! is a 16000€ Rolex steel 26x better? So if we thought like that, everyone should only own one G-SHOCK 🤦🏻♂️
No they are not too expensive. Simple answer. The SPB143 is the best release of Seiko of the past few years and is a great bang for buck vintage diver that fits very well in a lot of categories.
It’s a 600 -800 dollar watch at best
@@zman8340 😂😂😂 ok!
Yes they are pretty expensive… is high time we start accept the reality and stop being fanatic fans of such corporate strategies….
You are delusional. This is a 6/800 watch. At this price could be a best buy as the old SKX at 200$ was a great buy back in the days. This is better and a great watch overall but too expensive. I can buy Certina DS diver for 800$ and comes with powermatic 80.
Yea. Expensive af. I'm a dirt poor third worlder and I'm happy with a $200-400 dive watch
Yes they are imo. I used to have a SPB147, and it didn’t feel like a 1k€+ watch, it came with the usual Seiko quirks (misaligned hands and bezel insert), the 6R movements aren’t anything special either, low beat rate, average precision, unsigned crown… all this is ok a on a cheap watch, but unacceptable to me with the price they’re asking for those.
Ended up selling it for a Longines Hydroconquest, without any regrets.
The bezel on the hydro seemed atrocious to me compared to my seiko
@@chewbster They’re different. Seiko bezel action is smooth, on Swiss watches (or at least those I have tried) they’re usually more snappy and sturdy. I wouldn’t call it atrocious, it’s as secured as Seiko’s bezel and gives a sense of sharpness, I think they just use different bezel spring technologies.
@@williamb8764 -The Hydroconquest is more expensive and has a modern design. Not really a fair comparison. Nice watch though
I think there ia a double standard when it comes to Seiko as they are traditionally associated with value per dollar. You are getting a totally Inhouse manufactured watch (down to the lume and lubrication), from a company rich in history and endless contribution to horology, along with iconic design. . People like to argue about microbrands with 0 brand value, o history somehow offering better value but 99.9% of those will be long forgotten and worthless in the near future. People also don't factor in micros brands dont have R&D, branding, distribution cost ,retail mark up added into their cost. Considering everything, it is a tremdeous value and Seiko hit it out of the park. If it was from a establish swiss house, people gladly pay 5x the price and gloat about it. I wear the62mas more than my 3 BB, Omega, Rlx, Breit, etc,etc combined as the watch has the it factor.
Extremely well said.
This is true. I will remember this watch as the most inaccuate movement I've ever owned. Great design though. Just wish it didn't lose 35 seconds per day.
I prefer the golden dial SPB147 over 239 personally, it's very personal, also I already have chrome finish dials and hands and the 147 colour is a welcome touch.
I have the 147 too, it's absolutely gorgeous!
Mee too. I compared both and choosed 147 over 239. Silver hands and indicies are dismatching golden theme of the watch.
Agreed….. the Chocolate dial and gilt indices looks better than a BB58 dial IMO. I own both the 143 and 147 and I have put the bracelet on the 147 and the silicone strap on the 143 and they both look perfect!!!!
I think it’s a a super classic design. I think the 38-41mm size is the sweet spot for most people and this fits right in. I think the Hamilton Khaki Navy is something you’d cross shop with this but I’m not a fan of the micro hashmarks on the bezel from 0-15 - which the Navy does have. I love this line and am looking to get the spb 213 140th anniversary shortly.
@raypolakowski7172 did you ever end up adding the spb213 to your collection?! I find that silver/white dial with the blue bezel to be the most attractive but I can’t seem to find many available. Certainly not at a Seiko AD
I prefer the spb255. It’s just too hard to find right now. It’s literally perfect
It sure is a beauty. Thanks for sharing!
What if we got used to Seiko's affordability and now their MSRP is conscious of the state of the world and would now seem reasonable? In other words, maybe their MRSP is chosen carefully.
You can't raise prices that significantly without offering more than you did when the watches were $400.
@@ams914 you make a good point honestly
@@winstonlanda7731 Hahaha. Just my opinion. They lost a lot of appeal goin upmarket. No longer a unique value prop.
I absolutely love my sbp143, I got it as an engagement gift from my fiance, i love it's history and design and it can handle anything. Only issues is its top heaviness and most of all it does not keep time great, I have to set it once a week. Still worth it though.
That's odd...my 143 keeps great time! Maybe you should have yours service check?
@@EdwardAMG maybe! I assumed it's just the watch because I've seen reviews say the same thing
Based on the mediocre unregulated movement and horrible clasp yes too expensive, based on great size albeit bit too thick and perfect looks yeah it’s nice . Nice enough for me to own one but still think it’s a 500-600 dollar watch .
I have the spb147j1 I wanted it for 2 years finally got it last month and I can honestly say I hate it its nowhere near the stated accuracy tolerance and the misaligned bezel just pisses me off for £900 it's a joke
Found a great case from tokeilab and original dials and built myself a SPB143 and a SPB213 both for around $500,- each using NH35s. As you said it's the look that makes this design standout.
I may only have about 40hrs of power reserve but apart from that the pieces look and feel great, work well and they even have signed crowns. Love my two 60s divers!
I think the build quality is good on these. I have the SPB147J1 and it’s beautiful and a great size at 40mm and it’s just great.
However……. And yes this matters because at the end of the day it is a watch. The accuracy on a lot of these Seiko’s even the $1000+ models are just god awful. Whether it’s the 4r, the 6n or 6r movements they all are always off by way too much. Yes this can be tweaked but there’s no reason why that should happen. Especially it’s all in house and they really need to refine these movements a bit more and give us something that is gonna be reliable. I’m not saying Rolex or Omega accuracy but DAM!!!! There’s cheaper watches that can get you -5+5 daily or at least -10/+10
The 147 is awesome. Less faithful to the original color wise but it feels a little more “special”. I love that the brushed steel in the bezel is not black but a very very dark version of the copper color in the dial that you can only see in the right light. Feels like an Easter egg.
I actually own an spb143 and at first, I really loved having it on the wrist because of the wearability and “vanilla” silhouette (this being a double edged sword lol). But I will say that there’s nothing that makes me feel like this watch was worth >1000. I find myself barely grabbing it now. IMO
That's the damn thing with 1000 dollars Seiko. I got myself a female 36mm Tissot COSC 80 hour power reserve for 180 dollars on Jomashop, cant get better SWISS bargain than that.
@@bigboiganiga8356 What model/reference are you talking about?
Complete agree. For the money I think there’s a lot nice watches out there.
at best a $300-500 watch.
I'd rather get the Mido
if you can spend 800 on a watch, you can as well spend 1200 on one you like more. otherwise, you can still find decent watches under 2/300, like the Citizen Pro Master and other variants.
I will never sell my SPB143. It is such a perfect watch.
Same
Totally agree with the points Teddy. I'm an owner of a SPB143 and honestly it's been a watch you don't want to take off the wrist. The design language sets it apart from the competition and could easily see this becoming a future classic. Mine seems to perform much better than spec and it's a strap monster
My Seiko is garbage. Loses 45 sec per day. Very disappointed. SKX007. It has the old fashioned movement which is junk.
No more expensive than a Rolex. If you like it, buy it.
Your Vostok review got me into mechanical watches a year ago...One Vostok purchase later, Im now $7000 to $8000 deep into watches already. Im a Seikoholic
What watches do you have in your collection 😎👍
@@kingadjust354 three vintage Seikos: Poque, UFO, and Bullhead. Tag Heuer Aquaracer 300, Seiko Monster, Gshock Mudmaster, plus some more Vostoks and lesser Gshocks
@@ModernTacticalShooting awesome collection the tag heuer and seiko bullhead are the ones that I would have in my collection 😎👍
@@kingadjust354 Im becoming a #Seikoholic
@@ModernTacticalShooting seiko is an amazing brand the sarbs and prospex divers are my favorites and for my watch collection- orient sun and moon version 3, casio world time, seiko solar quartz, movado pvd coated, invicta pro diver gold black dial and bezel 😎👍
Seiko could do better with a the price of that line. That being said, owing both an SKX009 and a turtle, this series in on another league. After I bought the SPB213, the 140th limited edition of this line with the blue bezel and white / silver dial I just can’t take of my wrist. The dimensions, design, finishing and movement makes it the perfect Seiko diver in my opinion. So comfortable and well adjusted on the wrist. If you enjoy Seiko you just need to experience it. It replaced my SKX as the go to Seiko in proportions and wearability.
I bought spb147 about 2 months ago for $800 with all discounts and tax free in Seiko boutique because spb143 is too boring for me. I think all this models (62MAS) are one of the best choise for this price. Even in compare with more expensive swiss watches such as Hydroconquest. Especially for my not-so-big 16.5-17 wrist. Captain Cook is too big for me, Hydra is too big, Certina PH200m is too big. Small Certina 38mm, Hamilton and Mido divers are not so cool so i think for these conditions (wrist+price) new Seiko 62MAS is one of the best choise.
-15 +25 is too wide range for 6r35, usually they show better results, my 147 do +2/+5 in a day.
I have the SPB143 since October and I’m still in love with this watch. It could be a one collection watch only easily.
im done with seiko!!! ORIENT is much better!!!!!!!!
I bought my SPB149 just about two years ago, and if we want to be objective about it, I think the pricing is just a bit dear for a Seiko. But as Teddy said, for a Seiko fan such as myself, it's basically catnip. I've worn it day in and out (over about a dozen other watches) for the vast majority of the last two years. It wears amazingly on my 6.25" wrist, and is an utter strap monster. It's on a Scurfa rubber strap right now as I'm doing the dishes. 😂
That said, my sample did come out of spec - it was losing 16-17 seconds per day. Seiko took care of it on warranty, of course, but just be aware that Seikos do have a wide variance on timekeeping precision.
All this by way of saying - it's been worth every penny to me, and if I lost my 149 for whatever reason, I'd replace it with a 143 in a heartbeat.
Shots so beautiful I *could* watch this on mute.
Good morning or day Mr Baldessarre I’m an an avid watch looker and buyer so I only wanted to ask you with your permission. I recently bought a land shark albino. It was off the used market so I had it checked by my horologist and he said yes it’s real. I paid 110. GBP and it is such a looker, can I contact seiko and buy a box an I.d card for when my son inherits it. Provenance adds value, and since I bought my last Seiko that has tripped in value. My dads over the moon as I gifted it to him. Thankyou for you time, advice and contact. Tony. From the U.K
Price is always subjective - but Seiko's at even $1200 having disaligned bezels and inner chapter rings is just why I don't order expensive Seiko's online. Always through AD in the shop to check for those things or in person if used.
Good review - I like how you steered through the value for money vs the intangible aspects like its heritage, its pared aesthetic, and sizing. For me this is the most wearable Seiko tool/dive watch and a great every day choice where a tuna or willard might be a bit much.
400 usd is tops what a typical seiko diver can cost, anything above that - overpriced.
And I say 400 because you can buy orient kamasu for +-200, and these are not THAT much more better
I bought the 239 and got the metal band for it. When I wear it, I can't take my eyes off of it. It's stunning.
Great video, I think this is the Seiko watch collectors will settle down with. While they may not look incredibly different from other divers, the quality does shine through the moment you put it on, it feels well thought through. What I don’t get is why has the SPB147 been so often overlooked over the 239? The SPB147 is gorgeous!
bracelet
Well, it’s 3000€ cheaper then the almost identical SLA017 (and siblings). The 62MAS is the most beautiful diver ever made and the SPB143 line is the most affordable option to get a watch of that DNA. No, not too expensive.
I really like it but I feel that it’s a bit overpriced for the specs. For the price you can get a Christopher ward or other micro brands with better specs and QC
I have to agree
I agree but without the BRAND.
You can also get a Longines or Oris with way better movements.
Tissot Seastar is even cheaper than this.
@@KMV007 most longines anf oris are around 2000.
I have the Spb147, the chocolate/gold dial is amazing, the rubber band fits really well but I also got a jubilee bracelete to match the vintage looking. Gorgeous combination!
I also bought it. The value of the watch itself is in line with its price. In terms of appearance, it is higher than its price.
Hi I just got spb239. May I know which type of jubilee bracelet u get and how is the color contrast between dialshield coated case with that bracelet. Tq
Got a 147 myself..is there any visible difference between the color of the case and the aftermarket bracelet?
Where did you get the bracelet from ?
I got a spb147 yesterday and would like to buy a metal bracelet.
@@pippo702 just a little bit but almost imperceptible.
This series is just about perfect for a dive watch, and I have multiple Seiko and GS dive watches, as well as a few others. Price is a bit high, but the satisfaction to finally be wearing what I've been searching for my entire adult life is worth it. Well, done, Seiko!
The price of a shitty Rolex is a bit high.
I have an SPB239, and I like it. I think it looks classy and distinctive, and feel you get a fair value for what it costs. The lume on mine also glows bright blue.
I owned a SPB239 for a while and it just didn’t feel like a nicer seiko. The dial was nice but it lacked finishing, the bezel didn’t line up (of course) and it ran +11 sec per day. If the MSRP was around $600 I would have kept it but for a $1000.00 watch they need to do better.
Same here. I currently own it and while it’s a stunning watch (and very enjoyable to wear) it runs around +15s everyday. And my bezel is misaligned as well. I also wish they’ve done a bracelet version
Once again getting my full Seiko education from the university of Teddy B
SPB 143 is the almost perfect Diver from Seiko. Great watch with poor movement.
Beauty but afraid about accuracy probs of 6r35
A little expensive. But the style and size are perfect for me. I will choose it.
The movement is trash though for the price. I have spb149 and it was going +15s/day. Then for no reason over 2-3 weeks wetnt to -11s/day. For the price this is substandadard movement compared to competition at this price.
It’s not exceptional but it’s important to remember a standard grade eta 2824 is commonly quoted at +/-12 seconds per day up to +/- 30 sec/day from the factory.
@@TeddyBaldassarre True, however i had always better results from statndard swiss watches. I watched alot reviews of watches with this movement and it is lottery wherter you get decent one or not. You can get standard Longines in this price point and it will run +2s/day. Also my standard sw200 runs +7s/day for the 66% of the price. If brand have some respect they will rate it bad to be on safe side but provide resonable quality on much better level. Personally i'm dissapointed with quality of this movement given premium price expeceted for this one.
Got myself the "limited" spb213j1 and I love the case size, so fr the 6r35 has been absolutely great with +1.1spd, which was my only concern. I could not be happier with it an even consider getting the 143
I own SPB147, SPB213, SPB207 and SPB257. yes it's worth the price. Love them all
100👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 agreed mate! I own the 143, 147 and 213 (paired with the blue silicone Willard strap) and love them all!!!! When you look down at the wrist it’s pure eye candy 😍😍😍
I whished Seiko offered this or any sports watch (screw Down Crown ) in a no date model. Perfect watch would be a SKX007 with no day or date, updated movement and sapphire crystal.
Yep
Put it alongside the non ceramic Hydroconquest then tell me it stacks up.
Would like to see a review of the Seiko SLA059 that's a $3,100. watch.
Now i have seiko spb147 really lovely to iam wearing..lovely the deep brown and gilt index..very enjoying..i dont care about the over price or anything..i think its worth it..love it..just it
Mantap, BB 58 killer tuh gan
@@Mandaunusantara hehe iya gan..dapetlah apa yg dibayar gan..dr semua segi
I got the SPB143 last summer, and asked for a discount from a jeweller's and they offered 20% off which I was happy with. The watch itself is a beauty on the wrist, with a few strap options it works for all occasions. I usually wear it on a vintage style rubber but also pair it with a distressed leather strap for more dressier events. Never looks out of place.
I’d feel really strange asking for a discount on something expensive (I’m new to the watch world). Could you explain how you asked?
@@matthewdouglas2373 Just ask what's the minimum price they could sell it for, all prices advertised are "RRP" but most jeweller's will have an allowance to sell it cheaper, just have to ask.
@@jason_s82 thank you, I’ll try that
I pulled the trigger on the 143 last month. I can attest to the movement being around around +4 to +6 seconds a day for me after a month's worth of daily wear. I absolutely love this watch! absolutely brilliant move by seiko and worth the price
Congrats brother 👏
I love my SPB143. It was worth every penny to me!
💯
They are bloody expensive.
The SPB143J1 was my grail watch, as I can not justify to spend money on Rolex, Grand Seiko, Omega or other luxury brands. I got it brand new for under 800€ and I have to admit, it is probably my most worn watch ever since and became my favorite in my collection. The design, size, finishing and wearability really apply to me and it scratches my Rolex Submariner itch being a really good "affordable" alternative with its own design and history. I really love this watch.
I have the SPB149 and I love it, it’s always competing for wrist time with my BB58 OG.
The SPB213 is the best looking of them all
I own two diver watches: one inexpensive & one not. Had I known about this reference I would have not bought the two I currently own (Seiko Sport 5 & Oris Aquis). I think Seiko got it right with the case size. The dial is absolutely the best version of dive watch. I love the hands & indices.
Is it worth $1,200? Yes, but I only know that now after owning other brand/models. What Seiko should do, it lume the bezel. I believe it would add a wonderful design element to an already handsome watch. That simple touch would make it easier for me to justify dropping $1,200 on it. As a matter of fact, if Seiko did that to all of their dive watches, it would give them a step up over their non-lumed competitors.
Another great video.
I want that Oris '65 Glow so badly.
Hard to find a suitable dive watch when your wrist is 13-14cm
The SPB143 is one of my absolute favorites in my collection. The proportions are excellent, and it has a beautifully purposeful look to it.
It’s also the “strap monster of strap monsters”. 😺It looks great with ANY strap. I usually wear mine on Sophie’s ribbed NATO straps from CNS, but it looks really great on any strap. Really a beautiful, versatile watch.Cheers.
I am a Seiko fanboy and love the 62MAS re-editions. However, I do think they are a bit too expensive when compared to the divers competition, particularly my current favourite, Squale. Nonetheless, they are beautiful and would not mind having either in my collection. Thanks for another great video, Teddy.
Sir, the SPB143 is around $900-$980, with even free shipping from stores. Just look around, it's not 1.2k. You make it sound like it's not worth the money to get the premium and pay 1.2k when it's not actually 1.2k. Where do you even get the 1.2k price?
As a huge watch enthusiast and owner of the spb143 i can only say this: It is not worth 1200 dollars on paper but it will probably make you smile like nothing else in this price point. The design is sharp, subtle, simple, in other words great. Quoting Teddy: "This blows everything out of the water"
At $1200 I think the only way this makes you smile like nothing else is you’re already part of the Seiko cult. The history of Seiko is one of value and that moniker digs deep in the category this watch is priced in. For $1200 you can get into a Doxa Sub that is an icon in the dive watch category. It’s history is a focused and precise dedication instantly recognized by those who dive in water not spread sheets. Now for those people that watch will make them smile like no other at $1200 and it doesn’t have that “value” stigma attached to it. What’s more is non-divers want a piece of that Doxa prestige pie and $1200 is a fair price to eat at that table.
I’m not a fan of Seiko because I’m old enough to know where they come from. They were the more expensive drug store watches you’d see displayed in a rotating plastic case with Timex, Citizen, Casio, and Pulsar. When I say drug stores I mean that literally. Seikos were well made mass market watches at a slightly higher premium than the other every man watches you could buy for $30. They never really became more than that to many of us. It also doesn’t help they caused the Quartz crisis either.
Regardless of my lack of respect for the brand I do believe their design language is solid, if a little too busy most of the time. At $500 I’m not really interested but at $1200 I’m offended. I don’t care what it says on paper when every time I look down I see Seiko on the dial. That is the uphill battle they brought on themselves.
Grand Seiko definitely raises the tide for its little brother but they are fighting the same battle at a higher price point. Both brands offer good value at their normal price points but once they stretch beyond that value range they see push back. A GS at $10k is good value but at $20k it’s a joke. Once they start competing with JLC, Breguet, and the like there will be a much different story unfold than their current battle with Rolex. They aren’t winning the Rolex battle but there is much sympathy for the brand. They are doing what they’ve always done, offer a solid value proposition that lacks full on status and prestige carried by their higher priced counterparts. That is their 100 year old game and it not only brought them success but cemented their place as a cheaper alternative to watches we really want.
@@thenutcracker2921 your bias aside you have to acknowledge the history and heritage of the Seiko company. Yes they made cheap watches for the mass market but they were also one of the first to make an automatic chronograph watch, the first Japanese dive watch, the first automatic chronograph to go to space and let's not forget Credor. I think your bias has blinded you to the fact that this company has been making some of the greatest watches and has a history that rivals any of the major swiss brands. The company was founded in 1881, always been independent, make their own in house movements, have many world firsts in horology and never been bought out by swatch group. How many other watch brands can claim the same?
Seiko heritage and history is up there with some of the best in the world. But because they make affordable watches for the every man along with some very high end and special time pieces people tend to look down on them.
No way are they too expensive. This thing looks better than divers costing even 20 times more. And it's his own thing too which is even more special.
It is the best looking dial I've ever seen personally in the diver category.
I have the Ltd ed. SPB149J1 and even with the premium for the Ltd ed. I absolutly love this watch. I joke that this is my budget Sub. It's def not on par with my Tudor BB58 however, for a more rough and tumble wear I reach for the Seiko. Size and specs and that all important power reserve for a weekend watch its still hard to beat.
I purchased both of these models and while both have compelling dials, the 239 has a little more contrast and oomph, if you will. Had to return the 143 due to dust on the dial but would still consider one in the future, as well at the 149. The Seichu natos are a lot of fun to wear, though I also have the bracelet incoming. Both bezels were perfectly aligned.
Do you still have the 239? Is it a keeper because I’m thinking about pulling the trigger.
@@13Tyres, yes, and I still enjoy wearing it. Check out the SPB455 Anniversary version before purchasing, as it's a nice new version, though with a little extra gold.
@@davidlocky8227 Will do. Thanks.
I'm not a Seiko fanboy by any means, but my 143 is one of my favorite pieces in my collection. It's very versatile and goes with pretty much everything. It also looks great on most any strap I put it on. I'd recommend it to anyone shopping in the $1K price tier.
I have a SPB153 (Captain Willard). The watch is beautiful and could be worth the premium but it runs … 30 seconds too fast per day. Very disapointing
They are perfect I've got the 149 and it's my favourite watch wears amazing
Do these actually sell for $1200? Both of these are available new from Sakura Watches for under $800 (october 2022)
I think the SPB143 is the best looking diver out there including the black bay 58 and I really like the back bay. I don't have the SPB143 but have been seriously thinking about it. It you want the best value for your money go invest in an S&P 500 index fund. Watches are about passion.
Yes, too expensive considering the quality problems and the rather mediocre movements. These watches should be no more than $600.
I own the SPB143. It's a great-looking dive watch that I bought mostly for its style and case dimensions. I think for the price it's outrageous that it doesn't have a signed crown. That's definitely a pet peeve. The proportions are perfect and it wears very well on the wrist - particularly if you have a smaller wrist like me (6.75). I don't regret buying it, but truthfully my other watches get more wrist time, like my 36 mm Explorer. I find myself drawn to smaller watches these days, and even though the SPB143 is very wearable and a modest size, it still feels heavy and bulky after wearing the Explorer.
I do not agree. In my opinion the unsigned crown looks classier than the prospex "X" which the MM300 carries.
Wish Seiko made this exact watch in the SKX013 dimensions
I just got my SBP239 and its just amazing. Got mine in Japan with the yen rate I saved $400
Are there any Japanese retailers that ship internationally?
I have the SPB213 LE, it's an amazing watch.
Last Christmas I bought myself a couple of Seikos from an AD in the UK. I got a 50% discount on the white Seiko titanium and a 33% discount on the blue dial O53J1. I saved around £800 GBP.
It seems to me that while some prices are creeping (or leaping)up in price, Seiko has authorised some considerable discounts on some models. To get the white titanium diver for less than some of the special King Samurai models is a bargain. I get the impression that these discount prices might be because customers are finding prices too high in the Seiko £800-£1200 price range...so check out what's available from ADs( no alignment problems when you buy in store) on sale. There are some really good deals out there.
I like almost everything about these Seikos but I HATE the lume pip at 3:00. It ruins the watch. Either get rid of it or get rid of the date and make it symmetrical.
Love my SPB143. Remarkable watch, really, perfect in any environment.
I love my 143. Even better I got it on sale for around $900 us. Rotate it with my blue hydroconquest which is undoubtedly a better watch but was significantly more expensive
The 68 remaster (MM200) is a much more well rounded looking watch. Especially when it comes to size. Really comes down to whether you like a smaller case as both are not big. Especially lug to lug.
Got my 143 when they were first released. Was excited to receive it:
Killer finishing / size / design aesthetic.
Killer lume.
Killer bezel / smooth as silk.
Garbage erratic movement on a good day runs minus 20 seconds.
Exactly
I think these are the best tool/dive watches out there. You're right T.B., great sizing, neat, understated looks, good movement. What's not to like? And a reasonable price. Would look good on a "J" style bracelet to give it a little bling. Good review Teddy. Thanks.
I owned an SKX and a Turtle. The automatic diver genre wore out for me eventually. I am gravitating towards the quartz side now. new luxury and vintage.
Got my Seiko SPB239 pair it with NTTD nato strap, look really nice
I have the 239, it took me a long time to pull the trigger, but it has met or exceeded my expectations. The bezel action is very nice, the proportions are spot on and I really like the two straps it comes with. Indeed the challenge I find is to not wear it all the time. It succeeds at looking old and brand new at the same time.
It stands out, by not standing out!
It's almost a cliché that average people don't notice our watches, but this one? I get compliments on frequently. I get a chuckle out of people complaining about gaining 3 seconds a day! 🤣 Seriously? If you're concerned about a mechanical watch gaining 3 seconds a day you've got serious issues that aren't watch related. IMHO Seiko hit a home run here, as evidenced by the fact the mine is still selling for pretty much what I paid for it!
You should write copy🤣
Give it a year... the 6r15s went to crap after a year or so and the watchmakers I have talked to that have worked on both the 6r15 and 6r35 say they are just garbage movements. My skx is 10x more accurate than my sbp 6r15 after a year. It is a $40-60 movement in a $1200 watch. My 6139 is much better han both. Sadly I feel seiko has lost their way.
Well said mate 👍👍👍 I own the 143, 147 and 213 and love them all. It’s got the X-factor.