Uemura: I got one: it is the ultimate watch period. Despite the price I got one and I am shocked at how amazing it is. Pictures do not do it justice at all. I wear it on nato straps, which suit it perfectly. Readability: best ever (all levels of light, no glare in bright light). lume: fabulous. Extremely comfortable, hugs wrist, not top-heavy. indescribable metal effects all over watch: indescribably amazing. I was convinced that 'There is no one watch to do everything.' But...I have to admit, this does everything: A tank for diving or mountain climbing or winter outdoors, classy and dressy for any occasion, the most readable practical watch face ever, very reliable hand-made mechanism. Absolutely amazing (coming from a person who has tried and rejected many many watches). This is not a hastily rushed out slight rehash of old themes just to sell another watch. This is a very very very well designed and very carefully engineered watch for practicality. It appears someone really has used decades of knowledge to make an incredible watch. Again, (even these lovely) pictures do not do it justice. Thank you for reviewing this watch! I hope it gets due attention.
I agree that it's the ultimate watch. But unfortunately it's not the ultimate watch for me, and that's only because of the weight. After years of collecting and wearing chunky and heavy pieces I've come to prefer lighter watches at around 130g ish. But maybe a rubber strap would take care of that 🤔
Purchased this watch a month ago and agree with @onoff5604. It really is the one watch. I’ve owned much more expensive watches, Omega, Tudor, Rolex…etc. the comfort, class, history, and under the radar branding of this watch is unmatched.
I'm currently trying to decide between one of these or a MM300... I bought the Steeldive 3 years ago because I didn't like the stumpy 'Willard' and couldn't afford an original. The Steeldive is true to the 6105 case in size down to the strange crown. I have been waiting for the SLA051 and being able to afford one. I'm wearing my Steeldive just now, it's just so flipping comfortable in this case shape, the ultimate Seiko cushion. I know the MM is a whopper so I am coming down on the side of the SLA051...
I lucked out and got the blue limited edition SLA049. This thing is just stunning, easily finished as well as my Rolex and Omega watches. Well worth the price.
Unbelievably gorgeous dial, thanks for showing this one. I loved it as soon as I saw their announcement. Just wish I could afford with all the others I want!!! The blue limited edition looks unreal too.
The price is rather high. I wonder, if the Uemura line is well received, if Seiko could make new versions (which they sometimes do...) some of which might be less expensive? The good design should still be just as practical even with cheaper parts (e.g. no Zaratsu or super high end caliber etc). I want to love the standard Turtle (I do think it is a classic, but the Turtle dial and hands irritate my eyes when I just want to quickly read the time. This Uemura on the other hand is so amazingly readable.)
@@onoff5604 Look up the Seiko SPB151J1, the SPB153 (olive green sunburst dial), and, my favorite, the SPB237J1. I've had all 3 and kept the last, with the steel bracelet from the 151 on which I put the clasp from my MM300. The SPB151 is about $1,200 because of the bracelet, the green SPB153 can be found for $1,000 if you shop around. The gray dial with tan indices SPB237 I paid $1,140 for; it comes with 2 Seiko "Ojime" (sacred kimono sash) NATO straps, one green and one gray.
@@onoff5604 They're a little smaller than the SLA recreations, being slightly less than 43mm, but, they wear fantastic because of it and the crystal is beveled, much more like the original 6105 than the SLA series.
Never too late to correct a wrong. Let’s start calling this watch Uemura, honoring the Japanese explorer instead of calling it after a fictional assassin.
I have an MM300 and I absolutely love it. I love the 8L35. I think when you have it in your hand you can feel how much nicer the watch is compared to your average seiko prospex. I’m not a huge fan of the Willard case but I like its history and I absolutely love the SLA line. I hope seiko continues to produce watches in this line. They are well worth the money and definitely do not have the qc issues or less then satisfactory 4r and 6r movements. In my opinion seiko answers all the critics with this line.
Mines gaining +5 - 5.5 seconds per day. Beauty of jt, you can regulate it because you are able to open the movement on the back(unlike the mm300). That alone is incredible. Not knocking the legendary mm300. This Uemura is incredible. 💙
I just bought this with a nice discount from my A.D. yesterday, the quality of this piece is incredible, I couldn't be more pleased with my acquisition.
Has a premium feel to it with that case work polish and finishing. Very comparable to the tudor in finish they can trade blows. Hands, Uemura much better finished. Under crystal cleanliness tudor ahead by 15%. Case brushing Uemura. Polish so close. Bracelet tudor. The best Willard is a Uemura.
Great video. Of course, in Japan I don't think the 6105-8110 was ever nicknamed the 'Willard'. I remember looking on Japan Yahoo sales pages over 5 years ago and that vintage model was often called the 'Uemura' but never 'Willard'. It makes sense to have a nickname after a home grown explorer of world renown. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Just purchased a SLA051J1 on a black friday deal for £1900. For the price I paid it is easily the best value diver on the market. Hand polished case and a hand assembled in house movement with MEMs technology. Usually below £2000 all you can find are ETA or Sellita based dive watches. I don't care what anyone says the 8L35 is definitely a step above a ETA. Mine is + 1 second a day on wrist with zero beat error. I do think that most of the Prospex divers with the 6r35 are overpriced but anything with the 8L35 is reasonably priced for the finishing you get.
A fantastic watch - great review. People get put off by the size of these, but they wear like a 40mm (as you demonstrated) and are such a cool, elegant piece of design. As well as being a pure tool with a superb movement. A really superb movement for the money. Really a bit of a bargain - this is getting very very close to Omega/Rolex quality. Better movement than Tudor. But for me, the perfect Japanese design, amazing classical face and textured dial is let down by the dirty great 'X' in the middle of it! I just can't unsee it!
I think the 4:30 date is the perfect way to have an unobstructed date. I'd rather not have a date at all, but if the date doesn't brake the symmetry of the indexes, even if it breaks the symmetry of the dial...I'm ok with it. I'm really thinking about picking this up. I was looking at a couple Omegas and Grand Seikos. But honestly, I kept looking at getting a Willard. My AD said the jump from SPB to SLA is worth the cost and that was pretty much all it took to convince me.
It was good to hear your voice and pronunciation clearly. It was a good reference in that the circumference of the wrist was the same as mine and the bezel circumference was smaller than I thought. Thank you. 좋은 영상 잘 봤습니다.
What a beautiful piece. Arguably finished better than A LOT of other watches in this pricing segment. Spectacular movement too. But what really surprises me is....no signed crown? Really Seiko? Practically any brand that you can think of in this price category will have a signed crown. It certainly doesnt negate this from being such a gorgeous piece but it's just an odd design omission. Especially when we're expecting all those little thoughtful details. Would still purchase this piece though!
Apparently, Seiko does this on purpose for a clean look. They sign crowns on vintage remakes *example 62mas sla043 and sje083* and presage models only now.
Love to see a review of micro brand Reverie diver from Singapore. I bet they would send you a watch if you contacted them. It's one of my favorite watches right now and it's about 42 or 44mm l2l. OP style bracelet and extension. Love all the Seiko Content. Please show us some GS content too. Thanks bro from a fellow Canuck. 🍁
I doubt it. We were even denied the blue Uemura Limited and that is made for North America! We are a large AD for Canada and were told we were getting one. But nope! So getting a Thailand version is zero.
Just replaced my SPB237 Willard with a misaligned bezel and I must say the fit is so much better on my 6.7 inch wrist. Ive put it on a rubber strap to make it feel like a true tool watch. My only dislike is that the bezel the text is printed on, I would have liked it to have been etched on and the filled with paint like the SPB297.
I was bought a watch for my 13th birthday 26 years ago. It is a quartz watch called a Bauer raccar Pacifico. It has sapphire glass, a milled clasp and a sixty click rotating bezel which sounds and feels just as good as any Tudor. The watch cost around £300. I don’t understand why it is so hard for watch brands to achieve these basic levels of quality or why watch bloggers cream their pants when they do?? It should be standard procedure. The Bauer raccar is still ticking like a dream.
I fully agree with you, Naomi Uemura definitely deserves a special edition by Seiko. But! To me the most perfect re-interpretation ever made of the 6105 8110 was the sla033. But I also must admit that I really like the bracelet. A shame I can't attach this to the sla033 because of the lug width 😭. As always a great review FT 👍. Thank you for that and have a great weekend mate 👋
Seiko's releasing twice a week a special or "limited" watch that I can't longer keep track...would be great to see fewer watches with better builds. In my 35+ watch collecting journey, I only own 4 and 3 GS. Their mid range, and am talking the $700-$1300 collection doesn't really offer a better product than several micro brands with watches at a fraction of the price. Great review, 10/10 as always, despite the fact that I didn't like the watch.
Love the design. But fot the price, 1) unsigned crown 2) unregulated movement 3) half polished half brushed hands 4) same quality bracelet & clasp as the 63mas series. 5) dive extension mechanism feels cheaper than other parts on the bracelet. Good review as usual. Tq.
This movement is doing 1s and other owners are reporting similar numbers. So maybe Seiko started regulating them? Sign crown is meh...looks clean without it imo. The hands under extreme macro surpass my tudor black bay 58's under same macro. Bracelet feels nicer then 63 mas but is of similar quality for sure but the links look and feel more highly finished.
Do you mean the best reissue? Surely the best Willard is the original 6105. This new version would have been better without a date window, also Uemura didn't wear such a watch, this is just an excuse to cash in with a new, weird bastardised version of the original!
@@caligulasen6028 Not sure why you think this watch is a mess. Maybe you should have a close look at one. In my opinion it's a nicer looking watch than the 6105 and it definitely beats it in every conceivable way in terms of quality. I even like the date position, I hardly notice it.
Didn’t know where to ask this so thought I would include in this video commenting. Watch so many of your you tube videos and love them all. You do a great job. I know all this is personal opinion but have a question for you. Recently bought a Tudor Black Bay and like the size so much on my 7” wrist. Trying to decide between a spb187, sbdc065, spb149 and spb183. With the magic Seiko does with there cases I’m so confused. I currently have a Magrette Moana Pacific diver in 44mm and it just to big. Would love your opinion.
And leagues above $3 Tags, $6k B&R , $8k panerai and the likes..people sweat the swiss label although most uner $5k are only technically swiss with outsourced parts and movements.
If you think this is overpriced then you don't understand what Seiko is bringing to the customer here. I used to be like you, I owned Tudor, Rolex and Oris divers. Now ALL my Divers are Seiko. The Seiko high end movements are absolutely superb, the adapted ETA in the Tudor is on the fragile side (I have direct experience of this). Like Rolex, Seiko are the only company in the world that makes EVERYTHING.
As an owner of a different SLA, I’m a fan… but it seems a little bland. I’d almost prefer black if there’s not great dial. But, after all, its a tool watch, so we cant be too picky…..I know these seem a little higher cost, but the SLA’s are all such a notch above ANYTHING out there for the money. Once you own one, you’ll never go back to the cheaper versions of these watches.
I purchased all of the 2020 limited edition sla037, 039, 043, 143, 149, to join my 017. This doesn't do it, the Willard never appealed to me and this version is just okay.
Really like this Willard, is this zaratsu polished on the sides? I can definitely tell there is a higher grade of polishing on the sides compared to the normal turtle.
@@EscapementWatch The finish over time has some kind of unreal patina effect that is amazing and I have no idea how to describe. Never seen anything like it...dazzling. Subtle, but dazzling.
As far as I’m aware, Seiko have never referred to the 6105-8110 in any of its iterations as a Willard. The watch has always been known in Japan as the Uemura. As an owner of the original, I was quite impressed with the SLA033 reissue. This looks more like a hybrid between the slim case SPB midrange ‘Willard’s’ and an SLA033. It has the 8L35 movement after all, but has the ugly (IMO) Prospex on the dial, and the slimmer case of the SPB151. Not a fan of the date at 4 either. I believe the SLA033 truly deserves to be known as the ‘Uemura’.
I wish they would do some jubilee style bracelets like the iconic Z199, all brushed, for these special divers. I have actually switched out all my Seiko diver's stock bracelets with Z199 jubilees. They have an extreme taper to 16mm at the clasp, up to 22mm at the endlinks. Comfort beyond belief. In the water of course they go on rubber and such.
This one feels nice, overall fitment is not bad and finished nicely with the brushed/polish surfaces. Z199 is cool wouldn't mind seeing a modern remake of it for sure.
@@darkcggaming My comment was meant as a lighthearted poke at a giant multinational company which can't seem to sort out their quality on mass produced watches. But if you want to take it seriously, fine, I am game. I've seen video reviews of Seikos costing multiples of $500, still having misalignment issues. Don't ask me for links, because I will not go and look for them. You not being aware of these issues EVEN ON MORE EXPENSIVE Seikos speaks volumes about what you know and what you don't. Go find this info on your own, if you care. ... Misalignment of Seikos is so widespread, EVERYONE who is a little bit into watches knows about it. Are you arguing with me, or with thousands of posts on watch forums and countless videos on youtube? ... My 3 Citizens are perfectly aligned, they are all under $500. I have never heard of Citizen having a widespread continuous (decades!) misalignment issue. If one Japanese company can produce perfectly aligned watches under $500, why can't Seiko? 🤔 Do you know of any misalignment issues on cheap Casios, way under $100? How does your ridiculous comment apply to $50 Casios? ... Of course more expensive watches have less of a chance of sloppy assembly and ineffective quality control. Interestingly, when you do google searches for watch misalignment, Seikos results of course come up right away. But also Omega! 😳 Retail price is a general indication of quality, but IT'S NOT A GUARANTEE OF QUALITY. So you better grow up (not grew up) yourself 🙂
@@EscapementWatch I have the same decision to make and I think you are right. This is just more comfortable and versatile whilst not losing the presence
The dude down below has hit the nail on the head. 'Seiko trying to wring every drop out of their old DNA'. I'm a Seiko fan-owning a Marine Master and a Mini Turtle-and I love 'em but blimey, come on. How many different models with pretty much the same spin are you going to come up with??!
Seiko makes new models but just like Rolex redoing the submariner all the time Seiko will do that with its iconic watches. But Seiko has a handful of those instead of just one iconic one
In this case I think there is an importance difference between possibly well earned cautious cynicism (not all watches that come out are good) and actually evaluating the watch vs. just trolling. The factory pictures for the Uemura are very bad. I have Turtles and have seen/worn a Willard, and this Uemura really is very different and very good. In many cases I'm sure I would agree that a spin-off doesn't fly, but in this particular case the Uemura really is a landmark achievement in design and execution (if only they could make it cheaper...). If you actually have an Uemura and some 'old DNA' in hand I'd love to hear your comparison, in case you still disagree in this case.
@@onoff5604 Thanks for the reply my man. I think I am going to have to defer to you on the whole. No doubt I'll actually see this piece at some point (I live in London. Short of watch retailers I am not!) but have not seen it as yet. I'm sure it looks very good. The finishing on higher priced Seikos tends to be just that and while yes, prices have increased, I still think they represent very good value for money in comparison with others though there will be guys who beg to differ; and I do get that. (I recently bought a MM200 retailing at 1200 quid and am very impressed). I think what I'm mainly quibbling here is the same sort of 'look' but hey, fair comment...
@@algorithm007ify Also the date is extremely read-able across various lighting levels. Very practical date window deployment. Very discrete, but very clear when you do need it.
@@darkcggaming it isn't wearing better than any cheap turtle. That's just bs. Better movement.. perhaps. Better lining up than the average turtle.. yes. Wearing better.. absolute bs.
@@stephen255 if he says it aligns properly, I believe him. It's one thing to look via a video versus in person, especially when depth perception is involved. Moreover, rolex and Tudor have misalignment issues also. Seiko just sells a lot more watches and the proportional error is inflated merely based on number.. Can they improve QA? sure..so can rolex and co.
@@algorithm007ify I believe him. And you are correct about Tudor and Rolex. I will never own a Seiko, Rolex or Tudor because of this. My Longines Spirit and Omega Planet Ocean are FLAWLESS
@@darkcggaming Ceramic bezels are an ideal and superior materal because guess what? it don't scratch, corrode or fade and will look new until the day you die. Even the Seiko mm300 upgraded to ceramic bezels which is the 'DIVER' of all Seiko divers. An 8L35 requires servicing every 2-3 years according to its manual book and isn't fininished or regulated at -10/+15 compared to the 10 years service interval on a Rolex and -2/+2 accuracy (up to 7x more accuracy). Oh and guess what your paying 4.5k for a Seiko that will lose up to half its value...pay 8k for a Rolex and its price will shoot up so its even better than actual gold...talking to Seiko fanatics and their love for misalignments lol. Be my guess and waste your money.
Check out the New PADI Samurai for an affordable Seiko Pro Diver: ruclips.net/video/HxAMBdhq9lM/видео.html -Falling
Uemura: I got one: it is the ultimate watch period.
Despite the price I got one and I am shocked at how amazing it is. Pictures do not do it justice at all. I wear it on nato straps, which suit it perfectly. Readability: best ever (all levels of light, no glare in bright light). lume: fabulous. Extremely comfortable, hugs wrist, not top-heavy. indescribable metal effects all over watch: indescribably amazing. I was convinced that 'There is no one watch to do everything.' But...I have to admit, this does everything: A tank for diving or mountain climbing or winter outdoors, classy and dressy for any occasion, the most readable practical watch face ever, very reliable hand-made mechanism. Absolutely amazing (coming from a person who has tried and rejected many many watches). This is not a hastily rushed out slight rehash of old themes just to sell another watch. This is a very very very well designed and very carefully engineered watch for practicality. It appears someone really has used decades of knowledge to make an incredible watch. Again, (even these lovely) pictures do not do it justice.
Thank you for reviewing this watch! I hope it gets due attention.
Thanks for sharing! This watch does have a positive impression of quality.
Congrats on your new watch. I have had my eye on this one for a while. Maybe soon.....
I agree that it's the ultimate watch. But unfortunately it's not the ultimate watch for me, and that's only because of the weight. After years of collecting and wearing chunky and heavy pieces I've come to prefer lighter watches at around 130g ish. But maybe a rubber strap would take care of that 🤔
Purchased this watch a month ago and agree with @onoff5604. It really is the one watch. I’ve owned much more expensive watches, Omega, Tudor, Rolex…etc. the comfort, class, history, and under the radar branding of this watch is unmatched.
I'm currently trying to decide between one of these or a MM300...
I bought the Steeldive 3 years ago because I didn't like the stumpy 'Willard' and couldn't afford an original. The Steeldive is true to the 6105 case in size down to the strange crown.
I have been waiting for the SLA051 and being able to afford one.
I'm wearing my Steeldive just now, it's just so flipping comfortable in this case shape, the ultimate Seiko cushion. I know the MM is a whopper so I am coming down on the side of the SLA051...
Each time you think your ''done'' with Seiko .. you're not :D
yeah they do that to you
This has become my favorite Seiko. So comfortable and beautifully legible!
I lucked out and got the blue limited edition SLA049. This thing is just stunning, easily finished as well as my Rolex and Omega watches. Well worth the price.
Congratulations and great choice!
I too bought the SLA049 and it appears to be permanently attached to my wrist.
Unbelievably gorgeous dial, thanks for showing this one. I loved it as soon as I saw their announcement. Just wish I could afford with all the others I want!!! The blue limited edition looks unreal too.
The price is rather high. I wonder, if the Uemura line is well received, if Seiko could make new versions (which they sometimes do...) some of which might be less expensive? The good design should still be just as practical even with cheaper parts (e.g. no Zaratsu or super high end caliber etc). I want to love the standard Turtle (I do think it is a classic, but the Turtle dial and hands irritate my eyes when I just want to quickly read the time. This Uemura on the other hand is so amazingly readable.)
@@onoff5604 Look up the Seiko SPB151J1, the SPB153 (olive green sunburst dial), and, my favorite, the SPB237J1. I've had all 3 and kept the last, with the steel bracelet from the 151 on which I put the clasp from my MM300. The SPB151 is about $1,200 because of the bracelet, the green SPB153 can be found for $1,000 if you shop around. The gray dial with tan indices SPB237 I paid $1,140 for; it comes with 2 Seiko "Ojime" (sacred kimono sash) NATO straps, one green and one gray.
@@onoff5604 They're a little smaller than the SLA recreations, being slightly less than 43mm, but, they wear fantastic because of it and the crystal is beveled, much more like the original 6105 than the SLA series.
Best watch ever. Among my other watches including rlx and omega, this one is the KING!!!
another great and good looking Seiko!
Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure!
Never too late to correct a wrong. Let’s start calling this watch Uemura, honoring the Japanese explorer instead of calling it after a fictional assassin.
Love the date position!
I have an MM300 and I absolutely love it. I love the 8L35. I think when you have it in your hand you can feel how much nicer the watch is compared to your average seiko prospex. I’m not a huge fan of the Willard case but I like its history and I absolutely love the SLA line. I hope seiko continues to produce watches in this line. They are well worth the money and definitely do not have the qc issues or less then satisfactory 4r and 6r movements. In my opinion seiko answers all the critics with this line.
Mines gaining +5 - 5.5 seconds per day. Beauty of jt, you can regulate it because you are able to open the movement on the back(unlike the mm300). That alone is incredible. Not knocking the legendary mm300. This Uemura is incredible. 💙
Thanks for sharing
Mate, your channel is fast becoming my absolute favourite. Your knowledge, enthusiasm and the in depth review is so on point. Keep it up 👍
Much appreciated!
A more elegant take on the 8110. Seiko are wringing out every drop of their old DNA at the moment.
Excellent review with good information and comparison. This one has the 8L movement, which I like very much. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I hope Seiko will make one of these in green to honor the Amazon exploration.
Maybe next year
That is where all dates should be located.
This is the classic iconic watch that should be in any serious collection...
Yet another excellent video. Big fan of your content and style
I just bought this with a nice discount from my A.D. yesterday, the quality of this piece is incredible, I couldn't be more pleased with my acquisition.
I am considering this model. May I ask what kind of discount you received?
@@MrBacchus18 they took $500 off msrp for me
Great video man thanks for sharing was looking forward to your take on this one.
Has a premium feel to it with that case work polish and finishing. Very comparable to the tudor in finish they can trade blows. Hands, Uemura much better finished. Under crystal cleanliness tudor ahead by 15%. Case brushing Uemura. Polish so close. Bracelet tudor. The best Willard is a Uemura.
Great video. Of course, in Japan I don't think the 6105-8110 was ever nicknamed the 'Willard'. I remember looking on Japan Yahoo sales pages over 5 years ago and that vintage model was often called the 'Uemura' but never 'Willard'. It makes sense to have a nickname after a home grown explorer of world renown. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Very nice and I like that seiko took the initiative with this one and just named it for us something they usually don't do.
Hello! I bought this watch a few days ago. Your video was very helpful. Thank you!
سيكو العشق 😍🥰
تحية لكم من. بغداد العراق
واتمنى ان اشتري ساعة سيكو 😍😥😢
Just purchased a SLA051J1 on a black friday deal for £1900. For the price I paid it is easily the best value diver on the market. Hand polished case and a hand assembled in house movement with MEMs technology. Usually below £2000 all you can find are ETA or Sellita based dive watches. I don't care what anyone says the 8L35 is definitely a step above a ETA. Mine is + 1 second a day on wrist with zero beat error. I do think that most of the Prospex divers with the 6r35 are overpriced but anything with the 8L35 is reasonably priced for the finishing you get.
Congrats! Love it!
A fantastic watch - great review. People get put off by the size of these, but they wear like a 40mm (as you demonstrated) and are such a cool, elegant piece of design. As well as being a pure tool with a superb movement. A really superb movement for the money. Really a bit of a bargain - this is getting very very close to Omega/Rolex quality. Better movement than Tudor. But for me, the perfect Japanese design, amazing classical face and textured dial is let down by the dirty great 'X' in the middle of it! I just can't unsee it!
I think the 4:30 date is the perfect way to have an unobstructed date. I'd rather not have a date at all, but if the date doesn't brake the symmetry of the indexes, even if it breaks the symmetry of the dial...I'm ok with it. I'm really thinking about picking this up. I was looking at a couple Omegas and Grand Seikos. But honestly, I kept looking at getting a Willard. My AD said the jump from SPB to SLA is worth the cost and that was pretty much all it took to convince me.
That''s a beautiful watch.
It was good to hear your voice and pronunciation clearly. It was a good reference in that the circumference of the wrist was the same as mine and the bezel circumference was smaller than I thought. Thank you. 좋은 영상 잘 봤습니다.
That bracelet is super sexy with those small links, I love it especially the dial and those applied indices. What a good-looking watch
What a beautiful piece. Arguably finished better than A LOT of other watches in this pricing segment. Spectacular movement too. But what really surprises me is....no signed crown? Really Seiko? Practically any brand that you can think of in this price category will have a signed crown. It certainly doesnt negate this from being such a gorgeous piece but it's just an odd design omission. Especially when we're expecting all those little thoughtful details. Would still purchase this piece though!
Apparently, Seiko does this on purpose for a clean look. They sign crowns on vintage remakes *example 62mas sla043 and sje083* and presage models only now.
Love to see a review of micro brand Reverie diver from Singapore. I bet they would send you a watch if you contacted them. It's one of my favorite watches right now and it's about 42 or 44mm l2l. OP style bracelet and extension. Love all the Seiko Content. Please show us some GS content too. Thanks bro from a fellow Canuck. 🍁
Great suggestion! GS is coming to the channel all models hopefully in 2023 via Kavar Jewellers!
@@EscapementWatch I hope you get your hands on those awesome looking Thailand Special editions Bro.
I doubt it. We were even denied the blue Uemura Limited and that is made for North America! We are a large AD for Canada and were told we were getting one. But nope! So getting a Thailand version is zero.
Exceptional macro shots! Well done! I went with the SPB237J1 instead. Love the seichu natos from Seiko!
Hope to get that one in hand soon looks great congrats
The more I watch this video, the more I want this watch! Wish i had the cash to get it! Great video!
Thanks for watching!
Yeap! Very nice watch but as you mentioned before a 39 mm will be fantastic... Keep the great work with your reviews B ! Ty !!!
Just replaced my SPB237 Willard with a misaligned bezel and I must say the fit is so much better on my 6.7 inch wrist. Ive put it on a rubber strap to make it feel like a true tool watch. My only dislike is that the bezel the text is printed on, I would have liked it to have been etched on and the filled with paint like the SPB297.
I was bought a watch for my 13th birthday 26 years ago. It is a quartz watch called a Bauer raccar Pacifico. It has sapphire glass, a milled clasp and a sixty click rotating bezel which sounds and feels just as good as any Tudor. The watch cost around £300. I don’t understand why it is so hard for watch brands to achieve these basic levels of quality or why watch bloggers cream their pants when they do?? It should be standard procedure. The Bauer raccar is still ticking like a dream.
You bought the watch 26 years ago not sure what's your point has was 75 cent a gal back then to .....
Personally I much prefer date at 4:30 and crown at 4
Excelente video 😀..
Such a badass watch
It is boss!
I would like seiko to step up and make a good adjustable clasp, Tag have done one now it’s time for these prices
It is time! Wish I could speak to someone with power at the company but only reps and hope the issues go up the long long long ladder.
Past time!!!!
I fully agree with you, Naomi Uemura definitely deserves a special edition by Seiko. But! To me the most perfect re-interpretation ever made of the 6105 8110 was the sla033. But I also must admit that I really like the bracelet. A shame I can't attach this to the sla033 because of the lug width 😭. As always a great review FT 👍. Thank you for that and have a great weekend mate 👋
Thanks for sharing!
Great video and beautiful watch
It really is!
Seiko's releasing twice a week a special or "limited" watch that I can't longer keep track...would be great to see fewer watches with better builds. In my 35+ watch collecting journey, I only own 4 and 3 GS. Their mid range, and am talking the $700-$1300 collection doesn't really offer a better product than several micro brands with watches at a fraction of the price. Great review, 10/10 as always, despite the fact that I didn't like the watch.
If you want some background on the guy please check out 58 days alone in the North Pole by disrupt TV
Love the design. But fot the price, 1) unsigned crown 2) unregulated movement 3) half polished half brushed hands 4) same quality bracelet & clasp as the 63mas series. 5) dive extension mechanism feels cheaper than other parts on the bracelet. Good review as usual. Tq.
This movement is doing 1s and other owners are reporting similar numbers. So maybe Seiko started regulating them? Sign crown is meh...looks clean without it imo. The hands under extreme macro surpass my tudor black bay 58's under same macro. Bracelet feels nicer then 63 mas but is of similar quality for sure but the links look and feel more highly finished.
@@EscapementWatch +2 sec on mine. 1sec deviation across 6 positions on my timegrapher…that’s unreal!
What's the big deal with a signed crown anyway. I feel like adults would want LESS branding on their clothing and accessories...
@@Jon81G ahh you are a lucky owner great piece to own.
@@EscapementWatch tq for your feedback.
Sad it's not record regulated by should last a lifetime
Great video
So worth it bro!
It really is!
It’s just delicious 🤤 😁😊
So good!
SLA051 is the best willard..period.. Better than SLA033, IMO.
Yet it's not a Willard! 🤣 A Uemura! Haha but I agree!
Do you mean the best reissue? Surely the best Willard is the original 6105. This new version would have been better without a date window, also Uemura didn't wear such a watch, this is just an excuse to cash in with a new, weird bastardised version of the original!
@@Andrew.W75 Correct, Total no link with the original, just a mess
@@caligulasen6028 Not sure why you think this watch is a mess. Maybe you should have a close look at one. In my opinion it's a nicer looking watch than the 6105 and it definitely beats it in every conceivable way in terms of quality. I even like the date position, I hardly notice it.
Did you by chance try this bracelet on a regular willard
Want to see this in comparison to your blue limited 6r35 captain willard
Thuh Uemura! Yay!
Didn’t know where to ask this so thought I would include in this video commenting. Watch so many of your you tube videos and love them all. You do a great job. I know all this is personal opinion but have a question for you. Recently bought a Tudor Black Bay and like the size so much on my 7” wrist. Trying to decide between a spb187, sbdc065, spb149 and spb183. With the magic Seiko does with there cases I’m so confused. I currently have a Magrette Moana Pacific diver in 44mm and it just to big. Would love your opinion.
Great video as always, can u make a comparison with the 42mm?
Possibly!
I have the Green spb willard I am looking to get sla051 as well just wanted to know is it truly worth it over the spb?thxx
Yes it's worth it for the movement and finishing
@@EscapementWatch thank you
I have a black Willard , what is the catch on this one? 3k is a nice swiss watch territory, save a little get a GS territory…. Overpriced vs willard
movement accuracy and case/bracelet finishing..
And leagues above $3 Tags, $6k B&R , $8k panerai and the likes..people sweat the swiss label although most uner $5k are only technically swiss with outsourced parts and movements.
If you think this is overpriced then you don't understand what Seiko is bringing to the customer here. I used to be like you, I owned Tudor, Rolex and Oris divers. Now ALL my Divers are Seiko. The Seiko high end movements are absolutely superb, the adapted ETA in the Tudor is on the fragile side (I have direct experience of this).
Like Rolex, Seiko are the only company in the world that makes EVERYTHING.
The bracelet looks like a different color than the case in these pictures, is it that way in hand?
As an owner of a different SLA, I’m a fan… but it seems a little bland. I’d almost prefer black if there’s not great dial. But, after all, its a tool watch, so we cant be too picky…..I know these seem a little higher cost, but the SLA’s are all such a notch above ANYTHING out there for the money. Once you own one, you’ll never go back to the cheaper versions of these watches.
Seiko pls make a no-date version of this (thinner watch).. or a white date window exactly at 4, if you must
All Prospex compulsorily have date position like this which not spoil the lume!
I purchased all of the 2020 limited edition sla037, 039, 043, 143, 149, to join my 017. This doesn't do it, the Willard never appealed to me and this version is just okay.
Really like this Willard, is this zaratsu polished on the sides? I can definitely tell there is a higher grade of polishing on the sides compared to the normal turtle.
Yeah the Polish is unreal it is ziratsu hand polished and movement is hand assembled
@@EscapementWatch The finish over time has some kind of unreal patina effect that is amazing and I have no idea how to describe. Never seen anything like it...dazzling. Subtle, but dazzling.
the 051 or marinemaster 300 if forced to choose. thanks!!
Touch choice for sure. MM300
Seiko Prospex Diver many pieces, just only for me 2 -3 is enough., But l liked Blue Dial Sunburst of Naomi
its not sun burst actually its supposed to represent the mountain texture that he climbed these dials. Blue and grey both same textures.
Love your vids! Just for reference it’s pronounced ooh-eh-moo-ra though not as exaggerated
Good to know!
I wish they would’ve made the dial black
How many 62MAS versions had an 8L55 Movement?
1. sla037
Do this version use the same steel as sla043?
No
@@EscapementWatch Also not zaratsu polish?
It has ziratsu polished finish on sides
In the the Macro of that dial it looks like grey cardboard... !?!
What is the MSRP in cdn$?
$3775 + HST right now Kavar Jewellers just has this one I reviewed in stock. Call them and let them know I sent you they should take care of you.
As far as I’m aware, Seiko have never referred to the 6105-8110 in any of its iterations as a Willard. The watch has always been known in Japan as the Uemura.
As an owner of the original, I was quite impressed with the SLA033 reissue. This looks more like a hybrid between the slim case SPB midrange ‘Willard’s’ and an SLA033.
It has the 8L35 movement after all, but has the ugly (IMO) Prospex on the dial, and the slimmer case of the SPB151. Not a fan of the date at 4 either. I believe the SLA033 truly deserves to be known as the ‘Uemura’.
Nice watch head! Seiko needs to work on their bracelets for comfort and endlink fit especially at that price point.
Yes they do
I wish they would do some jubilee style bracelets like the iconic Z199, all brushed, for these special divers. I have actually switched out all my Seiko diver's stock bracelets with Z199 jubilees. They have an extreme taper to 16mm at the clasp, up to 22mm at the endlinks. Comfort beyond belief. In the water of course they go on rubber and such.
This one feels nice, overall fitment is not bad and finished nicely with the brushed/polish surfaces. Z199 is cool wouldn't mind seeing a modern remake of it for sure.
That movement though looks amazing!
Yes the movement has amazing amplitude and positional accuracy. If maintained this one can go generations.
that date wheel? why? and why there? deal breaker
They moved it from 3 o'clock chapter ring location due to complaining but it didn't help that much
2:39 More Smoother!
more more smootherist!
Everyone has his own taste but I totally dislike the watch. Big box that doesn’t look right with the thinish wristband.
Everything aligns???? 🤔
Are you sure this is the genuine Seiko? 🤨🧐
Yes its real! A high end seiko is of a different breed.
@@darkcggaming My comment was meant as a lighthearted poke at a giant multinational company which can't seem to sort out their quality on mass produced watches. But if you want to take it seriously, fine, I am game.
I've seen video reviews of Seikos costing multiples of $500, still having misalignment issues. Don't ask me for links, because I will not go and look for them. You not being aware of these issues EVEN ON MORE EXPENSIVE Seikos speaks volumes about what you know and what you don't. Go find this info on your own, if you care.
...
Misalignment of Seikos is so widespread, EVERYONE who is a little bit into watches knows about it. Are you arguing with me, or with thousands of posts on watch forums and countless videos on youtube?
...
My 3 Citizens are perfectly aligned, they are all under $500. I have never heard of Citizen having a widespread continuous (decades!) misalignment issue. If one Japanese company can produce perfectly aligned watches under $500, why can't Seiko? 🤔
Do you know of any misalignment issues on cheap Casios, way under $100? How does your ridiculous comment apply to $50 Casios?
...
Of course more expensive watches have less of a chance of sloppy assembly and ineffective quality control. Interestingly, when you do google searches for watch misalignment, Seikos results of course come up right away. But also Omega! 😳
Retail price is a general indication of quality, but IT'S NOT A GUARANTEE OF QUALITY.
So you better grow up (not grew up) yourself 🙂
I call it the Uemura Willard... Hahahaha
I need that bracelet for my 151 FT!!!
Oh ya thats cool. It feels great a step up for sure with the finishing on it.
@@EscapementWatch looks really nice Bro
This or mm300 SLA023?
man that is tough.... I think this
Thanks for replying!
depends on ur wrist size.
@@EscapementWatch I have the same decision to make and I think you are right. This is just more comfortable and versatile whilst not losing the presence
The dude down below has hit the nail on the head. 'Seiko trying to wring every drop out of their old DNA'. I'm a Seiko fan-owning a Marine Master and a Mini Turtle-and I love 'em but blimey, come on. How many different models with pretty much the same spin are you going to come up with??!
Seiko makes new models but just like Rolex redoing the submariner all the time Seiko will do that with its iconic watches. But Seiko has a handful of those instead of just one iconic one
In this case I think there is an importance difference between possibly well earned cautious cynicism (not all watches that come out are good) and actually evaluating the watch vs. just trolling. The factory pictures for the Uemura are very bad. I have Turtles and have seen/worn a Willard, and this Uemura really is very different and very good. In many cases I'm sure I would agree that a spin-off doesn't fly, but in this particular case the Uemura really is a landmark achievement in design and execution (if only they could make it cheaper...). If you actually have an Uemura and some 'old DNA' in hand I'd love to hear your comparison, in case you still disagree in this case.
@@onoff5604 Thanks for the reply my man.
I think I am going to have to defer to you on the whole. No doubt I'll actually see this piece at some point (I live in London. Short of watch retailers I am not!) but have not seen it as yet. I'm sure it looks very good. The finishing on higher priced Seikos tends to be just that and while yes, prices have increased, I still think they represent very good value for money in comparison with others though there will be guys who beg to differ; and I do get that. (I recently bought a MM200 retailing at 1200 quid and am very impressed). I think what I'm mainly quibbling here is the same sort of 'look' but hey, fair comment...
@@onoff5604 what'd you pay for your sla051 may i ask
The "Thin Willy". Though the bracelet really doesn't match the case. Also not a fan of the 4:30 date.
It's the MM300 style bracelet. I think it suits this high end posh look.
@@EscapementWatch I love the 4:30 date...more dial symmetry with markers
@@algorithm007ify Also the date is extremely read-able across various lighting levels. Very practical date window deployment. Very discrete, but very clear when you do need it.
un (remove "n") we mura
It isn't wearing better than a turtle.
@@darkcggaming it isn't wearing better than any cheap turtle. That's just bs. Better movement.. perhaps. Better lining up than the average turtle.. yes. Wearing better.. absolute bs.
The 4:30 date ruins it for me.
I love it..more dial symmetry with markers...
Glad you like it. But a 4:30 date window is a wart on the dial for me.
@@theenavybluemonster exactly once you notice it you can't unsee it!
idd, Ugly as hell
iiihh a grey dial.
SPB253, rebranded as ‘Naomi Uemura”? I like the Willard better....
only this highend model is named Uemura
The dot above the 12 o'clock is off center. Love your channel. Ugly watch.
beauty is in the eye of the beholder..and it's perspective error not misalignment
@@algorithm007ify the vertical hash right above 12? If you say so. Seiko is notorious for QC issues- big, obvious ones. You should find many easily
@@stephen255 if he says it aligns properly, I believe him. It's one thing to look via a video versus in person, especially when depth perception is involved. Moreover, rolex and Tudor have misalignment issues also. Seiko just sells a lot more watches and the proportional error is inflated merely based on number.. Can they improve QA? sure..so can rolex and co.
@@algorithm007ify I believe him. And you are correct about Tudor and Rolex. I will never own a Seiko, Rolex or Tudor because of this. My Longines Spirit and Omega Planet Ocean are FLAWLESS
Lol ...and this for 3K?
4.5k AUD with no signed crown or ceramic bezel...
@@darkcggaming Ceramic bezels are an ideal and superior materal because guess what? it don't scratch, corrode or fade and will look new until the day you die. Even the Seiko mm300 upgraded to ceramic bezels which is the 'DIVER' of all Seiko divers. An 8L35 requires servicing every 2-3 years according to its manual book and isn't fininished or regulated at -10/+15 compared to the 10 years service interval on a Rolex and -2/+2 accuracy (up to 7x more accuracy). Oh and guess what your paying 4.5k for a Seiko that will lose up to half its value...pay 8k for a Rolex and its price will shoot up so its even better than actual gold...talking to Seiko fanatics and their love for misalignments lol. Be my guess and waste your money.
For 3k there should be a ceramic bezel
That isn’t the Eumura edition, the Eumura has a blue dial and bezel and says Eumura on the back of the watch
Yes but this all new case style is nicknamed the Uemura. Some argue the black 051 is more true to Uemura since he wore a black willard.
The 051 is grey, surely the 033 would be more what Ueruma wore as it’s black and has the date at the 3 o’clock position.
I don't know, but doesn't it look like another Seiko?
Seiko start to become boring.🙄
I really, really want to pull the trigger on this one, but I already have a Steeldive 😁
thats like saying you were going to buy a Ferrari but didnt cause you already have a Tata
@@algorithm007ify tata is good too, maybe next time
Not hand assembled “ln Japan”
Beautiful watch but almost $3000? 🙀👎🏻