Comment just to thank you for the production value of the intro. Sometimes when excellence becomes the expectation, it can feel like the work is under appreciated. I assure you it is not. Thank you for caring about the quality of your work.
Thank you so much my friend. Knowing there are viewers out there that appreciate the effort is what keeps me striving to improve and keep going. I deeply deeply appreciate the sentiment, onwards, upwards and the very best of regards! TGV
@@theurbangentry The combination of your passion and intentional work to share it builds community. It's been so fun watching your success.... because it has been the fruit of something that's the opposite of everything else going on... Positive. Collaborative. Respecting history as well as creativity. Not divisive. Your influence is positive, and you're genuinely appreciated. More than watches are on display here.
@@theurbangentry All you intros are amazing and incredible. As I was watching I was wondering if you still do everything yourselves, and I couldn't believe it when it came up on the screen.
It's interesting how finding a big watch you like changes our perspective on what's "too big". A Panerai 44mm 1950s case on my 7" wrist changed everything; so many more watches are now reasonable after wearing the 233. It seems like your Panerai has done the same for you. Your faces after mentioning Seiko's lack of alignment was pricelesss
Just picked up the SPB 317 and I'm completely in love. It has that classic 4 o'clock crown but with more symmetry than the Willard, it's smaller and thinner, and contrary to popular opinion I love the hidden away circular date window at 4.30 which enables it to avoid that little extra lume block, keeping the symmetry and the ISO rating.
Oh man, I had an eureka moment!! I have realized why I was drone to Seiko from the get go- in my mind they are the underdog , the little (not quite) more unknown guy sticking it to the big guys, the snobby Swiss and Rolex in particular. That’s probably why my dad liked them too. Many thanks Tristano, this actually means a lot to me🙏🏻😊
Recently tried one for the first time and was very pleasantly surprised. Didn’t wear at all how I thought it would. Once again a brilliantly delivered piece, thank you. Gave me great pleasure again today to recommend your channel to a good friend. Onwards and upwards.
Due to updates in the ISO 6425 standard to mandate lumed markers every five minutes, Seiko had to add that marker at 3:00. It doesn't look great, but they had to do it if they wanted to keep the date at 3:00.
Very interesting, I wonder how they came to that decision. Yeh I would deffo prefer a date moved, what they did such an annoying solution. Thank you, Best regards, TGV
@@theurbangentrySeiko has put the date at the 4:30 position in some divers but I think they wanted this watch to look as close to the original as possible
Thanks for the presentation. This is a special watch. While it's similar to my Uemura, it's significantly different in its more squat shape and I do love this gray dial.
I have this too, I bought mine from Gnomon watches Singapore when I went there. It's flawless with no QC issues, keeps excellent time (+3spd) and pairs great with a black isofrane strap. It's like a perfect hybrid between a dive/field watch in my opinion. Wear it with love!
I would've thought the SPB317 (Slim-Turtle) would be more your cup of tea. Reminiscent of the Willard, and a reissue from around the same period, but with the slightly more sized down specs?
I bought my first Seiko, a Seiko 5, more than 20 years ago, but my first proper diver was the v1 Save the Ocean Samurai. It is a big chonky watch, but the blue dial makes me smile every time.
Seiko is really killing it with their SPB model dive watches. I personally like the SLA models, especially the turtle with the 8L35 movement. It is a really nice watch. I am also happy to have you promoting this quality watch. I feel bad for those spending large sums on SKX models. Hopefully they will see this review and buy a better watch instead of getting scammed and paying considerably above MSRP for an SkX.
I believe the luminous marker at 3 was required for “diving” certification (it is meant to be a functional tool watch). But I agree, the date should have been framed and the crown inscribed. Seiko actually got these details right on the more expensive Willard Tribute, the SLA033. I very nearly bought the twice as expensive (but it is finished to Grand Seiko standard with an 8R35 movement) SLA033 but Seiko got one major detail on that watch horribly wrong, which the SPB237 gets right. The beveled glass. This actually reflects the minute markers all the way around so that when you directly look at the face, you get a double row of minute markers. This is such an important part of the 6105 look and the SLA033, which in other ways most accurately mimics the 6105, completely blows it. It was a deal breaker for me. I bought the SPB237 which I mostly wear on black silicone, and I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s become my daily.
My Seiko diver grail is no doubt Marine Master 300, but it will have to wait for some better financial times to be on my wrist. That said, I really enjoy the SKX and SPB077 in my collection
SKX is my favorite Seiko diver for sure. Potentially also the LX diver. The former I have, the latter I've tried a few times. A cracking (big) watch. Outside of divers I really love my grey/black Seiko GMT. She's a looker. Thanks for another great video TGV!
Told ya so! I wish I hadn't sold mine. I replaced it with the Uemara edition gray dial with the Grand Seiko movement, which is stunning, but I don't like it as much as I did the SPB237. Gotta get me another.
Good evening TGV! Great to have that Seiko on the channel! Would love to see when a Willard comes to your collection! This special model looks terrific in my opinion. I'm still wearing my SKX009, but I was thinking about upgrading, but still on the hunt for my perfect Seiko diver. Best regards!
Thank you Heiko, what can I say? It just feels right. Enjoy your SKX, I only wish I still had mine, then again, I would not of tried the Willard. O&U! Best regards, TGV
Hi TGV I think your collection is taking a very interesting turn - and this gem will probably be the next addition... It’s quite interesting, when you’ve been “up there”, owning a lot of the very expensive and prestigious pieces, you know exactly what to look for in the more modest price layers. Something that talks to your heart as well as your knowledge. Watch collecting surely is an education too. Keep up the good work👍
Just bought one & absolutely delighted with it , always wanted one . Few years back I brought a cheap steel dive, to be fair it was ok , but ended up giving it away because at the end of the day wasn’t the real deal ..
TGV, hello from Bulgaria! OG gentry here ever since I stumbled on your video about making the perfect espresso coffee! I love your content not just because of watches but because of the atmosphere you create! So many years later I have still not seen a review from you of my favourite Seiko Diver - SRP777 Prospex Turtle... Who knows maybe one day... Anyways I personally prefer it to other Seiko divers and I have small wrists. Onwards and upwards! ( :
The question is Willard or wont you buy it? I do love a grey dial watch. Its a stunner. Sublime video full of history and stunning visuals and sound as always 👍
Until I ran across this Seiko Willard reference a few years back I never thought I wanted one. It’s one I’ll never sell and love having on my wrist every time I wear it!
I absolutely adore this watch....as soon as I laid eyes on it I KNEW I was going one. It's probably never going to leave my collection. IMO it's the nicest of all the variations recently released (although the SPB265 is close 2nd). Congrats on the new pickup TGV and thanks for the great video.
The 62MAS reissues/remakes have been super solid. The 110th anniversary Save The Ocean Slim Turtle is a great new shape for Seiko. For me and my collection, I don't think I'll ever part with my SRPG57. Perfect size, materials use and that fabulous dial detail that Seiko (and GS) are masters of.
I use a 1997 titanium Seiko AGS "Grey Ghost". On the rubber strap it wears extremely comfortable being very light (titanium and only 39mm) and it also wears thin due to the shape of the case. Love the sandpaper finish on the dial, sword hands, applied indices, no-insert bezel, mix of matte and polished, and how it says "Scuba" on the dial. Waited years until I got a diver, and I was not disappointed. I also appreciate it being quartz, since I don't have to set it (and therefore unscrew the crown) every time I want to wear it. My ideal sports watch !
The 38mm Seiko Solar diver in the prospex lineup has become my everyday watch, I was at a AD looking at automatic divers, but I saw the solar quarts, had to try it on and came back for it the day after, after some considerations for going with a quarts instead. I do have a watch box with a mechanical promaster, Laco type B pilot watch, a Seiko 5, a small dressy tissot, and a couple of G-shocks. But the Seiko solardiver is the one that just ends up on my wrist. It's so thin, practical, and accurate, and the bezzle has strong resistance with tight tolerances, and I just love how it feels. Had it on many silicone/leather/elastic/nato - straps and now have it on a bracelet from Mark. No matter what it is on, it looks and feels great 😄 Edit: it's called the seiko SNE573P1, I never remember these seiko references either 😅
this was old skool tgv! took me back to when i first started watching the channel...bought a save the ocean turtle ....swapped it out for single domed sapphire and rocked it ever since!...now i;ve watched this im checking out the "Aurora" limited edition willard....god that dial colour is amazing! ...big up seiko saturday!!
Having owned 7 Seikos and 1 GS early on in my watch delirium, I mean collecting. I sold them, and then didn't own any Seikos for over 5 years. However, in the last 2 months, I've bought three 7s26 based 5's (snxs73 & 77, and a snkl43). Utter joy. 37mm on my big flat wrist, taking me back to when I just bought a blue Seiko when the old one broke. Great video, as always. Keep up the independent reviews 👍
Pity Mark at Long Island watch doesn’t stock this watch. I bought a seiko turtle reissue from him and he checked the alignment personally and took excellent care of me. I adore this watch.
About 6 months ago I was faced with picking a new one watch collection. I will be honest in that it was a hair pulling experience. SO many good watches from Seiko! I finally settled on the SFK003 green GMT diver solar. At the time, pulling myself away from the monster and about 100 other fine Seikos. 6 months later, I have no regrets. Its running +4 sec a month.
Stoked you got a Willard TGV. I bought my “moss green” one at the Seiko Museum Store in Tokyo a couple years ago and still think it’s a great watch. Extremely comfortable, and as I have told people, if it had a luxury name on it they could sell it for3-5 times what it costs. My JDM model has no bezel alignment issue btw.
I normally don't comment before watching, but this got me so excited. I just picked this reference up in July from your boy Derek, and it hasn't left my wrist since. I didn't realize it when I bought it, but it's as close to the perfect dive watch for me that I've come across.
I love this SPB237J1 ...just 3 week old in my collection ... I like it so much that I keep looking at it when on my wrist...even I have forgotten when the last time I wore SPB153J1 ....
I had this for a few months and just didn’t like how it wore on my wrist but man this is the best dial and fotina combo. Truly fantastic!! Traded it for the second best gray dial of the SPB143🙈 Great vid as always!
Interesting, what was it that made it not wear well. Was it the extra height with the straps? The rubber really reduced it for me. But deffo you hit the nail on the head, that dial! Thank you, great feedback. Best regards, TGV
@@theurbangentry It’s very much a personal thing. I have a 6.75 inch wrist and I guess since I’m used to my turtle that it seemed short on my wrist. I tried it on straps and on a couple uncle seiko bracelet and just didn’t click with me. The colorway itself is amazing but the case size just seemed diminutive since I’m used to my turtle and samurai. Also, wasn’t happy with the accuracy of mine at all. I would wear it throughout the day and it wouldn’t deviate but when I left it overnight in my box it would run 15-20 seconds fast, OVERNIGHT! Pretty unacceptable for the price. Much preferring the fit of my SPB143. Little heavy but absolutely fantastic piece. Seiko really has the best gray dials!
@Dialandhands hi do you still prefer the 143 ? I have a 143 and have the same size wrist it fits great and very well balanced on original bracelet aftwr reversing the clasp. I keep thinking of the willard would you say just stick with the 143 ?
Last Seiko diver - “the horror, the horror” indeed! 😂. This is such a cool watch because it is different, like Panerai - I wholeheartedly agree. Another enjoyable video TGV. Thank you! Best, David
Hi TGV, I have to tell you, I have only one JDM Seiko, it's A SARW019, signed crown, it cost 649.00. None of my 3 Seiko divers have signed crowns. I may have to start looking for a new model with that feature! It just adds that special touch! Thanks for sharing.
Your videos are absolutely AMAZING quality 😮 I mean truly professional. But I wouldn't expect anything less from you. I've been watching your stuff since the very beginning and will continue to do so forever 😜 2 things i think you overlooked though! 1. You can't switch the FKM strap from the Luminor to the Willard because the Luminor is 24mm and the Willard is 20mm 😂 2. EVERY ISO certified diving watch HAS to have lume at EVERY hour marker/indice. But I agree. The NEWEST and most true to the original 62Mas that was released relatively recent, IMO, fixes the problem by just putting a single circular dot on the right side of the date. Hopefully Seiko will start doing that for more of their divers watches so it doesn't distract the dial as much as putting a smaller size bar indice to the right of the date! The newest (and probably my favorite looking) 62Mas is $3,500 and a limited edition release that sold out almost instantly! So quite a price difference there 😢
Hey Tristano, Great video as always! Great production value! I was looking at some other channels that have a fraction of your current subscriber count and I amuse myself realizing that most of them must pay for views... Almost 100.000 views in less than 1 day of releasing the video ... I think not... O&U amico!
Thanks for the great content. I am the happy owner of various Seiko watches. Not sure what it exactly is but before I knew it the Seiko collection expanded. As far as the divers are concerned I find it very difficult which one is the favorite for me. I own a vintage "Captain Willard" 6005-8110 and the 6005-8000. Both watches are a pleasure to wear and are hugging the wrist due to the cushion case style design. I recently bought the Seiko MM300 marinemaster. Also a great "do it all" watch with a great design. Clearly I am a bit cautious using my two vintage divers for every day use and not using them in the water. However the more modern MM300 marinemaster is a beast. However if I would pick one Seiko diver as my all time favorite it would be the 6005-8110. Its such a classic and being a Navy veteran it reminds me during my time of serving in the late seventies early eighties.
I have a turtle and king turtle which make up 99% of my rotation now. I had an SKX which is now on the wrist of my daughter. The Seiko's are extremely comfy to wear. I modded mine with coin edge bezels, strapcode bracelets and fully lumed ceramic bezel inserts. I have an Oris and Tag which barely get out of their winders now.
Someone may have already pointed it out but the marker next to the date is to comply with the ISO standard. They added it to all "Divers" a few years back.
I have this watch in the collection. I absolutely love it on the uncle seiko waffle strap. Not sure if anyone has mentioned yet, but I believe the lume at 3 o’clock is a new ISO certification requirement.
bro watching you now i own over 450 watches . and i made my own custom ones . i fell in love with the art of watchmaking , watch collecting and its your fault lol. enjoy your content .
Thoroughly enjoyed the review and history lesson. Coincidentally I nearly bought this exact model as a birthday gift to myself 😅 Ended up with the spdc101 "62mas reissue ". Really happy with the choice and I have a King Turtle for a cushion case companion for now. Undoubtably will look into a Willard model in the future. Cheers
Great choice TGV, bought the Olive as it was released and it wears perfectly. Accuracy…mmm not so great, but can regulate to get it better. All in all a great all rounder 👍
Thanks for that correlation of the prospex symbol to the cesspool social media symbol. I can’t unsee it when i look at my wrist now 😂. Felice anno nuovo e buono salute Paisano!
There are so many to choose from but the SLA067J1 is probably still my favourite release yet. It's based on the 62 MAS which has become an extremely popular release of late. Great watch by the way.
Mate your Italian is "perfetto" ! Couple of years ago i felt in love with the spb207j1 limited edition iriomote island. Please check it out, the british green dial on that timepiece is just sublime.
Hello Great show and great use of Apocalypse Now footage. I brought this watch in 21 and it's a keeper. Before this release I was exaclty like you : not conviced by the design, but this version change my mind. Expensive yes, but if you compare it with a prospex turtle, this one is way better made. I wear in on a "No time to die" Nato : it's perfect !
Amazing watch. That reference is part of my collection, along with what I call its sibling watch, the SPB237 (a modern reinterpretation of the 62MAS). Both have excellent finishes, and at least in my case, they have very good accuracy. Now I'm looking for the SPB255 and SPB317.
TGV, the Lume marker at 3 is now required for the “Divers” ISO Specification. This is why I like the 4:30 date on my SLA075, I get a full balanced Lume marker at 3.
Since you asked what is my Favorite seiko Diver I will have to say is my SteelDive SKX Same watch with Sapphire crystal, Full lumed Bezel, Super J jubilee bracelet, NH 35 Motor and all for the best price of $180... And for my Favorite Willard it would be my Vintage Zodiac Oceanair with the way way better Willard case design Swiss Mov't, and stunning dial design etc etc!
I have tried and tried as hard as I might, but I just CANNOT get on the Seiko bandwagon. Citizen beats Seiko in every single metric, except brand history (debatable) and vintage military usage. Nowadays, military guys far and away choose Citizen. CITIZEN/Miyota is the largest watch producer in the world and yet, they are still somehow overshadowed by Seiko. I get that GS is another level, but Seiko, for me, just isn’t all that. The icons like the Pogue, Flighty, and SKX….even the Willard are iconic, but in regards to brand vs brand…. Citizen every single time. I own both. But Citizen is better. To me. Congratulations on finding your favorite Willard, TGV! I know you have been wanting to scratch that itch for quite a while. Keep doing what you do! Excellent as always. Onward and upward, my friend.
Great review. I’m waiting for the Rangemaster mechanical to arrive. Hopefully by Friday. I’m going to have to wait on the Willard until my watch budget grows considerably. Thanks TGV.
Yes, the Cpt. Willard is on my radar as one of my choice Seiko divers. I started with Seiko 5 Suits, will follow with a Tuna, and end it with the Willard. See how soon all fit in my watch case.
Grande video. My daughter was just in Japan and I almost bought another Seiko diver whilst she FaceTimed me from the dealer lol. Ended up with a JDM SARW013 and it’s gorgeous but I will pick up a Willard or an SPB 143 on her next trip which she just told me may be in 6 weeks from now. Thinking about the SLA051…
I was considering the willard but tried on the king turtle while I was in the store and much preferred that along with the price tag. I do like that willard dial and love the seiko natos, I have a few of them.
I wish I could stand with you on Seiko my brother, but I have been let down too many times by poor QC. Bad alignment, movements that don’t deliver, etc. Grand Seiko, yes. Standard Seiko, no mas! 😢
I have managed to keep the blue Willard for years now. I can’t find a fault with it. I even got an accurate one, though with Seiko that can change overnight.
Great Watch and Review.. For some reason it’s inspired me to acquire a squale 1521 Militaire, No date… 😂 That’s more £’s gone!!! Keep up the great work TGV, BMJ ENGLAND 🏴
Always great content, the flighty and the Willard are both great. Did you purge your beloved SARB033. This was my first watch I picked up after finding the interest
My favorite Capt. Willard but I've been hesitant to pull the trigger. Still own several Seikos to include my SKX 009 "Stargate" mod and my "Ninja" Mini-turtle. Both done by Seiko mod-master, Jeff Macie. Shout out to Jeff@watchmakers 4 !
I'll probably get a lot of hate for this......I adore the Willard but current price in the UK is £840+. For EIGHT times less, you can get effectively the same watch - seiko movement, sapphire glass PLUS fully lumed bezel and no alignment issues - yes I have a Steeldive. If you are not a watch (brand) snob, why would you buy the Seiko instead?
I just bought a SPB239, the same one but with the 62MAS case, and I am loving it. It's my "expendable mechanical watch" 😅 but first it had to go to my watchmaker cause there was something nasty under the cristal, the hands were not perfectly aligned and he improved the accuracy, wish quality control was better
Thank you this excellent video, as always enjoy watching it.Very cool watch indeed! Stunning dial! Any chance in the future there will be a video about official NATO strapcolor combinations used in the military/navy?
Comment just to thank you for the production value of the intro. Sometimes when excellence becomes the expectation, it can feel like the work is under appreciated. I assure you it is not. Thank you for caring about the quality of your work.
Thank you so much my friend. Knowing there are viewers out there that appreciate the effort is what keeps me striving to improve and keep going. I deeply deeply appreciate the sentiment, onwards, upwards and the very best of regards!
TGV
@@theurbangentry The combination of your passion and intentional work to share it builds community. It's been so fun watching your success.... because it has been the fruit of something that's the opposite of everything else going on... Positive. Collaborative. Respecting history as well as creativity. Not divisive. Your influence is positive, and you're genuinely appreciated. More than watches are on display here.
That intro is a work of art
@@theurbangentry All you intros are amazing and incredible. As I was watching I was wondering if you still do everything yourselves, and I couldn't believe it when it came up on the screen.
Hear, hear!
If the perfect Seiko diver doesn't exist then I think we all know what the next TGV and L.I.W. collaboration needs to be.
It's interesting how finding a big watch you like changes our perspective on what's "too big". A Panerai 44mm 1950s case on my 7" wrist changed everything; so many more watches are now reasonable after wearing the 233. It seems like your Panerai has done the same for you. Your faces after mentioning Seiko's lack of alignment was pricelesss
Just picked up the SPB 317 and I'm completely in love. It has that classic 4 o'clock crown but with more symmetry than the Willard, it's smaller and thinner, and contrary to popular opinion I love the hidden away circular date window at 4.30 which enables it to avoid that little extra lume block, keeping the symmetry and the ISO rating.
Same here!
And here. Completely agree about the date window, perfection!
Me three! I love this reference! I actually prefer it over my 2 liner pelagos!
And here! What a wonderful watch it is!
And here too, stunning watch and totally agree with your assessment.
Oh man, I had an eureka moment!! I have realized why I was drone to Seiko from the get go- in my mind they are the underdog , the little (not quite) more unknown guy sticking it to the big guys, the snobby Swiss and Rolex in particular. That’s probably why my dad liked them too.
Many thanks Tristano, this actually means a lot to me🙏🏻😊
Recently tried one for the first time and was very pleasantly surprised. Didn’t wear at all how I thought it would. Once again a brilliantly delivered piece, thank you. Gave me great pleasure again today to recommend your channel to a good friend. Onwards and upwards.
Due to updates in the ISO 6425 standard to mandate lumed markers every five minutes, Seiko had to add that marker at 3:00. It doesn't look great, but they had to do it if they wanted to keep the date at 3:00.
Very interesting, I wonder how they came to that decision. Yeh I would deffo prefer a date moved, what they did such an annoying solution.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
this is exactly right, same for my 2023 turtle
The lumed 3 o'clock marker actually "grew" on me after I bought my SPB153 (green model) and I barely notice it now.
Correct, Seiko takes the ISO rating seriously enough to add the extra marker to all of their dive watches updated after 2020
@@theurbangentrySeiko has put the date at the 4:30 position in some divers but I think they wanted this watch to look as close to the original as possible
Thanks for the presentation. This is a special watch. While it's similar to my Uemura, it's significantly different in its more squat shape and I do love this gray dial.
I have this too, I bought mine from Gnomon watches Singapore when I went there. It's flawless with no QC issues, keeps excellent time (+3spd) and pairs great with a black isofrane strap. It's like a perfect hybrid between a dive/field watch in my opinion. Wear it with love!
I would've thought the SPB317 (Slim-Turtle) would be more your cup of tea. Reminiscent of the Willard, and a reissue from around the same period, but with the slightly more sized down specs?
Nice watch. Since I can’t afford anything that rich, I bought the Heimdallr Captain Willard homage. I am VERY impressed with it.
I bought my first Seiko, a Seiko 5, more than 20 years ago, but my first proper diver was the v1 Save the Ocean Samurai. It is a big chonky watch, but the blue dial makes me smile every time.
Seiko is really killing it with their SPB model dive watches. I personally like the SLA models, especially the turtle with the 8L35 movement. It is a really nice watch.
I am also happy to have you promoting this quality watch. I feel bad for those spending large sums on SKX models. Hopefully they will see this review and buy a better watch instead of getting scammed and paying considerably above MSRP for an SkX.
I believe the luminous marker at 3 was required for “diving” certification (it is meant to be a functional tool watch). But I agree, the date should have been framed and the crown inscribed. Seiko actually got these details right on the more expensive Willard Tribute, the SLA033. I very nearly bought the twice as expensive (but it is finished to Grand Seiko standard with an 8R35 movement) SLA033 but Seiko got one major detail on that watch horribly wrong, which the SPB237 gets right. The beveled glass. This actually reflects the minute markers all the way around so that when you directly look at the face, you get a double row of minute markers. This is such an important part of the 6105 look and the SLA033, which in other ways most accurately mimics the 6105, completely blows it. It was a deal breaker for me. I bought the SPB237 which I mostly wear on black silicone, and I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s become my daily.
Great video TGV, love it when you review a Seiko, your love for the brand really comes out. That Willard is a great watch.
My Seiko diver grail is no doubt Marine Master 300, but it will have to wait for some better financial times to be on my wrist. That said, I really enjoy the SKX and SPB077 in my collection
Thank God I bought this watch last month before the hype that this video brings 🙏🏽😂 great video TGV, the “Vintage Willard” is a fantastic watch!
SKX is my favorite Seiko diver for sure. Potentially also the LX diver. The former I have, the latter I've tried a few times. A cracking (big) watch. Outside of divers I really love my grey/black Seiko GMT. She's a looker. Thanks for another great video TGV!
Told ya so! I wish I hadn't sold mine. I replaced it with the Uemara edition gray dial with the Grand Seiko movement, which is stunning, but I don't like it as much as I did the SPB237. Gotta get me another.
Good evening TGV! Great to have that Seiko on the channel! Would love to see when a Willard comes to your collection! This special model looks terrific in my opinion. I'm still wearing my SKX009, but I was thinking about upgrading, but still on the hunt for my perfect Seiko diver. Best regards!
Thank you Heiko, what can I say? It just feels right. Enjoy your SKX, I only wish I still had mine, then again, I would not of tried the Willard. O&U!
Best regards,
TGV
Hi TGV
I think your collection is taking a very interesting turn - and this gem will probably be the next addition...
It’s quite interesting, when you’ve been “up there”, owning a lot of the very expensive and prestigious pieces, you know exactly what to look for in the more modest price layers. Something that talks to your heart as well as your knowledge. Watch collecting surely is an education too.
Keep up the good work👍
Not seen one of your videos for a good while , you got me into collecting seikos lol , this was a fantastic video ..keep up the good work 👏🏻
Just bought one & absolutely delighted with it , always wanted one . Few years back I brought a cheap steel dive, to be fair it was ok , but ended up giving it away because at the end of the day wasn’t the real deal ..
TGV, hello from Bulgaria! OG gentry here ever since I stumbled on your video about making the perfect espresso coffee! I love your content not just because of watches but because of the atmosphere you create! So many years later I have still not seen a review from you of my favourite Seiko Diver - SRP777 Prospex Turtle... Who knows maybe one day... Anyways I personally prefer it to other Seiko divers and I have small wrists. Onwards and upwards! ( :
The question is Willard or wont you buy it? I do love a grey dial watch. Its a stunner. Sublime video full of history and stunning visuals and sound as always 👍
One of the funniest intros you have done 😂 more please! And great discussion as always.
Until
I ran across this Seiko Willard reference a few years back I never thought I wanted one. It’s one I’ll never sell and love having on my wrist every time I wear it!
I absolutely adore this watch....as soon as I laid eyes on it I KNEW I was going one. It's probably never going to leave my collection. IMO it's the nicest of all the variations recently released (although the SPB265 is close 2nd). Congrats on the new pickup TGV and thanks for the great video.
The 62MAS reissues/remakes have been super solid. The 110th anniversary Save The Ocean Slim Turtle is a great new shape for Seiko. For me and my collection, I don't think I'll ever part with my SRPG57. Perfect size, materials use and that fabulous dial detail that Seiko (and GS) are masters of.
Great review. You are one of the few honest watch RUclipsrs. Great production quality! I love my Willard 033
🙌🙌🙌🙌 Very much appreciated, thank you.
Best regards,
TGV
Very nice, TGV. Just ordered a King Samurai ‘Great Blue’ PADI edition…let’s hope the alignment is acceptable when it arrives!
I use a 1997 titanium Seiko AGS "Grey Ghost". On the rubber strap it wears extremely comfortable being very light (titanium and only 39mm) and it also wears thin due to the shape of the case. Love the sandpaper finish on the dial, sword hands, applied indices, no-insert bezel, mix of matte and polished, and how it says "Scuba" on the dial. Waited years until I got a diver, and I was not disappointed. I also appreciate it being quartz, since I don't have to set it (and therefore unscrew the crown) every time I want to wear it. My ideal sports watch !
The 38mm Seiko Solar diver in the prospex lineup has become my everyday watch, I was at a AD looking at automatic divers, but I saw the solar quarts, had to try it on and came back for it the day after, after some considerations for going with a quarts instead.
I do have a watch box with a mechanical promaster, Laco type B pilot watch, a Seiko 5, a small dressy tissot, and a couple of G-shocks. But the Seiko solardiver is the one that just ends up on my wrist. It's so thin, practical, and accurate, and the bezzle has strong resistance with tight tolerances, and I just love how it feels.
Had it on many silicone/leather/elastic/nato - straps and now have it on a bracelet from Mark.
No matter what it is on, it looks and feels great 😄
Edit: it's called the seiko SNE573P1, I never remember these seiko references either 😅
I have a passion for the Prospex LX SNR029J1, Ive not seen one in the flesh but I do find myself looking at them every few months. Maybe one day.
this was old skool tgv! took me back to when i first started watching the channel...bought a save the ocean turtle ....swapped it out for single domed sapphire and rocked it ever since!...now i;ve watched this im checking out the "Aurora" limited edition willard....god that dial colour is amazing! ...big up seiko saturday!!
Having owned 7 Seikos and 1 GS early on in my watch delirium, I mean collecting. I sold them, and then didn't own any Seikos for over 5 years. However, in the last 2 months, I've bought three 7s26 based 5's (snxs73 & 77, and a snkl43). Utter joy. 37mm on my big flat wrist, taking me back to when I just bought a blue Seiko when the old one broke. Great video, as always. Keep up the independent reviews 👍
Pity Mark at Long Island watch doesn’t stock this watch. I bought a seiko turtle reissue from him and he checked the alignment personally and took excellent care of me. I adore this watch.
Why Squale is more prestigious just because there Swiss.? Maybe you’re right but I’m not sure about that !
Great video as always Sir
I believe without the lume at 3pm it isn't certified diver in today's standards.
About 6 months ago I was faced with picking a new one watch collection. I will be honest in that it was a hair pulling experience. SO many good watches from Seiko! I finally settled on the SFK003 green GMT diver solar. At the time, pulling myself away from the monster and about 100 other fine Seikos. 6 months later, I have no regrets. Its running +4 sec a month.
Stoked you got a Willard TGV. I bought my “moss green” one at the Seiko Museum Store in Tokyo a couple years ago and still think it’s a great watch. Extremely comfortable, and as I have told people, if it had a luxury name on it they could sell it for3-5 times what it costs. My JDM model has no bezel alignment issue btw.
I normally don't comment before watching, but this got me so excited. I just picked this reference up in July from your boy Derek, and it hasn't left my wrist since. I didn't realize it when I bought it, but it's as close to the perfect dive watch for me that I've come across.
So glad to hear that. I will be sure to tell him. Thank you for sharing that, he is a true gent. Enjoy your Willard.
Best regards,
TGV
I love this SPB237J1 ...just 3 week old in my collection ... I like it so much that I keep looking at it when on my wrist...even I have forgotten when the last time I wore SPB153J1 ....
I had this for a few months and just didn’t like how it wore on my wrist but man this is the best dial and fotina combo. Truly fantastic!! Traded it for the second best gray dial of the SPB143🙈 Great vid as always!
Interesting, what was it that made it not wear well. Was it the extra height with the straps? The rubber really reduced it for me. But deffo you hit the nail on the head, that dial!
Thank you, great feedback.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry It’s very much a personal thing. I have a 6.75 inch wrist and I guess since I’m used to my turtle that it seemed short on my wrist. I tried it on straps and on a couple uncle seiko bracelet and just didn’t click with me. The colorway itself is amazing but the case size just seemed diminutive since I’m used to my turtle and samurai. Also, wasn’t happy with the accuracy of mine at all. I would wear it throughout the day and it wouldn’t deviate but when I left it overnight in my box it would run 15-20 seconds fast, OVERNIGHT! Pretty unacceptable for the price. Much preferring the fit of my SPB143. Little heavy but absolutely fantastic piece. Seiko really has the best gray dials!
@Dialandhands hi do you still prefer the 143 ? I have a 143 and have the same size wrist it fits great and very well balanced on original bracelet aftwr reversing the clasp. I keep thinking of the willard would you say just stick with the 143 ?
Last Seiko diver - “the horror, the horror” indeed! 😂. This is such a cool watch because it is different, like Panerai - I wholeheartedly agree. Another enjoyable video TGV. Thank you! Best, David
Oh no. I was contemplating over buying a willard for some days now and now this video. The universe is speaking
Hi TGV, I have to tell you, I have only one JDM Seiko, it's A SARW019, signed crown, it cost 649.00. None of my 3 Seiko divers have signed crowns. I may have to start looking for a new model with that feature! It just adds that special touch! Thanks for sharing.
WOW, I'm deffo going to look into this, thank you!
Best regards,
TGV
Stunning. I have owned and sold the green version. I still regret it. Praying for a gold or gilt version. PLEASE SEIKO.
Your videos are absolutely AMAZING quality 😮 I mean truly professional. But I wouldn't expect anything less from you. I've been watching your stuff since the very beginning and will continue to do so forever 😜
2 things i think you overlooked though!
1. You can't switch the FKM strap from the Luminor to the Willard because the Luminor is 24mm and the Willard is 20mm 😂
2. EVERY ISO certified diving watch HAS to have lume at EVERY hour marker/indice.
But I agree. The NEWEST and most true to the original 62Mas that was released relatively recent, IMO, fixes the problem by just putting a single circular dot on the right side of the date.
Hopefully Seiko will start doing that for more of their divers watches so it doesn't distract the dial as much as putting a smaller size bar indice to the right of the date!
The newest (and probably my favorite looking) 62Mas is $3,500 and a limited edition release that sold out almost instantly! So quite a price difference there 😢
The SPB143 is currently my favourite Seiko Diver.
Great vid TGV .
Hey Tristano,
Great video as always! Great production value!
I was looking at some other channels that have a fraction of your current subscriber count and I amuse myself realizing that most of them must pay for views... Almost 100.000 views in less than 1 day of releasing the video ... I think not...
O&U amico!
Thanks for the great content. I am the happy owner of various Seiko watches. Not sure what it exactly is but before I knew it the Seiko collection expanded. As far as the divers are concerned I find it very difficult which one is the favorite for me. I own a vintage "Captain Willard" 6005-8110 and the 6005-8000. Both watches are a pleasure to wear and are hugging the wrist due to the cushion case style design. I recently bought the Seiko MM300 marinemaster. Also a great "do it all" watch with a great design. Clearly I am a bit cautious using my two vintage divers for every day use and not using them in the water. However the more modern MM300 marinemaster is a beast. However if I would pick one Seiko diver as my all time favorite it would be the 6005-8110. Its such a classic and being a Navy veteran it reminds me during my time of serving in the late seventies early eighties.
By now, the 3 o'clock lume plot next to the date window is mandatory for an ISO 6425 certified dive watch.
I have a turtle and king turtle which make up 99% of my rotation now. I had an SKX which is now on the wrist of my daughter. The Seiko's are extremely comfy to wear. I modded mine with coin edge bezels, strapcode bracelets and fully lumed ceramic bezel inserts. I have an Oris and Tag which barely get out of their winders now.
You have impeccable music taste Ferry, Roxy & Boards of Canada , epic.
Someone may have already pointed it out but the marker next to the date is to comply with the ISO standard. They added it to all "Divers" a few years back.
I have this watch in the collection. I absolutely love it on the uncle seiko waffle strap. Not sure if anyone has mentioned yet, but I believe the lume at 3 o’clock is a new ISO certification requirement.
Love those drilled lugs!
My bezel aligns perfectly! You should have sent yours back!!!
bro watching you now i own over 450 watches . and i made my own custom ones . i fell in love with the art of watchmaking , watch collecting and its your fault lol. enjoy your content .
Congratulations to my favorite Seiko Diver! I simply love this watch! 💪👏👏
Inspired me to pop on my CWC SBS blacked out diver today - instead of one of my smaller dressier watches..
Thoroughly enjoyed the review and history lesson. Coincidentally I nearly bought this exact model as a birthday gift to myself 😅 Ended up with the spdc101 "62mas reissue ". Really happy with the choice and I have a King Turtle for a cushion case companion for now. Undoubtably will look into a Willard model in the future. Cheers
Great video!! They just keep getting better! I do love the dial on that one. I've been wanting one for a while. Cheers!
Love my Seiko SKX on the Bark and Jack NATO strap!
You’re a man of class! The off line of the bezel would drive me crazy.
Great choice TGV, bought the Olive as it was released and it wears perfectly. Accuracy…mmm not so great, but can regulate to get it better. All in all a great all rounder 👍
Got mine on a black tropic. Perfect combo.
Thanks for that correlation of the prospex symbol to the cesspool social media symbol. I can’t unsee it when i look at my wrist now 😂. Felice anno nuovo e buono salute Paisano!
There are so many to choose from but the SLA067J1 is probably still my favourite release yet. It's based on the 62 MAS which has become an extremely popular release of late. Great watch by the way.
Mate your Italian is "perfetto" !
Couple of years ago i felt in love with the spb207j1 limited edition iriomote island. Please check it out, the british green dial on that timepiece is just sublime.
Seiko just draws you back in.
Hello Great show and great use of Apocalypse Now footage. I brought this watch in 21 and it's a keeper. Before this release I was exaclty like you : not conviced by the design, but this version change my mind. Expensive yes, but if you compare it with a prospex turtle, this one is way better made. I wear in on a "No time to die" Nato : it's perfect !
I went with the OD green willard to mix it up a little bit even though it's not really the "original" but love them.
Amazing watch. That reference is part of my collection, along with what I call its sibling watch, the SPB237 (a modern reinterpretation of the 62MAS). Both have excellent finishes, and at least in my case, they have very good accuracy. Now I'm looking for the SPB255 and SPB317.
TGV, the Lume marker at 3 is now required for the “Divers” ISO Specification. This is why I like the 4:30 date on my SLA075, I get a full balanced Lume marker at 3.
My favorite Seiko divers are my SLA 057 and SLA 051 "Fancy Willard", so that's my "McMahon Collection"
Since you asked what is my Favorite seiko Diver I will have to say is my SteelDive SKX
Same watch with Sapphire crystal, Full lumed Bezel, Super J jubilee bracelet, NH 35 Motor and all for the best price of $180... And for my Favorite Willard it would be my Vintage Zodiac Oceanair with the way way better Willard case design Swiss Mov't, and stunning dial design etc etc!
I have tried and tried as hard as I might, but I just CANNOT get on the Seiko bandwagon. Citizen beats Seiko in every single metric, except brand history (debatable) and vintage military usage. Nowadays, military guys far and away choose Citizen. CITIZEN/Miyota is the largest watch producer in the world and yet, they are still somehow overshadowed by Seiko. I get that GS is another level, but Seiko, for me, just isn’t all that. The icons like the Pogue, Flighty, and SKX….even the Willard are iconic, but in regards to brand vs brand…. Citizen every single time. I own both. But Citizen is better. To me.
Congratulations on finding your favorite Willard, TGV! I know you have been wanting to scratch that itch for quite a while. Keep doing what you do! Excellent as always. Onward and upward, my friend.
Great review. I’m waiting for the Rangemaster mechanical to arrive. Hopefully by Friday. I’m going to have to wait on the Willard until my watch budget grows considerably. Thanks TGV.
Yes, the Cpt. Willard is on my radar as one of my choice Seiko divers. I started with Seiko 5 Suits, will follow with a Tuna, and end it with the Willard. See how soon all fit in my watch case.
I would love to see you review any Seiko watch
Very nice, definitely on my list to add to my Seiko collection 🔥
Grande video. My daughter was just in Japan and I almost bought another Seiko diver whilst she FaceTimed me from the dealer lol. Ended up with a JDM SARW013 and it’s gorgeous but I will pick up a Willard or an SPB 143 on her next trip which she just told me may be in 6 weeks from now. Thinking about the SLA051…
I just built a perfect replica of the original 6105 and I cant stop wearing it. The weight and proportions and quality of the watch is amazing.
I was considering the willard but tried on the king turtle while I was in the store and much preferred that along with the price tag. I do like that willard dial and love the seiko natos, I have a few of them.
I wish I could stand with you on Seiko my brother, but I have been let down too many times by poor QC. Bad alignment, movements that don’t deliver, etc. Grand Seiko, yes. Standard Seiko, no mas! 😢
I modded my blue Willard and it is beautiful now.
Wonderful video, love the clips/editing.
I have managed to keep the blue Willard for years now. I can’t find a fault with it. I even got an accurate one, though with Seiko that can change overnight.
Seiko's first dive watch was in 1959. The Seahorse.
Great Watch and Review.. For some reason it’s inspired me to acquire a squale 1521 Militaire, No date… 😂 That’s more £’s gone!!! Keep up the great work TGV, BMJ ENGLAND 🏴
I like the mini turtle recently
Nice watch….my favorite is the MM300 SLA021. It truly put my Omega Seamaster in the watch box for a long, long, long time….Enjoy the Willard.
I love your videos so much keep up with the good work I adore your contact it keeps me calm and happy
Always great content, the flighty and the Willard are both great. Did you purge your beloved SARB033. This was my first watch I picked up after finding the interest
My favorite Capt. Willard but I've been hesitant to pull the trigger. Still own several Seikos to include my SKX 009 "Stargate" mod and my "Ninja" Mini-turtle. Both done by Seiko mod-master, Jeff Macie. Shout out to Jeff@watchmakers 4 !
I'll probably get a lot of hate for this......I adore the Willard but current price in the UK is £840+. For EIGHT times less, you can get effectively the same watch - seiko movement, sapphire glass PLUS fully lumed bezel and no alignment issues - yes I have a Steeldive. If you are not a watch (brand) snob, why would you buy the Seiko instead?
$1640 in Australia.
Well said pjs2409. Steeldives willard is a beauty for sure.
An absolute bargain, but not the same movement.
True story
I think it is the best value for the money option. I have the no logo version. One of my favorites
I just bought a SPB239, the same one but with the 62MAS case, and I am loving it. It's my "expendable mechanical watch" 😅 but first it had to go to my watchmaker cause there was something nasty under the cristal, the hands were not perfectly aligned and he improved the accuracy, wish quality control was better
Your macro shots are stunning!
Thank you this excellent video, as always enjoy watching it.Very cool watch indeed! Stunning dial! Any chance in the future there will be a video about official NATO strapcolor combinations used in the military/navy?