love it mate!...said it many times before,between you and rob ...the spring /summer of 2019 ...you were the seiko boys!...and both of you(like me)i cant give them up!...for the money,the design language is still the best....shout to all "seikopaths"!
This literally happened to me too 😆I was away from Seiko for a while, bought a SPB143 and remembered how great the brand is, which then inspired me to look for the SLA017 which had been my seiko grail for ages. Found one used in Japan for an amazing price and pulled the trigger, could not be happier. The high end Seikos are really something else!
I would love for you to review either the SLA055 or 057 , stunning watch and that interpretation of the 1968 diver is a homerun and is gonna be the future of seiko in that category for sure , also got ever brilliant steel which is amazing!
Picked up the blue LTD edition on sale and really enjoyed it. Great in the sunshine, incredible lime, and flat out one of the most comfortable watches I’ve owned. Uemura model is a sleeper that few know about.
Great pick up Bruce, @JeffreyMcMahon has one of these bad-boys and it always has me thinking of how great they are. I still may end up eventually grabbing an SLA049 one of these days, as they just hit such a great sweet spot in the market.
I bought this last year and it has gained the number one spot as most warn over my collection of seamaster, globemaster, ingenieur chrono, ball engineer, and even over my gs sbgh277 (this one being number 2). Comfort is just spot on.
Great vid Bruce. Love it. I have that Charcoal dial version SPBxxx that came with two Japenese weave straps, and bought the ss bracelet, about 1500 in all. So close, but no SLA and not as nice finishing. And have SPB MM 200 reduced in Ice Blue. Love them both. And yes I keep a list-and it grows, ie I usually get more than I had planned!
Awesome! And I'm basically in the same spot: bought a srpc23 a month ago and i love it. It doesn't leave my wrist. But i know, i will definitely get the Willard spb151 next and then the Uemura a bit later. I just adore the aesthetics and the heritage of these watches. Congrats 👍🏻
Congratulations on your purchase. It is a very nice watch! I have the blue dial 049 version. Fits the wrist so well. Uemura rocks......the legend! Have a couple of marine masters. 039, 059 Don't seem big at all compared to a turtle, or this Willard. Just taller. Not going to flip them😂
I keep a list but things on list come and go and i usually have something that is up next for when i have funds/a reason to buy... have the SLA043 for a couple years now that i think its a keeper but have the captain willard and love the seiko cushion cases... this thing is a beauty!
I bought the SLA051 about 2 years ago, for a fraction over $1750 new from Japan, with free shipping. Its the most accurate watch I have, about a second a day slow. Quite amazing for this price range and beautifully put together. I dont feel they are worth retail, but being heavily discounted makes them very good value.
Congrats on a really nice addition to your collection. Agree with you that sometimes it is easier to just keep more affordable pieces even though there is duplication. I do have a wish list and am actually tracking well to it. If a watch stays on the list for any length of time it must be a serious want rather than a short term interest.
Nice watch but for nearly £3000 I'd want something a little more...exciting. It kind of looks like any of the other 23 turtle style Seikos they provide from more than 18" away. I thought it was going to be like £800.
Rad!! SLAs slay me, esp. the Cap’n! Have an 061 in the beautiful blue and an 063 in the black dlc and they amaze me every time I wear them with the nice for the price factor! ❤❤
I have the SLA049. Seiko really paid attention to details on the watch. Even the date wheel is slightly texture to compliment the texture dial. I have not seen this mention on reviews before. The movement is at another league compared to the 6Rs with respect to position variance.
This is my grail watch. However, the price means it will always be unattainable for me. Hope you enjoy wearing it! I wonder if you will swap the bracelet out for silicone or rubber. Looking forward to an update video down the line.
I’m with you on the Seiko thing. I’ve come and gone with them and owned many. I’ve had so many that I have a sentimental attachment to Seiko divers that I have to have one. I bought the SPB 151 for the fact that it hits a sweet spot of not being a precious piece and not being too entry level. Is it as nice as the SLA stuff? No certainty not but I do think it’s a fair piece, especially when it’s pre owned.
Currently waiting for an SLA051 interestingly enough from Exquisite Time as well. It will compliment an SLA023 in a daily rotation. I'm looking forward to the anthracite dial as it is reminiscent of the vintage, grey Seiko Bell-Matic I wore throughout college.
(I remember your go on/go off about the MarineMaster when you were a young watch reviewer!😉I bought one, a sbdx017, several years ago, and... Keep it!)
glad you finally picked one up. I too went through having the turtle, the sumo, the willard and the marine master, I felt the sla051, 049 or 063 was the natural progression with the 8L35b grand Seiko movement, zaratsu polished case and larger size more in keeping with the original 6105 Seiko. I personally ended up with the Sla063J1 Aurora. I got it at $1700 new and enjoy that it is a 500 limited piece but the blue green aurora dial does make it more of a summer wear. I will pick up the Sla051 at some point also. These can be picked up for $1500 used which i think represents great value.
Went from a black turtle to an sla033 and understand your sentiments. At the end of the day, I always go back to seiko. I didnt like the willards because I didnt think it was worth going from 6r to 6r, loving the 8L movement!
Even better vfm is the mini Turtle Padi prospex with the 4r35. It looks every bit as good but falls short annoyingly with no sapphire crystal glass and a stiff bezel, but it’s still a fabulous watch. Mine keeps within 5 seconds a day which betters my Alpinist.
I always thought the Turtle was a bit bulky looking. I don't know if they've grown on me but these look gorgeous. I like the first one especially. The case is a little more subtle.
Bruce, long time fan. I am currently transitioning from collection of Seiko Monsters to a single Seiko MM300. Should I go for the SBDX017 or SLA019? Also, am I gonna have a hard time getting used to the bigger MM300 over the Monsters? Thank man. Love your channel.
I would go 019 unless it is a first generation 017. The early 017s had the 001 style of markers which was the best. Bigger, and better lume. They then got cheaply produced on later produced 017s, before getting improved on the 019. The mm300 is a good fit, but the height gets to me after a while
One thing about the earlier sbdx017 models that you should be aware of is the shallower thread on the crown. It's nearly non existent and very easy to cross thread. Might be better to purchase the later more modern models that have been perfected(other than the much disliked X on the dial), as Bruce says avoid the sla version of the mm300 directly after the sbdx017 they cheapened the bracelet.
Hi Bruce. This is a great piece, but I don't believe this should be called a Uemura. The blue-dialed SLA049, which this was released alongside of, was a limited run of 1200 and is the Uemura tribute. That model has a caseback that includes the words "Naomi Uemura 80th Anniversary". Happy to be corrected if this is not the case, but I do not believe the SLA051 has this. Similarly, the Seiko website does not seem to connect the 051 to Uemura. Again, fantastic watch and agree on the value. It's my favorite in my collection.
Hey Bruce. Is there any chance you might do another run of the 1st gen Seiko Nick name nato? Thanks for another great Seiko video. This watch is fantastic.
Honestly, it’s a nice watch, but I can’t help but think that the cushion case would look so much better if it was smaller. Reducing the diameter to 36-38 would make it sit on the wrist better imo and would feel a lot more classic.
Although I have the SLA Willard, I prefer the case design of the Uemura. If it had a black dial I would have purchased it. I also have the King Turtle with modded lumed chapter ring and bezel insert, and different hands. I also removed the hideous cyclops. That wasn’t easy.
I have the SLA063, which is very similar to this watch. It does not seem to be a very popular model and I had decided to sell it and did not receive much interest on it. It just doesn't seem to be as sought after as some of the other SLA models. I like the watch but I don't love it. It has the better movement but the finishing is not as good as on my SLA055. I do really like the bracelet as you say and I like the different case as well. I am unsure about the watch and if I will keep it or not but your video has made me think about holding on to it in the collection for now, especially since it is a limited edition of only 500 pieces.
I have the SLA051 now for 2 years. Still amazing, still my exit watch. It is my daily rocker. It downgraded all my other watches to jewellery or fashion accessories including my Omega and Rolex and my many other Swiss Made watches. The REAL watch is the SLA051 among my other watches. And please don't compare it to a turtle, they are different in many ways. LOVE my SLA051!!!
I can’t do the 430 date or else I would have gotten one by now. The SPB151 will have to do for now. Also, don’t ever sell the Turtle! Put it in your sentimental section.
what is the sense of a metallic black glossy bezel instead of using a ceramic bezel? what about -10/+15 seconds per day caliber? I love that watch but I don't love the Seiko nonsenses.
For that money I would really buy a nice Sinn or Oris. I'm wearing a 1300$ titanium white dial Seiko Shogun right now that I bought new for 850$ and I think that's a nice price range, I don't really get the expensive Seiko's, they just look like that 300$ Turtle like your wife said. It takes a real watch nerd to see the difference.
Bruce love your videos as always but not sure i would pay 3150€ (here in Europe) for a Seiko ?? I Have paid 1000€ for the Deep Blue hole... lol but 3k scares me 🫣🤦♀🤦♀😂😂
No need to pay retail for any Seiko. There are deals on SLA watches if you shop. Exquisite time pieces always seems to have either , like new, or new for good prices
I have owned many Seiko watches, now I own (among others) the "MM200". It suffers from Seikoism like almost all my Seiko's, so a misaligned chapter ring and terrible accuracy. And this is not a cheap watch! I love Seiko, if they only would put some effort into their more expensive watches....but they don't. And nowadays, for the money you can buy better watches. "Made in Japan" means nothing anymore, Sad but true.
From years of watching your videos, it seems none of Seiko can actually be in your collection permanently. It seems you’re lying to yourself by convincing yourself that you like a marine master. I would say to pursue the brands you actually want to own for long term. For you that seems to be Rolex.
Sucha gorgeous watch . I Love Seiko divers myself and am so happy to see you get back to Seiko and the watches you love deep down in your heart!
love it mate!...said it many times before,between you and rob ...the spring /summer of 2019 ...you were the seiko boys!...and both of you(like me)i cant give them up!...for the money,the design language is still the best....shout to all "seikopaths"!
Seikopath for life!
A Willard Uemura is my daily driver. Pretty much perfect watch
I got the special edition ice glacier willard and it runs +2/-2 per day. I love it
Congrats! Seiko is a classic! Looking to pick up their Turtle 🐢 diver soon too!
I approve anything SLA 👍🏼 wore my 037 today
This literally happened to me too 😆I was away from Seiko for a while, bought a SPB143 and remembered how great the brand is, which then inspired me to look for the SLA017 which had been my seiko grail for ages. Found one used in Japan for an amazing price and pulled the trigger, could not be happier. The high end Seikos are really something else!
So good! Love the 017
I would love for you to review either the SLA055 or 057 , stunning watch and that interpretation of the 1968 diver is a homerun and is gonna be the future of seiko in that category for sure , also got ever brilliant steel which is amazing!
Picked up the blue LTD edition on sale and really enjoyed it. Great in the sunshine, incredible lime, and flat out one of the most comfortable watches I’ve owned. Uemura model is a sleeper that few know about.
Awesome watch - I’ve been coveting the Uemura. Congrats on the purchase.
Great pick up Bruce, @JeffreyMcMahon has one of these bad-boys and it always has me thinking of how great they are. I still may end up eventually grabbing an SLA049 one of these days, as they just hit such a great sweet spot in the market.
They really are
What!? Three of the most recognized watch reviewers in this same comment!
I bought this last year and it has gained the number one spot as most warn over my collection of seamaster, globemaster, ingenieur chrono, ball engineer, and even over my gs sbgh277 (this one being number 2). Comfort is just spot on.
Glad to see you picked one up!
Congrats Bruce, very cool future classic from Seiko.
I have the blue one and I love it. Congratulations to yours :)
Great vid Bruce. Love it. I have that Charcoal dial version SPBxxx that came with two Japenese weave straps, and bought the ss bracelet, about 1500 in all. So close, but no SLA and not as nice finishing. And have SPB MM 200 reduced in Ice Blue. Love them both. And yes I keep a list-and it grows, ie I usually get more than I had planned!
Oh man, something very classy with that color scheme.
Awesome! And I'm basically in the same spot: bought a srpc23 a month ago and i love it. It doesn't leave my wrist.
But i know, i will definitely get the Willard spb151 next and then the Uemura a bit later. I just adore the aesthetics and the heritage of these watches.
Congrats 👍🏻
Congratulations on your purchase. It is a very nice watch!
I have the blue dial 049 version. Fits the wrist so well. Uemura rocks......the legend!
Have a couple of marine masters. 039, 059 Don't seem big at all compared to a turtle, or this Willard. Just taller. Not going to flip them😂
I passed (regrettably ) on one of these last week lusting (still looking) after the 033. Both are amazing.
Are you saying your prefer the SLA033?
@@pibblesnbits it is what I am leaning towards
I keep a list but things on list come and go and i usually have something that is up next for when i have funds/a reason to buy... have the SLA043 for a couple years now that i think its a keeper but have the captain willard and love the seiko cushion cases... this thing is a beauty!
This one is such a value. Bought one like-new for $1500
Steal!
I bought the SLA051 about 2 years ago, for a fraction over $1750 new from Japan, with free shipping. Its the most accurate watch I have, about a second a day slow. Quite amazing for this price range and beautifully put together. I dont feel they are worth retail, but being heavily discounted makes them very good value.
Congrats on a really nice addition to your collection. Agree with you that sometimes it is easier to just keep more affordable pieces even though there is duplication. I do have a wish list and am actually tracking well to it. If a watch stays on the list for any length of time it must be a serious want rather than a short term interest.
I get those short term interests too
Nice watch but for nearly £3000 I'd want something a little more...exciting. It kind of looks like any of the other 23 turtle style Seikos they provide from more than 18" away. I thought it was going to be like £800.
Rad!! SLAs slay me, esp. the Cap’n! Have an 061 in the beautiful blue and an 063 in the black dlc and they amaze me every time I wear them with the nice for the price factor! ❤❤
I have the SLA049. Seiko really paid attention to details on the watch. Even the date wheel is slightly texture to compliment the texture dial. I have not seen this mention on reviews before. The movement is at another league compared to the 6Rs with respect to position variance.
This is my grail watch. However, the price means it will always be unattainable for me. Hope you enjoy wearing it! I wonder if you will swap the bracelet out for silicone or rubber. Looking forward to an update video down the line.
I am a big bracelet fan so it'll stay on the bracelet most of the time
I’m with you on the Seiko thing. I’ve come and gone with them and owned many. I’ve had so many that I have a sentimental attachment to Seiko divers that I have to have one. I bought the SPB 151 for the fact that it hits a sweet spot of not being a precious piece and not being too entry level. Is it as nice as the SLA stuff? No certainty not but I do think it’s a fair piece, especially when it’s pre owned.
Beautiful watch Bruce. I almost sold my mm200 but I decided to put it on a straphabit fkm and keep it a bit longer .
Currently waiting for an SLA051 interestingly enough from Exquisite Time as well. It will compliment an SLA023 in a daily rotation. I'm looking forward to the anthracite dial as it is reminiscent of the vintage, grey Seiko Bell-Matic I wore throughout college.
I don't know how you were able to give up one of Seiko's best, legendary watches SLA033j
I can move on from almost any watch without any issue haha I'm ruthless
total agree, when u give that beautiful item up you are total nuts....
(I remember your go on/go off about the MarineMaster when you were a young watch reviewer!😉I bought one, a sbdx017, several years ago, and... Keep it!)
glad you finally picked one up. I too went through having the turtle, the sumo, the willard and the marine master, I felt the sla051, 049 or 063 was the natural progression with the 8L35b grand Seiko movement, zaratsu polished case and larger size more in keeping with the original 6105 Seiko.
I personally ended up with the Sla063J1 Aurora. I got it at $1700 new and enjoy that it is a 500 limited piece but the blue green aurora dial does make it more of a summer wear. I will pick up the Sla051 at some point also. These can be picked up for $1500 used which i think represents great value.
I almost bought that one, and honestly I may still. It looks so beautiful.
@@BruceWilliams yeah it's a great alternative to the more conservative sla051. I for sure want that as a more daily use diver
Went from a black turtle to an sla033 and understand your sentiments. At the end of the day, I always go back to seiko. I didnt like the willards because I didnt think it was worth going from 6r to 6r, loving the 8L movement!
The 8L is a lovely movement. Always had great experiences with them
This watch is really luxurious
Even better vfm is the mini Turtle Padi prospex with the 4r35. It looks every bit as good but falls short annoyingly with no sapphire crystal glass and a stiff bezel, but it’s still a fabulous watch. Mine keeps within 5 seconds a day which betters my Alpinist.
Oooooooo nice box! FYI you can easily get an exhibition back for this.
I always thought the Turtle was a bit bulky looking. I don't know if they've grown on me but these look gorgeous. I like the first one especially. The case is a little more subtle.
The only thing that I would change is the date window placement. I know I know
Beautiful dial! Seiko did this one properly. Great buy!
Bruce, long time fan. I am currently transitioning from collection of Seiko Monsters to a single Seiko MM300. Should I go for the SBDX017 or SLA019? Also, am I gonna have a hard time getting used to the bigger MM300 over the Monsters?
Thank man. Love your channel.
I would go 019 unless it is a first generation 017. The early 017s had the 001 style of markers which was the best. Bigger, and better lume. They then got cheaply produced on later produced 017s, before getting improved on the 019. The mm300 is a good fit, but the height gets to me after a while
One thing about the earlier sbdx017 models that you should be aware of is the shallower thread on the crown. It's nearly non existent and very easy to cross thread. Might be better to purchase the later more modern models that have been perfected(other than the much disliked X on the dial), as Bruce says avoid the sla version of the mm300 directly after the sbdx017 they cheapened the bracelet.
Sadly I can’t afford the snorkel and goggles and flippers and then this watch. I’m going to have to save up for the watch.
Should try desk diving instead 😂😂
Go skinny dipping. My gf got me wearing nothing plus a classy watch.
Also have the SRPC23, what a great watch and it also isn't going anywhere. Best standard turtle variation that isn't a King turtle.
A good no nonsense piece!
This was my most worn watch in 2023 and was one of the few worn for weeks at a time. Could easily be a "one and done" diver!
I own a GS Diver, but I still need a Willard and Turtle in my collection. And there are more on the radar...
Good vid 🔥 try the SPB383 for less bulk. Get going 🚀
Hi Bruce. This is a great piece, but I don't believe this should be called a Uemura. The blue-dialed SLA049, which this was released alongside of, was a limited run of 1200 and is the Uemura tribute. That model has a caseback that includes the words "Naomi Uemura 80th Anniversary". Happy to be corrected if this is not the case, but I do not believe the SLA051 has this. Similarly, the Seiko website does not seem to connect the 051 to Uemura.
Again, fantastic watch and agree on the value. It's my favorite in my collection.
Hey Bruce. Is there any chance you might do another run of the 1st gen Seiko Nick name nato? Thanks for another great Seiko video. This watch is fantastic.
No plans of that at the moment
Honestly, it’s a nice watch, but I can’t help but think that the cushion case would look so much better if it was smaller. Reducing the diameter to 36-38 would make it sit on the wrist better imo and would feel a lot more classic.
Although I have the SLA Willard, I prefer the case design of the Uemura. If it had a black dial I would have purchased it. I also have the King Turtle with modded lumed chapter ring and bezel insert, and different hands. I also removed the hideous cyclops. That wasn’t easy.
Sweet unboxing comments.
I'am waiting for a Uemura in green dial & bezel. 🙏
I have the SLA063, which is very similar to this watch. It does not seem to be a very popular model and I had decided to sell it and did not receive much interest on it. It just doesn't seem to be as sought after as some of the other SLA models. I like the watch but I don't love it. It has the better movement but the finishing is not as good as on my SLA055. I do really like the bracelet as you say and I like the different case as well. I am unsure about the watch and if I will keep it or not but your video has made me think about holding on to it in the collection for now, especially since it is a limited edition of only 500 pieces.
I would say hold on to it, or maybe email me if you want to sell it lol
Love my 063!!
Hey spotted the nice and fun Swatch blancpain there 😂
Sje093 is perfection you should review it
Uemura is a great piece
I have the SLA051 now for 2 years. Still amazing, still my exit watch. It is my daily rocker. It downgraded all my other watches to jewellery or fashion accessories including my Omega and Rolex and my many other Swiss Made watches. The REAL watch is the SLA051 among my other watches. And please don't compare it to a turtle, they are different in many ways. LOVE my SLA051!!!
I’ve never liked the smooshed dive watch look with the flanges that seem to stick out too far all around the bezel.
I think you bought my watch. That is, the watch I traded in last month...enjoy!
I am soon receiving my 4th SEIKO. A green Willard
Sticker still on the back. "Bought" it to make the video and sent back?
This is best one in your collection
Got the srpc23, mint condition, its awesome, never selling mine :D
2:12 gotta get that uncle seiko on it.
I can’t do the 430 date or else I would have gotten one by now. The SPB151 will have to do for now.
Also, don’t ever sell the Turtle! Put it in your sentimental section.
Hey Bruce - where did you get that watch stand!?
Is this watch still sticking around in the collection?
So far so good
How would you compare this sla051 to the new marine master sje101?
LOVE it. But date window is a deal breaker :((
what music in intro?
does this wear bigger than a standard turtle or king turtle?
There isn't much in it. I would say the SLA051 wears a little smaller due to the 20mm lug width. It also sits slightly flatter to the wrist.
No it wears slightly smaller
what is the sense of a metallic black glossy bezel instead of using a ceramic bezel? what about -10/+15 seconds per day caliber? I love that watch but I don't love the Seiko nonsenses.
I have 3 8L35 watches. Plus or minus 3-5 seconds a day.
My 8L55 runs at plus 7 after going back to Japan for regulation. It was running at plus 14
Bruce, do you know why Seiko puts the crown at the 4 position? Is there a benefit to moving it from the 3 position?
Stops it from digging into the back of your hand so much when you bend your wrist.
Just comfort
Bruce your going to flip both of them 😉
For that money I would really buy a nice Sinn or Oris.
I'm wearing a 1300$ titanium white dial Seiko Shogun right now that I bought new for 850$ and I think that's a nice price range, I don't really get the expensive Seiko's, they just look like that 300$ Turtle like your wife said. It takes a real watch nerd to see the difference.
Not even a day date? No other features??or a gmt??
Bruce love your videos as always but not sure i would pay 3150€ (here in Europe) for a Seiko ?? I Have paid 1000€ for the Deep Blue hole... lol but 3k scares me 🫣🤦♀🤦♀😂😂
No need to pay retail for any Seiko. There are deals on SLA watches if you shop. Exquisite time pieces always seems to have either , like new, or new for good prices
I'm poor 😢
Wise your wife is Mr Williams.
I have owned many Seiko watches, now I own (among others) the "MM200". It suffers from Seikoism like almost all my Seiko's, so a misaligned chapter ring and terrible accuracy. And this is not a cheap watch! I love Seiko, if they only would put some effort into their more expensive watches....but they don't. And nowadays, for the money you can buy better watches. "Made in Japan" means nothing anymore, Sad but true.
What's that hideous plastic thing on your wrist? Just don't man.
It's expensive and its large, too large for the guys with small wrists.
Too bad it has that X on it.
this shit cost £2 600 f that people who buy seiko more than for £600 need to visit doctor
From years of watching your videos, it seems none of Seiko can actually be in your collection permanently. It seems you’re lying to yourself by convincing yourself that you like a marine master. I would say to pursue the brands you actually want to own for long term. For you that seems to be Rolex.
hahahahahaah Seiko ahahahahhaah POOR
This guy is a classic example of how not to treat watches, just pure materialism. Very sad
Seiko????never....never
More for me