I know this is a value channel but there's more to watches than specs. Love Gary and this chanel but he features alot of junk watches that have good specs. Ive recently gotten rid of my cheap AliX watches and gone back to Seiko. Ive realized brand matters, design matters. I dont wear watches to tell time. I like the way they make me feel. Id rather wear a dreskx for $175 than any of the Tudor BB clones eventhought they have better specs. My box had three seikos and two SM and I mostly wore the Seikos.
For me it's always design lead shopping, look are always the first draw, but once I see something I like the look of it's gotta be backed up with some specs. No matter how much I like the look of a Seiko, I'm not parting with the money they ask without a sapphire crystal for instance. 3-400 bucks and they're offering stamped clasps and push pull crowns 😮 I'd never buy a clone type watch, couldn't live with the thought of someone saying 'oh nice Tudor' and then having to explain how it's not one. And them just thinking I'm wearing a fake. However, there's tons of microbrands offering original design AND great specs, and for me, Seiko don't do enough to draw me away from that value prospect.
I mean at this point, complaining about Seiko’s is a futile effort. If you find one you like for a good price, buy it, but their MSRP’s are ridiculous. Their MSRP’s are probably targeted to people who don’t know a lot about watches or just can’t wait for the prices to come down. Thanks for the great recommendations.
Seriously? WHO the hell buys at MSRP in this wanker world of retail madness? Typical street prices for any Seiko are half of MSRP or less, including Authorised Dealers!
@@kirkthebeerslinger couldn’t have said it better myself! There are certain Seiko’s that just command MSRP. The SPB411 comes to mind. That watch is never going on sale.
I have never been enamored by seiko. I even lived in Japan for 4yrs and bought casio watches, not seiko. I do love the new 62mas, but for nearly $1000, I'll spend that on a Wise. Enjoyed it. Thanks
my wife got me the older model of the 62mas (srb143) its a stunnig watch for about 700€ brandnew imported from japan. there is still value but its rare these days
Haven’t watched you in a hot minute, congrats on hitting 125k, that’s 100k more then when I last watched your vid, your definetly doing something right
The most overlooked, and best value Seiko watches are their Kinetic SKA 791, they include the genesis of the Grand Seiko Spring movements, excellent polishing, and finishes. The kicker? $100 less than some ordinary Seiko “5” watches, or $160.00
Just a couole of points if I may. The modern Seiko Laurel reinterpretations are magic watches. I have the spb243. The most legible watch in my collection and has become much beloved by me. In terms of the champagne dial GS you mentioned, from time to time they crop up used for reallt good prices. There are a number of references involved and couple of sizes (37mm v 40mm). If you are into just the aesthetics, theres nothing wrong with the older, non jumping hour quartz movement. There are even some cosigned (Seiko / Grand Seiko) versions that crop up for somewhere between €1k - €1.5k. Worth keeping your eyes peeled for such bargains.
I have a 1978 Seiko Lord Quartz, a 1980 SQ (my grandfather’s watch) and a 1981 tungsten carbide case Seiko Dolce with a golden linen dial. All bloody fantastic watches, not to mention my SNXS75 and SNKE63 ❤
I bought this (1:51) watch for $135 at Costco. It's stunning emerald green dial reflects light like a star sapphire. With gold accents, monster luminosity and relative thinness (8.5mm), it is a truly beautiful watch. Paired with either a green or black genuine alligator band gives you the choice of fun or dress.
I would also advocate for discontinued JDM Seiko watches, SDGM003, SARX033/035/055, to name a few. They represent everything I loved about Seiko. Great specs and quality with a modest price tag.
I would definitely second a grand seiko quartz if you have the option to pick one up pre owned. Picked up a sbgp001 in mint condition and paid less than half the rrp
It's always been my understanding that Seiko's MSRP is grossly inflated. As long as I can remember Jewellers on Spadina (Toronto) show permanent "Seiko 30% off" signs.
Yes, this is done on purpose so that salesmen and women can claim to offer a discount or that it's on sale. IIRC, the markup is like 300-500% according to a department store insider.
Vintage Seiko's are great value, i bought a Seiko grand quartz 9940 yesterday for £200 accurate to +_ 10 seconds a YEAR even vintage hi beats can be had under £300 i do like the Alpinist gmt though
In the past I owned ones such as the SKX, and sumo. They where pretty well priced. Though not that keen on the latest models. Only ones I kept where vintage 6138/9's a 035 tuna and a marinemaster 300 SBDX017.
Seiko will keep putting out underspec’d overpriced watches as long as people are buying them. I am not one of those people. Seiko should be ashamed of themselves.
better specs doesnt mean better watch brother :D especially the chinese watches offers you sapphire crystal on a full stainless steel bracelet for an allegedly outrageously low price , but the sapphire crystal of a rolex sub is miles better processed than a sapphire crystal on any mall watch 200-500euros. or the screws in the bracelet are inferiorly processed with not even 100% stainless steel. they sell you a certain aesthetic from a distant. but in the long run, we are talking about 10 to 30 years, you have more from a 300-500 euro seiko than a 300 euro chinese copycat watch.
@@NCSheriff7I've never read such nonsense! My ORIGINAL design San Martins that cost around 250 are way higher quality materials and specifications than anything seiko has to offer sub 800 plus they have actually had their movements regulated and have passed a far higher quality control than Seiko. They're not the only Chinese brand which outstrips seiko in every department either.
@@seanhickling7340 enjoy it till you cant, no need to by emotional. for me chinese copy cat watches are overpriced just by the fact that they are copycats with no history behind.
@@wutang2549 The fact that your movement runs at + 2 or 3 seconds per day is only part of the story. What is the amplitude? What is the beat rate error? What is the positional variance? How high is the chance you will get a movement that will run wildly or simply crap out? There is TONS of user info out there on 6R movements and how crap they are as a line. Sure you can get a good one.
@@kresimirpleicI'd love hear an actual argument against 6R15/6R35 movements, as I had over dozen Seiko watches with either of these and never had any issues.
I own my grandfather's old seiko 5 and it operates the same way as the late 60's early 70's model you showed. Pinnacle of my collection for the providence alone.
First of all, who buys a Seiko at msrp?? Secondly an automatic watch is a luxury, therefore if you like a watch and can afford it go for it!! IMO automatic watches shouldn’t be chosen based on bang for the buck or because of specs but based on your preference, history of the brand etc. in 5-10 years, i’m sure anyone with for example a chinese brand “copy” watch wouldn’t be wearing it while a seiko will still be worn. ✌️
The brand Seiko is very emotive and fires strong reactions . The expectation that Seiko are bargain starter watches has been replaced by San Martin and Micro brands However , the design of Seiko dive watches with good specs are amazing . Yes you have to pay like all good products . But Noone pays retail for Seiko . Hang on a year or so and I got my SPB147 for 500 instead of 1200 . At 500 it is priced very well for a 62 Mas I am not defending Seiko prices just to appreciate the magic of the design and there are many ways to pay half the RRP Like most people I still love and hate Seiko and always on the look out for a used bargain
Seiko has tiered brands available overseas and domestically in Japan, and sometimes they let one out to test international markets. I found a WIRED chronograph for a low asking price at their official Seiko Outlets store. Very futuristic styling and Seiko quartz movement, 100M w.r. And a bracelet made of long curved single links. Glad I bought it over 20 years ago. Came out around the intro of the Black Monster. They can have some quirky, and notable offerings.
my wife got me a spb143 for my birthday imported from japan to europe because it was a whopping 500 € cheaper that way. its sad that seiko offers europe overpriced garbage
Thanks for the video, interesting perspective on Seiko that I guess I share but didn't realise it !. I do like Seikos, but prefer there more unusual ones like the Bellmatic and Bullhead. do have a couple of Seiko 5s but think their Chronos and the Bellmatic especially are interesting. I agree 100% about the Grand quartz and King Quartz and will eventually get one of those, probably from the Vintage Japanese Watch Company as he seems to have all the skill and equipment to service them. I am not associated with that company in any way, just saying I like what I see on CZcams about his work and his prices are not bad either !
As a new watch enthusiast, I never understood peoples love for seikos. 350€+ prices for okay looking divers, or 1000€+ for the premium lines, were just not doing it for me. I would rather buy some microbrand, or used hamilton for that kind of money. Lately I fell in love with some Citizen models, which I think provide better value for money for the pieces offered in central Europe. However seen your video, the SNKL looks really good for that kind of money, so I think Iwould consider a pick up.
I know the Msrp on the latest Seiko’s is over the top but I’m not sure what’s going on in the UK, here in Australia the are almost instantly available at 10, 15 or 20% discount, even at chain jewellery stores. I walk into a store that is national jewellery chain to try a night vision turtle ( SRPK43k) about a week after it’s release asked for a discount they happily offered 20% off, now 7 or 8 months later it can be found for 40% off, under £400 in my opinion great value. I own several recent release Seiko’s, have never paid msrp and think I’ve got great value from some fantastic watches. I also understand that people who fell in love with the brand in the 80s,90s & 00s for their so called value super watches are blinded by their romanticism and nostalgia for watches that by today’s standards ( I’m not talking about the 70s quartz versions you mentioned but the snk, snx and skx) have crap folded bracelets, shit clasps, out dated redundant movements and mineral ( hardlex) crystals People wax lyrical about the SKX ( I love this watch) but most of them had to spend on aftermarket bracelets and sapphire crystals to feel happy about it. People carry on about hardlex but it’s arguably better fit for purpose on a tool or dive watch. Each to their own I guess but for me I love many Seiko’s my oldest is 42 years old and still running well my newest is 41mm speedtimer purchased this month. I’m going to keep collecting them just won’t be paying msrp but actually I won’t pay msrp on anything.
Look the nice Seikos are very nice. The lower end ones are under specced, particularly versus San Martin et al. The mid tier made in Japan ones are good. I have an SPB297J1, and I just bought an SPB439J1. The 439 is beautiful, looks and feels well worth the money I paid; a small discount from RRP. People complain about 6R movements but really, they're fine. And worst case scenario what is it to adjust your watch by a minute every few days? The only thing is I now want to sell the 297 62MAS to offset the cost of the 439 and it's worthless...... But I knew that when I bought it 🤷🏻♂️
Ive grown to like the 1959 Laurel Alpinist re-creation very much. Date window is the only real deviation from the original. The lower end Laurel Alpinist with the 6R doesn't do it for me. The 6R versions could have had some kind of "peak" marking at 3 o'clock despite the date window.
It is a shame that this brand is well known now for a customer getting to pay more for less. Until they either bring down prices or increase quality, I’m afraid my Seiko days are over considering what else is out there.
I own 3 Seiko's, the first and second generation Shogun and one Samurai. Unless Seiko vastly improves their watches, I will probably never buy another one.
Have a look at the Tissot PR516 GL from the early 70s, i picked one up a week ago blue sunburst dial floating chapter ring nice heavy jubilee bracelet worn by Jmes Bond £225 and it is in very good condition, i dont buy many new wtches they are too expensive
I have fallen out of the habit of buying Seikos and do not intend to restart. Their attitude re JDM only started the trend as it REALLY pi55es me off that manufacturers do this. What has also changed over the years is the rise of Aliexpress watches with Seiko movements, great design/build and excellent prices. Why buy a Seiko with lower quality bracelets, crystals and finishing at 2,3 or 4 times the price? Finally, I have decided that inaccurate autos have had their day since the advent of mecaquartz especially the VH31. I might one day make an exception and buy a reasonably priced 9F Grand Seiko if one becomes available within the UK. Long live Aliexpress homages...
Seiko had become king of meh for me, but since that crown passed to messers C Ward and S Martin, I've seen a couple of new releases that show a cheeky bit of ankle. That new 62 mas is lovely, as is the new speedtimer with the royal blue bezel. Nice one Seiko.
W.T.F.??? Are you guys getting paid to sink Seiko? I have NO clue why everybody is bashing the new S5 line. The specs absolutely went UP! For starters, the old ones were 30 meter resistant, the new ones are 100 meter resistant. OK, so many people took the old Seiko 5 swimming, but officially the new charts do NOT allow this, and in most charts I see, you cannot even wear a watch in the shower below the 100 meter rating! For that you are supposed to have a 100 meter watch, which is bonkers! I will never again have a watch ripped off pool side or in a bathroom, as I lay it on the counter while washing hands, because it is not splash-proof, so NO more watches less than 100-proof for me! That alone ELIMINATES all old S5 as a waste of money from my super tight budget! My great grandmother always said, when you have little money, you cannot waste it on cheap things! The old ones have the old 7S26 calibre, which has no hacking and cannot hand-wind. The new ones have the 4R36 offering hacking and hand jobs! I know which one of the 2 I prefer for sure! Old, wimpy, upright 5-logo, 30 meter, no-hacks, without hand jobs, are around USD 100 to 180 dollars now, and new sideways laid 5-logo models with hacking, with hand jobs, and 100-proof, with noticeably updated fresh designs, are selling between USD 150 and 200 now. Just being 100 proof alone is worth the extra 50 bucks!
Seiko needs to offer better value for money. Time to leave behind hexalite and go for sapphire. Time to tighten up time keeping. There are still quality assurance issues. Their service support is also poor.
Sorry mate but you are talking cobblers in my opinion - the Seiko Uemura and other watches with the 8L35 movement are fantastic. Also some of the Arnies are great too. You seem to be concentrating on the cheap watches which may well be not worth buying.
Oi! Leave those vintage Seikos alone. They're all mine. Meanwhile, I fully agree that the Seiko offering in the UK is utter crap, and has been for many, many years. They either hate us, or they realise that the the British public really do associate Seiko with a trip to Ratner's on the day before a loved-ones birthday. Make a sound mind despair. For a raising of spirits, one can look at scans of old Argos catalogues from the 80s and realise that it was not always like this.
My current favourite Seiko is my black & gold solar Tuna, but my SACM171 and SARB 035 run it close By the way, the minute hand on clock in the background ran into a spot of bother at 2:47
I know this is a value channel but there's more to watches than specs. Love Gary and this chanel but he features alot of junk watches that have good specs. Ive recently gotten rid of my cheap AliX watches and gone back to Seiko. Ive realized brand matters, design matters. I dont wear watches to tell time. I like the way they make me feel. Id rather wear a dreskx for $175 than any of the Tudor BB clones eventhought they have better specs. My box had three seikos and two SM and I mostly wore the Seikos.
For me it's always design lead shopping, look are always the first draw, but once I see something I like the look of it's gotta be backed up with some specs. No matter how much I like the look of a Seiko, I'm not parting with the money they ask without a sapphire crystal for instance. 3-400 bucks and they're offering stamped clasps and push pull crowns 😮 I'd never buy a clone type watch, couldn't live with the thought of someone saying 'oh nice Tudor' and then having to explain how it's not one. And them just thinking I'm wearing a fake. However, there's tons of microbrands offering original design AND great specs, and for me, Seiko don't do enough to draw me away from that value prospect.
I mean at this point, complaining about Seiko’s is a futile effort. If you find one you like for a good price, buy it, but their MSRP’s are ridiculous. Their MSRP’s are probably targeted to people who don’t know a lot about watches or just can’t wait for the prices to come down. Thanks for the great recommendations.
Seriously? WHO the hell buys at MSRP in this wanker world of retail madness? Typical street prices for any Seiko are half of MSRP or less, including Authorised Dealers!
@@owenlaprath4135 No arguments here. Unfortunately I think people who don’t know any better may still pay MSRP. Hopefully not. 👍🏼
IMO I would rather pay MSRP for a Seiko than a premium for a Rolex...but who doesn't like a Seiko on sale! Cheers!
@@kirkthebeerslinger couldn’t have said it better myself! There are certain Seiko’s that just command MSRP. The SPB411 comes to mind. That watch is never going on sale.
I have never been enamored by seiko. I even lived in Japan for 4yrs and bought casio watches, not seiko. I do love the new 62mas, but for nearly $1000, I'll spend that on a Wise. Enjoyed it. Thanks
my wife got me the older model of the 62mas (srb143) its a stunnig watch for about 700€ brandnew imported from japan. there is still value but its rare these days
Haven’t watched you in a hot minute, congrats on hitting 125k, that’s 100k more then when I last watched your vid, your definetly doing something right
I think your Mondaine wallclock needs a new pair of batteries. The minute hand is ticking backwards 😉
I was about to write a similar comment! It's amazing how the peripheral vision picks up on something like this so fast.
@@mohsennowruzi1450, apparantly you and i have an eye for detail😁
But i like the clock a lot, so that might also be the reason😬
I picked up a beautiful gold filled Lord Marvel made in 1965, the epitome of a 1960's classic dress watch. £270, which was insane value.
A classic watch that will last a lifetime.
And a classic !!! I love Seiko and let's not go to GS 😍
The most overlooked, and best value Seiko watches are their Kinetic SKA 791, they include the genesis of the Grand Seiko Spring movements, excellent polishing, and finishes. The kicker? $100 less than some ordinary Seiko “5” watches, or $160.00
Just a couole of points if I may. The modern Seiko Laurel reinterpretations are magic watches. I have the spb243. The most legible watch in my collection and has become much beloved by me.
In terms of the champagne dial GS you mentioned, from time to time they crop up used for reallt good prices.
There are a number of references involved and couple of sizes (37mm v 40mm).
If you are into just the aesthetics, theres nothing wrong with the older, non jumping hour quartz movement. There are even some cosigned (Seiko / Grand Seiko) versions that crop up for somewhere between €1k - €1.5k.
Worth keeping your eyes peeled for such bargains.
I have a 1978 Seiko Lord Quartz, a 1980 SQ (my grandfather’s watch) and a 1981 tungsten carbide case Seiko Dolce with a golden linen dial. All bloody fantastic watches, not to mention my SNXS75 and SNKE63 ❤
Dude, whats with the clock in the background 😂😂😂 you start and finish at 10:50😂😂😂 😮😮😮😮
I noticed that. If you look closely, the minute hand appears to be moving backwards. Spooky!
Yeah, just gonna say it. Just bought my fifth Seiko… and i love all of them.
I bought this (1:51) watch for $135 at Costco. It's stunning emerald green dial reflects light like a star sapphire. With gold accents, monster luminosity and relative thinness (8.5mm), it is a truly beautiful watch. Paired with either a green or black genuine alligator band gives you the choice of fun or dress.
I would also advocate for discontinued JDM Seiko watches, SDGM003, SARX033/035/055, to name a few. They represent everything I loved about Seiko. Great specs and quality with a modest price tag.
Seiko watches are best purchased used, typical used seiko will go for 1/2 MSRP
Never buy anything at MSRP, that's a very American thing to do.
I would definitely second a grand seiko quartz if you have the option to pick one up pre owned. Picked up a sbgp001 in mint condition and paid less than half the rrp
It's always been my understanding that Seiko's MSRP is grossly inflated. As long as I can remember Jewellers on Spadina (Toronto) show permanent "Seiko 30% off" signs.
Yes, this is done on purpose so that salesmen and women can claim to offer a discount or that it's on sale. IIRC, the markup is like 300-500% according to a department store insider.
Vintage Seiko's are great value, i bought a Seiko grand quartz 9940 yesterday for £200 accurate to +_ 10 seconds a YEAR even vintage hi beats can be had under £300 i do like the Alpinist gmt though
Bought the new blue alpinist gmt for 630 quid (was1000 quid). It really is a one and done.
In the past I owned ones such as the SKX, and sumo. They where pretty well priced. Though not that keen on the latest models. Only ones I kept where vintage 6138/9's a 035 tuna and a marinemaster 300 SBDX017.
Seiko will keep putting out underspec’d overpriced watches as long as people are buying them. I am not one of those people. Seiko should be ashamed of themselves.
better specs doesnt mean better watch brother :D especially the chinese watches offers you sapphire crystal on a full stainless steel bracelet for an allegedly outrageously low price , but the sapphire crystal of a rolex sub is miles better processed than a sapphire crystal on any mall watch 200-500euros. or the screws in the bracelet are inferiorly processed with not even 100% stainless steel. they sell you a certain aesthetic from a distant. but in the long run, we are talking about 10 to 30 years, you have more from a 300-500 euro seiko than a 300 euro chinese copycat watch.
@@NCSheriff7I've never read such nonsense! My ORIGINAL design San Martins that cost around 250 are way higher quality materials and specifications than anything seiko has to offer sub 800 plus they have actually had their movements regulated and have passed a far higher quality control than Seiko. They're not the only Chinese brand which outstrips seiko in every department either.
@@seanhickling7340 enjoy it till you cant, no need to by emotional. for me chinese copy cat watches are overpriced just by the fact that they are copycats with no history behind.
@@NCSheriff7 just a brainwashed Seiko fanboy 🤦🏻♂️
@@Mystery_Man84 brainwashed Seiko and Rolex Fanboy ;)
Dmn!!! I almost went and bought SNKL23J but then it hit me. I have two already!
Just stick to watches with SPB in the model prefix. You can't go wrong.
You can absolutely go wrong with SPB. The 6R line of movements are easily the worst movements in the world among any serious brand.
@@kresimirpleic i got a spb143 and it runs +2/3 sec a day. if its imported from japan the movements are pretty good
@@wutang2549 The fact that your movement runs at + 2 or 3 seconds per day is only part of the story. What is the amplitude? What is the beat rate error? What is the positional variance? How high is the chance you will get a movement that will run wildly or simply crap out? There is TONS of user info out there on 6R movements and how crap they are as a line. Sure you can get a good one.
@@kresimirpleicI'd love hear an actual argument against 6R15/6R35 movements, as I had over dozen Seiko watches with either of these and never had any issues.
@@kresimirpleicFrom what you have just written, I'm guessing you prefer to keep your watches on a timegrapher 24/7 instead on your wrist, correct?
I own my grandfather's old seiko 5 and it operates the same way as the late 60's early 70's model you showed. Pinnacle of my collection for the providence alone.
First of all, who buys a Seiko at msrp?? Secondly an automatic watch is a luxury, therefore if you like a watch and can afford it go for it!! IMO automatic watches shouldn’t be chosen based on bang for the buck or because of specs but based on your preference, history of the brand etc. in 5-10 years, i’m sure anyone with for example a chinese brand “copy” watch wouldn’t be wearing it while a seiko will still be worn. ✌️
Love the mondaine railway clock!!!!
The brand Seiko is very emotive and fires strong reactions . The expectation that Seiko are bargain starter watches has been replaced by San Martin and Micro brands
However , the design of Seiko dive watches with good specs are amazing . Yes you have to pay like all good products . But Noone pays retail for Seiko . Hang on a year or so and I got my SPB147 for 500 instead of 1200 . At 500 it is priced very well for a 62 Mas
I am not defending Seiko prices just to appreciate the magic of the design and there are many ways to pay half the RRP
Like most people I still love and hate Seiko and always on the look out for a used bargain
Alpinist is lit
Seiko has tiered brands available overseas and domestically in Japan, and sometimes they let one out to test international markets. I found a WIRED chronograph for a low asking price at their official Seiko Outlets store. Very futuristic styling and Seiko quartz movement, 100M w.r. And a bracelet made of long curved single links. Glad I bought it over 20 years ago. Came out around the intro of the Black Monster. They can have some quirky, and notable offerings.
my wife got me a spb143 for my birthday imported from japan to europe because it was a whopping 500 € cheaper that way. its sad that seiko offers europe overpriced garbage
Thanks for the video, interesting perspective on Seiko that I guess I share but didn't realise it !. I do like Seikos, but prefer there more unusual ones like the Bellmatic and Bullhead. do have a couple of Seiko 5s but think their Chronos and the Bellmatic especially are interesting. I agree 100% about the Grand quartz and King Quartz and will eventually get one of those, probably from the Vintage Japanese Watch Company as he seems to have all the skill and equipment to service them. I am not associated with that company in any way, just saying I like what I see on CZcams about his work and his prices are not bad either !
As a new watch enthusiast, I never understood peoples love for seikos. 350€+ prices for okay looking divers, or 1000€+ for the premium lines, were just not doing it for me. I would rather buy some microbrand, or used hamilton for that kind of money. Lately I fell in love with some Citizen models, which I think provide better value for money for the pieces offered in central Europe. However seen your video, the SNKL looks really good for that kind of money, so I think Iwould consider a pick up.
I know the Msrp on the latest Seiko’s is over the top but I’m not sure what’s going on in the UK, here in Australia the are almost instantly available at 10, 15 or 20% discount, even at chain jewellery stores. I walk into a store that is national jewellery chain to try a night vision turtle ( SRPK43k) about a week after it’s release asked for a discount they happily offered 20% off, now 7 or 8 months later it can be found for 40% off, under £400 in my opinion great value. I own several recent release Seiko’s, have never paid msrp and think I’ve got great value from some fantastic watches. I also understand that people who fell in love with the brand in the 80s,90s & 00s for their so called value super watches are blinded by their romanticism and nostalgia for watches that by today’s standards ( I’m not talking about the 70s quartz versions you mentioned but the snk, snx and skx) have crap folded bracelets, shit clasps, out dated redundant movements and mineral ( hardlex) crystals People wax lyrical about the SKX ( I love this watch) but most of them had to spend on aftermarket bracelets and sapphire crystals to feel happy about it. People carry on about hardlex but it’s arguably better fit for purpose on a tool or dive watch. Each to their own I guess but for me I love many Seiko’s my oldest is 42 years old and still running well my newest is 41mm speedtimer purchased this month. I’m going to keep collecting them just won’t be paying msrp but actually I won’t pay msrp on anything.
Nice mondaine wall clock
Great review! You sure know about Seiko watches! I learned alot! Thanks!
Look the nice Seikos are very nice. The lower end ones are under specced, particularly versus San Martin et al. The mid tier made in Japan ones are good. I have an SPB297J1, and I just bought an SPB439J1. The 439 is beautiful, looks and feels well worth the money I paid; a small discount from RRP. People complain about 6R movements but really, they're fine. And worst case scenario what is it to adjust your watch by a minute every few days? The only thing is I now want to sell the 297 62MAS to offset the cost of the 439 and it's worthless...... But I knew that when I bought it 🤷🏻♂️
Ive grown to like the 1959 Laurel Alpinist re-creation very much.
Date window is the only real deviation from the original.
The lower end Laurel Alpinist with the 6R doesn't do it for me.
The 6R versions could have had some kind of "peak"
marking at 3 o'clock despite the date window.
OK, they're not the cheapest, but a couple of nice, yet underrated Seiko watches with decent specs are the Baby Alpinists, SPB155/157/159
It is a shame that this brand is well known now for a customer getting to pay more for less. Until they either bring down prices or increase quality, I’m afraid my Seiko days are over considering what else is out there.
I have an SNXS and can couch for the superb quality (bracelet notwithstanding).
I like many of the vintage LM series. Lord Matic! Other fantastic ones are Sumo, Monster and SKQ
I bought a JDM SACM171 based upon your previous video focused on the HAQ movement. It is a wonderful watch and is great value for money. Many thanks.
I own 3 Seiko's, the first and second generation Shogun and one Samurai. Unless Seiko vastly improves their watches, I will probably never buy another one.
Once you deal with Seiko America's warranty and service center you might just buy those disposable Chinese watches.
Have a look at the Tissot PR516 GL from the early 70s, i picked one up a week ago blue sunburst dial floating chapter ring nice heavy jubilee bracelet worn by Jmes Bond £225 and it is in very good condition, i dont buy many new wtches they are too expensive
All in All when you look at the prices of Swiss watches Seiko are still reasonable.
I have fallen out of the habit of buying Seikos and do not intend to restart. Their attitude re JDM only started the trend as it REALLY pi55es me off that manufacturers do this. What has also changed over the years is the rise of Aliexpress watches with Seiko movements, great design/build and excellent prices. Why buy a Seiko with lower quality bracelets, crystals and finishing at 2,3 or 4 times the price?
Finally, I have decided that inaccurate autos have had their day since the advent of mecaquartz especially the VH31.
I might one day make an exception and buy a reasonably priced 9F Grand Seiko if one becomes available within the UK.
Long live Aliexpress homages...
Seiko had become king of meh for me, but since that crown passed to messers C Ward and S Martin, I've seen a couple of new releases that show a cheeky bit of ankle. That new 62 mas is lovely, as is the new speedtimer with the royal blue bezel. Nice one Seiko.
Anyone interested in that Grand Seiko quartz, Beaverbrooks still have them.
Still think that the "real" SNXS73-75-77 series are the best entrance to automatic watches. Specially since they remain available at nearly 100€
If Seiko forced you to do this blink twice.
😂
W.T.F.???
Are you guys getting paid to sink Seiko? I have NO clue why everybody is bashing the new S5 line. The specs absolutely went UP! For starters, the old ones were 30 meter resistant, the new ones are 100 meter resistant. OK, so many people took the old Seiko 5 swimming, but officially the new charts do NOT allow this, and in most charts I see, you cannot even wear a watch in the shower below the 100 meter rating! For that you are supposed to have a 100 meter watch, which is bonkers!
I will never again have a watch ripped off pool side or in a bathroom, as I lay it on the counter while washing hands, because it is not splash-proof, so NO more watches less than 100-proof for me! That alone ELIMINATES all old S5 as a waste of money from my super tight budget! My great grandmother always said, when you have little money, you cannot waste it on cheap things!
The old ones have the old 7S26 calibre, which has no hacking and cannot hand-wind. The new ones have the 4R36 offering hacking and hand jobs! I know which one of the 2 I prefer for sure!
Old, wimpy, upright 5-logo, 30 meter, no-hacks, without hand jobs, are around USD 100 to 180 dollars now, and new sideways laid 5-logo models with hacking, with hand jobs, and 100-proof, with noticeably updated fresh designs, are selling between USD 150 and 200 now. Just being 100 proof alone is worth the extra 50 bucks!
Seiko needs to offer better value for money. Time to leave behind hexalite and go for sapphire. Time to tighten up time keeping. There are still quality assurance issues. Their service support is also poor.
Oh, the sound volume is better adjusted
Sorry mate but you are talking cobblers in my opinion - the Seiko Uemura and other watches with the 8L35 movement are fantastic. Also some of the Arnies are great too. You seem to be concentrating on the cheap watches which may well be not worth buying.
Oi! Leave those vintage Seikos alone. They're all mine. Meanwhile, I fully agree that the Seiko offering in the UK is utter crap, and has been for many, many years. They either hate us, or they realise that the the British public really do associate Seiko with a trip to Ratner's on the day before a loved-ones birthday. Make a sound mind despair. For a raising of spirits, one can look at scans of old Argos catalogues from the 80s and realise that it was not always like this.
I hope the german winner reply on this video with: I still got him on my wrist 😊
San Martin way too overpriced also ... For the value
Why are people so obsessed with specs these days?
If you only buy one Seiko, get a Flighty.
Do you still have your Marine Master watch?
Yes….love it
I bought the GS champagne dial from beaverbrook and got discount to £1850
What about the dress kx?
You said no to a FREE Seiko????
lol….i know what was I thinking 😂
My current favourite Seiko is my black & gold solar Tuna, but my SACM171 and SARB 035 run it close
By the way, the minute hand on clock in the background ran into a spot of bother at 2:47
Seiko under a couple grand is utter dogshit
Orient > Seiko (one of the most boring brands ever)
All boring
Seikos are shit, don’t waste your money
There is no value for money in any wotch
First! ❤
So
Should just buy a seiko turtle
Only buy older used seikos. This company has turned into a joke with their overpriced and severely underspecced watches
I didn't know reiss from EastEnders had a CZcams channel
Excuse me, how many Seiko's do you own?! 🫨
Or grab a nice one from the 70s or 80s and it'll deliver 😅
Included those in the video
@@ilikewatches I just scrolled through to see the pics, haven't noticed haha