I was introduced the the Seiko SPB 143 from this video when it was first posted. I was obsessed with this watch and after reaching a milestone in my career, I decided to buy this watch as a gift to myself. It'x an amazing watch and takes up so much of my wrist time. Thank you for this Hodinkee!
Congrats! It's great to hear you love it so much. I need to go try one on locally. I like the Willard too, so I need to try that on as well.
I picked one up on release and it's by far my favourite watch, it's a joy to wear every time and I always find myself looking admiring it.
SPB 143 is an insane watch. It's visual perfection. You can talk about what is underneath the visuals, like the movement and the bracelet, or the clasp, or the alingment of bezel/indices, but on a first look, it's a knockout.
I have one and it's perfect. And I set the 6R35 on Monday (this is Friday) and I'm slow by 27 seconds in 4 days, so not bad at all for a thousand dollar watch.
10 days later and the watch is still keeping excellent time, 30 sec slow.
Maybe one of the best 5 releases of this year, no matter what brand.
The bezel with a very slight lip on the very edge will keep that bezel fresh and well protected.
The SPB143 is the best in my book.
I found a SPB149 LE in a Seiko AD in the middle of nowhere 6 weeks ago, bezel aligns perfectly and getting +6 s/day while worn 24/7 since buying. Love it.
Fantastic review, I’ve been telling myself no more Seikos (I own 3), but this is on the list. The 143 is definitely my favourite variant.
Mine arrived today. Thank you James.... I concur on all fronts.
Just bought this today. I love it and honestly best watch in my collection
I really wanted a Seiko diver but as you say nothing ticked the right boxes... until now. Ordered the watch today & can't wait to get my hands on it. Good news is it looks like it'll be a strap monster too.
I've bought a lot of watches in the past few years, some high end, some mud tier. I get spoilt for choice with what to wear at times and indecisive. I recently bought the 143 and now it's the only thing I've worn in months. A true do it all at a reasonable price (discounted obviously). It really shines on Nato's.
Hats off to Seiko they always deliver on what the customers want!
I just recently purchased an SPB253J1 Black Series Limited Edition. It's awesome. Not too big and not too small. It's a great piece to add to my collection.
i'm thinking if choose the one you mentioned, or if I go with the one on the video. Any thoughts?
simplicity yet sophisticated. Goes will with formal and non formal wear
seiko is improving their line-up a lot the last year!
Great review and vid Bro. Straight to the point of it's unique design and quality.
Absolutely spot on, I have the 149 and couldn’t agree more, it’s the Seiko diver I always hoped the others would be. As you say if you’ve had all that went before but love your Seiko’s then this range pretty much nails it, the 6R 35 is running perfectly well, even the bezel lines up! ( hope I didn’t buy a fake 😊) I couldn’t ask for more, I’m not worried about a little play in the end links, life’s too short for that. A solid review which completely echoes my own thoughts. Thank you…
I got me the 147 and add a strapcode bracelet on it. Could not be happier with it. It runs great & accurate and I even get compliments on it! Perfect daily driver and is worth every penny.
Uncle's notes:
Do you love the 62MAS reissue but hate the bracelet? The new SPB14x Oyster from your favorite Uncle will fix that. Sleek and slender and without those ugly male end links.
What's included:
One bracelet, one pair of end-links, two pairs of 2.5mm spring bars (one set with custom tips to fix any tolerance issues).
Specs:
Lug width to Buckle: 20mm / 16mm
Length: 180mm
Min.length after adjusted : 120mm
Clasp : 316L Stainless Steel 16mm Milled Clasp, 3 micro-adjustment holes
Thickness: 2.9mm to 2.3mm (thickness tapers)
Net Weight: 70 gram
Finish: Brushed metal
Spring bar diameter: 2.5mm
Lug end style : Standard Curved End
Adjustment type : 7 removable links-- screw type adjustment
Material : 316L Stainless Steel, all solid links (solid end links)
SHIPPING INFO
RETURN POLICY
James nailed it. The review was perfect. Seriously. SPOT ON.
I just bought one after watching your awesome video straight from gnomon watches. Im so excited! Thank you!
I’ve never been drawn to Seikos but this one is CLEAN
Was already looking at this watch before seeing this review which made me determined to get it...Haven't been disappointed there's a magic about this one. Plenty of legit criticisms left here but trust me it's worth it.
I just got the olive green “Willard” variant and I’m so impressed with the quality and the 6r35 movement. Seiko hit a grand slam with these!
Congrats, i ordered one so can't wait. Recently bought the SRQ029J, awesome watch.
I've watched this video so many times and bought one a couple of days ago. Truly a work of art. I'm very impressed.
I couldn't agree more! Great review, straight to the point 👍. I have the spb053j and i found it a bit too big ,but this one at 40mm is ideal
Nice review James. Well done
100% Agree! “For those who have been around the block”; this is the Seiko that beats all Seikos! I just paired my Snoopy Tuesday with my spb143; this watch is sick!! I’m calling it my Omieika!
I do not have the Snoopy, but I do have a black speedy Tuesday strap with white stitching. It pairs amazing on this Seiko and feels like pajama wear.
Great video. Thank you. I like this specific SPB143 watch very much, and was interested in knowing more about it.
I have that SAFarnie and that too is a great watch. Wears much smaller on the wrist than you would think (with a tuna case). Been eyeing this PSB143 for a while now!
Love seeing you guys cover watches with more accessible price points.
Your review made this Seiko desirable!
Seiko definately have a hit here. Most watched hodinkee video in the last year!
Just took my SPB149 off the wrist before going to bed. First serious watch I have ever owned but definitely not my last. This line of Seikos cemented my obsession with watches pretty well. I enjoy this "hodinky" very much. (greetings from Czech Republic.) Thanks for the video!
Saw the Leica and knew Id love this channel!
James has that kind of „no nonsense“ style about hin that makes me like this content even more 😀
Elisabeth Blancke haha I guess this falls under: „different strokes for different folks“ 😀
Ohhh dear , I’ve recently purchased an oris divers 65 and a doxa sub 200 . Now I want this watch too
Get a real dive watch and by the Oris Prodiver chronograph, it's a proper dive watch!!!
Based on this review I went out and purchased a SPB147, it's my first gilt watch, and I have to say it is so much nicer in person - in fact, it's beautiful. Thanks
Me too, just got mine today. How did you find that metal keeper? I had to change the silicone straps into a different leather one as that metal keeper was digging into my wrist.
@@fendushi The metal keeper is a waste of good steel, never understood the pairing.
@@fendushi I just figured out the fix - replace the metal keeper on the supplied strap with a keeper from a G-Shock Square, the black rubber/plastic ones that come with the regular black cheap Squares. Perfect.
@Jeff Patterson Ive actually replaced the keeper with one from a cheaper rubber Seiko strap. Its a perfect fit. I can wear it all day now. Thanks for the info though, I will try that one out too
Wish there was a green one. This model is perfect size for me.
That gilt dial one is looking pretty sweet.
I would love to add this to the collection. I need to sell a couple watches though. It’s so hard trying to split wrist time between so many pieces! Lol
Great piece! I bought it as a BD present for myself 2 years ago.
If any watch review convince me to buy a watch, this will be the one!
I own this as well as a Seamaster, and the Seiko compares surprisingly well considering it cost 20 times less.
I can’t afford top tier watches.I have a couple of Tudors the gmt and glamour double date.But my fav is this seiko I wear it every day as a tradesman.The coating they put on this watch is brilliant.I scratch my Tudors every time I wear them.This I wear every day looks fantastic and never scratches.
I've heard this exact thing. While Tudors are the better finished and higher quality watches, they scratch super easily as compared to this spb.
I love the footage of the clock.
I'm in need of a do everything g tool watch... throw it on and smash it up.
This (or rather the new glacier blue dial) is something I am very interested in to do that job 🤔
I got one as well. It’s great.
Two small QC issues though, the bezel is slightly off of 12 by a fat hair width, and my hour hand doesn’t sit directly at the hour when it’s showing the minute hand siting directly under 12. The hour hand is slightly behind on the hour.
I know I can adjust the hour hand myself, or can have the legit Seiko dealer I bought it from service it, just annoying to have to notice it and to think about planning to adjust it.
Overall it’s great. New reason to buy 20mm straps since most are 22mm from SKXs and SRP777. It fits well with my old 18mm Kavu strap with the thicker logo pattern sewn on it, and the lume is awesome. Like pillows of green light.
Wish you showed it with the leather band from the thumbnail, great video though
Really great video. James is an excellent presenter for these simple but important videos. Thanks guys.
That sold me. Ordering now.
I have sbp187 and im thinking to add this to my collection
Interesting piece. Enjoyed it. Regards.
Unfortunately Hi I got this watch ,my first diver ever what a beauty, however I have damaged very first threading on crown tube. It’s screwing unscrewing perfectly fine. Will it cause issue in long term ? Or I should get it repaired right away. Please guide
I have and Love the SPB 149 with the Blue Strap. Big Love 😍
Havent seen it in person. Im hoping to pick between the 143 and 149.
I already have the spb125j1 however i think its not as classy. Though i still like it.
Wahre can i Buy the Brown watch strap from the Thumbnail 😍?
Great review thank you!
I love it.. on my wrist almost every day 😀
Lovely watch. Just wish they'd gone for flat matt lume on the indices, as on the hands, rather than the shiny cushioned effect.
I’ve never owned a dive watch. Looking to make this one my first.
Haha.. I like you James, your video, your enthusiasm and your taste
where can I find that leather strap? Thanks
Well spoken. You really explain it well. Thank you.
Wanting less...exactly. The 143 is the best Seiko reissue IMHO.
I have this watch and I can't take it off. Is quite something. The bracelet fits like a dream compared to other Seikos and divers under $1000
Subtle HiLo reference. Well done!
What an amazing watch. The build quality is really impressive at this price.
At long last a Seiko that’s not hockey-puck-sized or a limited edition AND has a classic handset. The dream
A very nice execution. I know they did another one with bubble-like crystal, which looks nice as well. Definitely looks far superior to my old blue dial shark-teeth bezel quartz Seiko.
Uncle's notes:
Do you love the 62MAS reissue but hate the bracelet? The new SPB14x Oyster from your favorite Uncle will fix that. Sleek and slender and without those ugly male end links.
What's included:
One bracelet, one pair of end-links, two pairs of 2.5mm spring bars (one set with custom tips to fix any tolerance issues).
Specs:
Lug width to Buckle: 20mm / 16mm
Length: 180mm
Min.length after adjusted : 120mm
Clasp : 316L Stainless Steel 16mm Milled Clasp, 3 micro-adjustment holes
Thickness: 2.9mm to 2.3mm (thickness tapers)
Net Weight: 70 gram
Finish: Brushed metal
Spring bar diameter: 2.5mm
Lug end style : Standard Curved End
Adjustment type : 7 removable links-- screw type adjustment
Material : 316L Stainless Steel, all solid links (solid end links)
SHIPPING INFO
RETURN POLICY
Except the metal doesn’t match the darker Duratec coating on the watch. Pass. I have one, and the OEM bracelet is perfectly acceptable.
@@jimclip2012
Yes that’s true,
I find myself saying it is what it is ,
However, I won’t be buying a bracelet for my slim turtle ,
For that, very reason .
That knocks the socks off a Tudor dive watch if you ask me
As the owner of this watch and several Black Bays, no it does not. This is a great watch in its own right, but the Tudor quality is well above the Seiko. Build quality, finishing, movement all far better on the Tudor.
@@marctravismba it better be for triple the price 😉 jokes aside it’s hard to compare those two models.
FYI, It's not all roses with the 6R35 engine in the SPB### range, guys who wear them for 6~8hrs daily and leave them on the sideboard for a day or so on a weekend may see a fair time lag from the 3hz,21600 vph,70hr. I bought the reissued 62mas SPB143j in April, did the 20 cranks as recommended by Seiko manual by did notice lower gains (+2:30, 1st mth, +2:05 2nd mth, +1:05 3rd mth) over 3 months to lag of (-1:10 this week alone ).This is still within official tollerence of +25~-15 secs per day but guys who don't sleep with their watches may have to remember to crank it. I've done 30 revs today so time will tell. Still it's nice to shelve it on Friday and whack it back on come Monday. Always a smile with a Seiko on your dial. Cheers Johno :)
Love the design
Seiko, please give this beauty a little thinner&lighter no-date-39mm brother.
@@michiel8888 can’t go wrong with a Seiko. :D Owning watches from certain hyped brands I still believe Seiko is the best and most important watch maker right now.
@@jewelstd I've actually heard the bb58 wears a lot more comfy from people who own both and also watch reviewers
always improve the vid quality... good job hodinkee
James Stacey, killing the game as usual!... 👍
My brand new SPB143 from a Seiko Boutique that arrived yesterday is different. It has an applied lumed index to the right of the date window.
Mine arrived from the mail yesterday too! Mine also has a lumed index in the 3 position, which is not reflected in the video. I read somewhere in a comment section that Seiko had to do it to properly qualify the watch as a dive watch.
Oh, thank God. Seiko FINALLY got the message. They downsized from their usual 44mm x 52mm Prospex case dimensions and got rid of the hackneyed 'Monster' handset they have used on every diver since the early 2000s.
I agree these spb143 and like models are very simple in design and proportions are so great. These characteristics remind me of tudor black bay 58
It's better than the bb58 in my opinion. I have handled both. The spb143 is pretty imo the snow flake hands on the bb58 are ugly. Also the bb58 has a matte finish dial. The sunburst dial on the seiko really shines. Videos and pictures do not do it justice. Also, I will say the seiko bracelet is better. The clasp opens way easier and the fake rivets on the bb58 are disappointing for a $3800 watch.
@@haydenstorm7517 yes I see your points. I have the save the ocean spb297 it is amazing and very pretty (not just dial, but the case shape and whole design) However I do like the matte in watches it brings the minimalist in tool watches which is done well in tudor.
I love this watch and have been looking for the 147 and it’s sold out everywhere I’ve looked except some vendor from China (eBay ) and I’m not sure about that, could be purchasing a fake plus returning anything international is a pain in the rear, good review…
Hello, I'm in Brisbane, Australia, there are still some around in Seiko agent retailers but are an "ordered" item. The very close copy is now being sold online from China under the "Steeldive" logo. Its an OK watch with a Seiko Copied NH35, 40 Hrs movement, but it ain't a Seiko, like Oils ain't Oils as the saying goes. I love mine and got the full 3 year warranty with online registration. FYI (+ 2min, 28secs) a month with normal 7~8 hours daily wear. So it may take a month to get one in but it's a sweet moment when you put it on your wrist, a worth the extra cash. Cheers, Johno :)
when the confort is on the wrist of the back of the box is done bythe box you loose in thikness and tha wath is navigated on the wrist when it is bt te entrecornes is better and the box is flat at the back
Comment on CZcams end cards: you should remove them, they get in the way of the text you display at the end of the video (here the watch specs). Anyways, great video :)
I wish it came with a signed crown. Do not think it will stop me from getting one, but still.
@Bilal Ibrahim I think for the price a signed crown is not to much to ask. IMO it shows attention to detail and an extra level of dedication to the watchmaking craft. Seems like they choose specifically not to add one and I am not sure why.
I agree...I’ve been wanting to buy one of these more premium models from Seiko’s but the lack of a signed crown always puts me off!
@@fastbikesandtoomuchcoffee6871 why would you want extra billboarding on a watch
I'm sorry why are people bothered by the price? Are you in right hobby? "Oh, I can buy X and Y and Z for that amount of money" So just do it, no one is forcing anyone to agree with the price. You either want a watch and are willing to pay the price to have it or you aren't, are you gonna tell me a rolex is worth 10k or 15k now? a steel nautilus is worth 70k? Since when? even an omega only costs like 30% of it's retail price to manufacture. lmao when did people start to measure a watch value by the materials and labour involved? "Oh but it's seiko, we expect cheap watches" well, they have a shit load of other options you can choose, and even more expensive ones as well. If you really want bang for your buck, go chinese. Everything else you pay for heritage, marketing and demand.
Pricing is part of the hobby. Dont act like its not. Even if you can afford a rolex daytona, you will enjoy it more if you pay less for it. So people can complain about the price if they want. If you go out and get a nice bb58 and pay 6000 usd for it, and you realise its actually a 4000 usd watch you will end up hating that watch, every time you look at it, it will be a reminder that some retailer took 2000 usd from you. With this line its actually just the same, early buyers pay 400 usd more, cuz this end up in the 700 to 800 usd new. Check out the rest of the spbd line.
I mean even if it's true what you're saying, people can still "complain" about the price if they don't think it's worth it?
People are just a bit simple that's why. Most of the losers that are complaining would never even have bothered to go to a shop and hold this piece to understand
Most things we buy..use..enjoy..lose a % of $$ value after we've bought them. Thats the deal..cars, tech, clothes etc. Come to watches & they're looking for a ROI all of a sudden.
Great watch, unfortunately had to return two pieces already ( SPB147) - the colour around the lume pip in both cases was miscoloured, now wating for the SPB143, hope it will be be ok in this case.
I like it a lot. I just don't want to spend $1200 on it. I would rather wait a while longer and save up for the Tudor Black Bay 58 that I really want.
Wouldn't you then rather just save up and just buy a Rolex sub that you really really want?
@@plusgood15 Why Rolex when you can save up for a custom MB&F that your really, really, really, really, really, really, really want?
i love this watch but the only issue i have is that the end links don’t match the case and lugs. imo it looks better on a strap anyway but i wish the bracelet was a good option too.
Look into uncle seiko bracelets, they have good options available for the 62MAS.
Forget Uncle Seiko, the bracelets are flimsy. If you want a bracelet that has no movement in the end links and matches the case then get the strapcode oyster with the sub clasp. I have that on mine now and it's perfection.
It’s also the diasheild coating. My ocd would bug me if the color of the steel doesn’t match. I really like the strapcode I might try that or the integrated strap xpro rubber.
I have mine on a Strapcode jubilee, great everyday watch!
Uncle's notes:
Do you love the 62MAS reissue but hate the bracelet? The new SPB14x Oyster from your favorite Uncle will fix that. Sleek and slender and without those ugly male end links.
What's included:
One bracelet, one pair of end-links, two pairs of 2.5mm spring bars (one set with custom tips to fix any tolerance issues).
Specs:
Lug width to Buckle: 20mm / 16mm
Length: 180mm
Min.length after adjusted : 120mm
Clasp : 316L Stainless Steel 16mm Milled Clasp, 3 micro-adjustment holes
Thickness: 2.9mm to 2.3mm (thickness tapers)
Net Weight: 70 gram
Finish: Brushed metal
Spring bar diameter: 2.5mm
Lug end style : Standard Curved End
Adjustment type : 7 removable links-- screw type adjustment
Material : 316L Stainless Steel, all solid links (solid end links)
SHIPPING INFO
RETURN POLICY
@@earlbee3196Uncle Seiko bracelets aren't up to par compared to the Strapcode equivalents for their respective models.
Can we have the reference of the 2:02 watch ? Thanks !
Great watch, what a presence !
That's an SLA017. Very nice watch, but was a limited edition and trades about double MSRP currently.
I have one. The price seems high, but when you actually get your hands on one, you see it's only a bit high, not a lot high. The fit and finish on this is clearly a step above the cheaper Seiko divers. Other than the misaligned bezel, fit and finish on the watch head itself seems on par with Swiss watches in the same price range.
I bought one as my first 'expensive' watch. I love the design but for the price the finishing feels a bit of a let down. Mine needs the hands aligning correctly and the movement is running at least +35 seconds per day. The bezel is almost (not quite) correctly aligned at least. I still enjoy it but now I'm looking to experience something more refined when I make my next purchase.
I should add that I later bought the SRPD21K1 Great White Turtle and it's great. Good alignment, extremely comfortable and the movement runs at a very respectable +7 seconds per day. Bought on sale for 1/4 of the price of the SPB143K1.
@@matchat86 WTF? My girlfriend‘s Tissot that was $200 with that Powermatic 80 movement runs maybe about +5 seconds a day. That’s a shame, I actually wanted to gift this watch to my dad but I’m definitely not spending more than $1000 to get a movement that runs like my $80 Seiko SNK809.
@@pokie6087 I was disappointed with the poor alignment of the hands. The end links of the bracelet aren't as snug of a fit as I had expected and the bracelet itself can be a bit of a hair nipper. Also the antireflective coating on the crystal isn't that effective. I'd expected better from the reviews that I have watched.
Could I get opinions if I should sell my tag huer aquaracer and get this timepiece? Thanks in advance for your opinions.
Good question. If you are considering to selling it, you already have an answer!
This is a timeless look. The aquaracer just has that "TAG" look. If that's your thing keep it, if you're looking for something more subtle and confident then pick this up now.
Sell all watches that you even considered selling would be a good idea. I had an Oris that I'd never worn for months and was very happy when I sold it.
My Aquaracer has gotten compliments monthly since I've owned it.
None of my Seiko's got half as many compliments
Ijs
@@jaycrumble32 I’m not concerned about compliments. Looking towards something that I enjoy looking at and wearing which my aqua racer is currently not doing for me anymore. Thank you for your input tho I will keep it in mind when deciding.
Gorgeous! A sub 41.5mm watch!! 🤙
@@canerbatman2303 I said ‘sub 41.5’ because everything is 41.5 it seems. Would have preferred 40, but this is a step in the right direction 👍 Have a good day!
Graham Quigley I preffer even 39. 40 is a really the sweatspot. 39-40.
I have a 6 inch wrist and it is damn hard to find a small diver. I love vintage design and this Seiko hits a home run. This is on my list, not gonna buy any other watch until I get this!
Christopher Ward has an excellent 38mm diver that blows this one away for less.
@@StuntpilootStef Yea, that is nice. But I like vintage design, especially the Seiko vintage case.
@@raymondfoo9045 Steinhart has a 39mm vintage diver if you're ok with homages.
@@StuntpilootStef I would get CW if compared to Steinhart. I like CW, but I like this Seiko more.
I too have a small wrist and a mate of mine recommended a 44mm orient mako which I bought. I haven’t looked back. It wraps my wrist beautifully. Don’t be intimidated.
Nice looking - would have liked a ceramic bezel at this price point though.
Ceramic bezel i believe wouldnt fit this watch
Its a mas remake. Same with a black bay ceramic wouldn't work on that either. I.m.o
Is this the same as the SPDC051?
Your opinions please. Seiko Spb143 vs Oris Aquis?
@Mikael Villarosa I agree with you. I just traded my Oris Aquis small seconds date for this SPB143 and have no regrets!!!! This watch is amazing!
what kind of leather bracelet is that
There is something so classy about this watch.
It's the unsigned crown. For sure.
@@steelsteez6118 we are not talking Rolex here.
@@steelsteez6118 omg
@@steelsteez6118 You joke, but it is, though. It's called 'restraint'.
@steelsteez6118 its ok if you put a crown on the dial though charge x10 the price. You can even get away with putting a blank case back on and people will praise how fantastic it is ?