I actually really like this watch, but I have to assume Seiko is the victim of their own doing by putting out the NH34, there are about a million affordable GMT’s out there. Thanks for the great review as always.
@@arielspalter7425 I recently got a Vostok komandirskie GMT, it's probably the cheapest non-chinese automatic GMT you can get. The quality is surprisingly good, but the stock bracelet is one of the worst Ive seen, just change the strap and youre good to go.
The problem is if you ever want to try and resell your watch, you will find it difficult to get much back for a used San Martin or any other Chinese watch, however good the quality. I bought one of those San Martin nh34 GMTs and it surely has great specs for the money (and looks great too!), but I accept this will probably remain in my collection until my next-of-kin tosses it out!
Here in Japan, all three models (including the Japan-only white face variant) were discounted for pre-order, around 16% for the white and black face and around 22% on the "deception" model, back in December and just before the January 12 release date. However, the white model is getting harder to find, and its price is creeping back up to the rrp.
Jody, just wanted to say I’ve really been loving the outdoor wrist shots during the introduction of the watches lately. Good idea, it’s working for all of us.
I’m going to buy the JDM version with the white dial. It goes for ~$550 CAD at the moment, so I’ll wait a little longer for it to drop to the $400-$450 CAD range. That’s what I bought my SSK001 for ($285 USD).
@@Cravenfr no customs tax on watches under $800 in the US, the threshold is $800. Shipping is like 30$ tho or something like that, but was actually super fast
Just bought this watch a couple of days ago. I love how Seiko put a coloured numerals as neon green. It is very legible whether you are indoors or outdoors or even at night. Which to me, as a field watch, legibility is a main thing about being a field watch. Loving it, swapped out to a rubber black strap and It becomes more sporty. Gotten it slightly below the mentioned priced in this video, a definite steal for me.
Reminds me of the one I got in a lucky bag as a kid. That one was prolly more accurate too..... But, on a more serious note, for less than $100 some of the Ali brands offer better looks, quality control and saphire with the same movement. So if you want a $300 premium for a brand name, it's your money your chucking down the drain....
I bought the srpg27k bracelet model at a very affordable price and put a leather strap on it. The watch, which was 146 grams, became 75 grams. It is a nice model that appeals to all ages.
Oh man, "domed mineral"; for that price, I would much prefer to get a San Martin textured dial watch with so much more to offer. Wonder why the Japanese brands like Seiko and Citizen don't offer sapphire crystal when it is clearly available and is what most people want.
They do, but it's at the same price point of the entry level Swiss automatics like Tissot. Its all of the cheaper autos that are mineral crystal. At least in Aus@@BagoGarde
Then you should get the SM. If enough people don't like Seiko and stop buying them, they will change. But I guess people are still buying them, because actually, most of them just aren't that bothered about what kind of glass it is, or whatever.
ps I'm rocking a Seiko "Brian May" limited edition with a Nato which I normally dont care for but this one has six lines on it to reflect the six strings of a guitar which is what the whole Watch is designed to honor. I actually love love love it!
Although it's a genuinely nice looking piece, I don't see the point of the small GMT numerals on the inside of the dial when they are present on a bezel that is fixed. Can't wait to see the new gaff Jody. A quick tour of the studio maybe?
No kidding. Jody, your own watch company made a fantastic diver with properly aligned bezzle, sapphire crystal, SIGNED crown, superb lume, excellent fit and finish for $100 LESS than this thing. Why people put such value in this brand is beyond me. Seiko can pound sand.
The Seiko Japan Marketing team said we didn't need advice from an international team on this one :D Heavy discount and the name, make it a good fit. Thanks Jody :)
I will say that I do really enjoy my SRPG Seiko Field watch! There are some features that don't come off on camera, (like the reflective numerals, textured dial, and blasted case finish), that give it a really nice look. It did require a better band to look it's best, though. The "blah" NATO straps weren't doing any favors. You're still left with the question of whether the GMT feature is a requirement for YOU....but I think I'm happier without it, (and the few extra bucks in my wallet).
Bought the 23 version last week, replaced the bracelet with a black leather strap. Big improvement .Will fit sapphire crystal soon. Ordered the white face version from Japan
I really like this one. Having watched a couple tutorials, you can wear a 2 pass NATO as a one pass (if you haven't tried it). It does help. Great video as usual.
Nice vid Jody as always. Well, as a field/gmt watch, the one thing you want is the lume, but Seiko forgot to lume the numbers and also the 24 hour numbers aren't lumed either, which basically renders the fourth hand unusable at night. So, as a day time field watch look a like, yes, as a actual practical field/gmt watch, not so much.
Yes if you're in the jungle, on operations, at night, don't rely on this watch to be able to tell the time in a different country from the one you're in. Very important.
@@RD-mx7zi Understand what you mean, but the point is, if you are going to pass this as a field watch, then make it a workable one. The same goes with making diving watches that the lume is crap, you need that lume to keep up with your "oxygen" time. I know, that now days you have other devices to do that, but again, if you make a tool watch, then make it right. Just because is Rolex or whomever, does not excuse them not to do it properly. The issue is we give them a pass because they are a big name brand. I say we shouldn't!
@@RD-mx7zi Again, understood, but I think we started to take it a bit out of context now. Yes there are a boatload of stuff out there that don't meet "our standards". The way I look at it, if you like what you see, then get it, my opinion and yours will differ, not matter what, we may agree on some but we will disagree on others, like on this instance right now. Anyway, nice chatting and take it easy my friend.
I remember when Seiko 5s were much more affordable than this, in an era of affordable GMTs from microbrands that use Seiko movements. I know a Seiko cased watch will be more collectible long term, but there are equally nice options out there today for much less money.
With this thickness plus the dome mineral crystal, it's pretty easy to get scratched from my own experience. The crystal on my old SNK and SNZG were almost scratch-free thanks to how thin they were but my new SRPJ already had some scratches within a month. Since this one shares the same dimension I'm afraid the same scratches will happen soon. Some people say the new Hardlex crystal is more shatter-proof than the older version but the scratch resistance is worse than its predecessors.
Excellent video Jody. I'd go for the non coated stainless steel. The black one reminds me of one of those plastic Luminox watches. As for price drop, maybe it's not the watch itself, could be that the GMT trend is dying a little bit now.
No lume on the numerals? I think I'll pass on that one. I'm glad I waited for a review first. I understand that they're trying to go for a stealthy look, and the last thing you need is a watch that lights up at night when you're on a 'mission'. Regardless, I still would've preferred lumed numerals. Thanks for the review, Jody.
280 USD from singapore. full stainless. tax and shipping included. Not a bad deal for a automatic GMT field watch. in USA, Seiko is marketed as a great brand...in Asia, it's just cheap japanese watch...never can ask for high price.
Don't think I don't see how windy it is outside at 7:10, proving once again that Jody will stop at nothing, including putting himself in harm's way, to bring us the best watch content on CZcams.
Got my SSK023 “Deploy” for $399AUD from our favourite retailer and absolutely love it! Bracelet comfortable as heck, looks like a black dial Explorer II… great buy!
@@davidlaurenson5462 it was a special offer emailed to VIP customers who have ordered a certain number of times to them. We mustn’t disclose as they are an AD and may have their future supply limited if Seiko find out they are discounting so heavily. 🤷♂️
This one looks good on you, Jody. I like what Seiko has done with this watch, particularly that it is affordable (at discount). It reminds me of the Seikos I have been wearing since the 70s that just keep on going. I have always had a soft spot for Seiko due to their levels of in-house manufacturing that few other companies can rival. That is why I can still easily obtain OEM parts for my 50 year-old Seikos. Good luck finding a new bezel, crystal or bracelet for most micro brands after a year.
Make one up. My friend and I talk very often. She's in Africa and I'm in the USA. The GMT comes in handy sometimes so I can see what time it is over there.
In my opinion, Seiko needs to make these GMT watches (Alpinist included) either 40 or 41mm to counterbalance the thicker dimensions from the 4-hand GMT movement. As they are now, they've got the proportions of a hamburger, which makes them wear a little strangely...
I like the idea of this one but the redundant 24 hour marker and the bezel makes the dial too cluttered for no relevant functionality. Wouldve considered it if they made it a rotating bezel to justify the clutter by being able to track 3 timezones. Or simply removing the 24hr markers in either the bezel or dial. It just looks like they're cramming their GMT movements into preexisting designs without much intentionality.
The second row of markers on the bezel are 12-hour PM time markers for 24 hour timekeeping as used in places outside the US and in the military. Would've been a much better watch had the bezel been rotating though, I agree with you on that.
I bought a “Deception”, and quickly returned it. Love the look, but it’s just too think for me. The one I had didn’t have the bezel alignment issues noted by Jody on the one he reviewed.
I'm seeing the black version (late Jan '24) in a country just a mile west (but mostly south) of me at USD 415. I have a small wrist but still like a 41mm+ case. If I was going to pick a small case field watch I'd go upscale to a Marathon for the tritium lume.
I like it. I'm not a huge fan of black/military/etc watches, other than for the actual travel phase of traveling (long-distance riding/driving/flying-airports, etc). At the moment, I use a square G-Shock for that job (which goes back in my travel case when I get where I"m going), but this could take over that role I reckon...
Really like the black one, gets away from the Explorer-esque look of the steel. At less than £400 its not out of order. Try the para or Marine National stretchy single pass french military straps, all the nato with none ofthe disadvantages, like rolled up strap, and double passing.
More than happy with my Night Vision 200m Diver’s solar powered model in PVD steel and sapphire crystal. Cost about the same as this model. Everything even lines up perfectly.
Now discontinued but available used- the Seiko 8F56 series. HA Quartz. Rated +/- 20 seconds a YEAR , ~10 year lithium battery life. Perpetual calendar. True GMT operation. nine tenths of a Grand Seiko.
If you want it dun read the comments lol sbsc009 are hard to get in good price range now and you can also get the jdm version for the other models if you look hard enough, sold out for the ssk with bracelet.
I think I can answer the RRP question, if Seiko sells a watch to retailers at approximately 45% of the RRP, a higher rrp means a higher sale price for Seiko, retailers discounting is eating into their own profit. In short, it's a way to present as offering great margins to retailers whilst in reality, pretty crap margins if retailers are to be competitive.
@@edwardfletcher7790 the white one is a JDM only model, which are made in Japan - says it on the dial. I would rather have this, I don’t care about specs that much
I can't believe Seiko think they can get away with these alignment issues, ok it's an affordable watch, but no way is it acceptable to be spending that much money and be worried about quality control - and most people buy online these days im assuming. I actually love the watch, but no way would I risk buying it online.
I bought the Speedtimer last year, in the same price bracket as this (I got it discounted), and the build is so much better than this. Everything aligns, you get a sapphire crystal and even a decent bracelet, I can't believe you are paying extra for that movement?
I like the look of the watch, especially at that price range. I think an upgrade would be a more traditional NATO strap in braided nylon. Just a thought.
I really like these, especially the white dial version. The only thing is that there are better watches out there with the NH34 for similar or lower prices
I don't understand why everyone says don't buy a watch for retail. Is that just an American/Australian thing? I never see any discounts except for black Friday or Christmas or something. Other then those occasional sales all watches are pretty much always the retail price here in Europe it seems
Nice watch and I agree, it’s a nice alternative to the Rolex. Would loved to have seen the two SS versions as I have no interest in the black, but that’s just me.
I take the 005 orange over this one in a heartbeat. When you showed the side by side, this one looks even more junky than it does alone. Not a fan of Seiko but the Orange is a good looking watch.
This might be the nicest Seiko 5 I have ever seen. If it had a 6r movement and sapphire crystal I'd be interested. It comes with a 4r movement and with a hardlex crystal and I won't buy another watch with those properties.
Took advantage of said email discount last week for the stainless steel version, and I'm pretty happy :-) The JDM version with the white dial is maybe my favourite though - very much a "homage" to the white dialed Rolex Explorer II! might have to track one down when I'm in Japan next month!
I will buy it from a Microbrand maybe eventually. With a sapphire crystal, screw down crown, a conventional strap and better qc for well under half the price of the Seiko....
I like this watch, but, 13.9mm on a double pass-thru Nato strap, PVD coated, and no sapphire crystal (this is a recording)? However, I do like the matching hands, no silly snowflake or arrows on this one. Guess Seiko has to make fixed bezel watches in order to match up with the indices. Thanks Jody, I'll do a 'camelcamelcamel' on this one.
So they have 24hr numerals on the bezel and inside the Arabics... You really only need one or the other or neither. I would choose neither because I believe "Less is more" would do more for this watch. You then do away from the alignment issue or it's completely disguised, and you would have more room (and budget) to do something with the indices. Take a page from the Rolex as shown...Maybe shake it up and do something like the Lum-Tech V10 Big Date indices and very small 24h numerals. But that would probably perpetuate it to a higher price point. This is of course a personal preference, and everyone's different, but being military for over 20yrs....I would take a watch with a longer power reserve than a GMT hand. I mean I understand the tech, but in my experience crossing time zones often, I personally just change the time to the current time zone and use the little bit of math to figure out the time elsewhere. My ritual is to change the time mid-flight because I know when you look at your flight info, it will always list the local time when you land where you're flying into. Stylistically, I'd throw a Zuludiver Kingsand band and be done with it. The only way 16mm+ of height works is with a short-sleeve shirt. I think NATO straps work best with thin field watches.
I love the Japanese model with the white dial but that’s now $500 before tax and shipping. I remember I could’ve bought it for $400 after tax and shipping. Oh well I guess I wait and see now.
Why does it appear like a Rolex explorer? For the bezel maybe. The similarity with Rolex is, as we are saying in Spain "como un huevo a una castaña" literally translates "like an egg front a chestnut"
Gotta ask,....the bezel, whether rotating or not......what's up with the 360 degrees = 24 units? It's not military time equivalent,....it's not "minutes" around the dial......what is it?...and what is it for? That said, maybe it can be used as a one-time "offset"....to use it as a poor-man's GMT for the 2nd time zone offset you are at...BUT ...this IS a GMT watch with the extra hand so you don't need the faux GMT "bezel". What am I missing?
Looks fine.....average and inoffensive, except for the black leather NATO. That heavy wrap around at the top doesn't look great. I think it would look much nicer on a black or dark brown leather strap.
Black one looks much better than the silver but needs a different strap/ bracelet. Seiko have lost their way, they could get away with this kind of thing when we were paying less than £100 but the qc issues, the harlex and the accuracy of the movements make this a non starter. As they are building them in China a pt5000 or a Seagull might be better, I'd give up the fourth hand for better accuracy.
I like the look of this, except for the strap. I don’t know why but I just don’t like NATO straps. I doubt I’d ever buy a Seiko 5 GMT because of the alignment issues. I have one of the SRPGs (SRPG39) which, for me, is the perfect Seiko 5 field watch.
Everything about the dial and hands works for me, and I think I'd like the stainless case a lot. So I'm half thinking about getting one of these; I should "pay respects" to the brand behind the movement in half my awesome micro GMTs of the past while, right? But increasingly it's hard to get past mineral crystal on a ~$300 watch (let alone RRP). When you put something like this against say a $250 San Martin GMT, with its finishing suitable for a $700+ watch... I dunno.
Considering brands like Boldr have GMTs with identical specs in terms of movement and dimensions, but come on a bracelet and with sapphire crystal with 200m WR for a similar price, it really makes you question Seiko's logic here. Not getting decent glass at this price range is really off putting, especially on a field style watch!
I love the look of it but even after getting the same $399 offer I can't push the buy it now button for some reason. But yeah I do love the look of the black dial with stainless steel bezel and case. It just looks right.....So why can't i push the buy it now button? Dunno its odd. Also did you watch that video another youtuber did last year testing all the glass types? They did say the seiko hardlex was a bit better and while not a massive difference i just think it's worth noting.
This is probably not something I would buy at any price. It looks OK and I'm sure it works well, but I can get more watch for less money.The NH34 is a nice movement, but it doesn't command a high price. Hardlex, poor quality control, and the lack of lume disqualify it in my book. I can forgive the leather strap because replacing it with a nylon strap wouldn't be a problem. (But I don't trust leather once it gets wet a few times, and the thickness of that strap is a bit too much.) Really, I'm trying not to hate this watch but it makes it easy for me. Thanks for the review, as always. You do good work and I enjoy your videos!
This is just the look I want from a Seiko, they sure know how to do a dial, if only it just had three hands a sapphire lens and a screw-crown, why wont they ?
I like that watch, thinking of buying one if I can find one for a bit lower price. I have been looking for a all black watch that wouldn't kill my budget but haven't had any luck. The closest I came was the "Orient Ray Raven II" but that one didn't have the Arabic numerals which I wanted. Any suggestions & tips other then this one?
Lume colored numerals that aren't actually lumed is next level Seiko
Deception
@@bradleyburton4762😂 you figured it out. That's definitely the reason for the name.
My thoughts exactly, been waiting for Seiko to lume the numerals on a field watch, thought this was it but nope
@@orangeyellow-me1pz I dont think they are that self aware....🤣
This right here is why I started to get Chinese watches with Seiko movements. They have deceived me far less than Seiko has.
I actually really like this watch, but I have to assume Seiko is the victim of their own doing by putting out the NH34, there are about a million affordable GMT’s out there. Thanks for the great review as always.
Can you name other affordable mechanical GMT watches I’m really looking for one, so ideas would be appreciated.
@@arielspalter7425 I recently got a Vostok komandirskie GMT, it's probably the cheapest non-chinese automatic GMT you can get. The quality is surprisingly good, but the stock bracelet is one of the worst Ive seen, just change the strap and youre good to go.
@@arielspalter7425 can start with Long Island Watch
@@arielspalter7425 the San Martin SN0116-G V4
The problem is if you ever want to try and resell your watch, you will find it difficult to get much back for a used San Martin or any other Chinese watch, however good the quality. I bought one of those San Martin nh34 GMTs and it surely has great specs for the money (and looks great too!), but I accept this will probably remain in my collection until my next-of-kin tosses it out!
Here in Japan, all three models (including the Japan-only white face variant) were discounted for pre-order, around 16% for the white and black face and around 22% on the "deception" model, back in December and just before the January 12 release date. However, the white model is getting harder to find, and its price is creeping back up to the rrp.
I have the one on the bracelet and I was impressed by it. I paid $350 and have gotten compliments on it and I don’t have that happen often lol
Jody, just wanted to say I’ve really been loving the outdoor wrist shots during the introduction of the watches lately. Good idea, it’s working for all of us.
I’m going to buy the JDM version with the white dial. It goes for ~$550 CAD at the moment, so I’ll wait a little longer for it to drop to the $400-$450 CAD range. That’s what I bought my SSK001 for ($285 USD).
The neon greenish numerals don't glow in the dark?! That's quite absurd...
I definitely prefer the white/cream dial version although it’s a jdm only model at the moment!
I’m gonna import one from Sakura, they’re like $315 but still on pre order
@@ajmarion How much custom tax will be ?
thanks for telling us about the JDM model - that's an interesting piece
Seiko SBSC009
@@Cravenfr no customs tax on watches under $800 in the US, the threshold is $800. Shipping is like 30$ tho or something like that, but was actually super fast
Just bought this watch a couple of days ago. I love how Seiko put a coloured numerals as neon green. It is very legible whether you are indoors or outdoors or even at night. Which to me, as a field watch, legibility is a main thing about being a field watch. Loving it, swapped out to a rubber black strap and It becomes more sporty. Gotten it slightly below the mentioned priced in this video, a definite steal for me.
Reminds me of the one I got in a lucky bag as a kid. That one was prolly more accurate too.....
But, on a more serious note, for less than $100 some of the Ali brands offer better looks, quality control and saphire with the same movement. So if you want a $300 premium for a brand name, it's your money your chucking down the drain....
Can you recommend any of those brands? I am looking for a prezzie under 100 and like buying stuff from Ali.
I put the money I would have put towards Seikos to instead buy a Signum GMT and a Proxima. I am very, very happy with both choices.
Fine choices!
I bought the srpg27k bracelet model at a very affordable price and put a leather strap on it. The watch, which was 146 grams, became 75 grams. It is a nice model that appeals to all ages.
Oh man, "domed mineral"; for that price, I would much prefer to get a San Martin textured dial watch with so much more to offer. Wonder why the Japanese brands like Seiko and Citizen don't offer sapphire crystal when it is clearly available and is what most people want.
Citizen does for their JDM model. But i do agree japanese brands like seiko need to up their game and offer Sapphire and AR coating
They do, but it's at the same price point of the entry level Swiss automatics like Tissot. Its all of the cheaper autos that are mineral crystal. At least in Aus@@BagoGarde
Then you should get the SM. If enough people don't like Seiko and stop buying them, they will change. But I guess people are still buying them, because actually, most of them just aren't that bothered about what kind of glass it is, or whatever.
The polar dial was possibly going to be my next purchase but that thickness makes me question that
ps I'm rocking a Seiko "Brian May" limited edition with a Nato which I normally dont care for but this one has six lines on it to reflect the six strings of a guitar which is what the whole Watch is designed to honor. I actually love love love it!
Although it's a genuinely nice looking piece, I don't see the point of the small GMT numerals on the inside of the dial when they are present on a bezel that is fixed.
Can't wait to see the new gaff Jody. A quick tour of the studio maybe?
Seiko makes all the great designs that everyone else copies but then makes better!
😂 Truuuuuuuuuuuuue !
No kidding. Jody, your own watch company made a fantastic diver with properly aligned bezzle, sapphire crystal, SIGNED crown, superb lume, excellent fit and finish for $100 LESS than this thing. Why people put such value in this brand is beyond me. Seiko can pound sand.
@JR-gp2zkeven if this example is, his statement is still true.
The Seiko Japan Marketing team said we didn't need advice from an international team on this one :D
Heavy discount and the name, make it a good fit.
Thanks Jody :)
I will say that I do really enjoy my SRPG Seiko Field watch! There are some features that don't come off on camera, (like the reflective numerals, textured dial, and blasted case finish), that give it a really nice look. It did require a better band to look it's best, though. The "blah" NATO straps weren't doing any favors.
You're still left with the question of whether the GMT feature is a requirement for YOU....but I think I'm happier without it, (and the few extra bucks in my wallet).
Bought the 23 version last week, replaced the bracelet with a black leather strap. Big improvement .Will fit sapphire crystal soon. Ordered the white face version from Japan
Do you have any websites that sell leather straps that fit? I was thinking of doing the same but struggling to find one
I really like this one. Having watched a couple tutorials, you can wear a 2 pass NATO as a one pass (if you haven't tried it). It does help.
Great video as usual.
or just buy a pull through nylon strap from maratac or marathon
Nice vid Jody as always. Well, as a field/gmt watch, the one thing you want is the lume, but Seiko forgot to lume the numbers and also the 24 hour numbers aren't lumed either, which basically renders the fourth hand unusable at night. So, as a day time field watch look a like, yes, as a actual practical field/gmt watch, not so much.
Yes if you're in the jungle, on operations, at night, don't rely on this watch to be able to tell the time in a different country from the one you're in. Very important.
@@RD-mx7zi Understand what you mean, but the point is, if you are going to pass this as a field watch, then make it a workable one. The same goes with making diving watches that the lume is crap, you need that lume to keep up with your "oxygen" time. I know, that now days you have other devices to do that, but again, if you make a tool watch, then make it right. Just because is Rolex or whomever, does not excuse them not to do it properly. The issue is we give them a pass because they are a big name brand. I say we shouldn't!
@@RD-mx7zi Again, understood, but I think we started to take it a bit out of context now. Yes there are a boatload of stuff out there that don't meet "our standards". The way I look at it, if you like what you see, then get it, my opinion and yours will differ, not matter what, we may agree on some but we will disagree on others, like on this instance right now. Anyway, nice chatting and take it easy my friend.
I remember when Seiko 5s were much more affordable than this, in an era of affordable GMTs from microbrands that use Seiko movements. I know a Seiko cased watch will be more collectible long term, but there are equally nice options out there today for much less money.
With this thickness plus the dome mineral crystal, it's pretty easy to get scratched from my own experience. The crystal on my old SNK and SNZG were almost scratch-free thanks to how thin they were but my new SRPJ already had some scratches within a month. Since this one shares the same dimension I'm afraid the same scratches will happen soon. Some people say the new Hardlex crystal is more shatter-proof than the older version but the scratch resistance is worse than its predecessors.
As Jodi mentioned, 16.5mm without the strap
Excellent video Jody. I'd go for the non coated stainless steel. The black one reminds me of one of those plastic Luminox watches. As for price drop, maybe it's not the watch itself, could be that the GMT trend is dying a little bit now.
Seiko continues to price themselves out of the market.
and quality control themselves outa the market
Seiko continues to sell more watches every year than the year before. Enthusiasts are delusional and not their main customer.
And still people buy.
I would definitely rock that watch in either color
No lume on the numerals?
I think I'll pass on that one. I'm glad I waited for a review first.
I understand that they're trying to go for a stealthy look, and the last thing you need is a watch that lights up at night when you're on a 'mission'.
Regardless, I still would've preferred lumed numerals.
Thanks for the review, Jody.
280 USD from singapore. full stainless. tax and shipping included. Not a bad deal for a automatic GMT field watch.
in USA, Seiko is marketed as a great brand...in Asia, it's just cheap japanese watch...never can ask for high price.
The Deception is available in UK priced at £380.00 and the Deploy at £410.00 both in FH Hinds
Would love to see a value comparison between the JDM version SBSC009 & an Explorer 2. Nice review btw - thanks JOMW!
Don't think I don't see how windy it is outside at 7:10, proving once again that Jody will stop at nothing, including putting himself in harm's way, to bring us the best watch content on CZcams.
Got my SSK023 “Deploy” for $399AUD from our favourite retailer and absolutely love it! Bracelet comfortable as heck, looks like a black dial Explorer II… great buy!
Please advise the retailer
@@davidlaurenson5462 it was a special offer emailed to VIP customers who have ordered a certain number of times to them. We mustn’t disclose as they are an AD and may have their future supply limited if Seiko find out they are discounting so heavily. 🤷♂️
Thats a GREAT price, where did you get it from?
@@davidlaurenson5462 Starbuy
I didn't notice the bezel misalignment, but now it's one of those things that I can't un-see.
This one looks good on you, Jody. I like what Seiko has done with this watch, particularly that it is affordable (at discount). It reminds me of the Seikos I have been wearing since the 70s that just keep on going. I have always had a soft spot for Seiko due to their levels of in-house manufacturing that few other companies can rival. That is why I can still easily obtain OEM parts for my 50 year-old Seikos. Good luck finding a new bezel, crystal or bracelet for most micro brands after a year.
I keep seeing such great affordable GMTs from Seiko but I always remind myself that I have zero need and no utility for tracking another timezone.
Make one up. My friend and I talk very often. She's in Africa and I'm in the USA. The GMT comes in handy sometimes so I can see what time it is over there.
The numbers really should have been lumed as well.
In my opinion, Seiko needs to make these GMT watches (Alpinist included) either 40 or 41mm to counterbalance the thicker dimensions from the 4-hand GMT movement. As they are now, they've got the proportions of a hamburger, which makes them wear a little strangely...
I like the idea of this one but the redundant 24 hour marker and the bezel makes the dial too cluttered for no relevant functionality. Wouldve considered it if they made it a rotating bezel to justify the clutter by being able to track 3 timezones. Or simply removing the 24hr markers in either the bezel or dial. It just looks like they're cramming their GMT movements into preexisting designs without much intentionality.
The second row of markers on the bezel are 12-hour PM time markers for 24 hour timekeeping as used in places outside the US and in the military. Would've been a much better watch had the bezel been rotating though, I agree with you on that.
I bought a “Deception”, and quickly returned it. Love the look, but it’s just too think for me. The one I had didn’t have the bezel alignment issues noted by Jody on the one he reviewed.
"too think"? 🤔
I bought a leather "nato" strap for a watch with odd sized lug width. It actually has the best fit amoung my watches.
I'm seeing the black version (late Jan '24) in a country just a mile west (but mostly south) of me at USD 415. I have a small wrist but still like a 41mm+ case. If I was going to pick a small case field watch I'd go upscale to a Marathon for the tritium lume.
The JDM version is cool though
If you're getting a seiko 5, It should be the Seiko 5 GMT. It's just a gorgeous look. I don't know, the design is just right.
I like it. I'm not a huge fan of black/military/etc watches, other than for the actual travel phase of traveling (long-distance riding/driving/flying-airports, etc). At the moment, I use a square G-Shock for that job (which goes back in my travel case when I get where I"m going), but this could take over that role I reckon...
Really like the black one, gets away from the Explorer-esque look of the steel. At less than £400 its not out of order.
Try the para or Marine National stretchy single pass french military straps, all the nato with none ofthe disadvantages, like rolled up strap, and double passing.
I assume that Seiko was going for "Stealth" rather than "Deception", but can't argue with the aptness of the translation.
Yeah, something like that. Deploy makes sense, but Deception, not so much.
More than happy with my Night Vision 200m Diver’s solar powered model in PVD steel and sapphire crystal. Cost about the same as this model. Everything even lines up perfectly.
Now discontinued but available used- the Seiko 8F56 series. HA Quartz. Rated +/- 20 seconds a YEAR , ~10 year lithium battery life. Perpetual calendar. True GMT operation. nine tenths of a Grand Seiko.
If you want it dun read the comments lol sbsc009 are hard to get in good price range now and you can also get the jdm version for the other models if you look hard enough, sold out for the ssk with bracelet.
I think I can answer the RRP question, if Seiko sells a watch to retailers at approximately 45% of the RRP, a higher rrp means a higher sale price for Seiko, retailers discounting is eating into their own profit. In short, it's a way to present as offering great margins to retailers whilst in reality, pretty crap margins if retailers are to be competitive.
I like it, I’ll probably pick up the white one and import it from Japan
They don't come from Japan, it's a China QC nasty !
Think about it, you can buy a Pagani with sapphire & a nice bezel for $100 !
@@edwardfletcher7790 the white one is a JDM only model, which are made in Japan - says it on the dial. I would rather have this, I don’t care about specs that much
I can't believe Seiko think they can get away with these alignment issues, ok it's an affordable watch, but no way is it acceptable to be spending that much money and be worried about quality control - and most people buy online these days im assuming.
I actually love the watch, but no way would I risk buying it online.
I have this watch and the alignment with the bezel is perfect… I have the steel version though.
I bought the Speedtimer last year, in the same price bracket as this (I got it discounted), and the build is so much better than this. Everything aligns, you get a sapphire crystal and even a decent bracelet, I can't believe you are paying extra for that movement?
I like the look of the watch, especially at that price range. I think an upgrade would be a more traditional NATO strap in braided nylon. Just a thought.
I really like my SRPG, though it doesn't get much attention. I think the black bezel works if the watch is styled as a military field watch.
I really like these, especially the white dial version. The only thing is that there are better watches out there with the NH34 for similar or lower prices
I also saw the$399 offer Jody. My first thought was “Ok, so what’s wrong with it?…” I didn’t buy it, although a suitable price for the specs.😵💫
I don't understand why everyone says don't buy a watch for retail. Is that just an American/Australian thing? I never see any discounts except for black Friday or Christmas or something. Other then those occasional sales all watches are pretty much always the retail price here in Europe it seems
Nice watch and I agree, it’s a nice alternative to the Rolex. Would loved to have seen the two SS versions as I have no interest in the black, but that’s just me.
I take the 005 orange over this one in a heartbeat.
When you showed the side by side, this one looks even more junky than it does alone.
Not a fan of Seiko but the Orange is a good looking watch.
This might be the nicest Seiko 5 I have ever seen. If it had a 6r movement and sapphire crystal I'd be interested. It comes with a 4r movement and with a hardlex crystal and I won't buy another watch with those properties.
Looks very nice but I’d consider going Lumtec for legibility.
Took advantage of said email discount last week for the stainless steel version, and I'm pretty happy :-) The JDM version with the white dial is maybe my favourite though - very much a "homage" to the white dialed Rolex Explorer II! might have to track one down when I'm in Japan next month!
I picked up a GS GMT, the quartz SBGN027 during a recent trip to Japan so quality seiko GMT's are out there.
I will buy it from a Microbrand maybe eventually. With a sapphire crystal, screw down crown, a conventional strap and better qc for well under half the price of the Seiko....
I like this watch, but, 13.9mm on a double pass-thru Nato strap, PVD coated, and no sapphire crystal (this is a recording)? However, I do like the matching hands, no silly snowflake or arrows on this one. Guess Seiko has to make fixed bezel watches in order to match up with the indices. Thanks Jody, I'll do a 'camelcamelcamel' on this one.
So they have 24hr numerals on the bezel and inside the Arabics...
You really only need one or the other or neither. I would choose neither because I believe "Less is more" would do more for this watch.
You then do away from the alignment issue or it's completely disguised, and you would have more room (and budget) to do something with the indices.
Take a page from the Rolex as shown...Maybe shake it up and do something like the Lum-Tech V10 Big Date indices and very small 24h numerals.
But that would probably perpetuate it to a higher price point.
This is of course a personal preference, and everyone's different, but being military for over 20yrs....I would take a watch with a longer power reserve than a GMT hand.
I mean I understand the tech, but in my experience crossing time zones often, I personally just change the time to the current time zone and use the little bit of math to figure out the time elsewhere. My ritual is to change the time mid-flight because I know when you look at your flight info, it will always list the local time when you land where you're flying into.
Stylistically, I'd throw a Zuludiver Kingsand band and be done with it. The only way 16mm+ of height works is with a short-sleeve shirt. I think NATO straps work best with thin field watches.
I'll stick with restorations and if I get a GMT urge (unlikely), I'll build my own as I sold all mine
There is no reason to have a GMT dial and a fixed GMT bezel on the same watch. That really annoys me.
Great release from seiko although I don't know why they didn't release the white dial version world wide?
The lime green on full black is a little odd. White would have contrast more nicely i think
I love the Japanese model with the white dial but that’s now $500 before tax and shipping. I remember I could’ve bought it for $400 after tax and shipping. Oh well I guess I wait and see now.
Why does it appear like a Rolex explorer? For the bezel maybe.
The similarity with Rolex is, as we are saying in Spain "como un huevo a una castaña" literally translates "like an egg front a chestnut"
Sure wish Seiko would have had a corresponding black bracelet with this one.
My Deploy arrived today. Ordered it from Teddy B. Love it
Gotta ask,....the bezel, whether rotating or not......what's up with the 360 degrees = 24 units? It's not military time equivalent,....it's not "minutes" around the dial......what is it?...and what is it for? That said, maybe it can be used as a one-time "offset"....to use it as a poor-man's GMT for the 2nd time zone offset you are at...BUT ...this IS a GMT watch with the extra hand so you don't need the faux GMT "bezel". What am I missing?
I like the style but i have always had a problem with the case thickness of the Seiko 5. I have had two of them and flipped them both.
The Invicta model: $1000 MSRP marked down to $79. WHAT A DEAL!!!!
Looks fine.....average and inoffensive, except for the black leather NATO. That heavy wrap around at the top doesn't look great. I think it would look much nicer on a black or dark brown leather strap.
Black one looks much better than the silver but needs a different strap/ bracelet. Seiko have lost their way, they could get away with this kind of thing when we were paying less than £100 but the qc issues, the harlex and the accuracy of the movements make this a non starter. As they are building them in China a pt5000 or a Seagull might be better, I'd give up the fourth hand for better accuracy.
I like the look of this, except for the strap. I don’t know why but I just don’t like NATO straps. I doubt I’d ever buy a Seiko 5 GMT because of the alignment issues. I have one of the SRPGs (SRPG39) which, for me, is the perfect Seiko 5 field watch.
Everything about the dial and hands works for me, and I think I'd like the stainless case a lot. So I'm half thinking about getting one of these; I should "pay respects" to the brand behind the movement in half my awesome micro GMTs of the past while, right? But increasingly it's hard to get past mineral crystal on a ~$300 watch (let alone RRP). When you put something like this against say a $250 San Martin GMT, with its finishing suitable for a $700+ watch... I dunno.
I'm a bit disappointed that the numbers are not lumed. At least you know it's real with the alignment issue!
Is there a Mercury/ Baltany/ Pierre Paulin/ San Martin we should consider with GMT movement?
"That is a little helpful referring to this as the SSK" - you haven't noticed by now the letters in a Seiko reference indicate the movement?
Very much considering the SBSC009 JDM version myself. Gotta pay a premium on those though
I picked one up in the UK with a 25% discount. £95 off. Very happy with the deal I got considering how new it is.
Rubicon watches
@@yogzm5645 yes
Considering brands like Boldr have GMTs with identical specs in terms of movement and dimensions, but come on a bracelet and with sapphire crystal with 200m WR for a similar price, it really makes you question Seiko's logic here. Not getting decent glass at this price range is really off putting, especially on a field style watch!
I love the look of it but even after getting the same $399 offer I can't push the buy it now button for some reason. But yeah I do love the look of the black dial with stainless steel bezel and case. It just looks right.....So why can't i push the buy it now button? Dunno its odd. Also did you watch that video another youtuber did last year testing all the glass types? They did say the seiko hardlex was a bit better and while not a massive difference i just think it's worth noting.
The 16 on the bezel is orientated the wrong way. The 6 hour faces inward but the 16 faces outward.
Good review. I'll be waiting for the price to drop but I am also looking at JDM exclusive with the white face which is also like the Rolex Explorer 2.
This is probably not something I would buy at any price. It looks OK and I'm sure it works well, but I can get more watch for less money.The NH34 is a nice movement, but it doesn't command a high price. Hardlex, poor quality control, and the lack of lume disqualify it in my book. I can forgive the leather strap because replacing it with a nylon strap wouldn't be a problem. (But I don't trust leather once it gets wet a few times, and the thickness of that strap is a bit too much.)
Really, I'm trying not to hate this watch but it makes it easy for me.
Thanks for the review, as always. You do good work and I enjoy your videos!
This is just the look I want from a Seiko, they sure know how to do a dial, if only it just had three hands a sapphire lens and a screw-crown, why wont they ?
Just ordered the JDM white dial version.
Never thought I would see a Casio mrw 200h being cloned by Seiko
The only thing I would change is the Strap, not keen on the leather nato
I like that watch, thinking of buying one if I can find one for a bit lower price. I have been looking for a all black watch that wouldn't kill my budget but haven't had any luck. The closest I came was the "Orient Ray Raven II" but that one didn't have the Arabic numerals which I wanted. Any suggestions & tips other then this one?
I believe there is a white face model too with silver bezel.