Reply With QuoteI do like the look of a blacked out watch. I've never had one but always wondered how durable the finish is, particularly when they're no a black bracelet.
I do like the look of a blacked out watch. I've never had one but always wondered how durable the finish is, particularly when they're no a black bracelet.
Love the watch, not so keen on the date placement. Would much prefer it at 3 like the regular Willards.
And me. I struggle to think why I'd pay 2.8k for the sla when these are around a grand.Originally Posted by Coot
They look great. I still find this case finish totally impractical.
Last edited by j111dja; 11th February 2022 at 19:24.
Me too but I’ve just bought the SLA on Sc!
In my case, once I’d bought an SPB, I know I’d always be wishing I’d bought an SLA so decided to miss a step.
Ah, now if that is the 043 then that is indeed a beautiful thing and I'm jealous. Its a far more accurate reissue of the 62mas than the spb version, whereas the 033 doesn't look sufficiently different to the spb Willard for me. Apologies if it's the 033 on sc you've bought.Me too but I’ve just bought the SLA on Sc!
In my case, once I’d bought an SPB, I know I’d always be wishing I’d bought an SLA so decided to miss a step.
No, it’s the 43, I’m not a fan of the Willard case shape.
I was looking at the SPB 143/147/149 and was actually leaning towards the 147 before we agreed a deal on the SLA.
Cracking watch, and great price.
Cheers, I’m looking forward to its arrival.
Going back to the start of this conversation, the only thing that bugs me about my SPB079 (6R35, the same as the other spb models) is the accuracy of around 8spd when compared to my 16710 at around 1spd. I’m hoping the better movement in the SLA will resolve that issue. To me, it’s the only thing that lets it down compared to Rolex which is unfair of me really given the price differential.
My 6r35 powered Willard runs about +15 seconds a day. I can live with that, but when the likes of steeldive get better results from a cheaper movement than the 6r35 it's not unfair for you to expect the same performance as your 16710.
I like these. I’ve ordered the 253, I think it’s a great size and look
Do you mind me asking how much, I can’t see a price for them.
The 253 sound be my choice too!
Edit : no worries, I’ve found it.
Last edited by Dave+63; 10th February 2022 at 18:38.
https://www.watcho.co.uk/watches/sei...atch-spb253j1/
10 percent off as well :)
That’s a decent price and a decent saving too!
Agree. Black resin, forged carbon or black ceramic would be goers but any applied coating over steel would make me nervous.
Apparently the black coating Damaskos get is ludicrously durable though
Nice these new Seiko models
£2,850 for a Seiko Diver? What planet have I found myself on today?
Just to clarify, the SPB255 1968 recreation has a 6R35 and is £1080. The SPB257 1970 Turtle recreation has a 6R35 and is £1170. The SLA061 1970 recreation has an 8L35 and is £2850. The 8L35 model is therefore priced around the same price as a new mm300 with the same movement.
You're not going to like this then:)
https://amjwatches.co.uk/seikp-prosp...-sla039j1.html
Errm No! In the planet I used to live on, Seiko used to sell quality divers watches for around £150-£300. I have obviously been abducted by Aliens and brought to this alternate universe where prices are 10 times more!
You can still buy a new samurai or turtle for £300 or a bit less if you shop around, so yes, they still do.
Probably on your planet there was a different definition of ‘quality’.
It's not that,
It's £2850 for -10 +15 seconds a day...
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That along with SLA025 is one of the best modern Seikos.
Agree.
I agree, nearly bought a 25 from my local AD wish I had now. Getting expensive though now, even the SBDX017/001 are not exactly cheap anymore.
Last edited by Middo; 12th February 2022 at 13:37.
Just to add, when I bought a black turtle it was £500 ish from memory, black sumo was £700 ish, prices are going mad.
Current fave is the SPB237 but they are having a laugh at £1200
I think this is a strong point.
I’m a huge fan of Seiko and the fact they used to be cheap doesn’t mean new models have to be too. The design and quality of newer models have improved substantially (though not the quality control).
Having said the above, that stated accuracy on a watch costing nearly £3k is a joke.
I sure I read 8L35’s are more accurate than that once regulated properly.
They are, my MM300 is less than 1 second a day fast after it’s recent service at Seiko.
With regard to Seikos black coatings, I have 2, they do mark if you bash them but you have to be really rough to get it to mark.
My kinetic gmt has the odd little pin prick on it but it lives a very hard life when worn (the bezel shows most marks). My MM Tuna only has one tiny scuff on the top of the case and that is where I scraped it on a wall, you really have to look hard for it.
I would have no problem buying another black coated Seiko.
The 8L35 in my Emperor Tuna has been well within chronometer specs from new, and now around a year later gains 3 spd. Due to their unadjusted nature it can be a bit “luck of the draw”
I don’t disagree that the 8L35 is capable of being extremely accurate but again, at that money, I would expect Seiko to make an effort to regulate them out of the factory rather than have an enormous window of tolerance. Essentially, if you got one that was out by 10secs a a day, Seiko would be well within their rights to say there’s nothing wrong with it and independent regulation would void the warranty.
It’s the Seiko way, you either pay up and roll the dice or you don’t. I would, up to a point.
I just cant get my head around the awful case shape, the more conventional round prospex diver in black is much nicer (imho)
Absolutely right on the regulation front, and it should apply to all of their movements.
With their price rises Seiko, despite being a mass manufacturer should:
- Regulate all their movements prior to shipping. Who else ships out unregulated movements at the 8L35 quality level?
- Invest in upgrading their bracelets which have fallen behind other brands.
- Forget the pin and collar system and move to screwed links.
- Develop a ratchet easy adjust system. The MM300 is okay but it's clunky.
- Improve QC so that everything bloody well lines up.
As an example, a 4R36 Turtle comes in at £430, and as you say, you roll the dice on QC at that "low" price point but also at the £800 - £1.3K mark too. Seiko no longer offer the value they once did.
As well as poor regulation (or perhaps just a poor promise of regulation), there are other aspects of the spec getting left behind.
None of these bezels are anything more than an engraved metal insert, with a single lume pip at 12,
No ceramic, no sapphire, not even any lumed numerals.
And 200m WR is pretty run of the mill.
There are many brands that will offer you a lot more dive watch for substantially less money. Not just microbrands, others too.
And the fact that Seiko themselves will sell you a similarly-specified dive watch for a third of the cost makes even less sense.
Don't get me wrong, I think these look great, but £400 great, no more.
Edit - Just been looking at the Mido Ocean Star 600 blackout. Chronometer rating, 600m WR, X1 lumed bezel, 80hr power reserve. All features not on one of these Seikos, and the Mido costs about £1000.
Last edited by sweets; 15th February 2022 at 11:48.
I ordered all 3 of the black editions and they've just come in - will report back...
No messing around here. Look forward to your report. I was gutted I missed out on the black turtle SRP77x
Blimey, that's a cool trio. All to keep, or choosing one and sending two back?
Definitely the middle and right, left I'm wearing for a few minutes to double check :) (it wears the largest of them all on my tiny stick arms)
Is the right one the Willard? (Difficult to see under the protective film). I've got the 237 and thin wrists and that wears fine, if so that one definitely makes sense.
Unless you are particularly careless with your watches I wouldn’t worry about it.
That role has been replaced by Orient. Their similar priced watches are better than the Seiko in the same price bracket.
Strong work that.
The new ones do look very nice specially the Turtle version. I might have to wait though as I have a Seiko PVD Turtle already but we all know how fast things can change:)
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Last edited by Stilgoe1972; 19th February 2022 at 16:36.
Well...
Played dress up for far too long.
Pictures dont do them any justice - looks nothing like this
Came back with these:
Again, horrid pics but in the flesh its gorgeous. Been sat in the window for ages and I'd never given it a second thought.
I’ve picked one up today also! Had a play with all 3 and this for me is the best one.
Also had a play with the sla061 (didn’t get a pic) but that is lovely seriously tempted to move a watch on to get that! It’s got a lovely textured dial similar to GS’s
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