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.
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.
They look great. I still find this case finish totally impractical.
Last edited by j111dja; 11th February 2022 at 19:24.
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.
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.
I like these. I’ve ordered the 253, I think it’s a great size and look
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
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.
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...
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)
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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