Should my next watch be a seiko speedtimer or spb?

Between those two; the spb. I have a Seiko solar chrono (a different model, but similar) and I love the watch, but it is a bit frustrating. The date window is terribly small and with the nature of solar watches, the date numeral(s) are set deep into the watch—difficult to read the date from a quick glance. With a bit more effort, the watch could have achieved a significantly higher degree of greatness. The power reserve indicator function is cool.


To answer your questions; see this video from the 10:30 mark.

I would get the Speedtimer because it looks sharp and I stay away from Seiko mechanical movements.

I’d get some hands on time with a chrono first since you are unfamiliar with the complication.

Once you know if this is something you want, the decision will be easier.

Personally I am not a fan of the Speedtimer so the decision is easy.

Cheers

The Speedtimer SSC817 has me thinking about selling a couple watches in a serious way.

I know it's beloved but I just don't get the SPB143. It's boring to me. Boring markers, boring hands, boring case shape and it looks like it'll wear long L2L. Maybe I spent too much time in WPAC listening to Hornet but grey sunburst dial is the worst choice for a dive watch; paired with silver hands, be prepared to not see them when light is compromised.

Learn about the little clocks and buttons. Love the little clocks & buttons. Get the Speedtimer.

I've just gone through this decision process. I landed on the SPB143, which has exceeded my expectations.

I found the Speedtimer to feel larger on the wrist; the male end links are probably responsible for this. Subjectively the SPB felt higher quality, especially the dial. I also like the callbacks to the 62MAS design.

I don't think you can go wrong either way, and in the end you may want both.

Legore said:

Currently have a 5kx (and an snk) and want something nicer. Thought about oris, CW and sinn but it seems they all have some drawbacks and at that pricepoint I feel it's better to put that money towards my end game watch!

These are the ones I am considering:

Seiko solar chronograph, looks cool, I've never had a chronograph before. What do the small clocks and buttons on side do?

View attachment 17320783



Or of course the SPB

View attachment 17320784


This next watch will pretty much be my main watch. I will buy an end game watch later, but even then I will probably only keep that in the bank safe box and only wear it for really special occasions. But this next watch will pretty much be my main watch!

Click to expand...

You don't need a chronograph. No one does. They're mostly useless. The second hand will sit parked at 12, and never move. You'll never use the Tachymeter. No one even knows how to read those.

The sub-dial on the left is the chronograph minute counter. The hash marks are so small you won't be able to read them, so it's kinda pointless. The sub-dial on the bottom is current time seconds. The sub-dial on the right is a 24-hour indicator, basically a glorified AM/PM indicator. It's completely useless and does nothing.

Seiko quartz chronograph designs are stupid. They can't count past one hour, and they have three registers when they only need two. Get the diver. The diver is far better at timing things than the chronograph is.

I really like the SPB. Only reason I don’t have one is that I’m focused on the SLA037

Love the SPB, I'd go with that.

Another vote for the Seiko Speedtimer.

The speedtimer is gorgeous and would stand out on the wrist - if that’s what you are going for. The SPB is …. just really, really boring. At least in my opinion. Gray like a dreary winter sky with ugly indices and a boring handset

I would really avoid Seiko and go for a Swiss or German brand. Seikos are overpriced and overrated these days and they can’t make an accurate movement to save their lives.

Legore said:

Currently have a 5kx (and an snk) and want something nicer. Thought about oris, CW and sinn but it seems they all have some drawbacks and at that pricepoint I feel it's better to put that money towards my end game watch!

These are the ones I am considering:

Seiko solar chronograph, looks cool, I've never had a chronograph before. What do the small clocks and buttons on side do?

View attachment 17320783



Or of course the SPB

View attachment 17320784


This next watch will pretty much be my main watch. I will buy an end game watch later, but even then I will probably only keep that in the bank safe box and only wear it for really special occasions. But this next watch will pretty much be my main watch!

Click to expand...

Spb143 would be my choice. The visual on that watch is like near perfection in how a watch should look and in its proportions. I would suspect it to be how the Socratic "Forms" of a watch would look.

I will go with the Seiko chronograph. I like the look of watches with chronograph altrough i almost never use the chronograph but i like to see it there . Who knows when you will need to time something

I really like the Speedtimer...the SPB is nice but nothing special in my opinion. The chrono has a bit more personality so I'd go with that

I would skip both and I own both.

Try Marinemaster 200 reduced instead. The case design is way more interesting.

The speedtimer puts me to sleep while the SBDC101 is more like grey cement drying.

As for movement well quartz so you will be fine there the 6r in the 101 is a toss up but with enough watches I just don't care anymore about accuracy. Who cares about a 5 second deviation and a three day power reserve if you need to set the time and date anyways?

Some people complain and out way too much emphasis on a highly accurate mechanical watch. What an oxymoron. Should just wear a G-Shock or Apple Watch if you want accuracy.

You are comparing apples and oranges. I prefer apples.

I'll let you guess which one is which (or easier way: check my vote). Good luck!

I have seen the Speedtimer in person. IMHO, not one of their better efforts.....

SPB for my vote.

Another vote for the SPB.
It’s is a great looking watch in person. I haven’t worn it with the bracelet since buying it. Leather straps, natos, and rubber tropic bands are just a killer combo on this watch. I don’t think it’s boring at all, the grey dial contrast from the bezel makes it pop

spedtimer has my curiosity, but I don’t have much interest in a solar watch. Only thing that’s held me back so far