It's tough to spend that much on a Seiko but general consensus is it is worth it. The Seikos at this price point are so much better than lower priced ones. Biggest criticism is the movement.

Check out this thread:

https://www.watchuseek.com/threads/...terpretation-spb143j1-spb145j1-spb147j1-spb149j1.5141327/page-252#post-53038262

 

Stunning picture! Damn. One cannot get a better looking (non-GS) Seiko. Time to delve into that link. Thank you kindly

 

I think it is. There's something about it that might not come across in pictures but when you see it in the metal as some people say and you hold it, you can tell there's a difference between the SPB14x and the Seiko divers hovering the $500 price point.

BB58/ SPB145/ SPB147

 

Question is, would you take it diving?

 

Yes it is awesome and will dominate wrist time.

 

If I knew how, the only water it has seen is the shower. 😂

On-point, Kev! Sooo glad to hear that people, if able, would take it diving

 

So my opinion, flawed as it may be, is that I bought a Sumo with a 6R15 for about $480 which is a much better bargain. The only thing this model has the Sumo doesn't is DiaShield. Yeah, the 6R35 has a better power reserve and there may be a few differences between the two I don't know about that skew in the 62MAS's favor but, honestly, $480 vs. $1200???? Not close at all for two watches that are pretty similar.

I say it's not worth the price. It's a nice watch to be sure but, comparing to a "run of the mil" Sumo, it's a bit over priced for something that arguably functions no better than the cheaper model.

 

Movement aside, does it feel in the same ballpark as something like a Black Bay? Finish, quality, presence, etc

 

I think if you can get them around $900 it's a fair deal. $1200 is a little excessive. I got my SPB149 for $950 from my AD.

 

Tough to find something nicer for the price, I think. Proportions just work so well. Better than any other seiko diver <$1500 IMHO. Worth what you'll pay for it. What's the alternative?

 

This 62MAS is a different league if you like quality and beauty both...

 

I have the SPB147 and it is a hell lot of a watch with excellent finishing. I was quite pleased with my $1000 spend and wear it in rotation with my OP41. Tgese SPBs are gorgeous timepieces.

 

I too have been on the fence about the SPB143. I love that dial and that 40mm case, but I can't bring myself to pay US$1,000 for it. For some reason, even though it's a regular production Seiko, the prices seem to be not softening, even trending upwards in some grey markets.

US$1,000 seems too high a price. I would probably get one when it hits $800.

 

It's worth every penny. For the poster that said "the sumo is in the same class without diashield"...its a nice watch, yes it is. In the same class with the 140 series, not even close. I have owned 2 different styles of 62 mas....this is the one they should have released first, not the 050 series. The giant 44, 46 mm dive watches of Seiko will be going the way of the Dodo I would suspect. Everything they are making is getting more in line with what consumers are looking for. The giant watch trend is dead now.

For those who say, well there is much better at that price point....with in house movement? Built IN Japan not China? Swiss made with in house movement? With an actual Diver's Cert? Add those things, there isn't anything, not within another grand or more.

I'm still confused as to why anyone is complaining about the movement. Mine is accurate within a couple seconds a day, has a 70 hour power reserve and is a tank. I don't care if Seiko regulates the movement to be within 1 second a day, its a good solid movement. Stop looking at the 15 or 20 people in the world who go onto 5000 forums to complain about the same watch. Its the same people posting on 5000 different forums. People who are satisfied with their watch don't go on forums and say how wonderful they are. Most people who buy watches don't go on forums at all. They buy that one watch they wanted and go about their business.

If the watch is attracting your attention, keeps making you look at webpages and study it, buy it. If you buy the one someone recommended due to their own taste, you just settled for something someone else bought. If you like it, buy it.

I have the 149 and absolutely love it. I'm dumping my other Seiko's because they will never get any more wrist time to this beauty. For the first time in many many years, Seiko released something that is wearable by just about anyone. The proportions are about as near perfect for Seiko as you can get.

Again, I have enjoyed my Sumo, but it looks like the ugly fat lady in the watch box compared to the 149. Sorry fat lady, you just sang your last toon for me.....buh bye.....

 

It's worth every penny. For the poster that said "the sumo is in the same class without diashield"...its a nice watch, yes it is. In the same class with the 140 series, not even close. I have owned 2 different styles of 62 mas....this is the one they should have released first, not the 050 series. The giant 44, 46 mm dive watches of Seiko will be going the way of the Dodo I would suspect. Everything they are making is getting more in line with what consumers are looking for. The giant watch trend is dead now.

For those who say, well there is much better at that price point....with in house movement? Built IN Japan not China? Swiss made with in house movement? With an actual Diver's Cert? Add those things, there isn't anything, not within another grand or more.

I'm still confused as to why anyone is complaining about the movement. Mine is accurate within a couple seconds a day, has a 70 hour power reserve and is a tank. I don't care if Seiko regulates the movement to be within 1 second a day, its a good solid movement. Stop looking at the 15 or 20 people in the world who go onto 5000 forums to complain about the same watch. Its the same people posting on 5000 different forums. People who are satisfied with their watch don't go on forums and say how wonderful they are. Most people who buy watches don't go on forums at all. They buy that one watch they wanted and go about their business.

If the watch is attracting your attention, keeps making you look at webpages and study it, buy it. If you buy the one someone recommended due to their own taste, you just settled for something someone else bought. If you like it, buy it.

I have the 149 and absolutely love it. I'm dumping my other Seiko's because they will never get any more wrist time to this beauty. For the first time in many many years, Seiko released something that is wearable by just about anyone. The proportions are about as near perfect for Seiko as you can get.

Again, I have enjoyed my Sumo, but it looks like the ugly fat lady in the watch box compared to the 149. Sorry fat lady, you just sang your last toon for me.....buh bye.....

Standing ovation

 

I don't own one (yet) but you'll notice how the 14X series is rarely off the first page on the Seiko forum. The thread has very little criticism; it's clearly very popular. Second hand prices are also very firm, reinforcing it's desirability.
Shop around for a good price, and judging by the vast opion of others, you won't be disappointed.

 

I found one for $725 on chrono24 back in April, they seem to stay between $700-$800 depending on their condition. They are pretty bullet proof so its hard to find one in "rough" condition.

 

You’ve only to look at it to know it’s worth the coin.

 

The moment you quit comparing it to other watches, and just judge it for what it truly is; a lovely designed Seiko diver - you get the answer.

I did.

 

This 👆

 

Yes - they are pretty reasonably priced for what they offer.

I have owned a few Seiko divers in the sub-$1k category over the years (still have a one or two), and my SPB147 is a very clear step up from them all in every regard. As with another poster, the SPB147 is now basically forcing my hand to thin the last of my Seiko diver herd (expecet for the SKX009, which will always stay as my first automatic) - the others just don't get the same wrist time they used to.

It is clearly and noticeably of a higher and better quality than any of their other sub-$1k divers. More refined in styling and finishing, and very noticeably so when you actually have it in the hand and on the wrist. The difference may not be quite as obvious from photos alone, but as soon as you see it in the metal, it's really obvious. They are not the same kind of beast as Seiko's chunkier tool watches and there is a clear difference in how they wear and in how they are finished.

The SPB147 is the closest comparison the SPB14x line has to the BB58. It's not quite at the level of the BB58 in terms of finesse and finishing, but it comes surprisingly close and certainly much closer than you would think given the very significant price difference between the two of them. Close enough that I went for it over a BB58 and scratched the "well made retro diver" itch....and saved thousands in the process to put toward other watches.

I'm not saying that if someone really loves and wants a BB58 that the SPB14x it will sate that desire - it won't as it's not the same watch and the BB58 is a step up on a few fronts. But I am saying that it you kinda dig the BB58, think you might like one (but are not consumed by burning desires for it) and like quite like the look of the SPB14x line too, then you may just have found your answer.

And just to be clear - I think the SPB14x line stands firmly on its own two feet totally and completely aside from comparisons with the BBs or any other dive watch. They are very good watches and they are not unreasonably priced (particularly given a some ADs may give you 10-15% off if you bargain a bit - although maybe not so much now as when they first came out as there seems to be serious demand for it and secondary/grey prices are holding firm).

GS aside, it might be the best release Seiko has put out in years.

 

Yes - they are pretty reasonably priced for what they offer.

I have owned a few Seiko divers in the sub-$1k category over the years (still have a one or two), and my SPB147 is a very clear step up from them all in every regard. As with another poster, the SPB147 is now basically forcing my hand to thin the last of my Seiko diver herd (expecet for the SKX009, which will always stay as my first automatic) - the others just don't get the same wrist time they used to.

It is clearly and noticeably of a higher and better quality than any of their other sub-$1k divers. More refined in styling and finishing, and very noticeably so when you actually have it in the hand and on the wrist. The difference may not be quite as obvious from photos alone, but as soon as you see it in the metal, it's really obvious. They are not the same kind of beast as Seiko's chunkier tool watches and there is a clear difference in how they wear and in how they are finished.

The SPB147 is the closest comparison the SPB14x line has to the BB58. It's not quite at the level of the BB58 in terms of finesse and finishing, but it comes surprisingly close and certainly much closer than you would think given the very significant price difference between the two of them. Close enough that I went for it over a BB58 and scratched the "well made retro diver" itch....and saved thousands in the process to put toward other watches.

I'm not saying that if someone really loves and wants a BB58 that the SPB14x it will sate that desire - it won't as it's not the same watch and the BB58 is a step up on a few fronts. But I am saying that it you kinda dig the BB58, think you might like one (but are not consumed by burning desires for it) and like quite like the look of the SPB14x line too, then you may just have found your answer.

And just to be clear - I think the SPB14x line stands firmly on its own two feet totally and completely aside from comparisons with the BBs or any other dive watch. They are very good watches and they are not unreasonably priced (particularly given a some ADs may give you 10-15% off if you bargain a bit - although maybe not so much now as when they first came out as there seems to be serious demand for it and secondary/grey prices are holding firm).

GS aside, it might be the best release Seiko has put out in years.

You're gonna itch that scratch.....I did......

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

 

since i have a smaller wrist, i enjoy a lot along side my Steel Master and my Sowflake !

 

I think the SPB14x series is a great line by Seiko. I was impressed enough when I got my 149 that I got the 143. The grey and the blue are great dressy divers. Unlike some people, my timekeeping has been accurate. YMMV.

 

I’ll throw in my $0.02. I did not expect to be as impressed as I was. I can’t take mine off my wrist. I think it’s worth it depending on what you value. For me, the brand and heritage is a big part of it.

Is it Tudor-level? No.

Is it worth ~1000 usd? Yes and then some.

 

It still is afflicted by the horrible misalignment issues that has plague lower end models, the limited edition 149 is the same but you pay more for that.

 

6R35 is an extremely mediocre movement.

 

I have the SBDC51 which is only a couple mm difference in size and much higher quality imho. Posted this awhile back;

"Now in regard to the SPB143;
First the price is crazy especially compared to picking up the SBDC51 2nd hand or even can still buy new. I bought mine here in like new condition.
It's really not that much smaller and I don't have large wrists, 6.75in
SPB143 case diff 2mm, lug to lug diff 2mm, thickness under 1mm diff
Then there is that bezel, to me it looks too wide and definitely prefer the glossy bezel of the SBDC51.
The only color of the SPB models that even appeal to me is the 143 and would rather have black than grey.
The only thing I will concede is the hand set, I do like that a bit more on the SPB especially the second hand.
But I believe the lume on the indices is better "finished" on the SBDC being flush and smooth where as the SPB is a "glob" like the Turtles.

But seriously the price differential is insane for the same quality level, I know, I know, the movement is "better" but that isn't a deal breaker."

So no it's not worth that much coin.

 

The question of whether the SPBX 62MAS “reimagination” models are worthwhile or not seems extremely subjective.

I’ve owned two, the 143 and 149, along with the SLA037.

The 149 is a great value, from my perspective, in terms of the beautiful color on the dial, PR, diashield coating, bracelet, and silicone strap combo, etc., and the timekeeping specs of the 6R35 relative to the cost. I rotate so often I never bothered to track the timekeeping performance, but it seemed fine. Mine wasn’t getting wrist time, since the SLA037 and others were hogging it, so I happily moved it along to a new home.

I think the bracelet is fine for the cost, but have read some complaints others have about it. Regardless of its relative value, I wasn’t wearing it on my 143, never even had it sized, so I moved the still-stickered bracelet along to a happy new owner as well, who is enjoying it. To each their own.

I have owned a number of Black Bays, including the BB58. All things being equal, I don’t think the finishing of the SPB14X models is close to that of the 58, nor is the movement chronometer grade like the 58’s...but all things are not equal, and the BB58’s significantly more expensive.

If one were to compare the finishing on the 58 vs the SLA037, that may be a more fair comparison, and the SLA037 may win out, in some folks’ opinions. But again, the comparison wouldn’t be made in a vacuum, and the 037 is twice the cost of BB58 on strap or thereabouts, so that’s a huge factor for many of us.

Bottom line, I think the SPB143 at its cost works for me as a versatile, tough change-of-pace watch on a variety of straps, but I get why it might not work universally for everyone. I’d also not personally ditch certain others I own in favor of keeping the 143, if forced to pick, but to each their own.

I like the SPB14X line, and for me, they’re solid value.

 

I have 2 050 series that are about to go to for sale. Although its only 2 mm larger in size and 2mm lug to lug, that 2mm adds to 4 when you add a bracelet. The 149 comes in at around 49mm with the bracelet. The 050 series comes in at beyond 51mm and doesn't have the same nice curve to form to the wrist that the 149 does. The shape of the 140 series is what makes it, in my opinion, better than the 050 series. It harkens back to the original 62mas alot more than the one release a couple years ago does. This is what I was looking for. The 050 series is much more modern looking and a great looking watch, but the lug to lug on that and the 060 series have made them not that much fun to wear. I can pull them off fine....I have good size wrists, but the new shape and lug to lug are the sweet spot for me.

Both are great watches, but I just feel the newer one left the other one behind.

brash

 

I'm a pretty avid seiko guy from the 70s Chronos, skx monsters, sumos, turtles, samurais, grand seikos and everything in-between and I think this is the best fitting seiko in the last 10 years at least. The end links are horrible but everything else on the watch is worth the $1000. Gone are the $150 good seiko divers but the way this wears is making me think of selling my other modern seiko dive watches. I would gladly trade two sumos for one of these.

 

Honestly, I've tried to convince myself it isn't worth it, but I keep coming back. Better to have one proper-proper watch than a few solid ones. At this point I'm considering either a Mido Ocean Star Tribute, Glycine Airman No.1, or this - they all hit around $1300 CAD used.

 

I own the SPB149. It's an expensive Seiko, but still has all the issues that the cheaper Seikos have. The movement is meh at best. The 70-hour power reserve is nice, but if you wear it often, not that important.

It's the quality issues that irk me. The bezel not aligned. The wiggle bezel, etc. I was disappointed in these things when I got it. I thought at that price point, they wouldn't be an issue, but they still are.

I still like it a lot, but it punches below its weight in the quality department IMHO.

 

I was really looking forward to this watch before I got mine. Once it arrived I was smitten despite what I had heard from the first owners and some QC issues. I wore mine all last summer, basically 2 months straight, in any setting including some local diving.

For most of those 2 months it ran around +5spd. If not worn it would run fast for sure, but kept on my wrist it wouldn't change much at all.

I did however have to regulate near the end of summer, went from +5 to -15 out of nowhere. I'm no watchmaker but whatever the reason the beat error went from 0 to something like 5, a quick adjustment and back to keeping excellent time so long as it's worn constantly. Case is made in china I guess?

I do think it's worth the price if you like the design. You can get a new 300m Tuna or a GSAR around the same price point, but if want a Seiko I don't think you can go wrong!

 

I was really looking forward to this watch before I got mine. Once it arrived I was smitten despite what I had heard from the first owners and some QC issues. I wore mine all last summer, basically 2 months straight, in any setting including some local diving.

For most of those 2 months it ran around +5spd. If not worn it would run fast for sure, but kept on my wrist it wouldn't change much at all.

I did however have to regulate near the end of summer, went from +5 to -15 out of nowhere. I'm no watchmaker but whatever the reason the beat error went from 0 to something like 5, a quick adjustment and back to keeping excellent time so long as it's worn constantly. Case is made in china I guess?
View attachment 15872832

I do think it's worth the price if you like the design. You can get a new 300m Tuna or a GSAR around the same price point, but if want a Seiko I don't think you can go wrong!

May I ask what tools did you use to remove that caseback from your SPB143? Please share pics if possible. Thx.