I sold my SLA017 when I got my SJE093. I prefer the smaller size and that it's the same size as the original. I definitely don't find the SJE any less robust than the SLA. The 6L in my SJE runs better than the 8L in my SLA, (although both are good, we're talking +1 vs +4) the 8L power reserve is actually 50, not 72. So that's my experience, but if you think you'd prefer the SLA, then you should do it. I just happen to prefer smaller watches these days. I also have an Explorer, a 36mm version. If you wear the 39mm Explorer and love it, the SLA may be a better fit for you.

 

I enjoy my 2 Seiko MM300’s, an SLA021 and my SLA039, but would equally love to own an SJE093 or an SLA017.
I suppose the choice comes down to size preference, a little bigger at 39mm or what the 62MAS originally was made at. At $5000 you could probably find a NIB SLA037 in EverBrilliant and with the 8L55 Hi-Beat, plus a little color. Personally my ultimate 62MAS reissue.

Movement wise, the 8L35 and 6L35 are basically the same quality with just an overall size difference. Both are nice Seiko movements.

Good luck deciding and honestly, I don’t think there is a wrong answer.

 

I enjoy my 2 Seiko MM300’s, an SLA021 and my SLA039, but would equally love to own an SJE093 or an SLA017.
I suppose the choice comes down to size preference, a little bigger at 39mm or what the 62MAS originally was made at. At $5000 you could probably find a NIB SLA037 in EverBrilliant and with the 8L55 Hi-Beat, plus a little color. Personally my ultimate 62MAS reissue.

Movement wise, the 8L35 and 6L35 are basically the same quality with just an overall size difference. Both are nice Seiko movements.

Good luck deciding and honestly, I don’t think there is a wrong answer.

this here.👆

I missed out on the SLA017 party years ago and picked up an SLA037. It’s a keeper. My wrists are small yet I own an SBDX017, SBBN015 etc. Some of the strengths and shortcomings of the 037’ and 017’ have been touched on here in this thread but it’s a personal choice at the end of the day.

If you can try the 017’ on in the flesh that would be a great help and comparison to come up on a decision. Its cost may be a factor too as you had mentioned. Hold off on making the decision on a day or two to ponder on it. If you still like it that much, by all means proceed.

 

I had the SLA017 but sold it. Thought it was too chunky. Actually liked the fit of the SPB143 better, especially for the price. Wound up picking up the SJE093 when the second batch of them went on sale, and other than the strap, it's everything I wanted in my modern 62MAS. In terms of movements, if no one told me they were different, I'd never know.

 

Now that you’ve mentioned it, and since I’ve gotten used to the size of my 36mm Explorer, the chunky SLA017 is starting to bother me.

 

Since you seem susceptible to suggestion, let me say that the Explorer's 3-6-9 dial is awkward and silly. You already know where those numbers would be because you have the lume-less king's hat at the top of the dial. So either have index markers all around or all the numbers. And the Mercedes hand is a travesty of annoyance.
In other words, get a Milgauss or OP or DJ.

 

I prefer the SXYZ123, myself

 

Yes. Such obvious model numbers from Seiko…🤣🤣

 

One of the main rules of watch collecting-

Buy what YOU like best and enjoy it.......

 

I much prefer the SLA017 because of the larger, more legible size. I also like that its a tad thicker.

It's still only 39.9mm so size is not an issue.

 

I chose the SLA017 since it looks better on my wrist (IMO). For this case design, I don't think I'd want to go any smaller.
But, as someone mentioned, between this and the 037, I may lean slightly towards the latter, especially since I'm a fan of blue dials.

 

Well after reading your OP I would say - of course get the SLA017 you obviously want it - then I read post #5

When I first saw and handled the SLA017 I thought that it was a lovely looking watch - right up my alley ! but when I tried it on it just didn't feel that comfortable to me.

It has a large protruding crown, its quite heavy and relatively tall for its size. It didn't really sit that well on my wrist - certainly would not want to wear it doing any sort of physical activities as I got the impression it would constantly slide down my wrist and dig the back of my hand (pet peeve).

For me the the SJE093 is so much better proportioned. I prefer slim watches and this one sits beautifully on the wrist with no problems of it lolling around because its tall or heavy.

The fact that you are even considering the SLA017 tells me that you do not appreciate the SJE093s proportions which is one of it main selling points IMO.

So yes get the SLA017

 

haven't owner either watch so can't compare but a while back i did ask what made the 8l35b a "better" movement and wiser heads than mine explained the movement was mostly hype with marginal improvements over the tier below, some effort made with the finishing, and basic regulation. my mm300 ran 8-10 secs fast - every day - so was very reliable.
SLA line is supposed to have the better level of fit and finish. Add on hype, limited numbers and seems like a winning combo on paper.
however have a look at the SLA from the side, straight long lugs and slab sided. Taller than SJE. Unless you have a large flat wrist, it won't hug the wrist.
that all said if it doesn't bother you - the SLA is a clear upgrade.
any way you can see it in the flesh before selling the SJE?

also the crown size does my nut

 

haven't owner either watch so can't compare but a while back i did ask what made the 8l35b a "better" movement and wiser heads than mine explained the movement was mostly hype with marginal improvements over the tier below, some effort made with the finishing, and basic regulation. my mm300 ran 8-10 secs fast - every day - so was very reliable.
SLA line is supposed to have the better level of fit and finish. Add on hype, limited numbers and seems like a winning combo on paper.
however have a look at the SLA from the side, straight long lugs and slab sided. Taller than SJE. Unless you have a large flat wrist, it won't hug the wrist.
that all said if it doesn't bother you - the SLA is a clear upgrade.
any way you can see it in the flesh before selling the SJE?
View attachment 18395573

also the crown size does my nut
View attachment 18395575

Actually, yes. Someone in the neighborhood is selling their used SLA017. I'll pop over this evening and take a look before making up my mind.

 

 

When it comes to watches let your heart be your guide.

 

For me, the SJE093 is a little too small to be a dive watch. I had a 40mm Planet Ocean for years but I ultimately decided that it looked goofy on my 6.75" wrist. I think dive watches should be a bit big and chunky. The SLA017 is the original re-issue and looks more proportionate to me.

 

I beg to differ.

The 62mas is meant to be a "skin diver" or "light diver" style watch rather than a big chunky diver.

Hence the 19mm lug width, slim profile and thin bezel and why the SJE093 is a better iteration of this style of diver than the bloated SLA017 and similar.

 

One of the key factors in my decision was the movement. The SLA017 boasts an even better movement than the SJE093, providing superior accuracy and a longer power reserve of about 72 hours

Wrong: the 8L35 is about 50 h.

 

The honeymoon is long gone - get a painless divorce and a new girlfriend.

 

I think it's a question of size preference. If you prefer larger watches you should probably go for the SLA. Personally I love the size of my sje093 and its proportions

 

It's always a very personal fit sort of thing. My 7.5 in wrist lets me get away with anything with a case size between 36-42mm. But for me, even more important than case size, it's the height and the weight of the thing. Too tall or heavy, and it feels like I have a wrist weight on.

 

Let's hope there's no seller's remorse for offloading the SJE093 and no buyer's regrets for the incoming BNIB SLA017.
I wouldn't have bought the SLA017 if it weren't brand new in box.

It has arrived from Hong Kong and is pending delivery tomorrow. I'll post some pictures here once it's unboxed.

 

Congrats!! I like the SLA017 more.

Been on the fence about getting one myself… or trying the SLA037 for a splash of color.

 

My BNIB SLA017 has arrived!

 

My seven-year itch: finally here, albeit fashionably late to the party.

The SLA017 is definitely more rugged compared to the SJE093. If you want elegance, go for the SJE093; if you want wrist presence, the SLA017 is the way to go, akin to the comparison between the 39mm and 36mm Rolex Explorer.

 

Agreed on the elegance vs. wrist presence comment.

I prefer my SJE093 over my my ones in the large size, but they're all awesome.

Nice loafers.

 

thanks, they are from Cheaney.

 

After wearing it for half a day, I appreciate how it sits taller on the wrist and the slight heft. It feels substantially more like a dive watch than the SJE093.

 

What a beautiful watch, an icon!

Love the proportions.

Enjoy it!

 

Side by side comparison SLA017 and SJE093.

Waffle strap is a must for this reissue. The thickness of the stock waffle strap and the deep waffle cuts complement the chunkier SLA017 well, but the tail end and keeper combo is less appealing. Tried on the US waffle, it’s way thinner, shorter and would suit the SJE093 perfect.

 

The strapcode waffle is nice, and more substantial than the US. I wear my SJE093 on US, but I wore the SLA017 on strapcode.