It's almost like magic
I have a complicated relationship with my SPB147 and this time I'm not the side at fault. My grievance list includes all the usual nitpicks about the so-so 6R movement, the QC that lets slip through misaligned bezels on a +1KUS$ watch, the uncomfortable original silicone band, and the fact that it's more loosely inspired by the 62MAS rather than being a faithful modern re-creation.
All the above, and more, is absolutely true.
Except for when I sit down in the morning with my coffee and before picking up the camera I can't stop myself from noticing how nice looking it really is with this unmistakable honey or chocolate sunburst. I still think that it's among the best modern SPB models that Seiko launched during the last years.
Its when I look at it in this context of a dressy desk diver that I find it excellent, and then my attitude change from annoyance to excitement.
Because of how it looks and because I'm shallow and easily distracted by pretty faces.
It's still very annoying, but I really don't mind it when it's on my wrist.
I'm a big fan of watches that are interesting because they are either unique, have interesting features, well designed or simply offer a great value for their price.
Like a ricer car, a Japanese watch is also a project item. Spend $1k for the watch, then spend another $1k for general tune-ups and cosmetic changes.
Yep, agree on all points.
Loved mine, was so pretty Mrs nicked mine, & it's satiated her desire for a gilt black bay
Lovely watch 😍👍🏻👍🏻
Another Seiko watch? 😁😛
Err... I think the Seikos in my collection would say otherwise. But seriously, do a modding project using a Seiko movement as a base. Yes, usually you'd use something cheaper like a 4R movement but like there's a lot of things you can use to mod a Seiko watch. Bezels, or fixing and regulating a movement, new dials, hands or crystal.
I totally feel the same about my SBDC165 (SPB297): great dial design, great design language and case. But let down my the inaccuracy of the movement (mine is lately running -25 to 30 seconds/day) and the slightly misaligned bezel. Yet, it dominates wrist time.
It’s a great piece, for me it has a lot more character dial wise than the bb58
You are blessed indeed, because mine is drifting by -40 sec/day and its bezel is not very well aligned.
I'm not interested in Tudor's watches, their deficiencies are none of my concern and don't change my criticism toward Seiko.
I bought mine for 725 euros and spent 170 euros on the original Seiko bracelet because that is how much I like Seiko diver bracelets.
I haven't found any quality issues on mine, the bezel aligns perfectly with no backplay, (my SPB207 has some backplay). It is running around +15 spd, without regulation. I could spend 50 euros and have it regulated, but I don't wear it so continuously to matter. The watch stops after 3 days of sitting in the watchbox so I have to set the time again.
But as you say, none of this matters if you don't like how it looks or wears. I love mine, especially in this dial color, that copper color hits me when it shines in the sun.
I looked for a vintage-inspired skin diver for a long time, but I couldn't find anything I liked better than this one considering all the aspects: looks, brand history, price, and quality.
I have the spb143 and it is perfect.
Sweet
Claude I sold mine , eventually I will get a BB54 to te replace it ( no date ) that’s what I really want…..
SPB149 owner here and I’m similarly conflicted. After a little more than three years it started losing minutes per day. I sent it back to Seiko for service and it’s running +10 to +15. I’ve been tempted to sell it and pick up one of the more faithful 62MAS reissues but (1) it was a milestone birthday gift to myself and (2) I do actually still love how it looks.