Seiko (GS) or Tudor

So I am considering buying either a Seiko SLA 017 or SBHG291. My question is would anyone recommend this or a Tudor? I've owned the Pelagos...so thinking of the Pelly or one of the Black Bays possibly. So question is: Seiko GS or Tudor it seems Tudor is the better priced watch of these? TIA 

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Can recommend a BB58. But can't comment on the Seiko!

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TimeCop

Can recommend a BB58. But can't comment on the Seiko!

I thought of the 79220B. Tudor BB.

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Paging @HotWatchChick69 for some Grand Seiko diver boosterism, stat!

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That Grand Seiko is a better choice. First it just looks much better and second, unlike the Tudor, it has unique design language. 

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I would go for the Tudor as it has its own DNA to it. I don’t get that feeling when I see the GS. It looks like another sub to be honest. 

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Tudor gives a lot more sizing options, but I personally vote for one of the seiko models. I have a 6.25 inch wrist and even the larger seiko models in my experience wear pretty comfortably due to their relatively short lug to lug. SLA 017 has my vote for sure based on looks but the SBGH 291 has a higher beat rate than the others so might feel a bit more elegant. 

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dennisbible

That Grand Seiko is a better choice. First it just looks much better and second, unlike the Tudor, it has unique design language. 

haha, it is interesting how different people perceive things differently. I like the Tudor for the exact reason you just said. I feel the GS is like a submariner :) 

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Between SLA017 and SBHG291, I would pick the former. I prefer dressier watches from GS, but their divers don’t work for me. The 62MAS is IMHO Seiko’s best divers. 

Here’s my 62MAS inspired SLA043 next to my 62GS SBGA415

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I've owned a Pelagos,  many Seiko divers (my Marine Master 300m is a beastly favorite) and I own the SBGA463. If you are able try on all three . The Pelegos is very unique.  The clasp is as interesting as the watch. The GS is compatible as a Titanium diver with it's own interesting ratcheting clasp.  Both are light for wristburger divers. The Pelagos is all business toolry. The GS can't help Zaratsu blinging everything. Two different vibes. Why GS can't water resistance rate their standard dive watch with at least 300 meters is weird for such a big fat diver - if you care. A classic Seiko diver is an everyday treat. You can swap out straps, wear it low profile anywhere and enjoy it without much worry. IMO try all three. Pelegos is an overbuilt tool monster. The dial is stark and the finish is institutional. It's a hard-core bad ass. The GS tosses a lot of shine and feels awesome on wrist. The SLA 017 is just everyday cool. Have I confused you ? Try them all on. You will know when you see it and feel it.

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Edge168n

Paging @HotWatchChick69 for some Grand Seiko diver boosterism, stat!

Question about GS???  The signal has gone out!

Batsignal GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

Or, maybe, this is the signal...

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Given those choices, SBGH291 all day long!!!

Though, I would personally choose spring drive.  Of all the watches I have ever owned, this one is my favorite:

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  • The seconds hand sweep...  mesmerizing
  • The lume is OUT OF THIS WORLD good.  Glows noticeably bright green even in daylight!
  • The design is familiar...  but the weird, little GS touches make it uncanny in an enthralling way - the Zaratsu polishing in the recesses of the bezel edge, the inky black dial, the power meter breaking up the symmetry, and the cathedral hands...
Why Would You Do That GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY
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No need to rebuy the Pelagos if you've already had one.  Try something new...

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diabhey

haha, it is interesting how different people perceive things differently. I like the Tudor for the exact reason you just said. I feel the GS is like a submariner :) 

That's one of my favorite things about this hobby. The way people like different things and see things differently. It helps us grow.

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Mr.Dee.Bater

Question about GS???  The signal has gone out!

Batsignal GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

Or, maybe, this is the signal...

Image

Given those choices, SBGH291 all day long!!!

Though, I would personally choose spring drive.  Of all the watches I have ever owned, this one is my favorite:

Image
Image
  • The seconds hand sweep...  mesmerizing
  • The lume is OUT OF THIS WORLD good.  Glows noticeably bright green even in daylight!
  • The design is familiar...  but the weird, little GS touches make it uncanny in an enthralling way - the Zaratsu polishing in the recesses of the bezel edge, the inky black dial, the power meter breaking up the symmetry, and the cathedral hands...
Why Would You Do That GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

Thank. I just think the spring drive on dial...throws the balance off on dial...hence the SBGH291.

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dennisbible

That Grand Seiko is a better choice. First it just looks much better and second, unlike the Tudor, it has unique design language. 

What I like about the SLA 017? Grand Seiko Movement/Quality yet Seiko Branded. Truly the best Seiko makes for a diver. The 2k product run is interesting. The cons? Only available for 1-2k over retail. 

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Edge168n

Paging @HotWatchChick69 for some Grand Seiko diver boosterism, stat!

I strive to be known for this level of seiko fandom…

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mtntime

Love Tudor legibility--unmatched in any watch IMO. But I also dig the GS movement inside a Seiko, very low profile, very nice watch (SLA). So I'm 50/50. Sorry, no help here, but either way, you end up with a sweet watch, so maybe that helps.

On a different note, if you've been thinking of the SLA for a few years, why not give it a try--otherwise, if it were me, I'd just keep thinking about it after getting a different watch...unless that other watch is perfect, which hasn't happened to me, yet.

I agree. I am always under mindset, buy what you truly want if possible, so you don't have regret. I loved the SPB 143, I just felt for the price $1,200 it could have been more: calibrated movement, signed crown, nice step up from SKX and other lower lines at Seiko. But I've always loved the SLA.

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I see you like a German Car....in that case it just depends what you drive (assuming you won't be going for any vintage watches):

G-Wagon = GS, 911 2S = BB58, M3 = Pelagos, X5 = SLA017 (sounds like the SLA043 may be more your fit, though), VW Thing = SPB777.

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5minutes8seconds

I see you like a German Car....in that case it just depends what you drive (assuming you won't be going for any vintage watches):

G-Wagon = GS, 911 2S = BB58, M3 = Pelagos, X5 = SLA017 (sounds like the SLA043 may be more your fit, though), VW Thing = SPB777.

I've currently got. Audi SQ5. LOL

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Tudor BB blue or black all the way.

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I have the SLA043, which is more or less a blue dial version of the SLA017 you're considering. I also have a Tudor Black Bay. (I had two of them until recently but gifted one to a family member.)

The SLA017/SLA043 say Seiko on the dial, yes, but they're made by Grand Seiko. They're nothing like the SPB143 level watches Seiko puts out (which are nice for the price, and I have one of those, too). My Tudor Black Bay is nice and basically what you'd expect for the price. My Seiko SLA043 is a complete bargain in comparison, delivering GS quality and finish on all the visible bits for the same price as the Tudor, and a GS movement on the inside (albeit with reduced decoration compared to GS proper). I say this as a GS owner (Skyflake). If I hold the Seiko and Tudor side by side, the Seiko wins immediately.

As far as the design, that gets entirely subjective, of course. Again the Black Bay is nice if somewhat vanilla, in my opinion, whereas the Seiko delivers a slightly scaled-up 1-to-1 of the 62MAS with ease -- it's authentic-feeling, visual time travel. The Tudor feels try-hard in comparison, but I still love it for other reasons.

SLA017 all the way.

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I have a good friend here in Australia who happens to have both watches.

Maybe watch his review on both watches, it may help. He’s a really great guy and he’s a member of WatchCrunch so maybe reach out to him and he could tell you the pros and cons of both watches. His name is Peter Kotsa.

https://youtu.be/JrkpOIII4_E

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https://youtu.be/JrkpOIII4_E

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How would service including periodic maintenance work for these higher end Seikos?  Do they go to Japan?  Does anyone have any experience?  Thanks!

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thekris

I really don't get what Seiko is doing.  The SLA 017 looks a lot like a bunch of other Seiko divers I've seen except it costs like $4k?  Why?  

To my (admittedly untrained eye), Seiko has multiple watches from $1000-$4000 that look very similar.  So this is GS money for not-a-GS AND it looks much like a watch you can get for a fraction of the cost.  Seiko is not only competing with their other watches at a higher price but their competing with their own high-end brand.

$4,000

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$900

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$700

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$1,600

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These may not all be "list" prices, but you can see there's a lot more difference in price than in looks.  So what's the deal?

Oh, and to answer the question, BB58 all day every day.  There are a reasonable number of variations, and if one costs multiple times as much as another, it's made of gold.

The SLA is finished miles better than the SPB and the movement is also much better. The quality overall of the SLA is on par with the Tudor 100%. It’s personal preference and if you can get over having a Seiko logo on your $4k dive watch. 

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I'm just gonna say it.  If you are a hard core Seiko fan then you need to get the Seiko.  Oh yes it is GS money but I personally don't care what it says on the dial, you are getting GS quality and that is what counts.  Long after the purchase the quality remains.  I own an SLA039 and I love it.

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TimeJunkie

I've owned a Pelagos,  many Seiko divers (my Marine Master 300m is a beastly favorite) and I own the SBGA463. If you are able try on all three . The Pelegos is very unique.  The clasp is as interesting as the watch. The GS is compatible as a Titanium diver with it's own interesting ratcheting clasp.  Both are light for wristburger divers. The Pelagos is all business toolry. The GS can't help Zaratsu blinging everything. Two different vibes. Why GS can't water resistance rate their standard dive watch with at least 300 meters is weird for such a big fat diver - if you care. A classic Seiko diver is an everyday treat. You can swap out straps, wear it low profile anywhere and enjoy it without much worry. IMO try all three. Pelegos is an overbuilt tool monster. The dial is stark and the finish is institutional. It's a hard-core bad ass. The GS tosses a lot of shine and feels awesome on wrist. The SLA 017 is just everyday cool. Have I confused you ? Try them all on. You will know when you see it and feel it.

You covered it. Pelagos extreme tool vibe, GS can’t help but be dressy, Seiko an easy daily wear but not at the spec level of either. 

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Depends on where you live. Somewhere where GS is a common watch, or in Europe?

Heard horror stories of 6-9 months for a service, just because GS does not service in Europe. For that reason alone I'd choose Tudor every time over GS.

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JNabeel

I've currently got. Audi SQ5. LOL

That’s a fast SUV! 😍

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heirspring

I have the SLA043, which is more or less a blue dial version of the SLA017 you're considering. I also have a Tudor Black Bay. (I had two of them until recently but gifted one to a family member.)

The SLA017/SLA043 say Seiko on the dial, yes, but they're made by Grand Seiko. They're nothing like the SPB143 level watches Seiko puts out (which are nice for the price, and I have one of those, too). My Tudor Black Bay is nice and basically what you'd expect for the price. My Seiko SLA043 is a complete bargain in comparison, delivering GS quality and finish on all the visible bits for the same price as the Tudor, and a GS movement on the inside (albeit with reduced decoration compared to GS proper). I say this as a GS owner (Skyflake). If I hold the Seiko and Tudor side by side, the Seiko wins immediately.

As far as the design, that gets entirely subjective, of course. Again the Black Bay is nice if somewhat vanilla, in my opinion, whereas the Seiko delivers a slightly scaled-up 1-to-1 of the 62MAS with ease -- it's authentic-feeling, visual time travel. The Tudor feels try-hard in comparison, but I still love it for other reasons.

SLA017 all the way.

Love my SLA043 for the exact same reason