SPB313 or SPB143

I cannot be partial in this case since I have the SPB313 and I love it, it is different from a traditional tortoise, it wears very well on the wrist, very comfortable

I’ve owned both, the 313 wears more comfortably on the wrist, is thinner and not as top heavy. Easy pick!

143 has a more legible date, which also looks like it belongs there. The whole design is well balanced and functional, sunburst dial is a nice aesthetic bonus.

Beware of false dichotomy, though. There are other options.

The 313 fits you perfectly! I always found the turtle case attractive but a tad thick, so the 313 is very close to my ideal pick. How’s your experience with the metal bracelet? I’ve read mixed reviews.

Glad to get feedback from someone who has owned both! Do you still wear your 143 or have u sold it? Also, which one of the two do you find it easier as a desk diver that fits most formal and casual work settings?

I really like the bracelet, well made, it is comfortable and different.

That’s actually my slight niggle about the 313. I wished the date wasn’t on the 4:30 position (or even not present at all), though it’s not an absolute deal breaker for me. The 143 has a more balanced aesthetic and seems for versatile.

Oh for sure mate. I have a watchlist (pun intended) for JDM watches already, but aside from them, I’m also looking for a new weekday desk diver. These two happen to be my top contenders after a month of “research.”

How about Doxa Sub 200? Vaguely similar style, allegedly bad lume, but it is charming.

I’ve tried both watches at my local AD and they fit well, but the uniqueness of the 313 bracelet is rare as far as Seiko watches go. Glad to hear from an actual owner that the long-term experience on the wrist is good.

The sharkhunter was one that I considered for some time, but the 19mm lug width and only 38 hr power reserve was a deal breaker for me. Good recommendation still though! 🙏

Voted 313

Got a couple Willards & a 147 ( gilt indices, brown dial) and the Willards are more comfortable.

Looking at getting a 313 myself as I much prefer the date placement and slimmer is always a positive. 👍🏻

A Willard. 👍

Heh, that wouldn't be my dealbreaker. 😀 If I'm wearing the watch at least every other day, low power reserve is not a problem. And on such an expensive watch, it's actually good that you can't fit any cheap strap on it...

I sold the 143 because I just wasn’t wearing it. The 313 is casual for sure, not formal. Still prefer it in most situations.

The cushion case and the 4'O clock crown is a no for me. I can enjoy at times the cushion case, but the crown must be at 3!! That being said, I prefer the white dial one, so I'm stuck in a indecisive position..

I'm selling an SPB143 in great shape, including an Uncle Seiko bracelet in addition to the factory Seiko one.

If you're interested, drop me a message. I'll send more info.

I’m okay with the 4 o’clock crown as it’s a signature turtle case, but the 4.30 date is something I’m trying to come to terms with. That being said, it’s subtle enough to not be seen at a quick glance, and some say it’s better as you get perfect symmetry in the lume thanks to that. Else, the white dial with that white & red seconds hand is so beautiful! If I can get over these, the 313 is probably my choice. Else, the 143 just seems more balanced and versatile.

Cheers mate, thanks for the offer, but I’ll likely pick it up as my souvenir for an upcoming Japan holiday (along with other JDM watches). Just curious, may I know why you’re selling the 143? Is it a wearing experience issue, or just that it’s not getting enough wrist time?

Yeah I’m slightly leaning closer to the 313, but gotta get over the 4:30 date wheel. Else, it’ll be to the 143 for me if I’m being more practical about things.

I actually like the watch quite a bit. But I've been aggressively shrinking my collection, and there are others I wear more.

For me the date placement is a huge positive over 3 o'clock date (obviously would prefer no date)

I like my Willard's better than the 62MAS because they're far more individual, the generic skindiver case of the 62MAS could be anything from a distance (my SM300 is similar, as is the Bland Bay & many others). There's no mistaking a 313 for anything else. That's cool imho.

Haha you might be tipping me over the scale with your take on the uniqueness of the watch. The 143 has that quintessential skin diver look. However, seen from afar or to the non-discerning eye, the 143 may look like any other Seiko 5. The 313 definitely stands out and the specs suggest that it may wear more comfortably than the 143. Will make my decision in late April when I fly to Japan!

Perhaps I might just buy the one that I can find with no misalignment given Seiko’s “excellent” QC 😂

Both great watches, but the 313 is less generic and more quintessentially Seiko 😍👍🏻