Seiko SPB143 and Seiko SPB213J1

I own only two Seikos (a sacrilege, I know). The first ever Seiko I bought was the SPB143 ... before they put that little extra bit of lume on it beside the date window. I don't know if that makes it manufactured between certain dates or not. I really like this watch, although the bezel is ever-so-slightly not aligned. I don't mind that slight flaw, though, because as I get older my eyes get worse and I can never be bothered to wear my glasses!

I really enjoy the SPB143. It's versatile and easy to wear. I have read all sorts of things where people complain about the bracelet, but I really don't mind it. I throw this Seiko on whenever I "don't know" what to wear, because it is never the wrong choice. It goes with everything ... maybe not a suit so much, but even then, given modern styles of wearing dive watches with suits, it can help one get by! I tend to wear dress watches with suits (which admittedly is less frequent post-Covid) especially if I am going out for dinner but for everything else, I can wear either one of these watches.

I enjoyed the SPB143 so much that when the 140th Seiko anniversary happened and I noticed that they put out essentially the same watch in a different colour scheme I decided to snag one of those too - the SPB213J1. It is just as wonderful, although it does have the quirky bit of lume on it. That would not have bothered me at all until someone mentioned it and now I can't unsee it - which is another argument for never wearing my glasses! I tend to wear it more in the summer time as it evokes a more laid back vibe to me ... less getting down to business and more relaxed and carefree, somehow. The blue on the bezel alternates between blue and black depending on the light. But either way, it's a good looking watch. It's very crisp and bright whereas the SPB143 is more moody and grey.

I travel with these watches and alternate between them because together they cover most of what I tend to do while traveling. I am more anxious traveling these days with expensive watches (which is a real shame, I have to admit), so maybe I should start traveling to places where if they catch a thief they chop his hands off - less crime there. But while I travel in the west, I'll risk these workhorses. I could reluctantly let either one of these go and not be entirely heartbroken, but I do really like them. Good solid watches with a fine balanced look.

I have never had anyone notice either one. So in that regard, they are under-the-radar good enough for me!