One Year Review Seiko SZSB
I’m coming up on 1 year with my SZSB016, it seems fitting to give it a review. I was absolutely lucky to get this watch. Browsing Amazon one day, looking at old stock of the Seiko 5 line. This SZSB was listed as a variant for $133. At that price point, all short comings are forgiven. It seems typical retail around the web is $300 or so.
The dimensions are great. Seiko states the diameter at 39.9mm because we can’t round up to 40mm. It wearers nicely with a lug to lug of 48mm and a thickness of 13.1mm at the box dome …, hardlex.
Which is my first complaint. The crystal sits above the bezel. It has a beautiful angular cut but I dread the inevitable day I have to source a replacement.
This photo also illustrates my second grievance. The case and bracelet don’t match. The end link to lug tip is way off. The lugs are brushed horizontally while the end link is vertically brushed. They made changes easier with drilled lugs, and I’d change it out, if it wasn’t for liking the comfort and fit. I haven’t measured but it seems to be a 20mm tapering down to 16mm at a proper milled clasp. Another reason I don’t change out the bracelet.
Yes I’m a sucker for that milled clasp with the stamped SEIKO on it. Although you’ll notice a complete lack of micro adjustments. Instead you get ample links and half links. I was able to get a great fit. Once the summer swell came, I exchanged a single half link for a full link and all is good.
The dial is a beautiful deep blue. The hands are polished quite well in my opinion. The indices are rounded batons with a polished ring and lumed filling. Legibility is good and the blueish hued lume is adequate. Although I wish it lasted longer.
The movement can be seen from the display caseback. A simple 4R35. This one runs at about +10. What else can I say.
One Year Review Seiko SZSB
Yes
No
- Milled Clasp
- Dial and Hands finishing
- Reliable
- Comfortable
- Drilled lugs
- Mismatched case and bracelet
- Uncommon cut hardlex
- No micro adjustments
I’m a watch collector turned watchsmith, watch salesman and watch appraiser. On top of the heavy weight of entrepreneurship, I work endless hours in logistics.
Very nice! I wish Seiko would just ditch hardlex though..