Seiko SPB317 Review-The "Slim Willard"

Ever since the SPB317 was announced, I've been wanting to get my hands on one. On paper, it's EXACTLY what I'm looking for in a watch and more specifically, a Seiko diver. Luckily, I've been able to borrow one from a friend and I've had it on the wrist for over a week now. The watch that it's based on, the 6105-8000 predates the Willard and came after the legendary 62MAS. This new Prospex version is relatively thin (I measure 12.5mm), 41mm case and L2L of 47mm. On my 6.25 inch wrist, I think it wears a treat! I like to think of it as a "Slim Willard" more so than a "Slim Turtle" as everything about the dial resembles the Willard more than a Turtle and the case itself is more Willard like (with the exception of the crown guards).

The bezel action is nice and smooth and overall is more refined than something like my 5KX (not really a shock). Overall, I love the case shape/design and I love that it's all brushed. It makes for a more toolish/subdued look, which I want. Contrasting that though is the dial. The indices and hands really play with light and shine. The 317 is like the perfect combo of being simple in terms of case finishing, but presenting a more "interesting" element by having the hands and indices play with the light like they do.

The whole watch just works for me. Even though I would prefer a framed 3 o'clock date window like the original, I am actually a fan of how they implemented the date between the 4 and 5. It's small and unobtrusive enough that I found myself never noticing it unless I intentionally looked at it to see the date. That being said, I just don't understand why they couldn't have released these as a no-date with the 6R31. That would have made more sense to me.

Speaking of the movement, let's talk about that. This has the 6R35. Now, between owning and borrowing, I've had experience with probably 8 6R35's at this point. It's a mixed bag in terms of accuracy. Some have run +2spd, others within spec, but closer to +20, and then others still that have been +40. This particular version has been running at -60spd. A whole minute off per day! I tracked it for 48 hours while on wrist and the 2nd day was as consistent as the first, so at the end of 2 days, it was 2 minutes slow. My biggest criticism of Seiko at the moment is probably their poor movement performance, or at the very least, the inconsistency. I tend not to be an accuracy snob, BUT this is an area I'd like to see some improvement, especially at the $1,000 and beyond price point.

That being said, despite less than stellar relative accuracy from their movements, I gravitate towards Seiko because of their designs. No other brand has the amount of designs that "speak to me" more. This SPB317 is a shining example of that. I love it. It fits like a dream, has an iconic dial design, looks incredible on natos and just "does it" for me. I need to get one now!

**UPDATE**

Sept. 24th 2023-- After writing this review, I purchased my own 317 brand new. I was thrilled to get a discount of around $165 off the retail. I've been wearing it non stop since buying it two months ago and it's become the perfect watch for me on a daily basis! The particular movement in mine has been running at around +13 spd which I am perfectly happy with. My love for this watch has continued to grow to the point that this could very well be my only watch (but of course I DO still have a few others). ;)