Slim Willard is the best Willard

Following in the steps on @WatchYourIntruder, I started quietly stalking the updated SPB313/SPB315 since their release earlier this summer. I’ve always wanted a Turtle/Willard style Seiko but the case size and bracelet proportions never sat right on my wrist. 
 

Along with some other recent re-creations, Seiko released the new SPB models following the late 60’s 6105-8000 with a much smaller overall size and better proportions. These are about 41 x 47mm with thickness of just over 12mm. With a 20mm bracelet on a case this size, these looked amazing in the press releases. 
 

I was finally able to try on an SPB317 (black dial + rubber strap) at an AD and fell in love. It took some digging online to find the white dial SPB313. Most US dealers are already sold out but I finally found one overseas. The dealer was kind enough to send pictures prior to shipping to show bezel was correctly aligned. 

Wifey and I took a week off in the mountains outside Seattle recently as a babymoon. Not a ton of hiking with a pregnant wife, but the scenery was amazing and the weather gave us 3 solid days without rain to see the sights. 
 

I know the 313 is a diver, but I put her through mainly altitude testing this trip. 

-The applied (or stamped) markers are actually a light blue in person. They are very easy to see in all light and the aluminum bezel insert should age well. 

-I’ve only had this a few weeks… but kept dial up overnight and worn during the day it’s so far kept +4.8 sec/day over past 14 days. Pretty solid given the factory rating of the 6R35 movement. 

-The multi-link bracelet is very, very comfortable. It only has 2 micro-adjustments on the clasp but good enough for me to get a good fit on my 19cm wrist. 
 

No matter how far down this watch rabbit hole I go, I always come back to Seiko. The Toyota Tacoma of watches? Absolutely. Functional and rugged? Without question. Overpriced? Possibly… but aren’t all stupid wrist toys that aren’t necessary?!

I knew I’d like the updated sizing seeing pictures online, but it FEELS so much better than the numbers. It wears light enough for me and fits so well that I have forgotten I had it on at times. It gets out of the way when not needed, but always stands by ready for action.