Too Many Seiko Diver Models?

[lucevan le stelle]

I know that they are great watches, and Seiko probably makes a mint on them. But are there too many current Seiko diver models? At least when it comes to better brand positioning and greater value retention?

Would Seiko, and watch owners, be better off if Seiko had a more limited diver line and more differentially styled models?

Looking for one of the 6sMAS homages I see quite a bunch of Samurais, Solars, Turtles, Shogun, Sumo, and the discontinued. Decided to pass.

[SPMN]

It’s just Seiko’s way. They offer a ton of sub $1000 models, which makes them easy and fun to acquire. The plethora of options is their calling card, and allows them to take more chances on case designs that other manufacturers won’t touch.

I actually just picked up a Samurai as a gift for my father. The Pepsi bezel on rubber. It’s a beautiful watch! I’m so impressed with the dial and overall quality that I may actually pick one up for myself. Plus it was only $320 at Macy’s. I don’t see any reason to own anything else in the sub $3000 market.


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[SPMN]

My crappy iPhone pic does not do this watch justice.


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[denmanproject]

Did someone say Seiko diver??

I love Seiko, sure they offer a huge range but thats just how they roll, find one you like and go for it!

[Dan Pierce]

Too many Seiko divers? No such thing.
dP

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Too many Seiko divers? No such thing.
dP

Exactly!

[karmatp]

I had a SKX173 that kept near perfect time, was so comfortable on my wrist and cost me less than $200. I sold it like a fool and now I am searching for my next Seiko diver. They are the perfect beater watch.

[yessir69]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Too many Seiko divers? No such thing.
dP

This.

[osamu]

I love the variety, but I do always feel like there are ones out there I didn't even know about. Maybe I was asleep when it came out, and I know it's a limited model, but I feel like I just discovered the SBDC027. Then all the various like market specific models (like the Zimbes). Makes it very tough to decide which one you want, and not feel like maybe there is a better choice out there.

I just sold my turtle, and now finding the samurai appealing to me, but resisting buying one knowing I just sold my turtle because it wasn't getting enough wrist time.

I still think it best to have more choice, but it makes the choice more difficult.

[meganfox17]

Really....?There will always be a model for non Seikoholics and fanatic Seikoholics
World population as of 5.43.00 AM GMT, local time in the United Kingdom, Saturday 10th March 2018 and the digits are increasing at a net rate of 10-15 people every second

[benlee]

Some consolidation will be in good order in order not to confuse potential customers. That said, I got 2 Seiko divers, this being my latest addition. Again, there is no better value in terms of "watch quality" per $ as Seiko can deliver.

[lucevan le stelle]

Great watch pics- wear in good health! I forgot to also address the new "Prospex" logo as well. Wondering how Seiko marketing determined that it makes the watches more attractive and appealing? Personally, I don't see any need or value to it.

Understand your points, at the same time I can't see buying a higher priced Seiko diver or GS diver where Seiko doesn't seem to present a coherent brand philosophy for Western markets other than being a great value proposition. So while I would buy a Samurai, I would never buy a Marine Master equivalent now.

[Gharddog03]

Too many??? So such thing

[Faustomiami]

Don't think so

[brminpin]

Yes, there are a lot but there are enough variations to find the one that works for you.

[cajunron]

Less choice? Who wants that?

[Lol-x]

No such thing as "less is more" when it comes to cool diving watches

[Lol-x]

What is the Seiko Diver you would have if you could only have one?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

What is the Seiko Diver you would have if you could only have one?

Probably just a beater like the SRP777. In fact, that's going to become my first Seiko Diver if I don't find anything else I can't resist in Nagasaki next week.

[Lol-x]

Wow Adam, you're very easy to please.....

I'm mesmerised by the vintage retro beauty of the Seiko SLA017..........I just can't get that compulsive obsession to stop. Well at least it is somewhat enjoyable to look at the photos

Many claim its too expensive, and I would tend to agree, but goodness me its an alluring watch!!!


Photo Source from this is a very good review: https://www.escapementmagazine.com/a...n-sla017.html/

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Wow Adam, you're very easy to please.....

I'm mesmerised by the vintage retro beauty of the Seiko SLA017..........I just can't get that compulsive obsession to stop. Well at least it is somewhat enjoyable to look at the photos

Many claim its too expensive, and I would tend to agree, but goodness me its an alluring watch!!!

Attachment 941522
Photo Source from this is a very good review: https://www.escapementmagazine.com/a...n-sla017.html/

The SLA017 is certainly a great looker, but for a great value beater I still like the SRP777, and Spencer Klein's recent youtube review of the SLA017 kind of put me off a little.

[Dr. Robert]

I like Seiko dive watches

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[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Wow Adam, you're very easy to please.....

I'm mesmerised by the vintage retro beauty of the Seiko SLA017..........I just can't get that compulsive obsession to stop. Well at least it is somewhat enjoyable to look at the photos

Many claim its too expensive, and I would tend to agree, but goodness me its an alluring watch!!!

Attachment 941522
Photo Source from this is a very good review: https://www.escapementmagazine.com/a...n-sla017.html/

Agreed, Stevo!

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I like Seiko dive watches

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

And here's proof from the good Dr.
dP

[mailman]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Wow Adam, you're very easy to please.....

I'm mesmerised by the vintage retro beauty of the Seiko SLA017..........I just can't get that compulsive obsession to stop. Well at least it is somewhat enjoyable to look at the photos

Many claim its too expensive, and I would tend to agree, but goodness me its an alluring watch!!!

Attachment 941522
Photo Source from this is a very good review: https://www.escapementmagazine.com/a...n-sla017.html/

I agree 100%

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I like Seiko dive watches

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Great picture You're a lucky man to own one of these

[MRGMTII]

Did someone say dive watch ;-)

[dafuture]

I don't think there's too many. Stylistically, it means there's something for everyone.

[Lol-x]

Adam I do think that the review by Spencer Kelvin is grossly unfair and misconceived. Its really a very poor review in many ways.

1. He starts off saying he was going to buy the watch and then for some reason didn't, I think this gives you an insight into his sour feelings of regret and hence he tries to justify his non-purchase.

2. He criticised the bracelet and perhaps I can get that to some extent but there are so many straps and bracelets to buy to use with this watch its not an issue.

3. His statement that the SLA017 'isn't on steroids' isn't a criticism as it is to me an observation.

4. He criticises the caseback design as extending below the mid-case and not being flat. That is crazy, the original 62mas had a caseback that dropped down, its just that with the new taller (and greatly improved) movement it has a greater stack height. But many comperable Rolex dive watches have casebacks that protrude down and are not totally flat with the bottom of the midcase and lugs. So this is a misconceived criticism. Also many owners have reported that the SLA017 wears beautifully, so its just a false criticism to me kind of like 'fake news'.

5. His criticism of the second hand just because its surface isn't totally 'flat' is just ridiculous. Really the second hand is perfect, the rectangular lume is true to the original character of the 62mas. So what, I don't know any reviewer in the world who has raised the surface of the second hand as a criticism. I mean what is the width of the second hand 0.3mm, this is just a bazaar criticism.

6. He criticises the depth of the lume as not exhibiting a 3D effect. He says they 'kind of did it', which is weird and the corners of the lume markers are not sharp. I say just look at this SLA017 and judge it for yourself, to me it is one of the best examples of a 3D dial you will ever find. The hour markers are articulated and are significantly raised from the surface of the dial. The rounding of the corners of the hour markers to me adds to the funky 60's or vintage character of this watch which it trying to revisit.

7. He criticises a space in 1 line of text on the dial, its weird. He says he's a details guy, but he has sloppy nails/cuticles.

8. The caseback has laser etching instead of a stamp...so what, it is true to the original 62mas design again, its not the tsunami wave, its just a different embossing technique and it actually works wonderfully. He calls it a 'mistake'. Its only a mistake when you do something and it is wrong or doesn't work. Again 'fake news'.

9. One of the only true statements is that he says he loves the feel of the watch on the wrist. I give him credit for that although it would have been proper to have added that comment when he was earlier and continues to go on to severely criticising of the caseback design calling it a 'hulking caseback'. This is utter rubbish. The watch wears perfectly.

10. The movement he calls 'heart breaking'. This is absurd. The example he has just need adjustment, which is why Seiko like Rolex issues a warranty. But this guy goes on and on about how poor the watch is because it needs adjustment. You could level that criticism about any brand or model of watch. I don't get why this guy has to exaggerate inconsequential issues.

11. Just to finish off the review he is outraged that the rubber strap has a keeper that is 'steel'. I don't get that a steel keeper that is black and actually works, what is the problem with that. I dare say, this watch is meant to be used with different straps and if a steel keeper is a problem, then just put on a different strap.

NOW SOME "REAL NEWS" ABOUT THE SLA017
The watch has a 50 hour power reserve with a 28,800 bph movement.
The watch was built at the Shizuku-ishi Watch Studio in Morioka in the north of Japan where they make the Grand Seiko models.
The RL35B movement is based on the Grand Seiko 9S55 movement. It is a solid movement and decorated to a very respectable level. Unfortunately no display caseback (like Rolex diving watches) so its in good company.
The case width is 39.9mm but it has a thin bezel so the dial is proportionally large for its approximately 40mm case size.
The watch has a sapphire crystal upgraded from the usual proprietary Seiko Hardlex but unfortunately it appears no anti-reflection treatment, which would have been a bonus if it had been applied to the underside of the crystal.

[Lol-x]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

I like Seiko dive watches

You Sir are a lucky man!!
People complained hard and long about the high retail price on this model, well just go to Ebay or Chrono24 now and pay at least 30% and rising over retail (second hand)...what does that say about the watch Soon it will be selling for 100% over retail used.

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Agreed, Stevo!
dP

Time to buy, if you can, I don't think you will lose on this delicious LE Diver from Seiko

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

Adam I do think that the review by Spencer Kelvin is grossly unfair and misconceived. Its really a very poor review in many ways.

1. He starts off saying he was going to buy the watch and then for some reason didn't, I think this gives you an insight into his sour feelings of regret and hence he tries to justify his non-purchase.

2. He criticised the bracelet and perhaps I can get that to some extent but there are so many straps and bracelets to buy to use with this watch its not an issue.

3. His statement that the SLA017 'isn't on steroids' isn't a criticism as it is to me an observation.

4. He criticises the caseback design as extending below the mid-case and not being flat. That is crazy, the original 62mas had a caseback that dropped down, its just that with the new taller (and greatly improved) movement it has a greater stack height. But many comperable Rolex dive watches have casebacks that protrude down and are not totally flat with the bottom of the midcase and lugs. So this is a misconceived criticism. Also many owners have reported that the SLA017 wears beautifully, so its just a false criticism to me kind of like 'fake news'.

5. His criticism of the second hand just because its surface isn't totally 'flat' is just ridiculous. Really the second hand is perfect, the rectangular lume is true to the original character of the 62mas. So what, I don't know any reviewer in the world who has raised the surface of the second hand as a criticism. I mean what is the width of the second hand 0.3mm, this is just a bazaar criticism.

6. He criticises the depth of the lume as not exhibiting a 3D effect. He says they 'kind of did it', which is weird and the corners of the lume markers are not sharp. I say just look at this SLA017 and judge it for yourself, to me it is one of the best examples of a 3D dial you will ever find. The hour markers are articulated and are significantly raised from the surface of the dial. The rounding of the corners of the hour markers to me adds to the funky 60's or vintage character of this watch which it trying to revisit.

7. He criticises a space in 1 line of text on the dial, its weird. He says he's a details guy, but he has sloppy nails/cuticles.

8. The caseback has laser etching instead of a stamp...so what, it is true to the original 62mas design again, its not the tsunami wave, its just a different embossing technique and it actually works wonderfully. He calls it a 'mistake'. Its only a mistake when you do something and it is wrong or doesn't work. Again 'fake news'.

9. One of the only true statements is that he says he loves the feel of the watch on the wrist. I give him credit for that although it would have been proper to have added that comment when he was earlier and continues to go on to severely criticising of the caseback design calling it a 'hulking caseback'. This is utter rubbish. The watch wears perfectly.

10. The movement he calls 'heart breaking'. This is absurd. The example he has just need adjustment, which is why Seiko like Rolex issues a warranty. But this guy goes on and on about how poor the watch is because it needs adjustment. You could level that criticism about any brand or model of watch. I don't get why this guy has to exaggerate inconsequential issues.

11. Just to finish off the review he is outraged that the rubber strap has a keeper that is 'steel'. I don't get that a steel keeper that is black and actually works, what is the problem with that. I dare say, this watch is meant to be used with different straps and if a steel keeper is a problem, then just put on a different strap.

NOW SOME "REAL NEWS" ABOUT THE SLA017
The watch has a 50 hour power reserve with a 28,800 bph movement.
The watch was built at the Shizuku-ishi Watch Studio in Morioka in the north of Japan where they make the Grand Seiko models.
The RL35B movement is based on the Grand Seiko 9S55 movement. It is a solid movement and decorated to a very respectable level. Unfortunately no display caseback (like Rolex diving watches) so its in good company.
The case width is 39.9mm but it has a thin bezel so the dial is proportionally large for its approximately 40mm case size.
The watch has a sapphire crystal upgraded from the usual proprietary Seiko Hardlex but unfortunately it appears no anti-reflection treatment, which would have been a bonus if it had been applied to the underside of the crystal.

Yeah, as I said I still think it's a great looking piece; it was more the bracelet endlink fit and the movement issue that I noticed, and even those didn't put me off altogether. He is a major vintage Seiko collector and probably the best known Seiko servicer on the internet, with around a year-long waitlist, so I was a little surprised at his critique.

[Andad]

Your MARINEMASTER looks great Genaro.