SPB143 SPB145 SPB147 SPB149 Thread

[Drdubzz]

How about a consolidated home for the new Prospex line of divers?

My new SPB143/SBDC101 showed up today and it's as good as advertised. I'm very pleased with the whole package.



Great lume too

[Undefeatable]

Love that one and planning purchasing soon. Question for ya, did you have to pay customs? I am trying to figure out which site to order from.

[Drdubzz]

Originally Posted by Undefeatable

Love that one and planning purchasing soon. Question for ya, did you have to pay customs? I am trying to figure out which site to order from.

I ordered from Seiya Japan (as noted by the microfiber cloth) and I know others have paid duties when ordering from them and Sakura. I have not been hit with a charge yet and, allegedly, if my package had been hit with duties DHL would have made me pay before delivering so I think I'm in the clear. But I might have just been lucky.

[Dan Pierce]

Great looking diver, congrats & enjoy!
dP

[1William]

I really like the SPB and picked up the 149 yesterday from my AD. I had previously bought the 143 and the 147 and they are getting some good wrist time.

[ap1]

Originally Posted by 1William

I really like the SPB and picked up the 149 yesterday from my AD. I had previously bought the 143 and the 147 and they are getting some good wrist time.

I’m 2/3 and probably headed the same lol

There’s still that brownish dial bracelet version 145? But I’m nit sure if it’s seiko boutique only which some of the initial press seemed to think

[Drdubzz]

I really like the 149, I hope that Seiko will take a cue from Tudor and do an all blue version at some point.

[ddaly12]

I’m in... very impressed. Love the size.



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[startrolexendrolex]

Originally Posted by ddaly12

I’m in... very impressed. Love the size.



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So nice.

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[ddaly12]

Another angle... great case lines.



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[SunTzu]

My AD e-mailed me and said August for my SPB145

I put a deposit down in May. Patiently waiting

[Rokoru]

It seems they didn't arrive in Europe just yet so I placed a deposit for the 149 last week. I never bought a watch whitout trying it first but they look so good on paper and in the pictures... I cant't wait!

[Drdubzz]

Originally Posted by Rokoru

It seems they didn't arrive in Europe just yet so I placed a deposit for the 149 last week. I never bought a watch whitout trying it first but they look so good on paper and in the pictures... I cant't wait!

I think you'll be pleased. They really killed it with the design and proportions.

[Tom5518]

I was offered this one a couple months ago by my AD and it just came in yesterday. They really knocked it out of the park on these and I am thinking this might not be my last one. William is a bad influence.

[1William]

Congratulations. Great watch.

[ap1]

Anyone handy enough to try to remove the divers extension, increase comfort?

[dualcarb]

Originally Posted by ap1

Anyone handy enough to try to remove the divers extension, increase comfort?

I looked around for references and any tips pertaining the removal of the diver extension. Nothing can be done about it. Only thing that can be done is to change the clasp itself. Luckily I have an extra clasp from my SKX bracelet. It works like a charm now.

The original clasp with the diver extension “digs” into my wrist.

And after half a day of wearing this, my wrist has this...


So this is what it looks like with the SKX clasp...


Hope this helps


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[Jhowton23]

I absolutely love mine. I realized all my divers watches were pretty funky so I wanted one that was wearable and had a classic design. For the price these are sold at I feel like I stole it. I purchased through gnomon to get the JDM version here in the states and I have nothing but great things to say. Mine is pictures with a staib mesh bracelet


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[JR16]

Originally Posted by Jhowton23

I absolutely love mine. I realized all my divers watches were pretty funky so I wanted one that was wearable and had a classic design. For the price these are sold at I feel like I stole it. I purchased through gnomon to get the JDM version here in the states and I have nothing but great things to say. Mine is pictures with a staib mesh bracelet


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Wow that looks phenomenal on the mesh - well done !


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[jdmi32]

Wore the SBDC107 on the bracelet for the first couple of weeks and then retired it in favor of straps. This one gives me just about everything that I can ask for, from lug holes to a metal insert to a perfect size. And how can I not mention the chamfers?

[SunTzu]

Just got the call! My SPB145 has arrived. Wired the balance I owe. Shipping tomorrow. Friday I should post it here!

I think it might be our first SPB145?

[SunTzu]

SPB145 first pictures. I lined up the bezel after!

My initial impressions are I love the watch. The case, dial, hands, bezel insert, crystal, etc... The size is perfect. Love drilled lug holes.

The bracelet? Crap! I'm not being hyperbolic. This is the first thing that will go. It's cheap, flimsy, tons of play in the links, and I can see spring bars at the end links. It doesn't even make it to the end of the lugs. It was if it was an afterthought. The dive suit clasp extension is awkward.

I'm definitely going rubber and will wait for a StrapCode better quality bracelet.

To be candid, based on the bracelet, this should not be a $1,200.00 watch. I think it should be comparable to the new Sumo pricing with the same 6R35 movement. The Sumo bracelet is superior with much better end links.






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[SunTzu]

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[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by SunTzu

Man, I have really been coming around to the coppery brown dial of the boutique edition 145. I know everyone loves the sunburst grey dial on the 143, and so do I, but I’m digging the uniqueness of the 145. Very strong contender for my next watch.

[SunTzu]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

Man, I have really been coming around to the coppery brown dial of the boutique edition 145. I know everyone loves the sunburst grey dial on the 143, and so do I, but I’m digging the uniqueness of the 145. Very strong contender for my next watch.

Like I mentioned, I bought it to differentiate it from the grey/black dial that almost every diver in every other manufacturers' lineups produce/copy.

I have my grandfather's 5513, a SRP777, etc... all with black dials.

This dial is far and away completely unique, subtle, and beautiful in the sun. It works well with the lume and bezel insert. It's warm and vintage-like.

I'm really enjoying and don't see too many posted. It's something a little different. When I saw the lineup I immediately was drawn to it. There was no hesitation or comparing or debating. It was a "mic drop" moment on my decision.

Coupled with the size, design and wrist feel; it's a home run. The bracelet is a little iffy for me. The main issue is that there is about a 0.5mm to 1.0mm gap in the lug with the end links. You can see it in the closeup photos you quoted in my post. Very sloppy tolerance in my opinion. It should be flush.

I bought a black Tropic strap for it to see how it will look/feel. Just waiting for it in the mail. I'll use the hardware from my SRP777 strap on it.

[mgsooner]

Originally Posted by SunTzu

Like I mentioned, I bought it to differentiate it from the grey/black dial that almost every diver in every other manufacturers' lineups produce/copy.

I have my grandfather's 5513, a SRP777, etc... all with black dials.

This dial is far and away completely unique, subtle, and beautiful in the sun. It works well with the lume and bezel insert. It's warm and vintage-like.

I'm really enjoying and don't see too many posted. It's something a little different. When I saw the lineup I immediately was drawn to it. There was no hesitation or comparing or debating. It was a "mic drop" moment on my decision.

Coupled with the size, design and wrist feel; it's a home run. The bracelet is a little iffy for me. The main issue is that there is about a 0.5mm to 1.0mm gap in the lug with the end links. You can see it in the closeup photos you quoted in my post. Very sloppy tolerance in my opinion. It should be flush.

I bought a black Tropic strap for it to see how it will look/feel. Just waiting for it in the mail. I'll use the hardware from my SRP777 strap on it.

To me the 145 is "faux patina" done perfectly - the dial obviously invokes a dial with "tropical" patina but it does not hit you over the head with faux vintage notes. It manages to successfully tread the line between vintage inspired and standing on its own as a piece with its own soul - a feat that is not easy to pull off.

The concerns with the bracelet are disappointing but honestly not something that bother me that much as I don't intend to use it very much at all. This is a watch that would live on straps for me - from natos to canvas to rubber to leather. I am waiting for TROPIC to introduce short-sized straps and then that would likely be my move as well.

[SunTzu]

Originally Posted by mgsooner

To me the 145 is "faux patina" done perfectly - the dial obviously invokes a dial with "tropical" patina but it does not hit you over the head with faux vintage notes. It manages to successfully tread the line between vintage inspired and standing on its own as a piece with its own soul - a feat that is not easy to pull off.

The concerns with the bracelet are disappointing but honestly not something that bother me that much as I don't intend to use it very much at all. This is a watch that would live on straps for me - from natos to canvas to rubber to leather. I am waiting for TROPIC to introduce short-sized straps and then that would likely be my move as well.

Funny, I never visioned it as tropical! Just a different color, but I see your point.

Also the ecru colored lume reminds me of the vintage Daini Seiko factory lume that came from there as opposed to the more white, ever so slight green hue lume that came from the vintage Suwa factory.

Still a unique piece! Definitely check one out if you're able and in the market.

[1William]

Congratulations. Great looking watch.

[SunTzu]

Originally Posted by 1William

Congratulations. Great looking watch.

Thank you!


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[dualcarb]

Boutique edition...lovely


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