Battle of the BEST Retro Diver Watches of 2020! | Seiko SPB147j1 vs Mido Ocean Star Tribute Blue

The $1000 segment is a highly competitive space for retro dive watches that has been filled with killer watches from Seiko, Mido, Doxa and etc. Now is the glory days of vintage inspired dive watches that look the part- but which one should you spend your hard earned money on? Today we compare the highly anticipated SPB147j1 or '62mas reissue' versus the very value packed Mido Ocean Star Tribute Blue with its charming blue dial.
Special thanks to BezelHouse for lending me the Mido Ocean Star to do this comparison.
Video of 'Close-Up Video of Sea Waves' by Paata Gogua

[@Nuclear__HS]

I feel like I've said this on every video of yours so far, but I can see the deliberate improvements in your videography more and more every time :) Keep on keepin' on!

[@perpetuality]

Thank you my friend for the kind comments- I always look for your comment in my videos

[@gregalonzo747]

Mido is an excellent brand that is very popular here in Europe. You can't go wrong with this brand.

[@johnny_bravo9990]

Where in Europe

[@gregalonzo747]

​@@johnny_bravo9990Presently I am living in Austria. However, Mido is popular throughout Europe. My father loved Mido. I If memory serves a friend of his told him about the brand. He dealt with an Ad in Los Angeles.

[@Casualcollector2024]

Great review! I was always very critical of Seiko watches in general (quality issues)…but once I had this diver on the wrist, it changed my mind about the brand. The quality is there, the movement runs perfectly. the bezel is alined:) and case shape & dimensions are perfect. Of course there are some imperfections (unsigned crown or the white date wheel) but these are no issues for me. No watch is perfect, doesn’t matter how much money you spend, once you realize that, you look at things differently. It’s all about how the watch feels on your wrist, that’s it.

[@a.c.h3792]

People always say that Seiko straps are very long, well yes that's true because divers generally tend to wrap the watch around a dry suit in many parts of the world in water cold enough to warrant wearing one. Seiko for me any day, a properly functioning traditional dive watch that just looks balanced, simple and beautiful. Great review.

[@perpetuality]

Thats a great point you bring up and explains alot why tropic straps were so long back in the day

[@a.c.h3792]

@@perpetuality I'd never heard of Tropic straps until you replied and mentioned it, so i looked them up and i have to say thankyou because they look great and i am considering buying one for my SKX 007 J1.

[@bobpaulson9r72fk24]

Wow man incredible comparison. Videography is superb!

[@georgschenkfilm]

I own both watches an i would add the fact that the mido has a double domed crystal and the seiko has a single domed crystal. Therefore the milky seam on the mido crystal, but no double reflection like on the seiko.

[@timemeasured9137]

If you’re looking for a no frills pure dive watch, Seiko has mastered the dive watch and will out perform the Mido any day. But if you’re looking for a dive watch that looks classy and can double as a dressy sports watch then the Mido is going to be more appealing. Great review. Cheers!

[@perpetuality]

Well said!

[@algorithm007ify]

The Mido Ocean star tribute in black is stunning.

[@chadgraber4575]

Has to be one of the greatest video intros ever. Love my oceanstar tribute.

[@perpetuality]

Thank you Chad, it is no doubt a fantastic watch- the bracelet is among my favorites.

[@renaud_]

Cool video. The SPB143 is really tempting, on my short list for the next one 😀

[@perpetuality]

And it’s so different from its brethren too!

[@denisdaly1708]

I like both, and the Seiko dial especially. I like the bracelet on the Mido, an underrated brand. It goes with the blue dial. But like you, I'd go with the Seiko, even with the inferior movement.

[@anotherknight75]

Just purchased my spb147. That nato you have paired it with is superb.

[@fauver1139]

Me too. Spb147 is best for its money on market now.

[@alanfearon6568]

I have the mido in green but the 147 is one of my favourites!

[@jkldeer]

Seiko is the choice for me, I find the case finishing is more interesting on it. BUT I do like the movement better in the Mido!

[@perpetuality]

Hmmm yes that movement has amazingly smooth crown for hand winding too, something I forgot to mention as a plus for the powermatic 80

[@joekool5676]

Mido all the way! How does it wear? What is your wrist span meaning width of your wrist not circumference

[@Trilogysworld]

Seiko is the better watch here love it

[@joeygreen77]

I'd have to go for the seiko. Because the Mido is too shiny with all that high polish.

[@Vinny_Terranova]

Mido is more beautiful. I own one, is just stunning. Plus the movement have silicon spring, boost 80 hours power reserve, COSC. This is just wow! I think this Mido Ocean Star Tribute actually out performs many affordable watches including Oris and is more appealing than many Divers above the 5K USD. I have lot of respect for Seiko but in this one, Mido is the clear winner.

[@fauver1139]

Nah, this one Mido looks like poor crap.

[@stuartburns8192]

This Midp is not COSC certified.

[@Normanroberts]

The MIDO is one of the most beautiful watches on the market.

[@paulvon2378]

Wirth the Mido you also get A Nylon (blue) or leather (black) strap in additional to the bracelet. Day & date vs date. I agree, I would go with the Mido

[@ZeginMakesMusic]

Beautiful editing. This video is truly a masterpiece. I only do shorts and videos like this inspire me. Keep up the amazing work. You've just earned yourself a new subscriber.

[@resjon7981]

Close but the SPB147 for the win especially on the original Seiko bracelet.

[@denisdes7]

The Seiko's crown may not be signed but it's beautifully finished with circular brushing on its face, offering good purchase and slightly recessed in the case. In comparison, the Mido is quite uninspiring in most of its design details, IMO.

[@perpetuality]

Solid points that I agree with in total. The mido did not impress me until I handled the bracelet. You’re right it’s not a inspiring design. Dial color is very nice IMO!

[@Not-a-bot222]

Love that seiko. They make. 37 mm too I believe. I’m torn between the 37mm 62mas remake or a Weiss standard issue 38mm. Totally different works I know but, it is what it is lol

[@perpetuality]

I personally love the larger size as it’s more true to the vintage skin diver look!

[@mattiaroverso1321]

Mido ocean star red Gradient ❤

[@ZeginMakesMusic]

The Seiko is currently 1350 while the Mido is priced at 850. The mido has a superior bracelet and is obviously the winner. But maybe I'm biased, I hate Seiko.

[@MaleGolfer]

Really like the looks of the Mido, but the 21mm lug is a non starter for me.

[@perpetuality]

I’m not sure why they did this on a 40.5mm case. Could you imagine what a tapered bracelet would do for the watch? I think it would be stunning

[@mattd9330]

Love the comparison, very polished presentation! As an owner of this Mido and a long time Seiko lover I am impressed with both time pieces. Seiko’s ongoing bezel and chapter ring QC issues have caused me to hesitate before buying this Seiko buy will probably buy it. My new Sumo has a bracelet with poorly fitting end links, same issue when I tried this Seiko on. The Seiko’s strap in the video looks sharp however!

[@dandc2011]

The Seiko does not use Zaratsu polish on the 62mas watches. It's very good, very deep and even polishing, but they don't use Zaratsu. That's saved for much more expensive models.

[@markjohn1910]

I prefer the seiko hence I purchased it last week , stunning watch although the strap does slip out of the keeper quite a bit which is annoying, love the watch though . 40.5 mm is the perfect size too , great review by the way

[@KristianDowling]

Can I ask about the nato on the 147? I have the 147 and that strap looks perfectly matched

[@yasha8951]

I’ve the seiko coming in the mail, the Mido looks great too and it’s a very good brand, with that 21mm it’s going to be hard to find straps tho

[@perpetuality]

Agreed, although that mesh bracelet is fantastic and very comfortable on the wrist. May not be too big of a dealbreaker at 21mm

[@saswineey]

22mm shoved in will work 😉

[@Joniyah444]

Funny how this video shows up on recommendation. I was looking at these 2 watches. Seiko prices keep going up and up, and I have a few already nice ones. I ended up getting the ocean star 80. Absolutely gorgeous and the quality is good. Like you said the bezel action is better on seiko, even my skx or 5 automatic. However my first entry higher mid - entry luxury Swiss watch I’m very happy with this. Next will be longines and oris for me hopefully. That should be all!

[@perpetuality]

Great choice! It still baffles me how much you get with Mido value for money wise. Their titanium ocean star is also incredible

[@Joniyah444]

@@perpetuality yes! I was looking at Longines and Christopher ward. Christopher ward looks very good, the mido. Longines is kinda ehhh compared to them even though they are gorgeous watches too

[@Joniyah444]

@@perpetuality oh I know! gorgeous watches and great movements. quality is on par with my longines, maybe even better.

[@d2rufffalco459]

Yeah I have to go with the Mido all day seiko is hit or miss and I can’t chance hit or miss paying close to 1k. Nice review. Go Mido

[@riskwalla]

I'd love to see one more watch compared here, the DOXA Sub 200, as I believe these two and the Doxa make for the best dive watches under $1500.

[@perpetuality]

Great suggestion I’ll try to get one in sometime, it was on my mind too but these two just came to me first! Thanks for watching!

[@atticus6572]

Alas, the Doxa Sub 200 has drawbacks which I imagine would prove fatal in a comparison to these two. Even if it is aesthetically a homerun.

[@gustomundo]

Seikos always just look better, even if they aren't better, they look better....

[@SampleTracks2224]

The Mido is a gener-o-watch. It literally could be anything. The Seiko looks like a classic Seiko. This causes anger in many, of course, but it is what it is.

[@perpetuality]

Fair point to say, the seiko does seem to have a lasting appeal

[@stuartburns8192]

Pretty certain Seiko don’t hand-polish at this price-point. And that’s not Milanaise mesh, it’s a variant of beads-of-rice. Small details matter. However, your photography is very good and pleasant voice to listen to.

[@alexandros370]

I'm an italian guy, i want buy the Seiko that you reviewed. It's a beautiful watch. It has a fantastic style. One answer, what is the name on nato that you put with Seiko? It is perfect choice.

[@perpetuality]

Hey buddy! Unfortunately the bracelet won’t fit the newer 38mm case on this one. The nato is from Barton watch bands!

[@ciaociao5993]

@@perpetuality 38mm case? What Prospex reference is 38mm?

[@squinkygordon1322]

@@ciaociao5993 The only Seiko 38mm (Prospex) I know of is the new Alpinist.

[@markodsrb93]

I Couldn’t choose, i bought the 2 😀

[@perpetuality]

You unlocked the secret to happiness!! Haha I love it, congratulations you mad lad 😀

[@themeanie.]

So which do you prefer?

[@markodsrb93]

Perpetuality : haha thanks TheMeanie : Perpetuality : haha thanks They are different, but I prefer the Seiko, it's more psychological and not qualitative :)

[@Red_Pill_King]

The Mido Ocean Star is a Seiko killer! 💯 Swiss Made ~ Caliber 80⌚👌🏼

[@marcelodietrich8674]

Your choice for best is confusing. It sounds like you say "the Mido edges out the Seiko", but you have more complaints about the Mido. For me, Seiko prevails.

[@perpetuality]

It was a little hurried but in the end I did say the seiko was the watch I took home Thanks for watching!

[@deej9367]

Mido needs to do something about those crown guards. Besides that it looks great

[@ams914]

No they don't. lol

[@deej9367]

@@ams914 My opinion. Did I insult you watch? So sensitive.

[@antoine.o2655]

Hello ! First, let me Say that I really appreciate jour work ! 😊 Secondly, I follow you on Instagram ans see another combo with a Brown rubber Bracelet (for the Seiko). Where did you find it ? Thanks for your help !

[@perpetuality]

Hey sorry for the delay! It’s a single pass nato from cheapestnatostraps and the rubber strap is from Barton

[@SampleTracks2224]

The Mido's bling puts me off; it would have to be strap only. Also they're only really available in Europe, as I discovered when I tried to take a look at the Compression Timer model. The world is so much bigger... I pick the Seiko in a nanosecond.

[@hendychen6767]

Bro how about with mido vs oris diver 65?

[@perpetuality]

Havent been able to try the Oris diver 65 in person so I wouldnt be able to comment on it in fairness. Just going for looks wise- i prefer the brighter blue dial of the Mido to Oris' darker blue. They both seem to wear similar too. I think you can find more deals on the Mido and it does have a lower retail price. Would love to get one in to review someday

[@markjohn1910]

Got both of watches you mentioned!!! Both beautiful watches ,

[@pierremartin9048]

That Nato is the ticket for that 147

[@kubectlgetpo]

Wow, very high quality video! Subscribed. Whats that strap on SPB147 1:49?

[@perpetuality]

Thanks buddy! It’s a single pass nato from cheapestnatostraps

[@TheRealTrueFabio]

mido hands down

[@M3LTUP]

The Seiko is cool. But i think i like the Mido better. Is Mido part of the Swatch Group ?

[@perpetuality]

They are indeed with the Swatch Group! 😃

[@ericchanclois]

The seiko with the nato strap is soooooo beautiful!!!!!!

[@blurayauthority]

Link to the strap for the Seiko (tan NATO)?

[@perpetuality]

it's the single pass nato from cheapestnatostraps

[@wafiymeerul6806]

Do you have IG? Needed to see more of that Seiko combination on wrist

[@perpetuality]

Definitely! I’m at thatwatchaddict

[@LouisMorales-zx3jm]

Mido!

[@AaronBennett90]

Hey man - where did you get the nato for the Seiko?

[@perpetuality]

Hey Aaron- I didn’t see this comment. My apologies. It’s a single pass nato cheapestnatostraps

[@edwardcrater3591]

Mido, hands down. Seiko has been over pricing their watches as of late. Besides, why be like everyone else.

[@kostar500]

Get both. It’s not this or that. It’s get em all.

[@manfre6167]

Where you bought that beautiful nato??

[@nodidog]

Where did you find that nato? Suits the Seiko colourway so perfectly

[@nodidog]

Answered my own question by rummaging through your other videos 😊 enjoyed this one 👍

[@perpetuality]

Thanks so much for watching! Glad you found what you were looking for :)

[@kubectlgetpo]

@@nodidog Can you answer here? I have the same question!

[@kubectlgetpo]

lol nevermind :) www.cheapestnatostraps.com/collections/adjustable-single-pass-straps

[@joaopedrocerejeira1945]

Hi! Great video! Can you please tell me where do you buy that beautiful nato strap for the Seiko?

[@perpetuality]

Hey! I got the single pass nato from cheapestnatostraps!

[@Blinkeebill]

Both great watches, but the Seiko for me.

[@jericocalzado]

Super love them both. The beauty of Mido is just so striking even when you compare it to higher end brands/models. I would prefer it to the Seiko. But the ultimate solution is to have them both.

[@perpetuality]

Couldn't agree more!

[@holgerstark6519]

I don't think it's a handmade Zaratsu polish in this price range of the Seiko. At this pricepoint watches are massproducts.

[@perpetuality]

Seiko had claimed the predecessor to this watch had a Zaratsu polished line, this was later confirmed in an instagram post on the official account. Gnomon watches has this listed witha zaratsu line too. I just wish they werent so nebulous and listed it as such.

[@timgorham155]

nice video mate

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

New sub here, fantastic review!

[@perpetuality]

Looking forward to having you around! Thank you 😀

[@rustydrog]

The day date puts me off the Mido

[@perpetuality]

I agree it’s not my favorite- it reminds me of the old Seiko 5 day dates

[@Rodolfoguerra12]

New sub here, Mido hands down for me, good vid. Cheers.

[@perpetuality]

Thanks for watching!

[@jakepowers1833]

I am not a big fan of Seiko. For whatever rationale they use, they always come up for a way to short change the customer. Mido is a solid brand. I also love the blue dial.

[@alexmedley1620]

What nato strap is that on the Seiko?

[@perpetuality]

That is a single pass nato from CNS Watch bands

[@rogerfilerable]

Will take the mido anytime.

[@mickaelschlaeflin623]

What's this Nato model on SPB147j1 ?

[@perpetuality]

It’s the single pass nato from cheapestnatostraps

[@billmurphy893]

The clasp on the mido is a deal breaker abd the polish is just too much making it look so flashy its comes off as cheap. Seiko would be the choice for me.

[@yasha8951]

Sign crowns are overrated

[@icas80]

Seiko and it's not even close.

[@Psysso]

I own the Mido, good watch but i really dislike the the high polish clasp, that thing is a scratch magnet, however it is hands down the most comfortable bracelet ive ever worn, thing is amazing. What i also don't like is the indices are painted and i got mine with hands that weren't properly alligned. So yea quality control is so so. They also glue the bracelet links together with some super glue and i needed to find a watchmaker with a sonic gun just to size it... Seiko however is overpriced and has other QC issues usually. The movement goes to Mido imo, no competition... So all in all i think there are better choices in this price range, they are just more hidden.

[@perpetuality]

First of all- great points, i do appreciate the ownership viewpoint on the Mido. The Mido does offer value but when you look at the details you can see where there was some cost cutting to keep it under $1000 which I think is fair. I didn’t have the chance to resize the bracelet so I can’t comment on that. One area of improvement could be the bezel action of the Mido. It had a fair amount of play in it and there was a bit of vagueness to get it to click in place, at least that was the situation for the copy I had. The Seiko does do better in this regard and actually has a nicer finished case.. But The Seiko doesn’t have nearly as nice of a movement as the Mido. When you do look at the Mido as a complete package- it still is really competitive and I think it doesn't vastly get better in quality until $1500 which is Oris Aquis territory.. Yes there may be better choices but I haven’t had a chance to handle them all personally and wouldn’t be able to comment on them. I’d love to compare these to the Doxa 200 and some other popular micro brands when the opportunity comes up!

[@michaels2787]

This is like me stepping into the ring with a UFC Fighter and getting knocked out in six seconds (after running away for five). Seiko hands down!

[@perpetuality]

Hahaha I love the reference (and know exactly what you mean) 🤟

[@bking82]

For me the battle win Baltic

[@MrDoncarnage]

Mido > Seiko. Or get Doxa Sub300T, nuff said.

[@zaf240489]

21mm lugs on the mido makes it an instant no buy for me. Love the aesthetics though.

[@ams914]

Rolex making 21s will move the whole market though. Yes you'll have to buy additional straps but at least they'll exist now.

[@zaf240489]

@@ams914 fair point. not sure how I feel more & more watches I like is in 19mm or 21mm.

[@ams914]

@@zaf240489 Maybe it's time to bite the 19/21mm bullet! lol. I ordered the Khaki Green Ocean Star Tribute a few days ago. I'm counting on more and more 21mm straps popping up on the market within the next year, and I'm sure they will.

[@reallypantik6283]

its a beating, not a battle

[@fauver1139]

Mido looks much worse, cheap, with more like unbreed design. 100% to Seiko here. Btw, this model is being often compared to black bay 58.

[@gmichael9850]

Obviously biased toward the Mido, which is clearly an inferior piece. These watches are not even comparable. The mido is a cheap piece of crap with a decent movement inside! This guy is getting kickbacks from mido Clearly!

[@perpetuality]

Are you sure you watched the same video? As mentioned The Seiko was the watch that ended up in my collection in the end, but maybe you missed that. About your last accusation All I can say is Thanks for the laugh 😂 Have a good life Glenn, don’t let a video of a Mido vs Seiko ruin your day. these are just watches after all. There are much bigger problems to direct your thoughts on in the world

[@paulvon2378]

Mido is cheap? lol

[@stuartburns8192]

gmichael- Your comment is completely ignorant and totally rude.

[@24934637]

I quite like that Mido, which surprises me, I'm generally not a fan of makes that I've never heard of (That includes a LOT of makes as I'm fairly new to decent quality watches!). The style reminds me very much of an Oris that I owned when I was a kid, Don't know where it is now, but it's probably worth a few ££. It was a present from my Dad, who I'm fairly sure bought it pre-owned in the early 1980s.