I Thought the SPB143 Was Perfect, but the HydroConquest Changed My Mind

[@Mexicanfood182]

Excellent video, made this decision between these 2 models about a year ago and went with the seiko, don't regret it since! Love the history, the looks and the movement, at least mine can be super accurate knowing the position it likes to be let in at night.

[@timepieceofart]

Thank you for your support, enjoy your watch, i love them both, but i lean slightly towards the Longines 🙂

[@ivanmejia6843]

The Longienes has a better movement and finishing. But lookswise, the SPB143 is better 100%.

[@timepieceofart]

I agree, the SPB is definitely a looker, although after a while the Hydroconquest kinda grow on me 🙂

[@ronaldnixon8226]

The Conquest looks like someone from another planet designed a dive watch by hearing us talk about them. What diver needs huge 3, 6, and 9s?

[@msk3905]

Huh i think that the Seiko is bland & boring looking the Conquest is more appealing to me, love the. Umbers, logo, and hands but I do wish that they would remove the triangles on the side.

[@K.J.H_]

My Hydroconquest (ceramic) runs a tad under +1s/day. Doesnt matter if i wear it, sits in the winder, sits on the nightstand any way, sits upside-down in the bath tub, +1sec a day. A very consistent movement and i dont seem to be the only one pulling this kind of accuracy with the L888.

[@timepieceofart]

I have the same experience with the movement and also a lot of people on Reddit share the same thing. I guess certifying it would cost more, so at this price, it is an absolute steal :)

[@pete5534]

I like ‘em both, and would consider either. When it comes to accuracy however, if the published numbers are correct, at $1200 the Seiko falls short.

[@timepieceofart]

The stated numbers of the SPB are tested and are correct, honestly if you dont wear your watch every day and wind it 2 or 3 times per week, 25 sec per day are not a big deal 🙂

[@indraperdana1259]

movement longines look wise seiko icon wise seiko i go for seiko

[@timepieceofart]

You pretty much summarize my review :)

[@HotSauceStain]

Seiko is entry level. Longines is higher up, even luxury tier. I wouldn’t feel proud wearing a Seiko

[@PepRex]

@@HotSauceStain What a lot of nonsense.

[@HotSauceStain]

@@PepRex Seiko fanboys are upset. Stop being cheap.

[@PepRex]

@HotSauceStain An extremely poor attempt at trolling.

[@babekazimi]

Both of them are beautiful, but Longines is very impressive

[@Mandaunusantara]

Both are good but i choose Longines all the way!

[@timepieceofart]

We are on the same page😀

[@tomislavm2873]

Well I disagree. Longi is boring, SPB143 is already an ICON!

[@timepieceofart]

The SPB143 is maybe one of the most popular seiko's in recent years, definitely gaining its iconic status, but in terms of quality, i think the Hydroconquest is a notch above

[@klaymore533]

Longines is probably the best value for money watch brand. High quality Swiss watches with heritage that are consistently

[@HotSauceStain]

Longines is just god quality. I love mine, I feel amazing wearing it

[@msk3905]

You see i think the complete opposite, the Seiko’s looks are bland, boring and like so many others. I love the numbers, logo and hands of the hydro conquest.

[@tomislavm2873]

@@msk3905 Well, it would be great to see how many spb and hydro sold a year.

[@danielcalvocamacho4538]

HudroConquest newer version 8s way more beautiful. I have the blue version with ceramic bezel, less busy dial and loly pop second hand 🤩🤩

[@timepieceofart]

The ceramic bezel is a nice upgrade, and I love the less busy dial on the newer models, but personally, couldn't justify the extra 400$. Plus i really love the red tip on the second hand :) What color do you have, the green dial variant is great looking

[@NeoWahNah]

Between the two, I prefer the SPB143. Because I think it looks that much better. The only reason I can't buy one is because +25/-15 spd is too big of a variance for me.

[@timepieceofart]

I feel the same, the movement is killing this watch.

[@Bakero083]

i have the Longines Hydroconquest GMT 41mm... A very nice watch

[@timepieceofart]

Absolutely stunning watch, Longines made all the necessary upgrades like better bezel insert, better crown guards and bracelet taper. What color do you have, i love the green variant 🙂

[@Bakero083]

@@timepieceofart the black dial, black rubber strap.. The best one

[@gregteigland4788]

Longines are great watches.

[@timepieceofart]

I couldn't agree more, very underestimated brand with great history and quality watches

[@randyreynolds1045]

Longines is much better❤!

[@timepieceofart]

I would probably say "slightly" better🙂

[@CACOPHONIE]

In terms of price comparison SPB shouldn't go for it. You must choose SLA. Though i think SPB is still better then Hydrocon in any turms.

[@timepieceofart]

If i am not wrong, SLA are much more expensive than the Hydroconquest

[@digbe27]

Long Jeans

[@KeithBeacham]

The newest Hydroconquest looks good but this thing with those god awful crown protectors looks terrible. SPB143 all day.

[@gonzchi]

SPB143 is perfect on the outside. On the inside, the movement sucks. I know because I have one.

[@timepieceofart]

I couldn't agree more, the movement makes this watch hard to recommend. On the other side, the proportions and overall look is perfect for my wrist size

[@Wayne-q1v6l]

They both have their aesthetic atrocities. Hard pass for me.

[@timepieceofart]

What is your preferred choice in this price range ? Honestly, in terms of looks, i can't find better looking diver than the spb143 for around 1000$.

[@Wayne-q1v6l]

@@timepieceofart I think there would be hundreds as there are just some things I don't accept aesthetically. For the Seiko it's the flat endlinks; the cut out for them is disgusting. And for the Longines it's the horrendous date window and the crown guards. Those crown guards just do not work with a more traditional case shape. Also, for the Longines, the case size to lug-to-lug is out of kilter.

[@timepieceofart]

The end links on the SPB are a crime😀The crown guards on the new hydro gmt are really well designed, they would look great on the regular hydro

[@philiplauzon1743]

Longines wears horribly because of that chunky bracelet and wrist digging crown guards. Seiko wins this one hands down, no contest for having owned both and having a 7.5 inch wrist

[@timepieceofart]

I agree, the bracelet is not the most comfortable on the Longines. Slight taper would make this watch much more comfortable.

[@dimitrihadzitomov]

Seikos' are good bang for the buck, but seem to make no sense in the $700-$2000 range. The Swiss, and even some French and English brands, are better in that space.

[@timepieceofart]

You’re absolutely right, and as much as I love Seiko, their higher price points can be tough to justify compared to Swiss brands. Swiss watches in the $700-$2000 range generally offer better finishing, movements, and overall quality.

[@daveLin104]

I think the spb143 is better looking and more versatile with the modern yet vintage look. The Longines though is better made, better movement and more accurate, great vid :)

[@timepieceofart]

Thank mate, i really appreciate it. Do you own any of these?

[@daveLin104]

@timepieceofart I have the 143 it slowly grew on my then I realised suddenly realised loved it I know if sell would regret at some point in the future. I looked at the longines and really like it but think a little to flashy for me especially the polished centre link etc. Both fantastic watches though:)

[@finenavaljewelry5798]

Erm, no. I owned both, and Hydroconquest is a piece of crap

[@timepieceofart]

Why do you think so, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Hydroconquest

[@finenavaljewelry5798]

@@timepieceofart I had a 2019 Ceramic bezel. Terrible, awful clasp, designed by a committee, too heavy, rough crown guards that hurt top of my palm, it's basically Swatch Group's Seamaster for cheap people. SPB is miles ahead.

[@prostek]

That's not true they very different so i will get Seiko. Of course i have Longines ;)

[@timepieceofart]

What draws you towards Seiko, i like the Longines more, in terms of quality and history.

[@richardburns9772]

Meh, both are sub par.

[@timepieceofart]

Why do you think so, what other diver would you suggested in this price range?

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Both are shitters