Seiko SBDC061 | One Week Review - QC Disaster!

The Seiko SBDC061 "Marine Master 200" or "Baby Marine Master" as it's been nicknamed looks great on the wrist and has some very attractive features, but... It also had some issues that made me second guess my relationship with Seiko as I have now purchased three watches from them this year that have had QC issues.
Music: "Retro Soul" by Bensound.com used with all permission.
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[@DutchCrunch333]

A good retailer qc's before the watch goes out to the customer imho

[@Ken-gv6sb]

Another excellent review! Thank you. I have the equivalent model SPB077 and love it, no chapter ring alignment or bezel issue, keeps great time and looks amazing.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Thank you! Enjoy your watch!

[@jh-il5sb]

thank you so much for the video. i just got my seiko sbdc051 in the mail yesterday and was so taken with the dial, i didn't notice the same quality issues with my bezel. thanks again.

[@alfredsfunvideos4270]

That looks so nice on the wrist. Love the way the light catches the edge of the applied indices.

[@JustWatchreviews]

It is a great looking watch, which makes the issues even more disappointing. Thanks for checking in!

[@denisdes7]

I'd like to commend, if I may, your positive attitude toward this gorgeous watch despite its QC issues. I hope it'll be fixed for you - my guess is it will. Meanwhile you kept the review enjoyable and objectively informative, managing to override what may have been legitimate annoyance. Keep up the good work!

[@JustWatchreviews]

Thanks Denis, I really wanted to like the watch, love a lot of things about it, so I was disappointed by the QC issues. Thanks for checking in!

[@lonewolf30531]

I really enjoy your content . Thanks .

[@AK-xz1on]

Late commenter but I enjoyed your review. You are the first reviewer whos actually compared the watches in a level playinf field at full retail prices (rather than comparing full retail of one to a discounted price of another), as well as that this has the same hands as some tunas.

[@eugenethomas4647]

I've found that the best thing to do when purchasing a Seiko is communicate with the seller and ask them to make sure there are no alignment issues with the watch. Ask them to send you pictures of the Watch they are going to send you before you actually purchase it. I did this with TopWatch on Facebook when I bought my SRP639 and it's perfect. I've been fortunate enough that I haven't actually had any issues with any of mine but I figure being proactive can save you a lot of headache. That being said, I don't really see it on yours. If it is misaligned, it's not off by much (from what I can see in this video). The bezel action is definately a problem though.

[@SA-hk8xj]

Great video review. I’m torn between this and the 051?? What are your pros/cons of each? Seems like they are basically the same, just a few style differences imho??

[@22Phanatic]

I’ve got the 063 , everything lines up perfectly and no bezel issues! Luck of the draw I guess, hope your next one is fine! QC is lax though. Btw I also have the black bay and love it !!

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi Robert, I'm glad you got a good one, how is the silicon strap on it? Thanks for checking in!

[@wolffram1]

The unsigned crown is a nod to the past, not a cost cutting measure...🤫

[@chillwill120]

I had that same issue on my bezel with a Tuna but over time it somehow fixed itself and was no longer an issuer.

[@JustWatchreviews]

That's really weird, I wonder if there was some extra material underneath that had to be worn down? Thanks for checking in!

[@khronokraze]

Thanks for this video. I hope the new replacement watch that you get back resolves all these issues that you mentioned. I look forward to a follow-up video when you do get that replacement watch and see if all these issues are fixed or not. I also hope that these issues aren't very widespread and just very uncommon and perhaps you just got the bad luck of the draw on your example. I have a sbdc063 coming in and I hope it is free of these issues. It probably won't be too big of an issue if the chapter ring is misaligned because I plan to change out the hands for the Marine Master 300 handset. When I go into the watch I could realign the chapter ring if need be. But, I hope I won't have to.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi Wing, thanks for checking in, are you on any of the Seiko Facebook groups? I'd love to see the watch when you are done with the mods! Cheers!

[@khronokraze]

Just Watch the only one Seiko related is Seiko & Grand Seiko Watch Fans Facebook group

[@Joniyah444]

Just bought a new seiko 5 automatic. Not even 1 month later the bezel was getting tougher in areas and also very hard to turn. Put some silicone oil in it, it moves smooth but is much quieter now. Moving to orient and citizen I guess.

[@Eric_Nielsen]

Have had 5 Seikos - sold them all. QC issues on every single one. Closest to being 'good' was the Shogun *without* sapphire, *with* a mis-placed 7 o'clock marker.

[@miked2662]

When I was in Kyoto in early June, they had these at BicCamera and they had very misaligned inserts, it was unfortunate. I bought an SBDY015 while I was there which is very nice minus a slightly stiff rotating bezel.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Sounds like Seiko rushed them out if they were all bad. Thanks for checking in Larry!

[@krzysztoflach7954]

Hello, Is there a difference between SBDC061 and SPB077J1 watch ?? Does the watch has Case coating: Dia shield ?? Thank you for the information

[@groovymaster]

Excellent watch for the price, perfect feeling in the wrist, nice weight, materials

[@KarimDeLakarim]

I have the SPB081J1 much like that one the they are quite expensive at least they could have put on a signed crown.It's a lovely watch mines the green and gold when it catches the light the sunburst dial and the gold makers is the ultimate in cool.had no alignment issues,but mine has the crown at 3 was sharp got a watch repairer to just smooth it down,other than that it's cool. Its a LE and quite hard to find. Thanks.

[@voiceofexperience]

I've seen many companies do this over the past decade or so...I call it "bean-counter economics". It works to increase profit in the short term. Then people wise up & walk away from the brand altogether. BTW: My sub-$200 Orient Ray has a signed crown.

[@jajo63]

Jeffrey, do you prefer the Orient over the Sieko. I have been checking them out lately and I am interested in trying one of their divers out.

[@sinjon]

How hard is it to find dead center of a chapter ring and draw vertical and horizontal crosshairs from it? Seems like a no-brainer, especially given the technology around today

[@speedwolf5212]

Seiko's QC issues are really disappointing. They gotta do something, it's becoming rampant.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Agreed, hopefully some of this noise is getting back to them. If not they are as tone deaf as they are blind to the issues. I am rooting for them to address these issues, I'm a long time Seiko fan, going back to the 80's when I bought my 6309. Thanks for checking in!

[@japudjuha]

I totally agree, for all the lovers of seiko out there, which is a lot of people. There seems to be an equal amount of QC problems. How often do you hear, I love my seiko’s, but there’s this issue and that one etc etc? Even on some of the Grand Seikos. Definitely needs addressing.

[@adamski101]

Meh, the bezel clicks wouldn't bother me. So long as the bezel lines up on the 12 marker and isn't overly loose I'm good. However chapter ring and dial misalignment is a definite no-no.

[@retrodan1962]

I was wondering if the crown actually pops out on your SBDC061 when you unscrew it, because mine doesn't. It unscrews and is in the correct position but it doesn't actually pop out . This is unlike my other Seiko divers. Anyone else out there have this experience. I am not sure if this is normal on this particular model or an issue with my watch.

[@halljeffrey88]

Really like to hear if those QC issues were resolved with the replacement and what your thoughts are almost 2 years later?

[@JustWatchreviews]

I didn’t keep it so I couldn’t tell you. I haven’t heard much in the forums lately about issues so hopefully Seiko improves their QC

[@MrRicpe]

Anyone know the solution to the bezel problem?i have the same issue please help

[@Montres_tempus]

Even my brand new Grand Seiko sbge201 has alignment issues. Fix it up Seiko!!

[@mijomendes1705]

can you show us that "new" Grand Seiko?

[@shawnlavigne9069]

R u sure this has zaratzu polishing?

[@jwags24]

I purchased a Turtle SRPC23, and of course the chapter ring is misaligned and the bezel alignment is off. There was also debris on the dial. These problems have been happening for years. How is Seiko not addressing them ? They are losing my business.

[@JustWatchreviews]

That's crazy. I think it's going to hurt them as a brand if they don't address it. Hopefully they are aware of what's being said online, in places like this, and they take action. Thanks for watching Jared!

[@ph69jbl]

This is why I started to enjoy the vintage seikos... not to mention the today’s movements robustness over time...

[@JustWatchreviews]

I agree, I definitely love an old 6309 or 6306. Thanks for checking in!

[@cjcar63]

Yeah, Seiko's bezel rings are always a problem. Same location too. I love my SKX173 to death, but I have had to replace the bezel ratchet spring twice. And when the ratcheting spring goes it tears up the o-ring as well. At least Seiko parts are readily available. I have also owned the SARB033. It has the same movement as this watch.This watch being reviewed will probably be my next Seiko... unless I hear more bad news. When you're paying $200 for an SKX it's just a opportunity for some DIY fixes. For $720 you shouldn't be experiencing these issues.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi cjcar63, thanks for the comment and agreed on the bezel. I'm not sure it was a spring issue on this one though, my guess is that it was an issue with the machining on the inside of the bezel.

[@stevenholmes4339]

I had purchased Breitling superocean 42mm from an AD & the power reserve was only 15 to 20 hrs, it's running late by 30 minutes to 2 hrs..... It was the worst piece I ever purchased & I can't understand how it's come to the showroom with chronometer certificate..... Luckily they replaced the the piece after checking for 3 days

[@maverickwatchreviews]

That's a shame because that's a gorgeous watch. Great vid.

[@ricchrono5907]

from the vid I know you would have already sent the watch back. however I would like to point out that there is another quality issue that is worth noting. if you look at the lume patches, especially on macro shots at the beginning of the vid. see how the lume wasnt filled evenly on the applied indices at 12 and some others. I find this happening very often with seiko watches at this price range. fyi, I recently bought a #sbdc085 and i was going for the black dial version, gave up due to the lume fill flaws and paid extra for this special edition.... simply cos this was the only one without any issue at the time of purchasing.

[@carloszx12]

Thanks for the video. What is the difference between this and a Sumo other than hands? Or maybe the question should be: is this watch worth the delta in price? Thanks and thanks again Carlos

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi Carlos, thanks for checking in. The 61 is smaller than the Sumo and definitely wears smaller. Case shape is very similar and of course the 61 has a fully exposed bezel where the Sumo has the case that extends up to cover each side of the bezel. I'm not sure the watch is worth twice the price of a Sumo IMO, it's not.

[@carloszx12]

Thank you so much!

[@derekshearer9049]

Love the black bay heritage. I have the same model. + 2 secs. A week. Go Tudor. Cheers

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi Derek, thanks for checking in. I'm amazed at how many people are having the same results with the Black Bay's, they are awesome! BTW, I'll have an BB58 in soon for review :-) Cheers!

[@JohnDoe-ll4sy]

I strongly disagree. It's a great watch for the money. Compared to vintage, it's light years ahead. But i guess people were less nit picky then.

[@gordonanderson6216]

My orange 1st gen monster keeps finding its way onto my wrist despite my owning 5 other seiko divers, so I know what you mean.

[@JustWatchreviews]

I need to get one of those for a review, such a cool watch! Thanks for checking in!

[@solosautos1]

In term of design, which one you prefer, this or sumo?

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi Solo, thanks for checking in, I prefer this case design over the Sumo, I like the fully exposed bezel better on this model.

[@35goaltender]

I'll give you that the bezel issue is inexcusable. It is infinitely more difficult to align three items as opposed to two, such as how Rolex does not use a chapter ring per se. As both are mass produced watches, a .0196 alignment issue is easier to discern with three items aligned vs two. But, the Seiko chapter ring brings such an aesthetic to the watch, such that the watch would be completely changed without it. I have seen just as many Rolexes with alignment issues as Seiko. Seiko mid line buyers are more demanding of quality than Rolex purchasers.

[@gtheking]

35goaltender, it's no different than people who buy a $20k car and people who bought a $100k car and have the rights to complain. It's everyone hard earned money.

[@whoknows8678]

"I'll give you that the bezel issue is inexcusable. It is infinitely more difficult to align three items as opposed to two" What exactly are these "three things"? You rotate the bezel and align it with the tip of the minute hand to use it as a crude timer. Boom...done...

[@35goaltender]

The dial...

[@jonirwin7316]

Seiko's QC issues have been ongoing for a long while. It's not nit picking at all. Any WIS will tell you, it bugsthem to no end when chapter ring / bezel insert etc don't line up. Seiko, get it together!

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi Jon, thanks for checking in. It appears that some of the QC issues are starting to leak into their movement factories as well, I've read more than a few things lately about issues with 6R15 movements.

[@dustinr16]

Chapter ring is hardly off. I’ve bought Seiko’s with much worse alignment. The bezel isn’t a deal breaker either as it’s easily repaired with a new bezel spring. Unfortunately Seiko doesn’t care about quality control on even a $1,000 watch so that’s why I no longer buy Seiko watches. There is no excuse for this lack of quality control.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi Dustin, thanks for checking in. I hope Seiko addresses these issues soon, it's amazing how much I'm hearing about it. Cheers!

[@dragonmaster7841]

But why should have to repair these things on a new watch?!?

[@user-ed9id6gd7z]

True.

[@jonbudi]

Cool

[@caomhan84]

To be honest I can hardly ever see chapter ring misalignment that people complain about with Seikos. If it's there, it's so small it's hardly noticeable. It really seems like nitpicking of nitpicking. However, the bezel issues are unacceptable, I agree on that score. Seiko wants $800 for this watch. It shouldn't have a broken bezel.

[@davidmarble5343]

I love my Seiko watches and recommend you buy another brand that will make you happy but doubt it exists.

[@kengarooang8783]

Probably they lower the quality of it to make the Grand Seiko prestigeous

[@8BitQuasar]

If anything, it makes the Grand Seiko less desirable because you have the same company selling poor QC watches then luxury ones. Kinda tarnishes the brand image considering they're both Seiko.

[@vinaynagdev3774]

Is it worth buying this seiko ??? What’s the daily accuracy of the watch???can this watch fit in small size wrist???

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi Vinay, it is within two seconds a day, but they are all over the place from the factory, the usual range is -10/+10 on 6R15 models. The fit is great, very comfortable to wear, wears like a 40mm or so.

[@alienhatz3265]

classic seiko QC

[@jhelwig19781]

Mike who makes the NATO strap?

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi John, sorry for the delayed reply, that is by Blue Shark, I got it on Amazon.

[@jhelwig19781]

Thanks!

[@shipmate3577]

I have looked at buying a new Seiko Turtle... I've looked at about 10 of them at different stores... all of them, but one had chapter and/or bezel alignment issues outside of my tolerance level for a $300 watch. The only one that had no issues was in the bronze colored one, which I don't like. Seiko Quality Control has gone to shit the past few years. I took another look at my Monster Gen2 and realized that my bezel doesn't really align, but no issues with the chapter ring. I really believe that Hamilton, Christopher Ward, and Fortis give you best bang for buck under $1000. I will say I much prefer the Seiko sbdc051 over the sbdc061. I have the sbdc051 (so I may be biased), but the sbdc051 looks unique. This watch (sbdc061) looks forgettable... nothing really unique about it. It's well done, and a good watch if you are just looking to buy one watch.

[@jwags24]

I recently picked up a Turtle that I’m sending back to the dealer. The bezel and chapter ring were both off. Their quality control is a joke.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Hi Shipmate, I really want to check out some of the Hamilton's. Great looking watches. Also, the save the ocean turtle. Thanks for checking in!

[@FINEST-uz9ek]

Shipmate I picked up my 777 J model from Gnonmon watches earlier this year for $300 and it’s.perfect . I agree with you on 051/53 I own a 053 and love that watch , tremendous value for less than 1k in my opinion .

[@whoknows8678]

Guess I got lucky. I just picked up a Samurai. It's a beautiful watch and mine's perfect in every way. +1-2 secs/day on my wrist. Can't beat that!

[@tezzanewton]

Shipmate I just received my first Hamilton, the Interstellar. I’ve got about 14 Seikos but I don’t think I’ll buy another, especially after getting this Hamilton.

[@wanda1396]

with all the awesome, competitively priced micro brands out there - Seiko had better get it's shit together. Or it's gonna go the way of Timex...

[@jeanlefranc3817]

Seems that Seiko QC issues are all over the place know and getting on the nerves of the faithful Seiko lovers. I thought this was limited to lower end models, like the SNZF17 "SeaUrchin" (pretty awful misalignment ) but apparently not. May be Seiko have been resting on their laurels for too long, then will wake up and realise customers give their cash to micro-brands or up their game to Fortis or Sinn level.

[@JustWatchreviews]

It definitely seems like Seiko needs to make some changes, the market is too robust to rest on laurels like that.

[@rhonda837]

sounds like nothing has changed but the price!

[@shawnlavigne9069]

Good one!

[@sbsb4995]

Seiko watches are plague with qc issue for many years. They don't seem to care. 😞

[@MrVitamincpp]

Chapter ring alignment is not QC problem I think. Just Seiko has loose tolerances about aligning chapter rings.

[@mediastarguest]

All those mugs posting the comments about "nitpicking" and whining need to ask themselves if start up brands and copy-cat brands in China can produce and market watches on sale for fifty dollars with no quality issues then why can't Seiko do the same for their watches that from cost 400 to 1000 dollars ?

[@alfredsfunvideos4270]

Also bracelet looks the same as my sbbn015 Tuna but with 20mm lug width

[@JustWatchreviews]

I think it is...

[@chowmonkey2002]

What's with the gloves..

[@indonesiawatchreview9276]

Does it really zaratsu polish?

[@JustWatchreviews]

That’s what they claim!

[@sbsb4995]

Seiko always cuts corners and can't keep proper time😞

[@ajaxforever5473]

A $450 Steinhart has no QC problems at all. Seiko screws up too many times. It's gonna bite them in the ass one day

[@JustWatchreviews]

Agreed, this can't continue. Thanks for checking in!

[@GuitarD30]

$200 range or Grand Seiko. The desire for all these $1000ish Seikos with the awful rattling bracelets and horrendous QC don’t (*doesn’t) make any sense to me.

[@JustWatchreviews]

I can't argue with you based on what I've seen and what I'm hearing. They do seem to be doing a good job on the limited edition Turtles though. I'm going to get one in for review soon. Thanks for checking in!

[@chillwill120]

I agree 100% Guitar. I never understood the love for these mid-range Seikos. Seiko makes amazing watches for a few $100 (e.g. SKX, Sarb) but I think the value proposition drops precipitously once you begin to approach $1000. Things that were perfectly acceptable at $200 are no longer acceptable at $1000, namely the push pin bracelets, slow-beat and erratic 6R15, hardlex crystal, and quality control issues. Once you pass around $500, entry level Swiss watches such as Hamilton or even a Steinhart start to make a lot more sense.

[@FINEST-uz9ek]

Maybe it’s just me but everyone seems to be really nit picking on these “QC issues” a barely noticeable alignment issues that unless you purposely looking for it you will not even see it and an issue with bezel clicks? Who turns a bezel around the way you illustrated in your video ? Come on guys we are all getting a little to anal retentive here with these so called QC issues!

[@whoknows8678]

How funny! I JUST posted pretty much the exact same thing up at the top! LOL

[@benmears49]

Agree

[@amrashraf9559]

Ray Caroli If you try some damasko bezels ,then you will feel the difference in quality...

[@edloki3057]

If it is $200, like my turtle -- I don't mind the alignment issues. But dude, this is a near $1000 watch. You can get microbrands with better movements and better quality control for that price.

[@edloki3057]

@@nepats3669 Dude, I have a seiko turtle with mis-aligned chapter ring. Bought it from a store on a boxing week sale, have receipt. Called seiko about it, they told me it was within spec.

[@whoknows8678]

Man, you're REALLY nitpicking... That chapter ring alignment is pretty danged good compared to some of the BS I've seen on SKXs. You, yourself, said you didn't even notice it. As for the bezel not having a "30 second click" in some areas, who cares? Do you really think that matters to an actual diver (I'm guessing you aren't)? Nope, not one bit since the entire timer aspect of ANY diver bezel is so coarse in the first place.

[@alext2933]

This is too expensive for skx QC.

[@JustWatchreviews]

Yes, I was disappointed to say the least.

[@lamadoo]

I went through 5 SBDC063, all misaligned.

[@JustWatchreviews]

That's crazy! Which dealer let you do that? I would like to do business with them! Thanks for checking in!

[@lamadoo]

Just Watch I think its just Seiko's very poor QC. The ebay seller bbtiesto was great tho, he had 4 in stock and sent me a photo of the watch before sending. I ended up having to go through and reject all 4 of his stock. He than went to his friend's nearby watch shop and sent me a photo of another sbdc063 and asked if that particular watch was okay to send, sadly not and he ended up refunding me. So out of the 5 sbdc063 inspected, they were all obviously misaligned. I hope you get a good exchange on your sbdc061, perhaps ask for a photo before sending to make the whole process easier if you end up unlucky. Good luck !

[@dragonmaster7841]

What’s with the gloves? Everyone is wearing one. Very distracting.

[@erwinmanzano7596]

The only design I hate for the PROSPEX line of diver's watches is big HOUR HAND with an arrow head . It's ugly! Also with OMEGA planet ocean. I prefer the shapes of the past TUNA watches.

[@JustWatchreviews]

I agree on the handset. It didn't bother me on the 051/053 watches, but I don't like it on the 061/063.

[@erwinmanzano7596]

Just Watch, I got your point Bro. Thanks.

[@gmshadowtraders]

My peeps, let me get shit straight, you are paying poor man's money but are expecting rich man quality control?? ERRR NOOOO THEN PAY RICH MAN MONEY YEAH lol but seriously, what did u expect

[@RickDeckardMemories]

Let me see if I get it right: You are born, you are alive for a shamefully short time, and then you die, you cease to exist, you disappear into nothing. And while you are alive you worry about these kinds of things... 😞

[@FenixYuk]

you exchanged your shamefully short life for pitiful amount of money, and shell them out on this piece of miserable quality and overpriced seiko?

[@savy7867]

Dude, thank u for the review, but you swallowing your spit every 10 sec, this sounds disgusting and is anoying

[@all_is_1485]

There’s no legitimate reason for such piss-poor QC on a watch of this price. Seiko are just a rip-off brand. There are plenty of Swiss watches that offer greater value for money