Seiko Solar Sapphire Diver - Worthy Upgrade?

[@DJRWatchRolls]

Please do a bracelet or at least solid end links for the 38.5mm Seiko Solar Divers (SNE573, SNE583 and SNE585 etc.). These 43mm versions look great but I prefer the smaller versions.

[@islandwatch]

Noted!

[@matthewgates4130]

Amen!

[@soulsphere1749]

Seconding this! There's the 40page thread on Watchuseek of people trying to fit other different bracelets in but none of them do the trick IMO. An engineer bracelet or Speedmaster 3861 for the SNE would be amazing.

[@rygamer]

Yes please

[@alexg4284]

Here here!

[@wranglerstar]

I really like these divers, thanks for the review,

[@timetowatch_francois]

I love the “grab-n-go” capabilities of solar and this one does not disappoint! ☀️😎👍🏼 Thanks for sharing!

[@islandwatch]

You bet!

[@PhillipDrumz]

Just bought the blue on rubber off your website today! Thanks so much Marc

[@Postmortumaz]

Speaking of solar. My Arnie arrived yesterday. Another perfect order from Long Island Watch. Thanks Mark.

[@islandwatch]

Great watch.

[@emphasis20]

Yes please on Long Island Watch bracelets for these watches. With a solid clasp and end links, these watches would have been an absolute home run. Especially if fully upgraded, I think they are definitely candidates for long term keepers specs wise. I'm considering getting one but I would love a better bracelet.

[@williamrizzo1285]

I like everything with the exception of the hollow end links!

[@islandwatch]

Agreed.

[@michaeldefillipo6833]

Tease away Marc , but I am sure your Islander GMT will come out soon and from the look's of what we have been able to see it's going to be worth the wait. Keep safe be well and continued success for you and your Longisland watch team.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks Michael.

[@jazzsounds8159]

@@islandwatch prices? south of 1k?

[@LS1007]

Great looking watches but the price increases are crazy. Thanks for sharing them Marc. Have a great day! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@islandwatch]

Thank you

[@ClevaTreva]

Just waiting for the blue one to arrive (as well as your bespoke bracelet!). This satisfies the 'itch' for the Casio Duro - and then some.

[@ConnorBroomfield]

The first company to make decent options for bracelets with solid end links for these is going to do very well.

[@prettysoIdier]

Seiko needs to make a 38mm skx style solar with 4 o’clock crown. I would buy in a heart beat

[@pkpnyt4711]

The lights are a bit better now, just a bit more shadows to get rid of. Good work!

[@islandwatch]

Yup, thank you. I was a bit lazy in this setup, and only used one light instead of two. I'll watch those shadows.

[@pavXX]

Yep I have the blue PADI and it's one of my favorite watches. Like the pepsi bezel on the new one. And the blue dial looks really nice too.

[@raserx63]

I recently got the VAER 42mm solar diver. 200 m water resist , sapphire crystal , comes with 2 straps. 259.00

[@truoli131]

Do you make a tapered SS bracelet for this watch?

[@David-nx2vm]

Marc, I saw the IG teaser lume photo of the upcoming GMT. I hope you included a 24-hour scale in the dial - that will make it 3-zone capable. The Sellita 300 is a super solid movement. It was in my Oris Aquis GMT and the 3-zone flexibility is terrific. Oh yeah, the Seiko releases are nice too. Greetings from Texas.

[@karlroberts3179]

Hey Mark. I’m due for a new Seiko Solar. Which is the better buy, the sne573 series, or sne593 series. Much appreciated. Great reviews.

[@bingskiddd]

Mark, Baby................. you're killing us with the GMT release bro!

[@islandwatch]

LOL, sorry.

[@j1clarke]

I have original in the IP black, and it is great watch. I also love all my samurai on marks bracelet, but I cannot justify some of these new prices, especially as I picked a citizen promaster ecodrive GMT from a citizen boutique for less than $200

[@islandwatch]

That was the old SNE441, nice looking watch!

[@robertking9658]

I also bought the older version (SNE 441) from Marc as my daily driver a while back but it’s taken some knocks. Any ideas for replacement bezel inserts for these? What about aftermarket ceramic inserts?

[@davidsparling3505]

Thanks, Marc! Always wondered why the price variation (sapphire crystal) and now I know! Considering a used blue version and having this info will be valuable. BTW, why doesn’t Seiko taper their bracelets? I would like them much more if they did.

[@Razor_Burn]

Super excited to see an Islander GMT as its sure to be a hit and well priced. ;) As for these Seiko's they look great with solar + sapphire a bonus however the pricing increases make it hard to justify considering the other options available to those willing to do their homework!

[@tjaunline5786]

What would u suggest as a better option brand offering solar+sapphire- newbie enthusiast

[@paulyC]

@@tjaunline5786 I too have been wondering this.

[@evkoum]

Looking forward to the 36mm coming out !!!!!!

[@islandwatch]

:)

[@szeth14]

These are starting to hit ebay secondhand and I'm pumped to get one closer to the $275-$330ish mark.

[@calvinchann1996]

LOL, while watching the video, I receive the notification of the video.

[@islandwatch]

Great timing.

[@joewiltshire73]

Hello mark, terrific review on these beauties 👌 I have recently taken delivery of the sne591 and what a beautiful watch it is. I was wondering if they are proving popular enough for you to produce a solid end link bracelet for them as I would be first in the queue:-) Thanks again 👍

[@D2322]

Do you have plans in doing an Islander Quartz model in a 38mm case? Maybe even in a white dial blue bezel configuration?

[@islandwatch]

Not currently, sorry.

[@D2322]

Thanks for replying.

[@euanmacdonald1973]

Thanks Mark. Do you guys have any better bracelets for theSNE589?

[@leococo2092]

can the bezel be changed?

[@AnitaSpankyBB]

Nice, I do like this one

[@islandwatch]

So do I

[@johnsrabe]

The black/black is just such a great look. Classy.

[@islandwatch]

Indeed, thanks?

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@digitallandfill]

Thirsting for that GMT release....told myself not another watch this year but I have to make an exception for LIW

[@islandwatch]

Awesome!

[@armandojuan64]

Can the pepsi version be fitted with the black rubber band ?

[@in_our_60s]

Hi Question: Dose the Prospex Solar Diver, 42.8mm SNE593, have a upgrade -> Insert Bezel that's Blue Ceramic?

[@jodysilvia2]

Can't wait for your next release, I said when you make a premium watch I'd buy it.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks Joe.

[@deanmignola5448]

I bought the blue dial version of this watch and I love it except for the rubber watch band. Please make an aftermarket metal band for this watch so I can buy one from you.

[@elijahpete4899]

Please Mark, make a bracelet for the 38.5mm Solar diver. It’s my preferred size and maybe more appealing for a wider range of wrists sizes

[@islandwatch]

Noted, thank you.

[@ajborrero74]

Hi Marc and everyone around, I have an honest question, which of the Seiko Solar Divers do you prefer? The 38mm or the 42.8mm?

[@jshin5991]

I bought black basic one. But I will buy if they make hulk version. For me it is the perfect watch ever.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Oooooo those blue ones tho! Those metal keepers dig into my skin. Anyone else have that problem?

[@victorshikhman]

Oh man, that abalone diver looks so much better on the video than in pictures. Anyway, these solar Seikos are definitely in the mix for a daily driver, the previous model was a good value (for Seiko, at least) and the new sapphire upgrade seems well overdue. There is some competition from Citizen and Casio Oceanus at this price point, but if you want the classic Seiko look with a quartz/solar, this is a great choice, a one and done forever watch you'll never have to worry about again. That 10.7mm thickness is very attractive for those who wear shirts without a lot of room under the cuff.

[@wintermute8315]

Just "good value", not "a good value". An item isn't a value - it represents value.

[@henryperez606]

@@wintermute8315 Thank you, Mrs. Jones

[@richardtwyning]

We have eagle eyes, we're looking for any clue of what the new GMT looks like in the light 😉

[@islandwatch]

LOL. Look on instagram.

[@erpa6668]

they may be nice. But ill take a citizen promaster with your new jubilee bracelet ( which I have) any day of the week

[@manzahalem8845]

Which promaster do you like?

[@dobbo4596]

i have this watch on the bracelet but would like to purchase the rubber strap also, is there a ref/ product number for the rubber strap please.

[@stefannaninck8710]

Hi Marc, Seikos website (and yours) says the old Hardlex version has a 44mm diameter and the new sapphire ones a 42.8mm diameter. Are they different? The cases seem exactly the same.

[@johnransone7416]

I have the black (SNE589). Things I don't like about it... 1) I wish it had the 4 o'clock crown. The 3 o'clock crown on this one does dig into the back of my hand occassionally and I just like the look of the 4 o'clock position. 2) I appreciate the durability of the saphhire cyrstal, but it catches a ton of glare and never seems really clear... almost foggy. I have several Seikos with Hardlex crystals and they look much clearer... at least when new. I imagine I will appreciate the sapphire down the road as my Hardlex Seikos get scratched. 3) I HATE the brushed hands on this watch. They look cheap. I would prefer polished. Not crazy about the hand shape either. I'm a stock guy and have never thought to mod a watch, but I will mod the hands on this watch when I find some that fit. 4) Date. I like day/dates. The date window is tiny. I'm in my 50's and my eyes are getting worse. I would appreciate a cyclops on this model. 5) The braclet. Replaced mine with a Long Island Watch jubilee. Things I like about it... 1) The tech specs/dive depth, screwdown crown. That is has a sapphire crystal (even though mine always looks foggy). 2) I like the slant of the bezel. More like Rolex(?) and less like other Seiko dive watch models. 3) The solid case back. 4) The relative thinness compared to other Seiko dive models. 5) I love that it is Solar! I own mostly Seikos, but I have a love/hate thing with them. At least with their current lineup. I think the style/quality for value is unmatched. For the most part their bracelets suck (though I am a fan of their 90's jubilees). They have gone crazy with their display case backs. Silly for workhorse movements. They have nearly abandoned quartz movements (a modern miracle, IMHO). None of their quartz movement (non-solar) watches are appealing. They are over 80% automatic movement. Who want's to buy a sub $300 automatic watch which will cost more than the watch itself in 5-10 years to service? I'd call that a disposable watch. They have very limited selection in solar... again... modern miracle. I get frustrated that I can never find the perfect Seiko. I can get close, but I can't seem to get there. If I could do it over, I would not get this watch. There is probably a better Seiko diver for me. But, they are Seikos so I could just get one of each 😉.I do hope that this model gets popular so I can find a variety of aftermarket hands to mod it.

[@raymondeuzebiuslottar]

Where can I find ceramic bezel for the black version, so far mission impossible....

[@gmotionedc5412]

More sapphire🎉🎉

[@georgecchouchlias2965]

Omg I have the same!

[@nealhamamura4263]

I am thinking of buying this from you. Are you an authorized Seiko Dealer?

[@woprdroid]

Why no day/date on the Seiko solors. Love a solar watch.

[@islandwatch]

Not sure they make one.

[@ragnaroker85]

could be price gouging, but I've seen a few japanese companies put out notices about their prices going up. The yen has been pretty weak to the dollar over the last couple of weeks, and could be a result of supply chain issues in japan. Buying from japan has also been pretty difficult too, since you can pay for fedex or dhl

[@islandwatch]

Thanks for the info

[@victorshikhman]

If the dollar is getting stronger against the yen (and it is), shouldn't that make imports cheaper?

[@ragnaroker85]

@@victorshikhman let's say Japan need to buy steel or materials from X, but X's currency is doing well, assume it cost Japan 100 yen to buy that material before and now it cost 140 yen to buy that same exact product. Also include the fact that there are delays. Like in the video Mark explained why adding sapphire isn't just as simple as adding $40 to the cost of of the end product. Products cost is one thing but sourcing, and adding it to your manufacturing process is another.

[@gear772]

I completely thought it was an applied logo, but it’s printed! Maybe has to do something with the solar cell, but just a heads up for anyone else who is interested

[@Ray.J]

For $525 you'd think they could afford solid end links. I do like the witness crown feature.

[@islandwatch]

Yup! I agree.

[@matthewgates4130]

I've been waiting for this review after seeing these on eBay...kick ass! I heard the reasons Seiko hiked up prices on accessories is because off modding, Ali express specials and improved rubber formula.

[@islandwatch]

This is interesting! Thanks.

[@knottheory79220]

I have to admit this is sorely tempting, I love Solar, I love Seiko and I love divers. It will join the list of I wants. I still think I'm going to keep holding out for a Shogun first though. Heh, there's an Islander or two I actually want to lay hands on first before this.

[@islandwatch]

That's great, thank you

[@MarkM58]

I have the SNE435 (they changed the nomenclature numbers) PADI. The finishing is a beautiful mirror polish on the sides and brushed on top. The bracelet on these sucks IMO and I have it on a NATO. I would like to find an aftermarket bracelet but neither Strapcode or Uncle Seiko carries one. I love the watch.

[@UGA.D]

Don't Seiko solar powered watches from yesteryear have issues (I'm thinking of the SBCZ005 Grey Ghost, etc.)? I seem to recall capacitor issues for example. I'd imagine the tech has gotten better, but how long do you think that movement would last before it has to be serviced (replaced)?

[@islandwatch]

10 years about. The Prospex lineup is different. Many of the lower end solars are gone.

[@UGA.D]

@@islandwatch Great to know. Thank you!

[@wojciech5177]

very nice but no day indicator :(

[@islandwatch]

I'm not sure they make a day/date solar?

[@swizacx715]

I considered 38mm solar diver, tried it side by side with this one (black version) and pick up bigger one because my wrist is 17,5cm (6,8 in stone age units) and there is too much case body ratio comparing to dial and bezel for my liking on 38mm. And diver watches look better when they are chunkier, IMO. Not a big difference but my choice was this model in black.

[@markloubser2433]

OK, but its basically identical to my Casio Duro to which I fitted a sapphire lens. (Was about $18). Bit difficult to justify the Seiko.....

[@potgieterl]

Not everybody has the balls or the tools to do what you did, but if you are into moding watches you are at the right place, it is just not Casio it is Seiko.

[@islandwatch]

Duro isn't solar. But I do understand where you are coming from.

[@TheMqyable]

I've bought SNE573 and it is to small, even only from looking at it, but these might be to big for me...

[@centurio34]

Another example of Seiko coming close but not quit. I'm a snob - if they made an auto version of this, I'd totally get one.

[@islandwatch]

Thanks Matt.

[@charlesrawlinson429]

Auto version?? So it would be far less accurate?

[@waqarhaider2226]

Should've released the pepsi bezel with a blue dial

[@jakeeleebattos9942]

I see alot 10 best of watch videos on youtube.maybe one day mawrc from long island can do a 10 best long island watch video. And I DONT mean 10 best sellers..but 10 best over all with everything a good watch is suppose to have

[@potgieterl]

If you are into Seiko and Mark makes a video about it listen!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks Lou!

[@Blindranger]

Long Island Watch - Would the Islander 20mm Rubber Dive Strap work on these new solar divers?

[@BrianWeekley]

Happy customer, Marc. please get the abalone back.

[@islandwatch]

Ok!

[@glennpowell3444]

I guess that I represent just the average bloke that wears a watch.I only use quartz and solar is the way. At my age from experience pure mechanical watches can be a pain. For a dress watch ok I get it but other than that quartz wins the battle.I honestly cant understand how much hate quartz gets.It does a better job.Its like comparing a timber bearer to a steel bearer????

[@islandwatch]

True, quartz will always win the accuracy war.

[@TheGreektrojan]

Its because the whole watch industry has built a mythology around mechanical movements as a Trojan horse to justify guys buying pure luxury goods. Most men are uncomfortable buying something for the aesthetics or for the bling factor so they need something 'practical' to justify it. Solar watches are the best movement IMO and would be my choice of movement given an option.

[@verahuang9]

Just bought the Pepsi Seiko Solar Diver from Japan. Paid $380.10 US dollars .

[@chris7015]

I love this watch, but all of my straps and bands are 22mm.

[@islandwatch]

That's not gonna fly then!

[@chris7015]

@@islandwatch I know. I wish some of these Seikos had 22mm lugs instead of 20mm.

[@ThisIsDavesGarage]

Not sure how Seiko can increase the prices so much when San Martin/Seestern/AddiesDive etc can make dive watches with sapphire for around $250 or half the price your usual Seiko diver.

[@papricep6248]

Mark why don't you carry or discuss G Shock watches? They have some incredible solar watches for really good prices.

[@islandwatch]

Cause I don't carry casio

[@papricep6248]

@@islandwatch Why? Do you like money? XD

[@iandavies8616]

I have the GW-M5610 and GA-B2100 - £99 and £116 respectively - you'll never find better 'bang for your buck' then these!

[@wp9409]

Suggestion for aftermarket product: release OEM color rubber straps for those solar divers, for appx $60. Seiko recently doubled the price for their OEM straps for these models, was $56, now pushing $120. Continued good luck!

[@islandwatch]

Thanks!

[@georgecchouchlias2965]

Ένα λουλουδάκι ρε παιδια στο μνημα μας,σας παρακαλώ θα φορώ και το solar V175 diver 200m please only one flower as you feeling about me!

[@Supersyncopation]

How come it doesn't cost $100 more for Orient to put sapphire on their watches ?

[@TheBimmer74]

Ok ✈️ an airplane on the GMT hand? That must mean that it's a true or travelers GMT?

[@islandwatch]

Caller, actually.

[@morganstrapco]

I’m guessing this new gmt will either be $499-$549.

[@islandwatch]

Okay!

[@Stanjara]

It has a little airplane????? Dude!

[@islandwatch]

:)

[@georgecchouchlias2965]

Manual please I stole my watch and I need the manuals guy ,can you help me ?I m good Cristian you know!

[@Burdell1776]

Something about automatics.

[@islandwatch]

Agreed!

[@emptyMan0]

I don't understand the hatred towards pins and collars bracelets, screws are much more fiddly and fragile.

[@islandwatch]

True. But more difficult to install.

[@emptyMan0]

@@islandwatch I disagree. It is pretty much impossible to find a screwdriver that has the tip thick enough not to slide all around and scratch the bracelet. On the other hand, any type of hammer and punch does the job with pins and collars.

[@steveb4012]

Seiko Submariner...

[@zitengwang136]

Just like a Casio...

[@jefferyneu3915]

I know why the prices doubled. Seiko is getting GREEDY!😨 i may be getting only microbrands from this point forward.💔

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

Definitely price gouging. You see it everywhere The way to stop it is by not purchasing

[@islandwatch]

Understood!

[@Tom_H327]

I don't know why I keep expecting Seiko to listen to its customers. They never do. Also, I didn't realize it until recently, but I really don't like metal bracelets.

[@islandwatch]

Metal is my favorite!

[@Tom_H327]

@@islandwatch I love the look of metal and usually buy the bracelet. But every watch I've ever owned I ended up taking the bracelet off and replacing it with a nato or rubber or leather. Weird.

[@redastrachan8978]

❗️ *Marc* - not, "Mark"

[@islandwatch]

No worries.

[@SaSpursFan]

I think most people like 40 mm yet most watches are 38 and 43 🥲

[@islandwatch]

True?