Seiko Answered My Prayers With The New MM200 GMT SPB383. But Is It Actually Perfect? 2 Week Review

[@s.p5394]

This version is perfect, especially for those like me who fell in love with the Prospex 300 Marinemaster. Too big and too heavy for my wrist, I dreamed of a less imposing model but which kept this original and iconic look. This version came to fulfill this desire. I was able to acquire this watch as soon as it was available on the site last June. I chose the black model, the SPB 383. The weight is perfectly balanced and I wear it all day without any discomfort and the bracelet is very pleasant on a daily basis. The power reserve goes beyond three days, it's really impressive. Traveling often, the GMT version is the icing on the cake. Two small flaws in my opinion. The first: The GMT indications which are sometimes difficult to read in certain places on the watch. The second, I find that in complete darkness the Lumibrite is generally less bright than on the MarineMaster and the GMT hand suffers as a result. But despite this, I am fulfilled. Not being a collector, this is the watch of my dreams that I hope to keep for life.

[@Kien-b1g]

I concur on the Lumibrite. I have a $200 Seiko 5 diver and the Lumibrite on my SPB381 seems to be weaker compared to the Seiko 5's. Overall I still like the form factor it wears on my wrist. The flaws are forgivable.

[@Dadication3]

Great to see Seiko winning again in this category. After much consideration, the green is the one for me.

[@VicharB]

I am definitely getting this one, for the price this is awesome watch, the design, finishing and the GMT.

[@Studat]

It's the movement that stops me so going the new Longines Hydroconquest GMT.

[@SIZZO76]

I love the new Longines Hydroconquest GMT❤

[@shipmate3577]

A great watch. I’ve owned mine for a few months and no issues

[@hockeymann88]

All things considered, price, looks, features etc, my favorite watch out there that I could actually buy. Hopefully the green option sticks around long enough for me to pick one up.

[@williambireley2529]

I love the look of the proportions on this watch! I’m seriously considering buying one. The bracelet and clasp not being on the quality level of a $1500 price point is the main thing holding me back. If it didn’t have the gmt and was priced at $1200, it would make it more appealing to me

[@AnhLe-di7si]

What you described sounds like an SPB185, with a different bezel insert

[@kbeightyseven1783]

Checks out the spb207

[@philiplauzon1743]

Thanks for the FKM strap recommendation. Just got it and I love it. Much better than the OEM Seiko rubber strap that I had. More flexible, less thick and less sticky

[@C-Zero94]

Great review as always 👍 Black version is cool but I can't stop thinking about green one 😀

[@thewatchidiot]

Glad to hear you liked the video, much appreciated! Yeah the green one is super cool, if i wasnt so connected to the MM300 look my choice would have been much harder between the black and green

[@donkeytime1704]

I ordered the green dial myself since in my collection I already have a black one. When having a collection, it's kinda fun having different colored dials to entertain your vibe for that day and for me it's all about the dial when it comes to style.

[@C-Zero94]

@@donkeytime1704 for me it's always the choice because I have limited budget, although if you can get both why not 😀

[@donkeytime1704]

@@C-Zero94 I was speaking to different watches in general, not specifically the same design with different colored dials. I have to watch my budget as well, and sometimes it's difficult to hold back. Lol

[@horologyproject]

Your videos are always a cut above. Been debating on bringing in this black version or the green! Thanks for making it harder!

[@AdAce21]

Not enough GMT options with a timing bezel. This is a great looking piece (thankfully they went with a color matched date wheel) and a true GADA watch.

[@philiplauzon1743]

I want the green one ❤️ it’s amazing for all the reasons you mentioned. Love at first try

[@edshamaham5719]

That's a mighty fine looking watch and like you I think it's pretty much perfect especially in this black color way. The gold GMT hand works so well top. The MM300 is still a super cool too so I'd have a hard time choosing between the two.

[@thewatchidiot]

Yes indeed, the more i look at it the more i love it! The MM300 will always be amongst my favorite watches but with this SPB383 i found a worthy successor that doesnt leave me feeling like im missing a critical part of the overall experience, which i'm thankful for😀

[@derfdswed]

I always wanted a smaller version of MM300 this one is the best version. i had MM200 gen 1 Sbdc061 and I have an SPB187 MM200 but this is my favorite.

[@jonlee580]

The sweeping second hand is beautiful

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah the stop light / shovel seconds hand is definitely one of the best designs out there!

[@anthonystevens8683]

This looks really good TWI. I like the ceramic fully indexed bezel and dare I say it I'm OK with the date. Having a colour matched date wheel allows it to blend into the dial so muck better. I could be tempted but I already have the GMT covered... a few times. I do like the idea of a timing bezel though on a GMT watch though. Many thanks for sharing. Great work.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks Anthony! Yeah I'm more than ok with the date and actually since the printing on the date wheel is on the lighter side so it doesnt pop as much, making it more subtle too. Not sure if its a bug or a feature lol! And yeah i love this dive bezel + gmt combo bc in real life i dont track an extra time zone very much i just love the way the fourth hand look but having a 24 or 48 click bezel wouldnt be as useful as a dive bezel that i use all the time. Hopefully this becomes more of a thing!

[@anthonystevens8683]

@@thewatchidiot I could not agree more. I used to manage projects all over the world so I used the GMT quite a lot. Not so much recently so the timing bezel would work just fine. I tend to use it quite a lot on my dive watches.

[@thewatchidiot]

I wish I had a legitimate reason to have used a GMT like you lol! It's always more fun to use watch features for the purpose. But yeah the dive bezel is much more useful than a 3rd time zone. I'm hoping that whenever Tudor releases a Pelagos GMT that they'll make it a dive GMT and retain the dive bezel. The Pelagos is too much of a pure dive watch to have a 24-48 click GMT bezel

[@TheKopolanpoika]

I ordered mine same day as they came for order. Absolutely love that watch design, only thing what I hate is date window. It's looks better than Seiko Speedtimer SSC911P1, where's date window is too deep, but for me the date location is just wrong place. Otherwise it's just perfect Seiko. I'm thinking ordering green version, that color is unbelievable IRL.

[@HRM.H]

Please let us know how the accuracy is over a longer period! And could you also show how the chronometric performance drops off over the power reserve? Im very hopefull seiko addressed the accuracy issues with the 6R35

[@thewatchidiot]

Yeah will do for sure! I'll be doing a long term review of this in the future and I'm planning on buying a timegrapher for the channel since I'm always keeping track of accuracy on my own! That said over the past 2 weeks its been pretty good its been gaining about 6 seconds a day on average. More specfically it loses time on the wrist and gains time dial up on my night stand

[@michaelford8986]

That's exactly what I find as well. See my recent comment! ;)@@thewatchidiot

[@michaelford8986]

Nice review. I'm loving my SPB381; it's about as much as I can manage not to be tempted into buying a 383 as well! Bracelet is not great, but not really bad either, and is compensated for IMO by the fact that the watch is so good. The bracelet scratches rather easily I think, so I'm not sure the super hard anti scratch coating (which you didn't mention) is on the bracelet as well.... Mine is keeping excellent time. Runs a few seconds slow during the day and a few seconds fast (face up) at night, so it's easy to keep it pretty much bang on without having to adjust. I suspect that the vast majority of them run well within Seiko's stated parameters (which are probably an unnecessary turn off). Lovely GMT diver.

[@Mark-pi7vj]

I still have to try the MM300 in real life as it is still on my wish list. Most Seiko's I just buy online and flip em if I don't like em, but the MM300 is a bit too expensive to do just that... Maybe I need to try to find a shop who has the SPB383 and try it. Maybe I fall in love ....?

[@KentuckyMan30]

Awesome review! This is the first time I'm seeing it on something other than the bracelet and MY WORD does it look incredible on a black rubber. Having owned the SPB187 as well as the SLA057, this looks like it leans more to the SLA in terms of finishing. I love it. Speaking as someone who owned the SLA057 for about a year, it's worth every penny in my opinion, especially when comparing it to my Tudor BB58. The SLA057 was just a nicer watch (in my opinion). At any rate, these new MM200 GMT's look incredible and I think this video is further proof. I think this is a homerun release from Seiko and I'll be VERY tempted to get one at some point.

[@sarahgoldfarb913]

I like the watch. It might be my choice for a GMT Diver but there are options.

[@zeussugi7936]

Very handsome watch and great review. The only drawback with Seiko watches are lack of chromometer accuracy

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks! and yes very true, while most of my seikos keep good time its a bit irritating to know that a watch could come in and be unacceptably inaccurate. I've got my fingers crossed for @HRM.1 's prediction bc that would really be a great step towards becoming the value kings again.

[@OscarHernandez-xx2je]

The problem with Seiko at this price point is that their movements are not on par with the rest of the industry and their bracelets/clasps are mediocre. They need to make the 6Lxx movements standard above $1000 and include regulation +-10 sec.

[@aesric]

This.

[@Not-a-bot222]

Facts

[@zman8340]

Came here to say the same thing . More to a watch than case and dial , the fact they don’t have a standard high beat movement or updated clasps at this point is basically just a troll on us .

[@OscarHernandez-xx2je]

@@zman8340people need to stop buying these Seikos over $1000 as they are.

[@gilbertjuarezjr8183]

Seiko spec and how they run are 2 different things my my Willard runs as good as my Rolex and better than oris and most people who say this don't like watches they like to buy expensive watches to show off

[@ViolinistWilliam]

Fantastic video. Do you still have and wear your SNE? I wonder how the finishing compares!

[@thewatchidiot]

Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I havent worn my SNE in a while admittedly but I do wear it whenever i want to pop on a watch that that I know will be super comfy and worry free. Also sometimes most of my watches die and i dont feel like winding, synchronizing, and setting the date so im super grateful to have the SNE ready to go!

[@Stanjara]

@@thewatchidiot Mark from Long Island made two bracelets for it and they are fantastic... tapers to 16mm. I think I'm ready for the SNE. It's quartz but I love it!

[@ViolinistWilliam]

@@thewatchidiot fantastic. I recently acquired a 2014 no date sub and I could see you enjoying this watch. I know you had an explorer II so you already know the vibe it gives off… there’s a whole list of places I simply can’t wear it. Amazing watch but you really start appreciating high level Seikos when you can’t wear other quality pieces cuz you might get robbed!

[@ralphbagni3285]

loved your video , i just traded my 300MM for this 383 , it was time for a change , can you tell me where you purchased your rubber strap thanks and be safe

[@monicooprecio7192]

Awesome video. Great comparison to the MM300. I love the lugs. it gives me Omega Planet Ocean lug vibes.

[@EmilioRivera9684]

Just bought it last week and i love it 💪🏽😉

[@TheScubaboy56]

I loved the look, but tried it on at the AD. It seemed a lot smaller on the wrist.

[@SPELYCH1974]

SPB381 so crazy work!!!!

[@FranciscoAvila-k8b]

What’s the clasp you replace these with? I didn’t see the link in description. Thank you

[@jodysilvia2]

I bought the black version, have you found anyone that makes a bracelet for this watch? Will the strapcode jubilee for the mm200 fit this one?

[@jodysilvia2]

I just picked up the black dial, what strap is on your spb383

[@desireless4092]

I would consider this line without the GMT function, but with at least 6L movement. I ain't paying premium for entrance Seiko movement.

[@2536528]

My SLA075 has the 8L movement running +2 against the web time. Amazing polish and finish, great Lume, etc. mine came on a strap, their bracelets do need some work. High end Seiko would be a $5-12k watch if it had Instagram flex appeal. I don’t care about what others think. I know what Seiko offers as I am now or have been an Omega, multiple Rolex and Tudor owner. High end Seiko is as good or better- except at trying to get status from my watch. My Seiko is my only hand assembled movement and hand polished watch.

[@timchan334]

Wait till you see the Alpinist GMT!

[@SmurfPerfect]

Love it, have the green mode. What strap is that?

[@juanriv01]

It's the first Amazon link in his description, Strap Habit FKM

[@shure348]

why this gmt as other spb-gmt has a scuba (not 24 hour) bezel? seiko 5 gmt has a 24 hours bezel, and other brands

[@DannyFoden]

The SPB is not a MM200 remake, why do people keep saying this?

[@jeromechu1532]

Seiko or longines hydroconquest?

[@lockhandel]

Excellent video as always.

[@thewatchidiot]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 😀

[@ChingRianmei]

Unable to decide BTW spb381 and spb383

[@iansilva1362]

I have this, looks like Rolex submariner

[@jlarsson1978]

We need a fitted rubber strap for this watch. Anyone found one that fits?

[@thewatchidiot]

I did some digging around and crafter blue has one specifically for this! its the CB13 and they have it in 4 colors. However, i will say that i've tried two crafter blue fitted rubber straps before and for my wrist the straps end up curving down too much and they end up squeezing the top of my 7.5 inch wrist. amzn.to/3rcUcty I linked the amazon listing here, I'll be giving them a go soon for sure since i can fall back on the Prime return policy in case this doesnt work for my wrist

[@TenkaraTickFarm]

No Lume Shot?

[@geraldfu8713]

the rubber bands are factory or after market? thx

[@michaelturner7949]

I have a Seiko rubber strap made for this watch.

[@smashexentertainment676]

I hate 4 o'clock crown. So yeah-nah-yeah, I'll stick to my MIDO Ocean Star GMT.

[@Jollopukki2]

nice watch , but not for 1500 USD , may be like 900 USD could be fair . They need to upgrade bracelet to normal level to have moral rights to charge such money ...

[@epicv7dayz824]

Wow, just a bit of lint on dial and hands all for a price point reaching over $2.5k here in OZ. Mmm 🤔

[@Leby69]

Easy to get for less than 2k at a good AD, watsons etc. it’s well worth it, not to mention Seiko has *very quietly* regulated the movements in the first couple of batches

[@andyh-u2b]

AS a diver why do I need a GMT function when I am 300 feet underwater ??? Why do I need to know the date at that depth ?? And yes I do have a Rolex GMT Master and yes my wife is a Seiko dealer so I can test all their watches out . What I need is a strap that I can wear over my wet suit and later on my wrist when not in a wet suit. The watch must be highly legible at depth and in poor light when I am wearing a mask , you need to be able use the bezel with thick neoprene gloves on. Pulling hairs is not an issue when in a wet suit A touch of gold is totally unimportant - I guess you have no experience of diving or using watches at depth

[@psyteo3130]

Are you doing ok? lol

[@iBlindPanic]

Too bad the movement is sub par. Seiko really needs to improve there.

[@FDLTGM]

The chapter ring looks like 2 pieces glued together😂, that is hideous and unacceptable in this range of price.

[@felixnrlampa9522]

if it ain't misaligned its not a Seiko

[@hubertuswolfthaler]

Went to the AD to buy this one but was quite underwhelmed: Same crown issues and loose clasp as the SPB143, incoherent "Marinemaster but make it lame" design, strange placement of the Prospex logo, weird bracelet link design that makes the bracelet look like it tapers even less than it actually does, cheesy red/gold/black colorway which I expected to look better in person but it didn't...so I picked up a basic black Sumo instead.

[@thewatchidiot]

Email Taylor and Katie at: [e-mail] with "THE WATCH IDIOT" in subject line OR Give them a call at [phone] and ask for Taylor or Katie and let them know The Watch Idiot sent you! (Hopefully I'll be able to get more review units for more videos for all of you😁

[@scollyutube]

Why would anybody pay this much for a Seiko movement when a Steinhart GMT is a better watch for the same money with so many options.

[@VibrantMango]

One is a legitimate well known brand with indisputable history and achievements in the space, the other is a homage brand.

[@flow2tech]

​@@VibrantMango This...

[@flow2tech]

@scollyutube The steiny is trash..

[@DarrenClayton-u5g]

The bezel is actually sprayed to make it shiny dude it’s not ceramic

[@SteveMullins-ov3fn]

Wrong

[@lbco5229]

This Seiko is too much a copy of Rolex. I only like Seiko’s which are their own design.

[@DzejWiJV]

Not impressed with the watch

[@a2b3c]

Nah sorry, it's looking too much jewelery and not enough tool-watch (which it is as a diver) i ordered it, and after i did unbox it, i sent it back right away.. it's really tiny aswell (dial expecially) it's looking like a ladies watch on my wrist.. i went finally for the snr029j1 - wich is even a little bigger than the mm300

[@michaelsachohansen]

What size is your wrist?

[@challenger516]

Too large, should have kept it under 40mm

[@lamarisma1]

It wears like a 40mm.

[@inspectorchicken]

Another chunky ass watch that comes with a ~2k price tag and is nearly half a minute off every day. That's an easy pass for me.

[@lamarisma1]

Not chunky at all. And this watch does not cost 2k. Bought mine in an authorized Seiko dealer here in Spain with a 20% discount for 1400 euros.

[@mathewazzopard8100]

The seiko is a constant disappointment. -10/+25 is atrocious and its because they refuse, no matter what to regulate their moveements. That is pure arrogance, its like "this is how we do it, take or leave it but because there's nothing like our product, you will buy ours, you have no choice". Well, Seiko, we got hundreds of choices, thnx but no thnx.

[@gtcih]

I just bought this model. Terrible performance on my timegrapher. Rate right at the limit of their tolerances, low amplitude, beat error at 0.5 ms, with a snow storm! Took it back to the AD. Not sure if they will be able to fix it. I will probably have to send it to Seiko. Unfortunately most purchasers will not realize they have a bad performing movement. When you buy a quality hand gun the manufacturer gives proof of accuracy. Seiko should do the same. Show the buyer what he is getting. Regulating a movement is not a difficult task. I have older 6309s that I have regulated to less that 5 s per day with 0 beat error. Are you listening Seiko.

[@aesric]

Seiko does not match up anymore. Even entry level GS is now trash

[@Billeh556]

Hey man, just curious which waffle strap is on the 143? Thanks