Seiko Prospex SPB383 1968 Diver's GMT Dive Watch

[@JustBlueFish]

Shop Omega at Exquisite Timepieces: www.exquisitetimepieces.com/seiko-prospex-spb383-1968-divers-modern-re-interpretation-gmt.html

[@itsAsian513]

I have the SPB383 and there is actually a quickset date function. When you pull the crown out to the first position, turning one way will change the gmt hand, and turning the crown the other way will set the date

[@josephelsemartcanhear566]

Thanks... what a relief!

[@JWang-sy3ff]

Yes, the quick date setting is available. However the 6R movement is a little quite annoying. Mine SPB381 was -25 seconds per day, sent it back to Seiko to recalibrate. Seiko should back up their product more seriously, especially they call this Seiko Luxe line and charging us higher price.

[@sergejcher]

@@JWang-sy3ffjust bought mine spb381j1 a month ago. For the first two weeks it was running approximately +6-7 secs/day. Now it’s approximately +2-3 seconds per day. Probably you’re just unlucky as your watch didn’t get a proper factory calibration.

[@johnnyyuma7337]

I've had the SPB383J1 for about two weeks now. So far it ran really good (+/- 4 sec a day), much better than my Alpinist. Everything alligns in contrast to my other MM200, the bezel action is also very different and the diashield coating isn't as dark. It's a real stunner and I'm going to take it with me on my vacation for testing its diving capabilities!

[@johnnyyuma7337]

@robin7623 Cheers mate! It's definitely an eye-catcher!

[@Dadication3]

Thanks bro, I’ve been wondering about accuracy before getting one, but tough choice between the black or green, stoked for you.

[@hard12baller23]

Just picked mine up the other week and I’m in love with it! I was debating it until I saw it in person and I was sold. It really does look so much better in person than videos and I fell in love when I tried it on. I like that it has some weight to it compared to cheaper Seiko models you’ll find at Macys that feel kinda janky? This is a perfect daily watch and will be my workhorse for the foreseeable future

[@Apex_Apeq]

Seiko does not over claim that the movement is as accurate as the real one, the proof is that I have this watch. I set the time 1 minute more than the time on my phone. and after 3 weeks of use I checked back, there was no change during that time. it is accurate. The movement of this watch is unlike other 6R watches. it has been improved

[@5stringfrolic]

Hi Guy. Thanks for the great review. I have this watch and really love it. You can indeed quick set the date by pulling the crown out one click and turning it counter clockwise. Thanks again for a great review!

[@JustBlueFish]

Oh cool, I didn't notice that. Excellent.

[@fredcohiba100]

I can confirm that function also exists on my watch.@@JustBlueFish

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

I have the SPB185 and the cases on these are really nice.

[@VicharB]

For this price this is really nice watch and I think I'll end up getting one in black. Mostly I am comparing this to latest Longines Hydroconquest GMT, which is about 2.5K USD, but I am liking Seiko more and it is 1K cheaper. BTW, date set, unless it is not this way on this one/movement - position 2, one way it should be GMT hand and the opposite direction it should be date set.

[@jimv.6631]

So glad to hear someone talk about the movement on these SPB divers. My SPB313 run 15 seconds slow per day, which is pretty bad for a watch that retails for over $1k. I'm not sure whether the movements are really that bad or Seiko just does nothing to regulate them prior to sale.

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah I'm not sure why they keep time the way they do. I guess -15 per day is "within specifications", just barely. But they're terrible specs to begin with.

[@MrZanzibar123]

You should consider watching Guy's video about how to regulate these yourself; I did and it is really easy. Got my seiko movement running spot on, after several weeks of being annoyed that it was running slow.

[@JustBlueFish]

@@MrZanzibar123 You've been around for a while if you watch those old videos! Thanks

[@jimv.6631]

@@MrZanzibar123 Ya, I regulated my old SNK809 a few years ago and after a few adjustments it turned out pretty well. I just don’t think I should have to do that for a watch costing that much money. Right now I’m living with it and just chalking it up to Seiko “charm.” 🙄

[@MrZanzibar123]

@@JustBlueFish you know it! Glad to see you back at it big time! :)

[@TheFuturisticVintage]

Geez my man got steady hands goodness

[@jonworkman1700]

Now thats a nice looking diver. No silly helium valve, sensibly designed hands and no daft wavy lines on the dial.

[@JustBlueFish]

yeah I do have to say it does look great.

[@ModernScop3z]

Sounds like someone just doesn’t like the modern seamaster design😂

[@zoolander6362]

Looking at your comment history you really hate omega 😂

[@downhilldummy8091]

Haha! Ok... ok... take it easy. Omega has its audience.

[@bakerfly305]

Hahahha so bitter Omega is out of your price range😭🤡

[@expertreviews1112]

man that watch is pretty, very pretty

[@mathewazzopard8100]

You buy the Seiko, then go through the hassle to find a decent aftermarket bracelet, possibly strapcode or uncle, then another hassle to go through customs clearance, the a third hassle to slap it on. The 2 days later you need to go through a 4th hassle, set the correct time because of the atrocious Seiko accuracy......too much hassle.....you end up selling it with a 50% but regardless that, you never look back, not until Seiko decides to 1st regulate their movements, 2nd use decent bracelets/clasps for their min $1.5k watches, 3rd improve their QC......

[@greatonreviews]

Looks awesome, I put it on the shopping bag 3 times haha - Great video!

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

Seiko really needs to introduce toolless quick adjustment clasps on their watches over a grand, especially with how many affordable watches are beginning to have those clasps nowadays. Otherwise, I really like what I see here.

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah it's crazy they're so far behind on this.

[@TheFuturisticVintage]

Great video!

[@lucaluca7252]

“Pin and collar” system is functionally superior to screw down links

[@TheBimmer74]

The GMT function of this watch is called a True GMT and the lack of a quick set date is normal for such a movement. If one wants the quick set date, then the Seiko 5 SSK GMT offers this because it is a Caller GMT. I did purchase the SSK GMT and almost bought this watch too but other reviews of it are reporting disappointing lume vs what a Seiko diver normally provides. Still it is a beautiful watch and I still might try one and evaluate the lume for myself. Great review by the way.😅

[@JustBlueFish]

The lume was excellent on my example.

[@mannyandhisbike]

This one is called a caller GMT. The reviewer was wrong saying you can't set the date because you actually can. You're wrong in calling it a true GMT because than you should have known that it is the 12-hour hand that you can set instead of the 24h hand. Got the SPB385 myself so was surprised when he mentioned not being able to set the date. He's wearing a smart-watch anyway so what does he know.

[@TheBimmer74]

@collabogast yes you're correct. I thought since he couldn't quick set the date that it was perhaps a true GMT but have since done more research and discovered that it is a Caller GMT so I don't know why he couldn't quick set the date. How do you like yours? I'm actually considering one myself. Does the lume last all night 🌙??

[@mannyandhisbike]

@@TheBimmer74 I mean I still enjoy watching it after 2 months. It's a good looking watch and the finishing is great. The lume is good. No complaints there. Don't get this one though unless you really care about the GMT complication. If you don't care about the GMT, you can get similar watches for cheaper. I just really wanted a good looking GMT because I work from abroad a lot and a Rolex GMT master II is outside of my budget. Tudor black bay GMT is another good option. Still contemplating that one..

[@abhi4ify]

Would u consider this to be a better buy at $1300?? I've a local AD who is willing to give me this offer but till Dec 31

[@simmysharma6845]

That's a fine looking watch👍

[@RoberttSmithh]

That spiderman shirt is so cute dude haha looks good on you

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks, I have a similar one with little Jaws sharks too. I really like these Rsvlts shirts.

[@uralpilot]

And that all from a guy wearing a smart watch.

[@stevecross1725]

Thanks guy, have a great day

[@JustBlueFish]

You too!

[@williambireley2529]

Thank you for reviewing this watch. I have been highly considering it. I’m not sure yet if I want to go for it over a similar priced Swiss watch that will have a better bracelet and better, COSC accuracy (like the Titoni Seascoper). Having said that, I don’t have a Seiko yet in my collection and this could be a great one to go with.

[@JustBlueFish]

I'm going to be doing a video on the Seiko Speedtimer Solar Chronograph in the next week or two. So if you're looking to add a Seiko to your collection stick around for that video. I'm rather pleased with that watch.

[@btmontres1423]

This is a nice watch and the problem with Seiko is Grand Seiko. Meaning that with GS the accuracy standards we expect are high and rightly or wrong, we want that to be not as far off as they really are with Seiko. And I don’t think that’s asking too much which I think you’re pointing out. Seems like a weird strategy tho to under deliver on accuracy and still price their timepieces as if accuracy didn’t matter, and especially when this is historically the very thing that makes Seiko so great, i.e. the Swiss observatory timing trials in the mid-20th century and later quartz crisis… Thanks for another thoughtful review and may all your timepieces be -3 to +5 seconds a day or better.

[@Dadication3]

If you aren’t subscribed to this watch enthusiast, you must not be one yourself. This reference strikes me as an SLA case for much less $ with improved 6R accuracy, with SLA handset as well.

[@dougng78]

Seiko can start charging me more than $300 for a watch when they start delivering one that has aligned chapter rings, bezels and hands and actually regulates their movements. Tired of receiving seikos only to turn them back around to my watchmaker to make them right. My last seiko was a king samurai and the bezel and chapter ring were misaligned and the hands didn’t stack on top of each other at 12 o’clock. And it ran 28 seconds fast. I’ll stick with micro brands that want to build a heritage, not exclusively rely on their past.

[@JustBlueFish]

Your complaints are valid, for sure. The brand does a lot of stuff right, when it comes to design especially. But QC is still lacking, and it's been an issue for years - you think they'd get it right by now.

[@dougng78]

But are they even designing anymore? Most of what people are paying attention to these days are just old designs that they’ve microwaved again and again.

[@SilojensenDK]

I've had two 6Rs, both needed daily setting, +/-25 secs. Three 4Rs, two of which run great, one a little slow, -15 sec. Three 7S, that all run great, in fact my most accurate mechanical watch ever was my Sea Urchin.

[@gtcih]

I just brought home this watch today. I went to buy the new blue Sumo and bought this instead. The watch is beautiful. However I was disappointed in the timegrapher results. I also bought a King Turtle with the 4R36. This actually runs better.

[@EdsTechReview]

Do we know if the bracelet is pins and collars for the links?

[@marcocastagnetti7086]

For the price should it be cosc.??

[@JustBlueFish]

It’s not Swiss so it can’t technically be cosc certified. But being an equivalent accuracy would be nice. I’d be ok with +/- 10s per day.

[@marcocastagnetti7086]

@@JustBlueFish( I know) sorry I meant in terms of accuracy, but ten sec either way isn't bad, but then again with a eta 2824 you can get better timing even without cosc.

[@d3xmeister]

Awesome video !

[@JustBlueFish]

Thanks!

[@schunkelperser1794]

Great video.

[@kaczynski2333]

If you want a "fun and affordable" Seiko, they produce the Seiko 5

[@djr4840]

The lack of a raised or jeweled pip or lack thereof, is disappointing on a rather intriguing timepiece.

[@andrewf5390]

This movement certainly DOES have a quick-set date. Position one is just the watch running with hand-winding possible. Position two the crown advances the GMT hand (only advances) and if rotated the opposite direction advances the date. Flyer GMTs are more convenient for adjust the local time quickly, while caller (like this) GMTs are more convenient for adjusting your second time zone. It is only on a Flyer GMT where the date can only be advanced (or backed up) by rotating the local hour hand forward or backward.

[@hubert-williams3379]

Hey, I've always been a watch person so much were I would buy knock offs of Movados and other big name brands to sell and to wear.. well that was a very long time ago. I now realise the repercussion behind that. My most revered brand is G-Shock, Breitling and Audemars Piguet.. .. I recently purchase another G-shock GST B1000 .. cost $350 this was my choice so thath I would hold off from buying the Breitling which comes in at $6,500.. I will purchase the breitling some time later. I am a watch freak! I own 7 watches, 6 are of relative value..

[@TinBin-Craig]

nice watch i love it a lot but i would never buy one because of the accuracy ... cheers

[@JustBlueFish]

Yeah it's not ideal.

[@dado380]

Seiko-Epson is a huge conglomerate,they had 12 billion $ net revenue in 23’. They are not some shitty microbrand,they deseved to go upmarket beacuse they were sold for decades way under the price.Seiko has also army of loyal fans which will buy Seiko no matter price or qc.

[@robertkocur5355]

I believe it does have a quick set date.

[@stujo718]

But couldn’t they have both price point’s covered in the range? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@samdown1914]

The date does quick set, you roll the crown one way for gmt and other for date set.....

[@estuardoroldan1213]

Good review. One comment though. Tou state that there is no way to set the date other than advancing the hours on the watch. This is not correct. Once you unscrew the crown, and pull it to the first position, is you turn the crown towards you (counterclockwise) the date will change. Just remember not to perform this while the hands are on the “northern hemisphere” of the dial. Please rectify this.

[@KC-bv9kf]

Dude, you know the difference between caller vs traveler gmt, right?!

[@marcgoulding5230]

This is probably just subjective - but the 4.30 date is very jarring. I'd rather have no date at all.

[@JustBlueFish]

I don’t mind it. Actually I kind of dislike watches with a 6 o’clock date. But this is, not ideal, but not a deal breaker.

[@marcgoulding5230]

Same here - not the end of the world@@JustBlueFish

[@IvorPetrocelli]

Seiko lost my business due to their constant QC issues and cost cutting measures.

[@ptykozoon1658]

you're wearing an apple watch, and reviewing this? kind of a paradox

[@JustBlueFish]

I've been reviewing traditonal watches for 6 years. I also wear an Apple Watch when I feel like it. Next time I can wear my Submariner if it'll make you feel better?

[@ptykozoon1658]

i had to think about this for a bit. i think i dislike apple as it's screams to me conformity. but there are certainly exceptions to the rule. i also admire watches mostly for their aesthetics, so i feel like people that wear apple have no sense of that. though obvious exceptions to that rule as well. you must admit you're being cheeky in wearing one and reviewing a thousand dollar seiko but i mean no offense @@JustBlueFish

[@ducuBAR]

Mmmmm, 42mm 😢

[@JustBlueFish]

It’s not too bad

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

Seikos tend to wear smaller than their diameters would have you believe.

[@jamesmcmanamy4704]

Nice but about $600 too much

[@desireless4092]

I am getting really frustrated with Seiko. I mean.. I understand the increase in price but at the same time they pull this stupid limited edition runs to increase interest, demand and FOMO. Like, the only awesome release they did this year is the cool 70's SRPK17K1, that although "limited" is still widely available and is a bit more easy on the wallet. Out of that I really wanna get mid tier Seiko but with their 6L or 8L movements that they gatekeep so much. Come on Seiko.. Stop doing this...

[@danielstidham8936]

Going upscale means better QC bezel and chapter ring mis alignment is bullshit at any price 100-200 china knock offs decent QC NO EXCUSES SEIKO

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

Seiko’s watches in this price range do everything *but* tell the time with accuracy. The Slim Turtle I own will lose 2 seconds a day for a week then run way too fast the next week. Complete trash-these watches are jewelry, nothing more. If you need something on your wrist that tells accurate time, buy a G-Shock square and save yourself the money and aggravation.

[@entroheat]

You can regulate them

[@user-ho8iv5dm8e]

It is too big , if it is 37 mm , it will be cool