Seiko's QC Is GARBAGE! No More!*

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Ummmmmm, thanks Jeff! Sorry mate for having a pop at your watch. It isn't the only Seiko I'm trashing today, I rubbish two of my own. No more. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Well, I'm a fool for spending over $1000USD on two Seikos and being let down by them both. Never again. I'll stick to their cheaper stuff in future. Cheers, Jody

[@Angry_Gnome]

Seiko better get their shit together because the deterioration of their reputation will ultimately affect Grand Seiko’s reputation (as unwarranted as that may be) and their attempt to move upmarket. Perception is reality.

[@gnarl12]

Hey, means a cheaper GS for me. I don't mind at all 😁

[@voiceofexperience]

Seen it all before. For example, with Sony, and before that when National became Panasonic. If you're a traditional Seiko buyer, switch to Orient.

[@denis888red]

You're not wrong my friend.

[@jessISaRicePrincess]

If that happens they will just re brand grand seiko i think(but a cheaper GS spring drive is amazing though)

[@brianhsin678]

I had QC issues on a 3 k + USD watch. Jagged edges along the chapter ring. I am done with them forever.

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

I get the suspicion that most of Seiko's quality controllers went to Orient.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Seems like it

[@michael_mouse]

... great quality watches

[@sinjon]

Does seem that way

[@jimipane2013]

It seems

[@jimmbear3998]

I have an Orient automatic diver watch and love it such a great value around $200 and has better features and looks better than many comparable diver watches in the $500 price range.

[@jkwyx8290]

If I can get a perfectly aligned 30 year-old seiko 5 off the bay, there is no excuse for misalignment on a $2000 piece 30 years later using better machinery. 🤦

[@rochester212]

Dunno, but "Seiko doesn't give a sh** anymore" sounds like a pretty good excuse to me...

[@Bwnunley320]

I’ve had pretty good luck with alignments and other quality control issues. What drives me nuts is that they don’t regulate their watches well enough. Spending over $1000 for a watch that loses 15 seconds/day is unacceptable

[@ticoss]

This is a very fair point: whatever their price, Seiko does not regulate their watch at all. The whole process is industrialized as much as possible, they only do routine checks

[@dado380]

Citizen in term of accuracy is head and shoulders above the Seiko!!

[@ppadilla8990]

​​@@ticossbruh my 4r36 is more realiable than my 6r35A dont know why but the latter feels like its russian roulette when It comes to accuracy

[@DM-rc4yu]

I've had people tell me the bezel "isn't even 2 degrees off, that's very small!". Except 1.5 degrees is the WORST possible scenario on a 120 click bezel and you can't be 3 degrees off. It's a complete joke that these things continue to happen with Seiko, no matter the price.

[@vailmcc]

Really! Hope those people don’t work for SpaceX!!

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@vailmcc Aerospace is one area they struggle to infiltrate

[@StaticVapour590]

It's like having a misaligned parts on your new car, doors would not close properly because they are fucked up, wipers will swipe over the windshield and steering wheel would be crooked. Would you be happy to own such crap? I wouldn't

[@ET-cj8jo]

Re-entry into the earth's atmosphere by Apollo craft was within 2.4 degrees, so 2 degrees is not small. I can easily detect far less than one degree of error in a dial, and it is annoying.

[@OscarOSullivan]

@@StaticVapour590That was called British Leyland

[@twyx6928]

I don't think Seiko wants to realize, that moving upmarket should mean the quality moves upmarket, as well, not just the prices.

[@jaskey]

People have been stating that seiko punches above its weight for so long that I think seiko believed its own hype. Thought, 'oh maybe we should just charge more while keeping everything the same' including the marker issue apparently.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Like Hodinkee success went to their head

[@sgddfgfghfgh]

Low quality tat and always has been

[@mrmyc0rn840]

@@jaskey EXACTLY! Your comment NEEDS to be reposted on it's own. Actually, an entire video could be based on it.

[@BoleDaPole]

Not in this day and age where consumers have low standards

[@reinmutuc6689]

I've been a Seiko fan for a long time. You are absolutely on point. Quality control is never a laughing matter. Seiko needs to address this.

[@markfrost2707]

Seiko's garbage

[@ShitShitPampas]

Fake watches have their markers and markings lined up a lot better than Seikos.

[@sublim3princ371]

He literally said that in the video...😑

[@hermanfalkum]

Are you serious or joking, that just seems stupid

[@ShitShitPampas]

@@steelsteez6118 🤫I didn’t say “all” and I didn’t say the location of manufacture.

[@burnki]

Sad, but often true.

[@stoater1551]

@@steelsteez6118 Did he say ALL fake watches ? No, I don't think so.

[@tottenhamnole]

I’ve never understood being such a fan of a brand that you’re willing to put up with stuff like this. Thank you for not just writing this off as “it’s Seiko, har har har”.

[@diavalus]

“i’Ll tAkE a SeIkO over aNy rOlEx!”

[@grady60]

It happens all the time, I love Apple products but they have had all sorts of issues over the years that I was willing to put up with. Very few products are perfect in life and compromise is necessary sometimes. For example I loved my iPhone 4 and it was a spectacular phone and software, however the fact the antenna was blocked by holding it was an issue, admittedly a barrier case sorted it but the fact Apple came out publicly and told people 'you are holding it wrong' was a big no no

[@kleanovodust-bin69]

@@diavalus I'll buy a Seiko over a Rolex since i can't afford any Rolex's models yet. Hehe.

[@pianothatilove]

I have to admit that their QC is as good as non existing, got a SPB207J1 and it went back within 24 hours as it had some issues. But with that being said I have to Seiko Presage watches which I truly love, SRQ025J1 and SPB061J1, amazing time keeping and just wonderful watches. My advice is to buy whatever you might like and try it out, look for anything which might have been missed and if you are not happy just return the damn watch

[@ryanfujinaga406]

Still better than Rolex. I don't understand why anyone puts up with their shenanigans. I've also seen misaligned bezels on some of their GMTs.

[@blacktoothstavros2606]

Pressed steel clasps, misaligned bezels, and misaligned dials becoming the norm for Seiko, and with the price hikes over the last 18 months, well, they just aren't good enough. Why does Orient perform better?

[@matthewsprague7674]

Good question re Orient. I'm right in thinking Orient is a sister company yes?

[@DM-rc4yu]

Not to mention still treating flat sapphire as some kind of exclusive, super premium feature.

[@DavidDatura]

Yes, yes and yes. Shame on you Seiko!

[@m47r1m]

Dont forget unsigned crowns for watches costing over a 1000 USD. How is that even a thing Seiko? How is it acceptable?

[@TheTonyspoons]

@@matthewsprague7674 not directly, they're all part of the same overarching corporation but operate as completely separate entities. Some people would have you believe that Seiko Watch Corp owns Orient - not true

[@vailmcc]

In the last month I’ve purchased two inexpensive Seiko’s; a made in Japan SBDY099 Green Tortoise, which lines up perfectly, and a made I have no idea where SNE543P1, which is also perfect. In the past year, however, I’ve purchased and returned, an SBDC065, a Capt Willard, and a SARX033. All had alignment issues, and all were made in Japan. JDM used to be considered a step up in quality and desirable, but I’m not so sure..

[@Wall2157]

What is shocking to me is the fact that Seiko, literally, cannot get things straight, but Grand Seiko goes above and beyond to make sure everything is beyond perfect. Obviously, there is a vast disparity between Grand Seiko and Seiko, but you would think the two would share the common belief in superb quality control since they both come from the overarching Seiko Holdings Corp.

[@superfast30]

Sadly, even Gs has been slipping lately. I’ve come across a few we issues. The moment they increased production, they’ve had a slight increase in qc issues. Obviously, no where near as bad as regular seiko’s.

[@plugsocket9432]

Actually, I recently bought a Seiko Presage Porco Rosso Enamel Dial Spring Drive Limited Edition watch with a 37% discount Brand New. The watch is fantastic with no QC issues what so ever. The Spring Drive is identical to the Spring Drive used in Grand Seikos. Finally, it did have a Grand Seiko retail price and seems to have been in the shop for a year before I bought it which led to the huge discount. Maybe due to the Watch Badge Snobs but I don't care because I love my new watch.

[@JohnDoe-vh7vc]

I got grand seiko on Amazon.... working very perfectly since last 4 years

[@teslapete4461]

GS should just be changed to Credor and halve production. this way the name "seiko" doesn't hold them back. I regularly wear my SBGA407 "skyflake" after 18 months of heavy daily wear, so i'm not a hater... :)

[@ahha6304]

They throw resources and QC at GS, and left Alba and Seiko drymsadly

[@islandwatch]

The YT Gods recommended this video for me, so I watched it! As usual, Jody, awesome video. How can I say anything without appearing to defend them? I won't. Just know they make SOOOOOO many more watches than Phoibos, than Zelos. They are mass production at the top degree. So, in my opinion, they give and take certain things to make up for that, and keep costs down (yes, I know, keeping costs down on a watch that's going upstream is funny, but that's another story) IMO, FOD (dirt) is NEVER acceptable in a watch that you can see with the unaided eye, because they are assembling them in a clean environment. It does happen, sure, but its fairly rare. More common, that I see, is obviously misalignment, and "ok" timing. The 6R might be a higher grade movement, but its no top grade movement. It's basically a 4R with some enhancements, and still, I'm fairly sure, machine assembled. Again, 99% of buyers aren't putting them on timegraphers. So if its -10, that's OK as its within spec. Anyway, just wanted to comment, keep up the good fight!

[@johnlongnecker8776]

Such a disappointment given the great designs, thanks for bringing out the Islander line! Now about that orange Monster homage….. j/k……a little……

[@justinsaunders4068]

Mass production at the top degree is exactly WHY you should have stringent QC procedures at every level of assembly. Your production line should be able to re-accommodate these mistakes. Errors, or should I say glaring errors like these are possibly acceptable for sub $200 products but post $1000 ? You have to ask at this point where is my money going on a mass production article or is my money being well spent if these kinds of errors are (as this video shows) more common than not.

[@dultanur]

Sorry Marc, I can’t agree with you on this one. No matter the number they are outputting, they should strive to do better.

[@danielthompson803]

I just can't accept the mass production argument, would you use it to defend a another mass produced product like a car?

[@RoryMacdonald-pfff]

Some, like Marc, think the shoddy balancing act Seiko operate re. visible placement/finish of components is excusable. Sadly, many agree - and that is why Seiko think its ok to continue to churn out flawed product, at scale. I expect standards like this to continue to slide unless public awareness is raised, by people like Jody, to the fact that you can have a better quality watch if you want. You just have to return your Seiko if its affected, or give your money to a different brand.

[@tancreddehauteville764]

Seiko is just a mass market brand - I never understood why so many people are cheerleaders for it. I find that Citizen is much better for quartz watches.

[@dimi7055]

Citizen and casio compared to seiko is like rolls royce to fiat... They not only smoke seiko its just a whole different ballpark!

[@Pilkie101]

Citizen has serious qc

[@larsstougaard7097]

I love my Citizen Tsuno, great functions, solar power, power reserve indicator, alarm ( not loud enough though), chronograph, sapphire crystal, battery life great, I only charged it once the last year in the sun. It holds time perfectly, I payed around $ 700

[@SWatchik]

But muh hErItAgE

[@BoboBloxham]

citizen can actually make a decent bracelet too!

[@armchairracer4900]

It feels like they keep all the A-stock for themselves in Japan and send all the B-stock out to the rest of the world

[@Sameold87]

Like every american guitar companies

[@bc454irocz89]

Happens with japanese guitars too

[@noice9709]

The fact that there are so many comments in agreement really says something. Listen Seiko. Listen. Thanks for keeping it real, Jody : )

[@samjaeger2020]

I feel like seiko went from actually caring about the customer (skx) to just caring about getting paid and not really caring what they are putting out

[@Bob_Smith19]

Corporations never care about the customer. It’s always been this way and it’s not going to change. Small companies are the ones that care. But as they grow they will eventually stop caring.

[@robertlindo8058]

it certainly looks like it.

[@RM-el3gw]

Lol, how delusional. The SKX had terrible quality control, a lacking movement, and very cheap bracelets/straps... All at too high a price point.

[@patrickriarchy6054]

The only thing they put any effort in anymore are their King, Pressage and Grand lines and that's it.

[@eyeonlife]

SKX had horrible QC !!! It was very known the SKX had massive problems with alignment.

[@kirinasaari]

I’m guessing their QC are working from home.

[@BoboBloxham]

hahahaha

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

Problem is that a large manufacturer in XXI century is expected to have their quality control integrated well into production processes. In other words, product should be perfect when coming off the line, without any involvement of a quality inspector. It is sad that it isn't so - a Japanese watchmaker should be a leader in lean manufacturing.

[@jmmartin7766]

Lol! Excellent! 😂

[@mohammedhanif6780]

What's surprising is that Seiko can't be unaware of the QC issues and the backlash. It would be great if a watch reviewer would conduct an interview with a Seiko exec and raise the problem.

[@johnlongnecker8776]

@@mohammedhanif6780 great observation. They have to know but have decided that it is more profitable to continue as is.

[@brentwoods7450]

I haven't bought a Seiko at retail in a few years. The move upmarket while not addressing QC and somehow getting worse at it, made me stop giving them my money. My collection is 90% Seiko, and will always be mostly Seikos. I've just decided to buy pre-owned or vintage Seikos instead. Seiko's back catalog is full of hidden gems, and the 90's and 2000's still had great quality pieces.

[@ahha6304]

last time I get brand new Seiko I sent to service the calibre since the first day I bought haha (pretty sure they changed that calibre instead, it was too abnormally fast) if you ask which one it is, it's Prospex Save the Ocean Penguin Day

[@jbknives5831]

I picked up my first Seiko ever earlier this year- a King Samurai Manta (SRPE33, Japan marked dial) which didn't have any alignment issues at all. After working with the touchy regulation system it has since been keeping a steady +2-3 seconds a day. If you regulate your own movement, be mindful of the rotation and location of the regulator pin's slot relative to the hairspring coil any time you move the adjustment arm, and check it for proper hairspring clearance as shown in the Seiko service manual. It's easy to bump/ nudge it accidentally when adjusting, as I found out. I like everything about it so far other than the sub-par diver's extension design on the bracelet, so I guess a Long Island or Strapcode bracelet for it is also on my list now.

[@meneerjansen00]

You're absolutely in the right for bashing a brand that asks 1.500 USD for a watch with a misaligned dial. Are they completely bonkers?!

[@algorithm007ify]

tell that to Rolex also...it's quite common to find misaligned rehauts

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@MrMadvillan I don’t but know better than spout shite

[@oscarosullivan4513]

They might be on something

[@nicholassay8724]

I love Seiko - LOVE THEM. As a brand. You are 100% correct. This is silly and borderline abusive on the part of the company. I now buy homages - like that Steeldive Willard you were positive on. Seiko now has a new Prospex Willard that will run you $2,500 USD. I think $90 on AliEx is a better bet. Thanks again for all the hard work - and don't let the haters bring you down.

[@carlobighouse5434]

Agree - cheers! 👍

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Fanboyism at its finest

[@mattcameron9349]

I ended up buying a Tondorino (a sterile Steeldive SD1970 but with no lume on the ceramic bezel, other than a lume-pip, and no UV anti-reflection on the flat sapphire crystal). I then sent the watch to my favourite watch-modder who fitted a genuine Seiko dial, aligned everything perfectly, and regulated the NH35 to +3 seconds per day with no beat error. Then, added a vintage Italian-leather strap. Total cost for everything? About £275. I can hand-on-heart say that it is every bit as good as the new 6105 reissue, and a grand cheaper!

[@nspr9721]

Totally on the button @Nicholas Say and in the same camp regarding superior engineered homages from Steeldive et al.

[@JB-qt8eh]

I read an issue about this new Willard 8L, movement stopped and not winding after 2 days. So even with the higher models, no one is safe with seiko.

[@Bababooeyluvr]

Great channel!! QC problems happen, I had 2 defective Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue's. The first watch chronograph hand did not line up at 12. I complained and got a new one, the replacements would not hold power reserve over night. I wrote a letter to the head of Tudor in 2017, got no response. The AD ended up refunding my money, it was very disappointing because I loved the looks of that watch, still do.

[@mephisst0]

I totally agree with and I came to same conclusion as you a few years ago 😕 There is also another qc issue that you didn’t check, it’s the misaligned hour hand, like at 6pm exactly the hour hand is not perfectly on the 6pm index 😭. This issue is not specific to Seiko unfortunately, I’ve had this on a B&R Diver even after it was sent in for repair.

[@the_9ent]

Good on you, Jodie. They need to be called out on this. Below average specs, poor QC and a higher cost for new models?! No thanks Seiko

[@samfallow18]

It's a case of 'Once you see it, you can't unsee it.' It would drive me mad.

[@chronocommander007]

Exactly, once I have noticed an imperfection it's the first thing my eyes get drawn to.

[@brianhsin678]

@@chronocommander007 if it is done by the factory it would bother me. If it is a scratch or ding done by myself, then I'm okay with it. Only Seiko I have owned is the GS snowflake, so I cannot speak for their QC.

[@chronocommander007]

@@brianhsin678 I've had a few Seiko watches but none within the past 15 years. Way back then i did not find any QC issues.

[@ericwhitlow7364]

Seiko is priced out of my budget. And now if I had the money I wouldn’t buy one given the qc issues.

[@andreshultz8638]

I have 6 Seikos, some quartz some mechanical. Never have any issue. But I prefer Rolex. I bought Rolex mostly second hand, often have scars, damaged bezels, time not very accurate and I service them change the the damaged parts ; polished and that service often cost more than US$1,500 and expect to work great for another 10 years. For 1 Rolex, I can buy my entire Seiko collection, and each Rolex service cost can buy me another Seiko brand new. Love my Seiko but Rolex to me is like my "air"; I can't breath without it.

[@marlan5470]

@@andreshultz8638 I seriously prefer Tissot. I have an automatic and it never broke down. My brand new automatic Seiko is going back to get fixed again. I will get another automatic Tissot, but never again another Seiko, not even quartz.

[@martinkaplan1805]

Gotta’ agree with you. I’ve got no problem with the minor issues on my SKX, but when I recently purchased the new SPB143 (for just under $1200) and the crown action was poor and was told by the AD that it was “within spec,” I found it hard to believe that was OK, and he refunded my money. It’s not that I’m THAT fussy, but for over a grand you expect a certain quality level. Meanwhile, my SARB 033 in almost every way is perfect. Like I said, I’m with you Jody.

[@jwkasper]

I would never pay more than £400 for a seiko for this exact reason, to me they are solid budget watches and nothing more.

[@Winston.S.1984]

exactly! Watches in this price range, like the SARB033/35 were Seiko's strength - well, these times are long gone....

[@nikouai]

Same here

[@jeffsvlog203]

Orient much better value for money at this price point

[@craigweston5371]

Interesting. I just posted a comment before reading yours and we've both maxed out Seikos top value at £400!

[@derekshearer9049]

I wouldn't take a seiko for free...

[@brianfrye1939]

The QC is terrible. Sadly, as you point out, it's been a thing for a while now.

[@robc8468]

It would appear Seiko is now a Chinese brand with Malaysian movement.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

How long now

[@joed3613]

I totally upvote this one. I also have purchased quite a few Seikos and there are some very minor but noticeable irregularities on a few of them. I recently purchased the SBDC101(SPB143) from overseas and the bezel is off by half a click and the date window is noticeably off.

[@davidreichstadter8587]

Couldn't agree more. My father-in-law received a Seiko diver a few years ago and despite losing time far beyond the published specifications (several minutes per day), the watch was returned by Seiko without any regulation or explanation. The last Seikos I personally bought were a pair of Seiko SARB033s. If I feel like a Seiko, I now buy an Orient.

[@gerbarrett6160]

Very good show Jodi, but I think you got it wrong putting this out on a Saturday, it would have made a Great Sunday Roasting!!!

[@tiagodvt]

I own Seiko and Orient watches. I never had a QC problem with Orient. I own a Bambino 36mm and a Ray 2 - awesome watches for less than 200. Seiko on the other hand...misaligned chapter rings are a norm. Loved Seiko, never cared much for Orient - till I gave them a try. Today I would say it is my favourite brand at the entry level

[@smokincooks7661]

I love my Orients and Orient Stars. I have too many, but zero regrets!

[@marceldemir7514]

Yes and you can regulate them to 4 seconds a day. Seiko never stay accurate

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Orient should go for ISO certification

[@smokincooks7661]

@@marceldemir7514 I wouldn't say never- the 6R15D in my SARX045 is keeping a consistent +1s/day. Perhaps the previous owner had it professionally adjusted by a wizard watchmaker, or maybe I'm just lucky. The F6G42 in my Orient Star keeps +2.7s/day avg, out of the box. Lucky me.

[@HomerIncognito]

My Orient Kamasu has a misaligned and stiff bezel... And I'm sure I'm not the only one with this issue

[@TheChadWork2001]

I agree. Don't buy Seikos if you can't see them with your own eyes first.

[@earlpickles68]

Seiko is no longer the value proposition it used to be. This is coming from someone who grew up with no less than a dozen Seiko. My SARB035 also had a misaligned chapter ring. And it poked me in the eye every time I look at the dial. The 6R15c movement gave out on me within 5 years. I ended up with a cocktail time as a replacement. It’s okay. I think I will get a Hamilton for my next watch. No more Seiko for me either. So hard to say goodbye to a long relationship.

[@ttjoseph1]

Not unreasonable to service a movement after 5 years. The problem is the watch is cheap enough that servicing costs more than the watch is worth. Or I would have done with my SARB033 and SARX045.

[@apyorbitz]

I got my $88 USD Steel Dive Willard this week. Everything lines up. 🙄

[@antsfur]

Thats the way to go if you want this style of watch at the correct price, well done !

[@kws4e]

@@Winston.S.1984 Guess what, they are using a SEIKO Nh35 in it, ya little fanboy.

[@apyorbitz]

@@Winston.S.1984 wait and see it's as good as any Seiko since it's a Seiko movement? Hahaha

[@apyorbitz]

@zack oblong that's at least within my tolerance for a $88 watch. I think my Vostok is worse.

[@algorithm007ify]

@zack oblong lol

[@nkonig1]

Last Seiko I bought I got the AD to show me the watch on video, wasn’t aligned so I got them to order me another. Showed me a video of the new one and it was aligned, then I pulled the trigger. Pedantic I know but it was for a Willard and I don’t want to spend 1k and it be misaligned.

[@TheTonyspoons]

Why it's definitely best to go with a reputable AD, just flat out refuse the watch if it's not aligned. People play with fire when they go with grey imports

[@Starlord85]

Too right

[@aussie8114]

Never worry about being pedantic. I guarantee the vast majority of the business owners would never accept inferior product themselves so if they question you on your efforts then they are being total hypocrites.

[@cameronkrause4712]

I think that you mean that you pulled the plug

[@MrSlurry]

Agh, "pulled the trigger". Such a lame phrase. Love the Willard though, hope you "wear it in good health"

[@RudyVisuals]

I'm glad someone else has said this. I adore Seiko and own a number of models but the QC issues seem to be getting worse. I have had so many issues with the 6r35 movement, it's just such a shame that so many of the Seikos I want seem to have this same movement. I'm losing 30-60 seconds a day on my SPB165j1. It will be the last Seiko I buy until things improve.

[@Lee_K_5555]

I've owned 16 Seiko watches over the past six years and over 40% of them have had minor cosmetic issues that should have been caught by a robust quality control process. The chapter ring alignment is something that Seiko seems to have a hard time getting right. I agree with Jodi -- no more Seikos for me.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Bloody hell Lee. That's a terrible percentage eh?

[@OscarOSullivan]

@@JustOneMoreWatchAnd Citizen will mop up their budget diver market

[@NoNameNo.5]

“You’ll be back Jodi, you’ll ALL BE BACK! Muahahahhaha” Seiko

[@mutolo1990]

I have a lorus, pulsar and orient. It's telling that the qc of their sub brands are better than seiko's!

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

I know exactly what you mean.

[@jfilm7466]

Looks like Seiko have lost their mojo, Baby! ♂️

We can add Wired to that list.

[@frazzl]

Orient are not a Seiko sub-brand.

[@TheBigAEC]

@@frazzl they're owned by Epson which is one of the big 3 in the Seiko group. Technically not a sub-brand of Seiko but 6 of one half a dozen of the other.

[@mikes.4136]

Wow - I knew about the bezel misalignment, but I was not aware that some of Seiko’s movements were off by that much. I love Seiko, but now I am hesitant to purchase a new one. It is especially troubling that QC issues are also common in the higher cost models.

[@sakmedic]

Another good one Jody. Sad to see this as Seiko was my first watch given to me by my father, but the facts don’t lie. For a while now I have been very interested in the Casio Oceanus line which seems to have outstanding QC. Would love to see you review a couple or three of these if you get the urge. Keep up the great work.

[@jfilm7466]

I was gutted when I got the watch of my childhood dreams when it had a misaligned chapter ring and a dust speck. I love my Turtle but... And then seeing Steeldive, San Martin etc with so much better QC and spec for a fraction of the price.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Its absurd someone should report them to the ombudsman

[@J.S.McDuff]

What do you call a seiko where everything lines up? A *Citizen*

[@AnaCosta-sq7lo]

Nope. I bought an Eco-drive and the chapter ring was misaligned. Sent it to customer service in Germany, they got it better aligned, but the watch came back with a hour index partially oxidized (looks like it) and dust on the dial and under the glass. Complained, got no answer.

[@todd344]

I love it it’s true that’s why I got away from them and I went with Citizen I got the pro master automatic I bought it for the same price is for a Seiko 100% better than they would ever be everything lines up everything‘s perfect and heirlooms great love them will never go back to Seiko

[@J.S.McDuff]

@@todd344 Their newer citizen models have ridiculously, almost scientifically straight lines. their second hands land on the index everytime. I have the calendier and it's incredible the accuracy.

[@gnarl12]

@@AnaCosta-sq7lo see, every company can screw up

[@TheTownWatch]

Boom! 😅

[@secretariat-13]

Great review Jody, after watching this I had to go take a hard look at both my Seiko Presages and it appears that their misalignment issues are only for their sports watches with rotating bezels, both my Seiko’s are dead on, my old SKX is also aligned but I definitely got lucky there for sure, in the end lots of people will still purchase these watches as they come out mainly for looks, not everyone will place their watches under a macro lens just like most won’t placed any watch on a timegrapher because they don’t own one, it’s all subjective.

[@ozludo]

Yeah, I've seen two of the older Shoguns that needed adjustment out of the box. After the fix they were super, but for $1200US it's ridiculous that anything is needed except for sizing. The new white Shogun looks even better but $1400 on rubber? It had better give racing tips, read bedtime stories and be absolutely perfect. I think my Seiko limit is $500 these days.

[@mts2hn]

I sold all 5 of my 6R35 Seikos for a Seamaster 300. Im over all the QC issues !

[@diavalus]

Wise decision

[@dvpemberton]

No way, I did exactly the same 😄. Traded 6 of mine towards a 2012 Seamaster Professional. All of the Seiko's had alignment issues. The only ones I've kept are my gen2 monster and my Flightmaster. Hope you enjoy your Seamaster!

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Great decision

[@DerpEye]

Yep, same here. Got rid of all of my seikos (apart from an old beater skx013) and got a midsize smp 300 .

[@algorithm007ify]

bad move..you should have kept the 1 or 2 that had aligned bezels and good timing...sold the other 3, and just bank the money.

[@alenavass2]

6:42 It amazes me how such a glaring issue passes QC on a $1000+ watch. It would've even bothered me on a $70 Pagani Design.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

I got big upset when my gold tuna had chapter ring misaligned. Good video. Keep up the good work.

[@manoflego123]

I'm very lucky that my one and only Seiko (SNK805) has no issues with the dial. *However* there is somehow a pink fiber stuck inside the movement that I can see through the case back? I don't know if that was a result of a servicing at the AD or from the factory but it's unusual. Other than that, it only gains about 5-10 seconds a day, looks gorgeous on an aftermarket strap, and makes me happy.

[@kubilaymeydan1457]

A really bold video! I hope seiko wakes up and gets their QC together...

[@TAdamRox]

I've had a few $300ish Seiko, and I haven't gotten myself to buy any of their $1,000 offerings. I've bought more expensive watches (Omega and Oris), but I'm not gonna buy any expensive Seiko sight unseen (online).

[@diavalus]

@The Insanely Great Apple Channel they are still bad. Orient make better watches in that price range.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Buy it in a shop

[@RM-el3gw]

@@oscarosullivan4513 problem with shops is usually much higher prices.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@RM-el3gw A means to justify the ends

[@RodrigoBezares]

I'm very lucky of having this one without any QC issues. Bought the one released in Japan the day it was released.

[@Tobi_Jones]

the Rolex Root Beer GMT that you reviewed was also misaligned. Its not just Seiko

[@Bob_Smith19]

Quiet you, no one likes to hear the truth. Especially when the mob is in a frenzy.

[@algorithm007ify]

@@Bob_Smith19 lol

[@PhilbyFavourites]

@@Bob_Smith19 Morning Bob, you couldn’t get the Daily Mail and The Sun to print that as a banner headline tomorrow could you?

[@UKNick01]

Yep, 100% agree, I just cannot get on board with Seiko anymore for this exact reason. You should not be crossing your fingers when opening the box of a watch hoping you get a 'good' one, or feel lucky when yours all lines up etc. When I buy a watch of any real value, if there is poor alignment etc, regardless of the brand I will return it, because it is just not acceptable, and nothing will change if we just accept it.

[@michaelwertz6689]

Can't you just send it back and get your money back? I know it sucks but I make sure I know the return policy and use it when I'm not happy with a product.

[@robertlindo8058]

Seiko would get a shock if we all stopped buying their watches.

[@UKNick01]

@@robertlindo8058 They certainly would! It seems nowadays they want to rely on the "casual" watch fan, someone that will like the look of the watch and buy it without paying any attention to the QC. A lot of the long time Seiko fans are turning away from later models for the same reasons we all are. Its just a real shame they still don't seem to care!

[@edwardfletcher7790]

What do you call a Seiko with good QC ? An Orient...

[@randomhandle]

Yep.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

A grand Seiko

[@stevebennett7783]

Agreed a GS the 1 Orient I tried died on deployment after 2 months...

[@edwardfletcher7790]

@@stevebennett7783 Well it was under warranty then. I'd suggest a Casio W735 Vibe Alarm for military use.

[@stevebennett7783]

@@edwardfletcher7790 Yeah my Casio F-91W has been on numerous tours as has my Suunto. I thought I'd try a cheap style dive watch but was very disappointed. You are correct it was under warranty and went back for a refund.

[@jeffreyroberson7900]

Thank you Jody for your honest & fair look at seiko anybody can be a fan boy, Casio Edifice quality has got better give them a look?

[@mrmyc0rn840]

Casio's Oceanus line is also very nice!

[@daveho852]

clearly shows that seiko dont intend themselves to be a luxury brand

[@Beck-Stein]

Only luxury prices

[@shaunpatrick8345]

I've got an Omega with a mis-aligned bezel. Even luxury has its QC tolerances!

[@prasetyow4318]

they have Grand Seiko for luxury watch brand

[@jacc88888]

@@prasetyow4318 It’s ironic that some Swiss brands have better QC and more accurate movements for less money. Who would have thought.

[@Bob_Smith19]

As pointed out Grand Seiko is their luxury brand. Are we going to bash them? Even Seiko’s $1000+ watches are produced in numbers far exceeding some brands total brand production. QC issues are QC issues but most people don’t realize how hard it is to produce an item on a mass scale. Seiko also knows the mass market doesn’t care about the imperfections.

[@a_latyshev]

Well said! We have to pull through and stop this 'abusive boyfriend' relationship with Seiko. Enough is enough

[@elarson312]

Just bought a new Seiko SRPB53 and it has zero QC issues. Interesting enough a friend bought a high end watch and it had several QC issues. I have Seiko’s and none have QC issues.

[@AW-qm6tp]

Happy to hear you be so bold with the call out. I’ve been sick of Seiko for a while and even more tired of the apologists.

[@fedomandez]

I don't know... None of my Seikos bought in shops have issues. I'm starting to think that these problems come with online sellers.

[@TheWheelofLife100]

At least seiko are consistent with being inconsistent.

[@ericgrace9995]

That could be their new advertising slogan : "Seiko: Consistently Inconsistent"

[@GeeeAus]

Very fair feedback mate. In place of Seiko, could we perhaps get a few more Citizen reviews as they seem to have their act more together at similar price points? You know noisy as the Miyota 82xx movements are, they are so well done and often regulated well in general with fair service and replacement costs. I’ve become so leery of Seiko I now look for cheap Miyota movements in inexpensive micro brands. I’d rather noisy than faulty.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have a Seiko 4r39a open heart which I got for my 70th birthday from my family. I scratched the Hardlex within the first week. At the time of watching this (on my Huawei p10 plus smartphone) I am wearing a Sea-gull Ocean Star diver with sapphire crystal. It's perfect.

[@jmsimpson11]

I like how you say that you're cranky, but still come across as cheerful. Having an argument with you must be confusing!

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Ha! Just ask my wife. She hates it.

[@MurrayC]

I'm looking at my sub £100 Pagani Design - everything lines up, same with my 8 year old Seiko 5 Sports. I'll be steering clear of Seiko from now on.

[@stevebennett7783]

I like the idea of Pagani but could never bring myself to wear a blatant rip off of a more expensive watch no matter how cheap it was. My personal opinion and certainly don't judge others who do.

[@mickeydee3595]

@@stevebennett7783 Yeah I get where you are coming from, but companies have been knocking off from other companies for decades now. Some say that the Submariner was a knock off of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms 🤷‍♂️ Good thing is that 99.9% of the population couldn't care less

[@stevebennett7783]

@@mickeydee3595 Haha, this is very true 👍

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

Sad when fake watches are better made than the real thing.

[@stevebennett7783]

@@Jabber-ig3iw I'll have to take your word on that as I've never bought and never will buy a fake watch.

[@rickewilde]

I think your right to visit a jewellers and see the watch and check it over with a keen eye. You can get good deals instore too at the moment it seems.

[@batmansk6]

This is great. Thanks for doing it JOMW. It's a longshot but maybe they'll take notice and do something about it

[@paulveneziani9857]

Alignment issues on a Seiko? No way! 🤣

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

Again, and again, and again.....

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@JustOneMoreWatch I am modding my amphibia

[@stiglnsborgsaxbjrn3392]

My SNKL23J1 has misaligned hands, day and date (but the blue dial is georgeous). My SKX 013 has no misalignments at all, runs -8 sec/day unregulated and consistant for a year now. A Seiko certainly is a miss or a hit. Am I ready to spend 1000$ or more on a Prospex Line diver without having to marry the AD’s daughter to make it run right afterwards? I am not so sure. Even though I wear my Seikos proudly.

[@LorianandLothric]

@The Insanely Great Apple Channel How does Honda relate to this?

[@LorianandLothric]

@The Insanely Great Apple Channel Toyota must be an exception because they are still the most reliable. Seiko makes watches covering a wide range of price points and the quality will vary accordingly. Grand Seiko is most definitely not average quality.

[@WatchWitt]

Hear, hear! Their quality is fantastic, when you get a “good one.” But it seems to be a gamble.

[@JustOneMoreWatch]

I've gambled and lost too many times now mate!

[@WatchWitt]

@@JustOneMoreWatch The house always wins! Maybe until now….they can’t win if you don’t show up.

[@66jingle]

I totally agree. Within the last two months I have had to return two brand-new Seikos to the store. First was a Flightimer whose lower pusher would not screw down. The second an Alpinist that was gaining about 15 minutes an hour, and yes, minutes not seconds...

[@GOMAROMA]

Totally agree with this. I’ve now ruled them out of my previous purchases! Thanks for the affirmation though.

[@richfranks9161]

Thanks for this rant. I have a Seiko monster showing up Sunday. I’ll be ok. I’ll be ok. I’ll be ok. Lol

[@Starlord85]

We are praying mate 🙏

[@Zeus-kj7nn]

The Seiko Quality Control are under lockdown. Great to see you back Jody. 😀

[@philyoung1920]

This was going on way before lock down

[@matthewrodriguez6148]

3:20 Honestly I’m glad you decided to make this video. With a $2,000 price tag and Seiko as the brand, this lack of quality is absolutely unacceptable. I was seriously considering this watch (specifically the SPB221J1) for my next purchase but after what I’ve seen today and on similar videos, unless Seiko gets their stuff together, I don’t know if I’ll ever even buy from this brand again. I just hope this issue doesn’t spread to their other collections. Shame on you Seiko😤😤😤

[@MeTaLISaWeSoMe95]

Buy a Citizen Chronomaster. Takes longer to get, but it's an absolutely flawless watch.

[@brianhsin678]

Ooh it's bad... they have QC issues on their 3k + MM300's. This is made in their GS factory. Seiko has become crap.

[@apathyboy5306]

I’ve sworn off them as well after a similar experience with the dial being out on a new tuna sbbn

[@modelandrei6599]

Yes! Finally! Thank you Jody, this is the truth and maybe if the sales drop, just maybe seiko will start offering the great value they once did.

[@elvinventucillo4501]

Nope. They would jack up the price nad rip off their fanboys

[@modelandrei6599]

@@elvinventucillo4501 yeah, you're probably right... sadly

[@Alias_Anybody]

Snow on the timegrapher is only okay with Vostok, cause it's on brand.

[@JinKee]

Bostock where the russian winter comes to you

[@DIJAMIN]

ahaha, yes

[@oscarosullivan4513]

Any watch at that price point is slightly defendable

[@TechnoLawyer]

And because a Vostok is about the price of a decent watch strap. That forgives a hell of a lot. This nonsense of seiko qc being so bad on more expensive watches is ridiculous. Once you get over $1k, you're into the realm of lower tier mainstream Swiss brands, and they tend to actually have decent QC.

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@TechnoLawyer Well put

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

This is exactly why I've got plenty of Seiko homages, but no actual Seiko's.

[@claudiocuomo2209]

I also…. For example two steeldives….. Seiko NH35 and the bezels line up also!

[@stallion78]

That’s funny because most seiko watches are homages of Swiss brands

[@HonestWatchReviewsHWR]

@@MrMadvillan Nope.

[@gr33nshoes]

I've bought a 'New Arnie'' when it came out. I have a Seiko "Blue Lagoon Turtle"' - SRPB11K1. Those two are absolutely fine. My first one was a SKX009 and I never really noticed the offset bezel until I knew what it is (it is there). And my last addition was a "SRPE39K1 - King Turtle Save The Ocean Mantaray" edition (I love the dial!) but that is really off. You can get it into the right position 'because of the play'. Finally Seiko is also dead for me in this class. On other notes (because of all the Citizen defenders) - I recently gave away a Citizen Promaster NY0040-09W" which was wayyyy off - 1,5 indexes on the bezel (60 clicks) - it is not just a Seiko problem.

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Funny enough I was talking to a friend who's new to the watch world about the Seiko QC issue and he was baffled about such a big brand not being able to sort them selves out. It's a weird thing that we just accept it.

[@thetimebombardier]

Good point Jason 👉 citizen don't suffer in the same way 😎😎

[@algorithm007ify]

It's those nice designs....many are willing to turn a blind eye for the sexy reissues... Hopefully Seiko fix this.

[@mrmyc0rn840]

I think we've accepted it because so many KZbin watch reviewers have accepted it, and like Jody said, we've treated it as something of a joke. I'm glad a major reviewer is finally saying enough is enough.

[@RM-el3gw]

@@algorithm007ify i agree their designs are some of the best, no doubt. Unfortunately the "hoping" for a change has been going on for years now.

[@jamesblonde2271]

As I've commentated elsewhere the value proposition with Seiko drops off a cliff at the thousand pound point and the competition crowds in, the real issue is the budget watches are poor value toothese days. £250 for a 5?!.....Heloooo San Martin,!

[@JohnClarkW]

It is longer than a couple years. I gave up on Seiko in 2018 after three purchase that I sent directly back to them. I started in microbrands around that time and realized I was happier with the watches I was getting, and they were more distinct. I love the couple of Seiko's I own, but don't know if I will buy another one anytime soon.

[@marcocastagnetti7086]

Good to see you back Jodi, I own a SKX and a MM300 and that's my lot from seiko I was lucky as there doesn't seem to be any quality control issues. Wouldn't mind buying a GS only when they up there game in the braclet department.

[@springinfialta106]

Grand Seiko seems to be expanding now. Maybe Seiko has moved over all their best QC to Grand Seiko and left the B Team to do QC at Seiko.

[@RM-el3gw]

I'm glad to see you finally do this Jodi - I've seen you being too forgiving with Seiko's QC in the past. What do you think it'll take for them to change their ways? Cheers.

[@gnarl12]

Sales declines

[@aaronbiddulph1442]

It’s scandalous how they send some of there watches out for the prices they charge! Great video!

[@ET-cj8jo]

I have three Seiko. $500 - $1,000 price range. All of them have dial markers all over the place. There is not a consistent twist such as the whole dial of out square, but just a random hit or miss with placement. A misaligned bezel insert, while unacceptable QC, is of course relatively easy to fix. I too will not but Seiko again.

[@gromit1996]

Do they pay to repair the misaligned bezels, indices, etc...? Is that considered a warranty issue? It's sad that it has to be, but maybe they're passing costs to a different department instead of spending it on QC. ??

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

Yes it should be and you have a good point. I have been thinking that this may also be a strategy to kill the grey market.

[@karstensiegmarsson5304]

Get Vostok GMT, bezel lacking the clicks, lining up perfectly every time 🤣✌🏻

[@IndyAvocadoKid]

Kinda sad when cheap vostoks can have better QC than an expensive seiko, my vostoks haven’t had any QC problems like the seikos in this video. Of course the bezel on Vostok’s is nothing to talk about, since my scuba dude bezel is held on by a cheap wire spring, instead of a nice clickety click it just make a faint scratching sound 😆

[@matthewmacinnis4163]

Great video. The only company I have had QC issues with has been Seiko. I hate getting a model that I wanted only to have the dial askew. I was able to find a Stargate II online, a model I really wanted, which I never wear because of the bloody screwed up dial. It really pisses me off! I completely support your stance on no longer reviewing their mid to high tear models. I believe they even had to do a recall related to issues with the bezel pip on the special edition Save the Ocean Antarctica Monster... I can't find the article or posting I saw regarding this, but I am confident I didn't imagine this. Anyway, the only reason they will address these issues is if it impacts their sales, especially after their efforts of expanding their market. They are going down the path of Chevrolet and GMC... Too many models and an increasing level of QC issues. Kind of ironic if you think about it.

[@xchazz86]

Good on you, I gave up on Seiko after my second Alpanist @ $1000 with misalignment. These QC issues simply not acceptable once you hit 4 digits.

[@wainedodd8055]

That's why Citizen gets my money.

[@Bula]

Same here!

[@meilyrwilliams9280]

Same here! Always fancied a Seiko. Won’t bother now.

[@wainedodd8055]

A Seiko solar was on the list. I can get bad quality control with a £2 wish Chinese watch. So Citizen eco drive it is. 👍

[@redsox7897]

same here too.. I stopped buying seiko after I bought their "limited edition" 1000 pcs only to find out later they released the same exact watch and call it international edition 2018 pcs.. And then recurring alignment issues stopped me from buying completely and move to citizen.

[@AC_702]

@@wainedodd8055 Citizen Eco-Drive is light years better than Seiko solar. It's not even close

[@GADGETMIX]

I've bought and reviewed many quartz and automatic Seikos. Never had an issue.

[@algorithm007ify]

Likewise, it's a little bit of hysteria here...Disappointing.

[@doods0602]

Spot on. It was Seiko that lead me to inspect watches under the loupe regardless of brand and have turned down nearly half of potential purchases. My last 2 purchases have been a pain as well- a sharp edge (non-gmt) with a micro scratch on the 12 o clock marker that I initially failed to notice and a very slightly misaligned chapter ring and hour hand at 6 o clock on my King Samurai. The King Sammy stays for sentimental reasons but the sharp edge has recently been flipped. Coincidentally, ALL my Tissots in the same price range (or less) have had absolutely no QC issues. I'm keeping whatever Seikos I have left but no more Seikos for me moving forward. Too many Swiss options for the same price

[@karanchoubey]

My first automatic watch was a seiko 5 sports which I purchased in late 2020. It had a lot of issues with the bracelet. It rattled and was loose and also the first link which sits between the lugs was extremely loose and made sounds. I sold that watch last year for 30% less than what I paid for it. And after watching this video , its safe to say that I'd never buy a seiko again.

[@bagpiper]

I thought that I was alone in questioning Seiko. I have several of their offerings and have noted that the newer they are the less trustworthy the build. Yet, as Jody notes, the prices are on a steep upward trajectory. This smacks of the Japanese reputation being sacrificed to off-shore builds just to inflate profit. Which works for a while - until customer realizes that they are paying more and getting less. This is what drives the consumer to shop elsewhere. Seiko will either get their act together or be relegated to selling in blister packs on a Walmart display.