SEIKO SPB149J1 vs SPB153J1 2020 Seiko Catalog Watches. Which One Should You Buy? SBDC107 | SBDC111

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Prices for Willard-x SPB153J1 is $1100 USD, Black SPB151J1 is $1300 USD. The SPB149J1 Limited is $1350 and other colors are SPB143J1 and SPB145J1 $1200 USD, SPB147J1 $1000 USD
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[@EscapementWatch]

Heres a good article by Hodinkee on why Seiko must move upmarket. www.hodinkee.com/articles/grand-seiko-united-states-move-upmarket

[@jh-il5sb]

this has nothing to do with seiko watches....its talking about GS

[@WatchesAndPhotography]

I’m so glad I got the 153, that green sunburst dial is just stunning. Overall a beautiful watch to look at. I didn’t want another black dial watch. Seiko perfectly executed the green color on this one.

[@user-ce5kd3ib2y]

Seriously get both, I have both and they have very different characteristics, both really enjoyable!

[@MC-yh9bw]

I think the 62MAS is great for a one or two piece collection that you could wear with a suit. The Willard is more casual and would be better as part of a collection.

[@matthieuboyer7676]

I would definitely choose the Wizzard X, the Green dial is so stunning!! By the way, thank you for the review, keep up the good work mate !

[@EscapementWatch]

Good choice!

[@tightlines106]

I just purchased the Seiko Prospex eucalyptus limited edition beautiful piece

[@samhor33]

just placed an order for a green Willard, can't wait to have it on hand !

[@EscapementWatch]

grats!

[@varanid9]

I love my green Willard, one of my favorite watches.

[@jeditrek]

Thanks for the video comparison. I’ve decided on the Black Willard. Keep up the great videos!

[@EscapementWatch]

ALL PRICES IN DESCRIPTION!!!!

[@woesteloepi.]

That's a no brainer.....the Willard!

[@Oli-Train]

The Green Willard 🤌🏻

[@vdbdg]

I have both. The Willard (in black) is perfect. The 149 is attractive but the overpowering bezel design choice shifts it away from the original and not for the better. In doubt... KEEP both. Thanks for the comparison!

[@EscapementWatch]

Welcome!

[@andrewhoy6022]

Great vid! I already own the spb147j and absolutely love it so much I’m getting the Willard as well!,

[@user-hn4fx4ow3x]

I want a SBDC107(SPB149J).

[@peterrichards7387]

Good luck getting one now. They sold out in London on the day of release.

[@basedorientcoyote8883]

I got the 149 but I'll probably end up buying a black willard too

[@nedhourani]

Based Orient Coyote I also have the 149 and planning to get a black Willard ✌🏼

[@varanid9]

The green Willard is Seiko's best watch EVARRRRRR!!

[@yaaxarr8977]

We need a SBDC111 with 8L movement...please Seiko !!!

[@EscapementWatch]

Agreed!

[@yunghuey9145]

LOVE YOUR WORKS.. THANKS FOR DOING THIS. you have answer all my question!

[@EscapementWatch]

I'm so glad!

[@billmurphy893]

Thank you for the video comparison.... Wanted to know if th finishing on the Willard was as good as the 62Mas or the MM 200 reduced. I own too many seiko divers including a Turtle the MM200 reduced and an SPB147 am half heartedly trying to avoid the Willard...but in the end I know I will own one.

[@EscapementWatch]

check out my spb239 video. That is the best willard!

[@MrGeirSteinar]

God, they’re both beautiful.

[@StephanoHamez]

I went for the SPB143J Black face on stainless steel I love 💔 it 💪

[@aBBB321]

I want that one. It looks amazing!

[@tonirey232]

I own the spb149j1 and i very happy with my choice 😍

[@mylesmooney7505]

Captain Willard all day , just bought an olive one .

[@erikalfiandy4375]

Green willard is better.... want to get one.

[@valentind134]

Hello man, I think a got the same issue you speak on my willard, the second hand stop always to same area, how did you fix it ?

[@dr.dr.80]

In this video has the Willard blue lume, in other videos green..

[@valengreymoon5623]

I think the desk needs some sort of pad on it. The sounds are really amplified through the microphone. It'll also prevent scratches.

[@EscapementWatch]

Thanks for the input! I think I'll put my mic on my Bergeon rubber mat to damp it!!!

[@valengreymoon5623]

@@EscapementWatch Also good for keeping watches from getting scratched on the hard surface.

[@EscapementWatch]

Hehe sanded wood cannot scratch stainless steel. 👍

[@Amaru_r]

Since i saw the spb149 launch i get in love with it so i put my hands on one! As a modern sub owner the 149 is taking the sub a lotof wrist time!

[@EscapementWatch]

Wow!

[@JoseRCI57]

Gran video. El spb 147 mi favorito. Un saludo. 🇪🇸👍

[@eddieo9195]

Willard for me.

[@sopapillas6398]

A little late here - do you remember where you got the tropic for the SPB149? It's so hard to match the dial on that one

[@EscapementWatch]

i believe that one was from the company called "tropic" straps. The original.

[@canonyeo4286]

To pick one is tough choice. I have both, and, keep both. I have a sub, a new one, a hulk. I agree that the 62MAS finishing is actually better. So, yes, it does knock the sub off, especially, if you consider the price.

[@EscapementWatch]

Nice to hear from a Luxury watch owner on the watch. Thanks for chiming in!

[@canonyeo4286]

@@EscapementWatch actually, playing with affordable watches, especially, like these 2, are more fun, and, l enjoy talking with you guys. The luxury watches people are too serious, frankly, many of them exaggerate a lot, lol.

[@EscapementWatch]

I woke up today and looked at my watch box. love each piece but noticed its over 10k value. and I had the urge to purge them all to get my grail! :P

[@canonyeo4286]

@@EscapementWatch patek?

[@asko7113]

Escapement & Watch if you don’t mind sharing, what’s your grail?

[@michaelfierman3256]

it amazes me how much Seiko fans put up with on their bad QC. I mean, this is not from my experience, but just even from watching your channel i hear it often. Hope you keep the grey one as I like it best, but that Longines sector is gorgeous and probably won't have any problems with it. Most people can't fix these disasters like you can.

[@EscapementWatch]

Thats true michael. I'm lucky enough to be able to do work with watches. No body should have to deal with these issues on a new 1000 dollar watch...altho ppl are getting them for 800...still. If you want a seiko....go to AD and pick a perfect one from boutique. Never online! I feel like they will fix their QC soon. Ive seen their efforts in the chapter rings of the new 5 sport. 2 guided teeth instead of 1 like in the skx.. but that took them a while to do....but they can do it. every Grand Seiko is perfect in every way. so we know they can make a perfect watch! I know other companies have issues as well. A guy was complaining his zenith was 1 min off and named his other brands that were similar 1-2min off. it was on the WUS forums and he was responding to my showing how bad my hands were pressed.

[@mashedpotato982]

Gorgeous watches

[@dandc2011]

Whoa... Does the Turtle come from factory with a Roman numeral date window, as shown at 4:40 ?? Or did you mod that?

[@MultiPorkpie]

I like both watches

[@sindbadsailor7868]

Oh boy... i have enough dive watch... but these two are really gorgeous... Honestly I really want the green one since the first time, but after seeing the 149, it’s really confusing...

[@EscapementWatch]

there is no wrong answer here!

[@mrpipspoppersv9093]

I tried on the SPB147 I could not believe how small it was. It looked so Tiny even on my 7ins wrist.

[@EscapementWatch]

ya that thick bezel insert really shrinks it visually! get a Willard! 42mm might be perfect for you.

[@mrpipspoppersv9093]

@@EscapementWatch Yes I think your right!

[@denist7085]

Having 7.25 wrist I still feel this green Willard as small watch. Love them, but they are small vs Turtle. Especially bezel gives that effect. And oem rubber strap narrowing down from 20mm to smaller makes this feeling even stronger. Well, no alternative, will try to find one width strap. And time will tell. PS If they make Willard in 45-46mm case, definately buy it.

[@HHIto]

What's a 63MAS? I thought it was a 62MAS?

[@watchyourself5500]

Nice video!

[@EscapementWatch]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ocb05]

The Olive green is great, but not my favorite color. SPB149 it is.

[@dattsu93]

I got both and am happy with both! I do think that I like the SPB149 better but also would be hard pressed to let go of the SPB153 too. That cushion case design is just so original.

[@EscapementWatch]

i know what you mean!

[@jeff1176]

Loving the 63MAS, Not a fan of the turtle style or the 4 o'clock crown. Call it the purest in me.

[@slyfondle1885]

Never heard 'Tudor' pronounced "two door" before.

[@EscapementWatch]

Well 'to' for TU! and "Dore" from the French word "j'adore" but it does sound like door a little, so its a fun running gag. two doors. I don't see how Chew-dah, or Tu-DUHh became the proper way to say the name.

[@T.Q.]

@@EscapementWatch Because it is British. Hans Wilsdorf was fond of the British royals, especially having founded Rolex (Tudor's parent company) in London, England. That's where the crown on the Rolex comes from, in honour of the British royal family, and also the Tudor rose as is often used on Tudor watch crowns.

[@tiempodesobrahn]

I like the watches not the priceI believe these seikos should be around US$500 to 600. Would you prefer these to a Sinn 104 for the same money?

[@EscapementWatch]

I like sinn style but I'd pick the seiko because I'm very big on history.

[@NWA_1919]

The decision has been made. The question remains, how do i tell my wife that i ordered yet another watch..😅 i should be getting my spb149 in a couple of weeks.

[@EscapementWatch]

Grats. She won't notice!

[@1watch2watch3watchmore5]

Great vid. Waitinf for FedEx to deliver my 149... Willard is a great piece as well. Thanks for comparing the two.

[@EscapementWatch]

Enjoy it

[@michaelkwan3244]

Fantastic review. Thank you very much. I loved the way you showed the exquisite case design, curves and finishes on both watches. Admittedly, it will be tough to decide which to buy first. Probably I may end up buying both, albeit 1 original and the other an homage version.

[@EscapementWatch]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mrpipspoppersv9093]

Great review l am glad you compared it to the turtle as well as i sold my turtle as it was to big for me I think I will get the Willard

[@EscapementWatch]

Glad I could help

[@bng188]

Spd143j vs sbdc051/053?

[@EscapementWatch]

143 for smaller wrist. the 5x series wears big. it flowers out. like a 42mm that wears like a 44mm. so if you have large wrists 50 series is good.

[@pizza.doctor]

i like the green willard, but i haven't seen one where everything aligns, not even in seiko's promotional pics or in chrono24 pics. it's kind of sad

[@varanid9]

Mine aligns just fine. I got a black and a green just to use the bracelet from the black on the green one, then, flipped the black one with the rubber strap from the green watch. Everything was perfect on both.

[@ralphferguson7649]

Mine lines up just fine.

[@trevbarlow9719]

The reality is that most seikos today line up just fine. We only notice the extremely slight imperfections because it has now become a "thing". Even in the promotional pics, I'm almost certain they are perfectly aligned, but because we scrutinize the alignment, we assume it's misaligned. In reality, it's just the angle.

[@trevbarlow9719]

@@polygoncoco My point is, as far as Seiko goes, we now have higher standards when it comes to alignment. My only Seiko is an SKX. The chapter ring is not properly aligned. It is obvious when one takes 5 seconds to view it. Now I see people complaining about misaligned Seikos where I 1. struggle (or fail) to even notice the problem, and 2. Would notice even in similarly priced Swiss brands. This might not apply to you, though. I don't know your life.

[@Bob.martens]

I got a Steeldive.

[@peterrichards7387]

The SPB149J1 was a limited Edition to 5500 pieces. I bought mine on the first day of release and it sold out on that day. It's a fantastic watch but if you don't already have it then it's the SBP153J1 for you.

[@NWA_1919]

I pre-ordered mine ages ago, thinking i won't be able to get one otherwise. But now that they have been released, there's a bunch of retailers that have multiple pieces of them in stock. XD And i know as a fact that only 35 pieces of this watch were imported to the whole country here. I'm kind of surprised how they are not sold out yet. anyways i'm still glad i pre-ordered it because it gave me peace of mind :D

[@matteodiotti5804]

What kind of spring bars should i use for my "Willard"? Thanks!

[@EscapementWatch]

20mm. 2.5mm thick. 1.2mm tips.

[@matteodiotti5804]

@@EscapementWatch thanks!!

[@paranormalskeptic3893]

How about you tell the prices of each watch. That helps with the decision as well. If each were similar prices, I’d have a really tough decision. I always lean towards blue, but man that green Willard is stunning. Plus I don’t have any turtles/mini turtles.

[@EscapementWatch]

Willard-x Green is $1100 USD, Black $1300 USD. The 63Mas Limited is $1350 and other colors are 143 -145 $1200 USD, 147 $1000 USD.

[@paranormalskeptic3893]

Thanks ! You are so lucky to have both ! Such beautiful watches. Congrats ! Btw, your videos are great, you are really knowledgeable about watches.

[@tthien93]

Except finding the spb149 for retail is near impossible now since they seem to be all sold out

[@ThiHaGadgets]

I tried spb149 the other day at the shop. 2K SGD. I don't know whether it is plastic wrap or not, i don't feel attracted to the watch. SARX035 seems still attracts me. Weird mind. And the blue green is very subtle.

[@ocb05]

I think it is the Plastic wrap.

[@ThiHaGadgets]

@@ocb05 Maybe. But you know sometimes certain watch clicks you. 😁

[@gabzy3264]

Do these have anti scratch coating?

[@EscapementWatch]

Yes diashield coating

[@AmcoAutoGlass]

Yes BOTH is the right one bro!

[@anjovicsy]

Brother, i got the spb149j1 after watching your strap video. Would like to suggest you add the forstner komfit on the 149j. It looks really good.

[@EscapementWatch]

not sure how i feel about metal mesh but thanks for the tip!

[@enriqueali]

Great comparison, but you didn't help. I still want them BOTH!! 😁😁😁😁

[@EscapementWatch]

Sorry!

[@Barnaby_bo]

Do you think Seiko are taking the piss with the misalignment or it's a genuine oversight

[@EscapementWatch]

I think the willard because it was supposed to be released months ago but then Cov happened so they rushed them out. Only way to know for sure if next years willards in new colors have same issue

[@Barnaby_bo]

Do you think they will continue with these Willard models year on year, like the turtle?

[@thetrentmeister]

Are you still loving your Willard?

[@EscapementWatch]

i love it yes. but sold it! 2 reasons, 1.... need cash. :( 2. I know of a blue model coming soon from seiko friend. I saw it's dial already. sunburst dark blue. so unless seiko throws a curveball *sometimes they dont release watches prototyped* we should see it before dec hopefully.

[@thetrentmeister]

The blue sounds intriguing! Not going to lie, I feel sad that you sold the Willard though, given how excited you were about it! Haha. Have you still got the 107?

[@horologyproject]

Escapement & Watch are you saying you saw a Willard in blue????? That would be sick!

[@ballyod]

Both look mint. The green Willard edges it for me. But not sure either of them are worth the asking price. There are less expensive watches around that do the same, and more, as these two. That green Willard though...

[@EscapementWatch]

Very true! I've had many tell me the same thing over and over...One example that kept coming up was the Tissot seastar! It has superior water resistance and superior movement and swiss made almost half the price if you get it in grey market! But a watch is more then specs. If the Company, Tissot, ever had the guts to dare and sell their "superior" seastar for what seiko is asking and getting for the willard. Then Tissot wouldn't sell a single watch. Not one person on this earth would buy a superior tissot seastar if it was willard priced.

[@ocb05]

Yeah yeah you have watches that do the same (telling time or more) with less, but good luck living with this kind of funny theory. You buy watches not only to tell time, you buy them because you like them. Good luck finding the exact same watch in other brands at cheaper price. Nope. You need to looking into more just SPECS. DESIGN is what gets people to fall in love in the first place, not spec. A good looking well built watch with just 4r35 / NH35A is gonna capture your heart than one highly spec watch (ETA or Miyota or whatever) that is not your cup of tea.

[@hendryongkowidjojo3523]

You ask seiko to make the spb149 as their "submariner," and then you prefer the other watch. A bit inconsistent in my humble opinion.

[@EscapementWatch]

Our minds calculate and think of what we want...but we cannot choose who we love.

[@balazsgalambos4458]

Wouldn't trade the Mas tbh,doubt it you'll able to replace it in the future especially for the same price.Seen a few on chrono24 going already for 2k USD😕 Awesome video,thanx for comparison

[@EscapementWatch]

Fair enough!

[@fockewulf86]

A very difficult choice, especially since new models like spb185 and spb187 referring to the legendary 1968 model appeared on the horizon ;) Best option to purchase all three xD

[@EscapementWatch]

thats the plan! waiting on my 185/87

[@RabidMortal1]

Both watches in the thumbnail have their bezels misaligned. Watching the video, looks like it's legit misaligned on the SPB153J1. That's 3-out-of-3 SPB153J1 reviews where the bezel is off. WTF Seiko?

[@edteach3r]

I don’t wish to be pedantic, but I wish we would stop referencing the SPB151and 153 as “a Willard”. It is not really a Willard (possibly a ‘Mini Willard’?). The case is notably different from the actual Willard, which is more closely modeled by the gorgeous SLA033 reissue (which is on my bucket list). In actual fact, the SRP777 Turtle is a closer relation to the original Willard. Peter Kotsa (who owns an original 6105-8110) made an excellent video in this regard. Nonetheless, the SPB151 and 153 are beautiful watches.

[@EscapementWatch]

the majority of seiko fans pick the names. for example the name shogun was invented on the forums at WUS. this one is officially called willard-X for the prospeX X version of the willard. an all new take on a classic shape. i call it Willard because sometimes im lazy to add the X. and we all know what it is just by looking at it. even from across a room. I dislike the peter kotsa video how he expects the all new re-interpretation to be a clone of the willard. and went over the minutiae of the case shape. Surprise it is not a clone by seiko. it is an all new watch. The nick name willard X suits it because it resembles the classic willard but is much better in all aspects. Quality, materials, build size etc.

[@edteach3r]

Escapement & Watch : Thank you for the response and explanation. I understand how Seiko watches come by their nick-names, and they have always been quite descriptive. I have heard the terms “Willard-X”, “Mini-Willard” and “Millard” being used as nomenclature for the new watch, and I have no problem with any such name. For example, I think the Seiko fans have done a great job in distinguishing between the many offerings of the Tuna and its many variations. The only thing I was cautioning against was causing confusion by referring to it as “a Willard”, “the Willard” or “Captain Willard”, which it simply is not. I don’t think Peter was expecting it to be a clone(?). He points out the differences in a systematic manner which is most helpful. I clearly do not have the ability to be able to “and we all know what it is just by looking at it. even from across a room.” [sic]. I think it is extremely helpful, and valuable, to the new watch enthusiast and collector if they understand the small, but important, differences between members of the same families of watches. Experts and people who know/own such watches are very useful in this regard. It was important for me to understand the relationship between the 7002 and SKX, for example. In any case, thank you for taking the time to respond to my comment.

[@stephannshanyan3636]

What about accuracy? How many second + - a day? On both watches. My srp773 is +5 a day I keep it on wrist all day and at night it's laying down at crown down position(9 up).

[@EscapementWatch]

I showed a timegrapger image of the Willard in the vid. The 149 is a couple seconds fast on wrist.

[@Jojo-lw4jd]

I want both. I need both 😬

[@tomsterr1904]

Nice Seikos. But I am thinking I will get the Sumo SBDC099

[@EscapementWatch]

Thats a beauty!

[@jlo8775]

No wrist shots = FAIL.

[@tthien93]

what color is that for the tropic strap?

[@EscapementWatch]

anthrocite grey! I have a video on straps for the sbdc107

[@seikoriofficial2090]

Colour Straps Tropic 63Mas?

[@EscapementWatch]

Anthracite. Check out my straps video for the 149 discount code

[@seikoriofficial2090]

@@EscapementWatch Grazie 😉 sono un tuo Fun Italiano! 👊😎

[@kevinmosto]

How did you get the TROPIC® straps to work with the Seiko fat bars?

[@EscapementWatch]

I did not. I got custom ones. 1.9mm thick and 1.1mm tips.

[@alanl2550]

I’ll trade you for that 62 mas.

[@lubomirazarkova2713]

💚

[@MyZippy13]

I got the 149 on a grey Nato. Love it.