The Seiko SPB143 Prospex Diver | WatchGecko Review

[@GR-gq1us]

This watch is what a submarine used to be. In my opinion. The just bought one and I’m absolutely in love with it. Thanks seiko for making this modern times affordable classic!

[@resjon7981]

In years to come this will be seen as one of Seiko's classics. I agree this Seiko is the answer to the Submariner in every way as its got the potential to be an only watch.

[@panayiotiskyriacou5118]

this video should be played at 1.25 speed. 1.50 even

[@normang663]

So true

[@vampolascott36]

When I was a teen in the 70's, Seiko was considered high end. If you wanted a cheap tough watch, you bought a Timex.

[@stormzybanksy]

@@kshitijagr very well said. a tremendous watch with tremendous value, but is still very much a luxury item to the average consumer. to the WIS community, this is barely "entry level."

[@seabiscuit726142]

@@kshitijagr "To a normal person"...lol...that says it all!

[@alexs7758]

Seiko has £ 150.000 Credors and £80.000 Grand Seiko’s.. I guess is still considered high end today, isn’t it?

[@philipgeeslin7566]

I recently installed a Seiko rubber strap from the SPB147 on to my 143, and the watch is now more comfortable to wear, feels and fits better, is noticeably lighter, and best of all the gorgeous dial stands out more with the elimination of the shiny steel bracelet. Highly recommended!

[@LocalWatchGuy]

The choice of music, the editing & the macro shots are so satisfying to watch... Bravo WatchGecko!

[@dustytriumph]

These reviews are really well thought out, written and presented. Great job. This is the 3rd or 4th I've watched in a row. Of these Seikos I'm really drawn to the spb147 but I wish they were 39mm.

[@joeskeptical4762]

*_Excellent review. Spoken clearly, good pronunciation and as easy to understand as reading._*

[@mistagregory]

I struggle between choosing the 143 and the 149. The blue of the 149 is gorgeous, but the subtle monochrome beauty of the 143 is also very alluring.

[@bryanryan4504]

Get the spb297 it is the most amazing out of the group.

[@BDawgCrypto]

I think the 143 is the choice and will hold the most value in the next decade

[@CarlosDiaz-gk7nk]

Great first review James. Love the British accent and way you presented it. 10 minutes is also a well digestible length. Well done and looking forward for more reviews from James and WatchGecko.

[@itsallrobbish]

A great looking watch, will get one, one day. I have the SPB053 that you mention, the SPB051 was the black one with a bracelet which is more comparable. I get the larger size with the monster style hands was not to everyone’s taste, but for me, the size suited my larger than average wrist than I fear the 043 will, the blue of the dial did it for me and from what I can tell and have heard, the finish of the case and the alignment of the dial is often better. I’m getting about -2 secs per day which is amazing! Used prices are often about £500 on the 053, nowadays, so your viewers might want to take a look. Having said all this, I really want the SPB143, I think it’ll be my next purchase, hoping it won’t look too small. Well done the video, very clear and concise.

[@zzzpmi]

Being a Seiko fan for decades its still a surprise that we now need to get used to the new price point for these . The range is now similar to Oris. Thankfully Im already happy with my non prospex sumo

[@dillonkoch72]

Not to mention tag heuer or vintage omega. I haven't bought a seiko in almost 8 years. Once I found it hard to find parts for the 4R36 movement in my seiko SRP318. But I pulled the trigger today on a orient Trenton For a beater. My Swiss made sector 600 looks beaten from daily work as a truck driver for 12 years. But still keeps +2 a day

[@ryanrabe7184]

Oris diver 65 ranges from 100K si seiko 60k

[@stanleeyh8010]

One of the best watch review I had watched. Great job

[@leyay7540]

This is a high quality review, especially your stunning videography 👍

[@cdc72311]

I love this watch, i bought it when it first came out a few months ago... Everytime i wear it i wear it with pride, definitely one of seikos best pieces. I also own the sarx045 sarx033 and sarb 033, definitely am a seiko fanboy but how can you not love these beautiful, quality watches?

[@xcidgaf]

Do you still enjoy the piece? I'm thinking of buying it too.

[@cdc72311]

@@xcidgaf 100% its my favorite piece.

[@maikvdz251]

Hi Christian. How is the size compared to SARB033? I own that one.

[@cdc72311]

@@maikvdz251 noticeably bigger

[@jodybruce5097]

i am thinking about buying this as well, but i was wondering if the dial looks brown sometimes? some photos i have seen online look kind of brown

[@larrysolien8840]

Great job on the video, pictures and the review format. All on point! 👍 I can't get enough of the SPB14x release and enjoying my SPB149 to the fullest! 🤙

[@checksix_TC]

Very beautifully shot video of the SPB153. It rivals the one made by James Stacey of Hoodinkee.

[@ronmatheny4980]

Awesome job James looking forward to more videos 😀

[@watchgecko]

Thanks very much Ron! I'll do my best to get my next video out soon 😊 - James

[@MidasGoldKing]

That was an excellent review. Keep going and thank you for sharing. Cheers!

[@watchgecko]

Thanks very much for the support! I'm glad you enjoyed it 😁 - James

[@meclazine]

1st review? Amazing quality work. Well done.

[@watchgecko]

Thanks! - James

[@danielgilligan6243]

Excellent review James! Can't wait for your next presentation.

[@anaki0604]

The 140th anniversary blue bezel white dial version is probably my next buy although this grey dial is pretty sexy ...

[@DarthPlaya]

Excellent professional video review. Enjoyed immensely.

[@neoretrophoto9198]

All these nice videos on the SPP 143 pushed me over the edge. Only worn for a brief time, but I really like it. Its a great moderate size and feels great on the wrist. On a rubber strap I notice it and don't notice at the same time. I like the look of the bracelet it came with but haven't sized / worn it yet.

[@NWA_1919]

I have the spb149, i absolutely love this piece. The design is simply amazing, the finishing quality is very nice. Very much what you expect from a watch at this price. The bracelet is also very nice, i think it's on par with rest of the watch. Only "complaint" i have is the movement is pretty basic, and not very accurate (mine runs +22s/day). Probably will get it regulated at some point, hopefully it will get much better then. Would have loved to see a 4hz movement but i quess the price would have gone up a bunch.

[@worldgonemad6226]

i think your movement is magnetized mine runs +3-5s/day

[@NWA_1919]

@@worldgonemad6226 it's been runing +22s/day since i got it brand new. +22s is still within tolerances, so it's not likely magnetized. Also i'm not the only one that has a very inacurate 6r35. It's a pretty common thing from what i've heard from others in the Seiko community.

[@billfisken9401]

Mine was around the same +12 to +16 seconds a day until I discovered the huge difference that positioning the watch correctly overnight makes. If I leave mine vertically (crown down, 9 up) overnight then accuracy improves considerably. Try experimenting with different overnight positions and note accuracy variations. I use an app to keep check. With care I can now keep mine within a second or two a month which is astounding for an automatic watch.

[@olafpayne]

For the price, I would like a more accurate movement.

[@ruggsterify]

Completely concur. It's not that they're difficult to regulate, it's that you can't, they're not consistent. One day it's running at +10, the next day it's - 20. That's all within specs but there's no way to accurately regulate an inconsistent movement. At $1200 USD that should never be an issue.

[@AmishNinjaMaster]

+6:30 - - I own the SBDC101 (SPB143) and agree the stock bracelet links are too curved/rounded for the watch case. So, I swapped it with the stock bracelet from my SBDC051 (SPB051), which has the curved/rounded links on the outside, and a square/beveled center link. Since the SBDC051 (SPB051) stock bracelet also has Diasheild, it perfectly matches the color/finish of the SBDC101 (SPB143) watch case. I also used the stock clasp from the SBDC051 (SPB051), as the Seiko branding is deeply stamped into the fold-over retainer, which IMO looks better than the Seiko laser etching on the stock clasp of the SBDC101 (SPB143).

[@robertShaw85]

I was interested in see if the bracelets are interchangable. Do you have any photos?

[@VersedNJ]

I just ordered a JDM Capt. Willard another nice watch. the 143 does look great, especially on the tropic strap. Also have go to my front door to get my straps I ordered from you guys.

[@avicente711]

Great job James! Looking forward to your next one!

[@billfisken9401]

Very good review! I've owned this watch for just over 3 months and really like it. I currently wear it on a WatchGecko NATO strap but also like the Zulu diver padded tropical strap you recommended in the video. However, on your site you say - Please note this watch strap is not designed to take Seiko fatter spring bars. Does that mean the SPB143 does not have the fatter spring bars?

[@jkt3937]

I’ve been interested in this watch, as my local jeweler/AD has invited me to a Seiko showing, event. I’m having second thoughts on this piece, what with the movement being rather imprecise at +25 seconds a day!! Not much to brag about for an in house movement. Also, the bracelet bears some scrutiny, and I didn’t quite get your point on the crystal. I thought the review was fair, but you summed up with a more favorable opinion than you conveyed during the video.

[@theguardian3431]

Beautiful watch!

[@thewrongopinion7811]

I picked up the Turtle version of this, very classy looking watch with either the supplied rubber strap or an OEM bracelet

[@Tomatoboy84]

Just picked up my spb143 today cant say anything bad about the watch really except for the bracelet. I can’t wait to try on some isofrane rubber strap

[@BandrewScott]

I fell in love with this as soon as I saw it but can't find it available anywhere.

[@hybridstrength5065]

gnomon 1170$

[@kikomachine8276]

Wow amazing watch and review... Great job guys!

[@jaromor8808]

For me the the king of affordable divers is Pagani Design :D

[@atofuu]

content and editing are awesome as always from Gecko, but the constant intonation of your voice did bother me a bit...

[@Sketchmee5]

Just bought one for $99 in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. ✌️

[@itsallrobbish]

They make good fakes, there.

[@paulgeddes7384]

Gorgeous watch. A colleague has picked one up and is worn on a nato. It looks the business. He managed to scoop a 20% RRP discount. Much more like what it should be sold for. £1100 without a signed crown. Come on Seiko. We love you for a reason. Bang for buck.

[@thebeardedone6741]

I feel like I got lucky I found mine for 500 bucks

[@paulgeddes7384]

@@thebeardedone6741 Absolute no brainier! Good effort.

[@thebeardedone6741]

@@paulgeddes7384 I love it!! It is scratching my Tudor itch!

[@smartcar8]

very complete and helpful review

[@mingtakchu2994]

i have two watches with this 6r35 , and they r running fast few mins for few days

[@sebestiantan1]

I am planning to buy this model

[@nunsc]

best looking dial on any watch ever. and the specs. hell yeah!

[@hichambenmira]

nice video James. good review of the wacht as well. :)

[@acwilsn]

Nicely done review! Beautiful Seiko!

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great review you guys, beautiful B roll as always!

[@watchgecko]

Thank you! Considering it's my first video, I'm glad you think it's up to our usual standard 😁 - James

[@canonyeo4286]

I have the spb147 with the gilded dial. Awesome looks. Awesome video.

[@saadi9211]

Great job man, love this review.

[@stephenrhodes7758]

Mine's running 10s fast a day, not too bad straight from the box. The 70 hr power reserve is also holding up well. I have heard of a few issues with it but i think that's since been resolved. Apparently it only affected the initial releases.

[@felix3138]

Watch review from a strap manufacturer who loves the watch, but doesn't like the factory bracelet. Very surprising! Goes on to suggest options from own company. :')

[@LaBestia2156]

I love Seiko divers but am concerned about the tendency of making watches that are too big. They hardly make any watch in the 38mm anymore or even 40mm high quality divers. Love my Sarbs 033 and 035 as well as my SKX013

[@TYPEV3]

I’ve had this watch for a few months now and tbh the 70hr power reserve is meaningless with that +25/-15 accuracy. I find myself resetting it whenever it comes back into rotation 😅

[@Momo_8k]

How “accurate” is yours?

[@lowersaxon]

Up to this movement Seiko‘s are terribly inaccurate. Regardless of the power reserve.

[@MrKacperk]

@@lowersaxon you need to store it dial down at night to compensate. My skx178 is now running at - 1 sec per day which is not that bad (used to be - 6 sec)

[@viewfromvenice2912]

Watch is fire I have a 143 and my 213 is on it’s way

[@GIGILOBANG]

really love the videography and commentary

[@TangoLightFilms]

Great Review. We're looking forward to more.

[@Grafton45]

Very well done. I enjoyed it immensely.

[@mathewazzopard8100]

New to the channel, great review, 10/10. For the watch I simply can't rate . The steel bezel (regardless that it's some sort of homage to the old version) would prefer it either sapphire or ceramic. The rubber strap could have been better along with it's clasp for that price tag. The bracelet, typical Seiko mid range with a clasp that $400 micro brand watches wouldn't use. The 200 WR isn't the best when a typical diver watch is rated at 300m. Seiko needs to realize that a watch, especially divers, is not just a mechanism. The finishing should be such that the watch will be both elegant and tool like. Ceramic insert of course, imho is great but the only watch that I've experienced with the ultimate, is the 50 fathoms. Yes at different price range but not far from that price is the Sub, 50 fathoms the winner. I still see in 2020 the MM bracelet, which is a shame, on a great case to have such bracelets. I want to add one more Seiko but will not repeat the MM error, if and when the colossal Seiko will upgrade the whole product (actually looking forward for that) will certainly buy. Thank you for the review.

[@richardsmegma5081]

Thank you, Brian Clough!

[@ufd869]

On point strap and accuracy for the price is a let down.

[@georgiaguardian4696]

Great review. Although the bracelet is not perfect, I am considering this watch.

[@DJCBX]

Great video! I enjoyed your review style.

[@zulfahmi4738]

Seiko, pls make 38mm SPB143.. will sell like hot cakes..

[@MKIVGTIVR6]

I've had this watch a couple months now and I love it so much. The only thing I will add is the lume is not the best. Its still Seiko lume but my MM200 and Sumo both glow much nicer then this for some reason especially over time. I owned a 3rd gen Sumo for a couple months and it was the same, I think the new formula of lume they are using is a downgrade.

[@alno7199]

Why is your voice loud at the beginning of the sentence and then gets quieter towards the end? lol. I have to constantly adjust my volume settings.

[@therickestpicklerick]

It's called an intonation pattern. There are four intonation patterns in English. He's using the rise-fall pattern and it's just one of the many ways English is spoken, especially when narrating. If you watch until the end you can clearly tell that his speaking voice is different. Pro tip: Focus on the message.

[@Sam123QU29]

I bought a seiko and hated the alignment on the chapter ring. Sold it and never got one again. I stuck to Swiss watches

[@ciripaciripa4373]

u switch to swiss watches, it means u r gay !!

[@durandsimon5221]

My question here is: is the price gap with the king turtle justified here? I'm not sure...

[@gordonmiller1]

Excellent video, thank you. Certainly a solid watch.

[@mtache12]

Love this watch and might get it one day, but price was a turnoff. I have a mini turtle and opted for the SARX035 as a 2nd watch. It has the 6R movement, sapphire crystal, diashield coating, etc and I paid about $550 for a like new used condition watch on Ebay. Seiko is expensive. Next watch will be a Zelos I believe. I want to try a watch with a higher beat rate and explore other brands.

[@mtache12]

I didn't mention the strap of the SARX. It is actually a reason to buy this watch. The clasp sits flush. End links are solid and the links catch the light perfectly. It's really a nice strap, though to be honest I'm new to the hobby.

[@Seriously140]

Looks very much like a Tudor Pelagos.

[@baldspurgeon]

I think you overplay the quality issue with the bracelet. I'm onboard that the links are probably a little thick, but the feel, fit, and finish are all great. You may be a little biased though seeing as though you're trying to get people off the bracelet and onto your straps ;-)

[@watchgecko]

I totally get that it looks that way 😂 but honestly, the first thing I did when I got this was put it on a NATO, and that was way before I joined the company. I do admit that the finish and general quality are decent, I just don't think it suits the watch, and I see other brands offering more at this price point. - James

[@stuartcole4845]

That extreme looseness in the end links and the almost complete lack of any effort to integrate them into the case shape is unforgivable. Also the “male” end links will give this watch an effective lug to lug length of 50mm unnecessarily. It is 100% a parts bin bracelet. Also, given that swatch group are putting their Powermatic 80 movement (ETA 2824 tweaked from 4hz to 3hz to give an 80 hour power reserve) into $300-$400 watches, this movement is unacceptable in this price bracket. Seiko are a complete “no” to me until they also remedy their complete lack of quality control in the form of large variance on movement accuracy and misaligned elements on the watch face and bezel.

[@pmewUK]

Nice review, love the watch and your photography is always impeccable. I have to query the narration though - stoned flight attendant comes to mind. 👍🤪

[@watchgecko]

I don't think anyone has ever accused me of sounding stoned before 😂🤔 - James

[@pmewUK]

No accusations, doesn't bother me at all - you sound happy at least! 🤣

[@gazmo847]

It's a bit more "who lives in a house like this?"

[@jlarsson1978]

Great review. Just got this watch and agree on a lot. The bracelet is really nice but the clasp is kind of huge and ugly. The grey dial has a lighter shade than the HDR videos on KZbin show. The raised crystal makes the watch look and feel a little thicker than the videos show. Overall I like it but it is still a Seiko and not a Rolex for ten times the money.

[@malcpilling7935]

Well done James 👍

[@watchgecko]

Thanks Malc! 🙏 - James

[@ravipanjini1253]

Hi James! Great video - I'm planning to get the Zulu Waffle for my new 143

[@primecreator]

Great video thanks.

[@MisterMaster4life]

Nice looking watch. Normally wear much more expensive watches but I like this one. Unfortunately the clasp is beyond ridiculously ugly. Also the endlinks look weird and cut off. However the overall look is really nice. Good Job Seiko!

[@davidcoleman2796]

I tried one on and really liked it . I have a small wrist and it still felt and looked great. Is it a bit to much money in Canada ? Maybe but everything is . 😢

[@nathanflanigan4608]

Impressive! Good review

[@franciscocaro5920]

Verdaderamente son unos relojes Seiko preciosos, lo malo son el movimiento son sumamente imprecisos, y eso echa a muchos clientes a mirar hacia otro lado.

[@fletcherhamilton3177]

I might get the silver bezel / chapter, ref no. SBDC101/SPB143J1 (that's this one here I think?) Just wondered what your opinion of the 12 o'clock dot of lume on the bezel's triangle was? I saw a review of a similar watch with the same feature that didn't like aforesaid feature at all. Any thoughts? I guess the one I saw in the shop might be the last one on sale anywhere.

[@gedam131]

How is the strap on this? Not top flimsy? Solid like a Tudor or Rolex strap?

[@zang-zackgoldman4219]

Very nice review! I bought mine about a month ago, but mine doesn't perform as well as it should, I gain about 45s/day which is out of specs, should I do something about it? How about yours now?

[@davids.2317]

You should definitely return it, I recently bough a CW C65 GMT which was running at - 40 secs a day, I returned it to CW and they are regulating under the warranty 👍

[@enborodin]

Need to demagnetize your watch!

[@jgcarnes1]

Yes

[@fd6661]

Good vocals and review.

[@khalifa2080]

Unfortunately Hi I got this watch ,my first diver ever what a beauty, however I have damaged very first threading on crown tube. It’s screwing unscrewing perfectly fine. Will it cause issue in long term ? Or I should get it repaired right away. Please guide

[@CallOfTheWild33]

These beautiful timepieces does not need a date window

[@thecianinator]

Wait a minute, you're not Watchfinder and Co.

[@ThePurple1968]

Its an amazing watch. Its original ancestor was brought out in the same year as the Rolex submariner. Note that the end link not going to the top of the case is a design feature. Love it or hate it, its what Seiko thinks looks good. Also note its a very specific bracelet to this watch, the top of the end lug is straight and the bottom is curved, and it wont fit on any other Seiko series. Thus this is a Seiko style design specifically for the SPB14x series. If you think that bracelets should always go to the top rim of the case, fair enough, but personally, I like the Seiko style, and think that because something is mainstream, doesnt make it the best. In terms of the buckle, it has 4 microadjusts, chamfering on both sides, dive extension and fully milled arms with a double safety lock. Seiko ensures most of these items for all its dive watches, noting it is the PADI poster child. IMHO the only real improvement is for a sliding adjust, like the Tag Heuer Aquaracer

[@bettersteps]

There is NO WAY I would spend that kind of money for that watch. Plus 20 seconds to minus 15 seconds a day? And some of the lume isn't printed as well as it should be? Seiko keeps jacking up their prices and lowering their quality. Outside of the sapphire crystal I don't see any difference in that Seiko and my Citizen NY0040 Diver. In fact, I think the Citizen is a better watch. Nice honest review though..good job.

[@rockinginafreeworld3256]

Plus 25 seconds is shocking for the price. My beautiful sinn runs 2 seconds plus a day. Swiss movement and German made . Takes some beating for a none cosc certified watch.

[@cheezeandcrackers]

Which they made a blue version.

[@TheWristGuy]

Very nice review buddy! 😊👍🏼

[@MrCam70]

How is the accuracy?

[@masterleecs]

May I know how long this watch need to send for maintanence

[@Tdr-jv2nc]

What a lovely watch

[@Thankyou_3]

What we wanted was 38-39 mm and with less than 12 mm thickness. This SPB143 is too big to wear for desk diving.

[@GabrielTan1980]

don’t wear it for desk diving then

[@Thankyou_3]

@@GabrielTan1980 SPB line up from Seiko is a money grab. It is a mediocre movement much like the Powermatic 80 from Tissot. Seiko just upped the price without giving any substance to the line up.

[@GabrielTan1980]

@@Thankyou_3 the movement is very very mediocre I agree but your original point is that the dimensions are not good enough when it’s obviously a huge hit for the average watch collector.

[@Thankyou_3]

@@GabrielTan1980 once you wear for a little while and compare true horology size you will discover the over size. Ideal watch size like the SARB line up few years ago 38mm. 39 is the max watch case work on my Asian wrist size.

[@GabrielTan1980]

@@Thankyou_3 I have this watch, I am Asian and I have close to a 19cm wrist size. I have no issue wearing this watch or my 214270 which is 39mm obviously. So perhaps the problem is not with the dimension of the SPB143 or Asians but more with your petite wrist size. Not everyone wants just a 38 or 39mm watch, it’s so boring to see every watch comment section have a guy like you that DICTATES “the perfect watch MUST be 38-39mm”

[@vicg5323]

Plus 25 and minus 15 is the same range of my 315 dollar SRP777. For 1100 pounds, spec have got to be better.

[@kerrybayton8356]

It's a great looking watch.. But with the usual below par Seiko bracelet. If they can't do a good bracelet why try? Surely Seiko could try and offer something innovative!

[@MyZippy13]

Tudor BB58 rival right there for a lot less cash

[@absoluteb22]

SBDC051 but improved slightly i suppose.