Is Seiko The Best Affordable Watch Brand Under $1000 & Was It Better Before? - Watch Talk Live

[@TimmySuperstar]

Seiko may not be the best value for money anymore but, Seiko does have an absolutely lovable unique design language that is irresistible. When I see Seikos they just make me happy, it reminds me of simpler times and it also reminds me of cultural aspects of the Japanese that I love. I’ll always support Seiko. The other thing is, the Germans and the Japanese are the best at manufacturing anything in the world - it’s why my most expensive pieces are a German watch (Hanhart) and a Japanese watch (Grand Seiko). I also prefer Grand Seikos brand ideology over the rap star attitude of Rolex.

[@Tom_H327]

Well said. I'd always consider a GS over a Rolex. Admittedly though, I'd consider a Tudor over a Seiko Lux series. 😂

[@ivanmejia6843]

D (Happy Of Hours) seems like a cool dude! Very knowledgeable and down to earth guy. Have him on more.

[@dhshatzer]

Honestly! Just have him as a full host. He made great contributions to the conversation.

[@ivanmejia6843]

@@dhshatzer Agree!

[@derSchneidr]

He has a great feeling for leaving the stage to Marc and TGV, but contribute when fits. Love the stream with him and the two.❤

[@TimmySuperstar]

There are amazing hidden gems with Citizen, their Italian domestics are incredible, such as the CB0240-88L - this is the watch that replaced the flighty for me. It’s absolutely an amazing dial, and the pops of white and orange with the blue are really nice. Throw it on one of those rios Flieger straps - it’s really something.

[@HRM.H]

Seiko needs to release a new automatic Pogue or a springdrive under 1000 USD!

[@tufelhunden5795]

I wish the spring drive. 😊

[@LAbigsnoopac]

If they release a spring drive under 1000 that would be the end of grand seiko

[@HRM.H]

​@@LAbigsnoopacnot at all. They could just make a lower end springdrive with machine finishing. The whole idea of GS is handfinishing.

[@LAbigsnoopac]

@@HRM.H I can see it but also in a sense that tech should only be reserved for grand seiko and seiko luxe. In my opinion it shouldn’t even be in a seiko luxe but it’s too late for that haha

[@wingi7722]

While you filmed this I was wearing my yellow Seiko 6139 JDM Proof Proof from April 69 for our Ruby Anniversary. While actually watching this I'm wearing my BLUE 6139 JDM Proof Proof from May 1970. I definitely reckon old Seikos are way better than today's offerings

[@Boggsy.]

Oh shoot, Marc! 44:10 what alarm movements are you using? That’s promising. I miss new releases of alarm chronographs.

[@mikemurphy8996]

Sunday night, a nice large drink, strawberry Hagen Das and TGV + Marc. Doesn’t get better. Cheers boys

[@jakdexter2832]

Vintage Seiko quartz is where it's at! Also the JDM Seiko Dolces with the GS/Credor 8J41 HAQ can still be found brand new.

[@HRM.H]

Can buy Credor with the 8J86 or 8J81 for less than a Dolce with 8J41.

[@CarsonLoewe]

Great show!! A fan plus an expert on Seiko, great humor, fun and clever. Perf!

[@phillipfreeman6038]

Seeing this today.Always enjoy seeing you two on "World Watch News" discussions. Please keep this going!!! Thanks

[@kjeldpedersen666]

Hi TGV Marc: “Everything starts out being very expensive, gradually it drippels down to us common folks” That’s surely true. Keep up the good work 👍

[@pomposso_typer]

I am stoked to see what Marc releases. This was the ultimate spoiler tease.😎

[@mitchaelhollingsworth1698]

Part of of the seiko contribution for me is the seiko movements that microbrands use to great effect. Years ago I bought a lorier neptune with a seiko nh35 because i wanted a hacking handwind movement instead having to do the skx seiko shuffle and now i bought the lorier olympia with a seiko ne88 automatic chronograph movement that is half the price of a swiss automatic chronograph. Years ago, I bought a sarb033 because i wanted to test the hype and i didnt like it. I kind of want to give seiko another shot now and I know it is terrible value for money, but i like the look of the recent king seiko releases.

[@tomfox2271]

Just watched the YT trailer for The Nautilus Mutiny. The topped pinned comment underneath is from TGV 2 years ago :D

[@adk7962]

I wasn’t able to join live; otherwise, I would left a $1,000 Uber Chat. But I caught it later. Thanks for the great chat Gents. As for Seiko, no they are not the value brand of yesteryears, but still a leader in design (IMO). Thanks again!

[@dozierstadium]

Still wear my square chrono salmon dial Seiko made and bought in the late 90s. I have never seen another one out in the wild, in 30 years. The quality of the metal, dial, glass, bracelet, etc....all seem unquestionably better than any of the dozen or so Seikos I have had since. Never been serviced in 30 years, still runs perfectly. Always will love the Monster line and the Alpinist. But as for the question of Best Value under 1k, not even close. Literally hundreds of stunning well made options that compete with Seiko now.

[@chrisl3545]

I got a Seiko 5 GMT as a 30-year service award at my employer. Was just getting into automatic watches so was pretty excited. Noticed right away that the GMT hand was mis-aligned. After researching the issue I realized it was common; in fact, I literally saw the exact same problem in a photo of one on the friggin' Seiko website!! Rather than the hassle of returning/replacing it and possibly getting another with the same issue, I paid a watchmaker $50 to fix it, and also bought a decent replacement jubilee from LIW (did that with my Citizen PM diver and Orient Ray II so not just a Seiko thing). I like the watch now, but I have first-hand experience with Seiko's legendary lousy quality control. So disappointing.

[@rosstaylor6051]

What’s your thoughts on the seiko 7a28? It’s the raf issue chronograph from the 80s?

[@jameswcollett]

36:55 On Pulsar: Amazon UK are still selling Pulsar watches. Interestingly they sell one that looks very like a Casio Duro with a Pepsi bezel.

[@borlach321]

What about Mido? They seem to offer good value for $$.

[@HRM.H]

Mido uses great movements, but their designs are awefull. The new calibre 72 diver for example...

[@jaydub9509]

Concerning Seiko modding, I think that to some degree this may have morphed from altering purchased Seikos to assembling watches from scratch using Seiko movements combined with a multitude of components purchased on eBay, AliEx, or Amazon.

[@johncalberg1573]

I believe Seiko rightfully raised their prices to exploit their brand loyalty. You have a market price and on top of that you have your brand pricing. Bare in mind that some of the swiss brands invest heavily in their branding, sponsoring all kind of sports and full page advertizing in magazines. Its a cost upon the production price, but the branding make them high priced clubs....with entry barriers

[@rogerwatt8491]

I bought a Seiko Kinetic Sports 200 Diver for my 50th birthday back in 1997 . . . I've worn it virtually every day since then and apart from one new capacitor, it hasn't missed a beat since then . . . its accuracy is amazing and it''s of great sentimental value as it's the watch I've always worn when on the mountains with my kids . . . and, more recently, my grandkids . . . the best days of my life!

[@yonah3696]

I like the hoodie Marc, but wish the formula wasn’t on there… The wave & Fibonacci is cool. Can I buy it? Link?

[@sinesaii]

I bought my SPB240 cost me $750 brand new. This better than anything else. My SARX083/SPB203 was less expensive and is also more beautiful than anything else at that price in terms of finishing. The Chinese watches are better sub-$800 MSRP, but Seiko is incredible in that $800- $2000, especially when buying grey market, or even from Sakura. Most of all, Seiko and Citizen offer very good quartz watches. My Astron has titanium finished better than Swiss watches twice its price (back a decade ago when I bought it). For cheap watches, Tissot, Certina, and especially the Chinese brands like Phoibos dominate, but when I can buy a $1200 MSRP Seiko for $700, nothing comes close to it, especially in quartz. I would add Oceanus to my list as they also offer first-rate watches in quartz. That said, Formex from Switzerland is another great brand. I adore my Essence. Used Norqain is another gold mine, but new they are overpriced. Monta offers great quality new, but I prefer Formex design.

[@c.cabanilla8963]

See I've been enjoying purchasing vintage seiko watches. Then I just have them serviced and I save money and bring an older model back to life. It's worth a try!

[@Alan-lv9rw]

I have 20 watches. Seiko, Citizen, Orient, Casio, Fossil, etc. All under $500. My favorites are the Orient Bambino (beige dial, date, 38mm) and the Orient Kamasu 2, teal dial). Edit: I can’t see being adhering to a single brand. Most companies produce quality watches. Just get what you like.

[@tods.9947]

Sorry that I missed this episode! I have about 50 6139s!

[@brockadcock2735]

Marc selling San Martin! That just blew my mind!

[@user-iz9co4qf6z]

A point that never gets mentioned is the indestructible nature of the Seiko movements. I've never had to get one serviced unlike other comparable and more expensive brands. So when people say you can get this better for the money, think about servicing costs too

[@dunderhay9169]

Not all Seiko movements are robust, the 6r in the SARB range has a very poor reputation.

[@craciunu]

Good talk! 👍👍

[@tastas8554]

Just ordered the GW-5000U-1JF 🤤

[@SamP.H-t1r]

I am waiting for Marc to release Islanders with solar movements.

[@steve0ization]

Still some hidden gems in Seiko but citizen is almost taking that special place that Seiko had

[@jamesmartin3004]

Missed it and not sure I can watch 1 1/2 hours - let’s see how it goes

[@4evalost948]

I was super late to stream but I am all to happy to watch it on a rewind you and Marc will always be the great watch dynamic duo always a pleaser to watch on a Sunday.

[@macguyverson9370]

I can’t wait to see this islander flighty.

[@tamastakacs]

Squale actually did a Tiger reissue once in 2016. I almost bought one.

[@ninjasrose1653]

Just catching this due to being at work. I can’t believe you just quoted a Nas lyric - my favourite artist. 🫡

[@John-FourteenSix]

In Japan being early is as bad as being late! Be on time!

[@bobbressi5414]

I own a lot of Seikos, and I'm sure I will buy more at some point. But I am not inclined to pay 700 bucks for a watch with the same NH 35 slapped inside. Especially when other brands are making watches with equal finishing and the same movement at a third the price.

[@thefollandgnat]

I'm looking at you, Erebus Origin.

[@sgbh8874]

Seiko must be raking it in from the NH35 movement alone. It’s in nearly everything.

[@GPatrolUte]

Lotus illuminated sold in Australia

[@GPatrolUte]

Illuminator

[@nooclue00]

seiko should make a classic pilot watch, prospexpilot /propilot

[@liberty3924]

Anyone have the vintage 30 year old daddy of the Seiko Flightmaster with 4 sub dials--not 3. Movement 7T54-6A09. How much are these worth?

[@Tom_H327]

I think its hilarious that watch enthusiasts say "quartz crisis" denoting the time that the Japanese nearly destroyed every one of the Swiss brands, when Japanese watch companies like Seiko and Casio would consider the crisis a "quartz revolution." 😂

[@johncannoli5837]

TGV pretending like he didn’t climb a streetlight or two during his time in Philly 😂

[@disgruntledoflondon]

Ref timings: If you are 5 minutes early you are 10 minutes late. Roll over from the military wanting to be 15 minutes early.

[@AnthonyMartinez]

In my formations it was always if you’re 10min early you’re 5min late but it’s the same math and you’re doing pushups either way.

[@waynecastleman1363]

Hobert Castleman , Nashville Tennessee

[@laurencehogg6010]

Thoughtfully worded title. I think Seiko probably is the best watch brand you can engage with for under $1k. The best watch you can buy for under $1k probably wouldn't be a Seiko though.

[@jeremycorrao]

Dang it, I missed it 😢

[@dunderhay9169]

Seiko are the best company at offering choice. They span a huge price range, offer quartz battery, quartz solar, spring drive and mechanical movements and I'm sure they are already working on something else. Swiss brands are a one trick pony, most of the best brands have even given up selling quartz options....

[@rautikd]

Kindly share the link to the website as I can't find it in the description

[@aldoalcazar6525]

San Martin is a great watch, even mark is selling them.

[@KingOfPlastics]

Seiko was better before prices went up 3X

[@GPatrolUte]

Hello friend m Australia 🇦🇺

[@timothyfoley3000]

Missed it

[@adiaz9201]

This wasn’t fair. I missed the stream because i was watching the NFL. 😡 😡

[@MrGeirSteinar]

D is The Man 👍 Seiko better stay on Godzilla’s good side 😂

[@mikemurphy8996]

Seiko needs to re-release the flightmaster. And they need to make it with a NATO

[@rodg2335]

I understand the desire to sell "merch" to help the bottom line. I don't/won't buy merch that is generally cheap Chinese made crap. Hope there is no lead in those mugs.

[@SideWalkAstronomyNetherlands]

How very Dutch of you to be 5 min early, Dutch are always on time, we get worried if a train is two min late :)

[@REPDETECT241]

Pulsar still going strong in EU

[@stuartdavies7351]

You clashed with Traitors UK. Priorities 😂😂😂

[@rautikd]

Only if they would lume their bezel inserts...

[@lihaniska87]

Seikos best models are Alpinist,Presage and some over 1000€ models obviously,Otherwise Citizen has better overall quality

[@aaronb.4499]

Seiko is the best brand under $1000. I'll fight you 😅

[@jeremycorrao]

I've been having issues with my 7S26 watches.

[@Aleksilausti]

Not a fanboy as such but Seiko is better than ever 😊The magic is there, it has only dissipated from your mind (TGV)🙏

[@587583922]

Found it interesting, despite not being a Seiko fan. I think it's literally the 62MAS and nothing else that interests me. As for the comments about the cheap chinese brands....I understand TGV's statement, but comments that aren't for sale would be appreciated. Just put in a caveat that you can't comment on whether a watch someone buys would be the same. Also, imho, see if they'll reimburse you after you buy anonymously. If they're confident, they should.

[@bambooktkr]

日本語お上手💌

[@greenerick]

I prefer European and international football to American rugby

[@timothyfoley3000]

Seiko is the best sub 1,000 and below and just above. Love my Green Willard. + 5 seconds a day . SKX 007 refurbished. Still love it. Seiko 5 anniversary.

[@louislaw85]

AS ROMA.. C'mon tgv

[@AMore429]

No

[@kresimirpleic]

I'm not a fan of microbrands because they lack global servicing and aftersale support network and logistics. That is why they are more affordable than big brands when comparing spec for spec. Specs and finishing don't mean much to me in this price range. I prefer being able to wake up on a Saturday morning, take a nice little walk and drop my watch off at one of many brick and mortar ADs for a service, and being able to pick it back up within 30 days all serviced. Without shipping to a different country and wondering if they will follow through. Microbrands can't do that for me. Seiko and Swatch Group brands can. And between Seiko and Swatch Group, my choice are Swatch Group brands because they have as much (or more) variety as Seiko but they have much better quality control, better bracelets and better movements. Any variant of the Powermatic 80 movement will outperform 4R and ESPECIALLY 6R movements. The only advantage a 4R movement might have over P80 is longer servicing intervals due to looser tolerances. 6R movements have absolutely no advantages over any P80 variant. Bottom line is, you can't go wrong with a 4R Seiko and you can't go wrong with P80 equipped Tissot, Certina, Hamilton and Mido. Rado are more expensive and not worth the money. All P80 variants (23 and 25 jewels) are easily serviced, and easily regulated (despite what some misinformed people will say). In some countries they will do a movement swap. Not where I'm from - they will order worn out parts from the Swatch Group and replace them (I'm from Croatia).

[@bosiek1103]

Seiko is by far my favourite watch brand. As I need a dress watch the Presage Collection is the set to go for. Right? Wrong 😢 This collection is boring. Does not “rings the bell” for me. What rings? Christopher Ward Dune collection. Only Grand Seiko has something of that “calibre” for triple the price. Sad! 😢

[@zachtan]

Adjusted for inflation, the modern Seiko Turtle today ($600-$700USD) costs less than the 6309/6105 did in the 1960s ($200USD then is about $1600USD today, which is coincidentally the price of the Prospex line) There are many who argue that Seiko has “gone upmarket in price but stagnated in quality” but the reality is, people are paying less now as we did then for a cheap 200m automatic with a hardlex and a jangly bracelet.

[@HRM.H]

Buddy, seiko used to make chronometer capable watches under 500 bucks adjusted for inflation, the 4S movement line.. Nowadays their 1500 usd 6R5× movements dont even consistently run within COSC. The bezel and dial alignement issues have also only become worse. Seiko their solar chronographs also went from 400 euro to 750 euro, in 2 years without any upgrades.

[@vladimirs8760]

Marc is a nice person but I cannot stand his lack of style.

[@peterwilson1914]

Marry him and change him 😂

[@garynico9872]

@@peterwilson1914dafuq

[@Caesarean736]

You not only thought that but you then thought you should share it with everyone else… keep it to yourself. It’s called good manners, when you eventually progress to face to face conversations good manners will stop you getting punched more.

[@pk1342]

​@@Caesarean736I'm glad someone else has already called this petulant behaviour out. Who does OP think they are? They need to start a licensing exam for internet use. So that people like this aren't allowed on the internet.

[@mrbubbles293]

Rude

[@freddyfox5002]

Seiko making better JDM exclusives is why I don't like that company. I don't want the secondary batch.

[@freddyfox5002]

They also make limited edition loss leaders. Company gets praise, but when you look for the watch it's unavailable, and you gotta pay much more on the 2nd hand market. It's a PR scam imo.

[@tamastakacs]

I miss those interesting Seiko designs from the 80's. Giugiaros, DATA-2000 series and those ana-digi watches. No innovations from Seiko in the sub 10000 USD level.

[@WristyGymnast]

Seiko have always only been a 'value brand' in my eyes... nothing to desire... problem is... ...they're no longer good value

[@saleendriver]

I love the buddy colabs you two do. I learn, I am entertained, and I just enjoy myself.

[@axelfoley1768]

Seiko is doing what Omega & Tag Heuer did about 17 yrs ago, sent the price through the roof just for the hell of it. All of it now overpriced. The value-for-money aspect went out the window. And the accuracy of Seiko's automatic movements is atrocious. Anything below their Grand line is not worth considering, but of course even their Grand line is way overpriced 🫠 Longines & Citizen I think give better accuracy & better bang-for-bucks & better-looking watches for the everyday man.