Unbelievable Side-by-Side Comparison of the Seiko "Willard" and Steeldive 1970!

In this video I put the Steeldive 1970 next to an original Seiko 6105-8110 "Captain Willard" to see how they compare.
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[@mywatchreviews]

Here is an affiliate link for the Steeldive 1970: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DlMCW71 Don't want to order from China? Here is some Amazon Links: (UK) amzn.to/3WGEz7i (USA) amzn.to/3XVmIuA

[@chriskelly509]

Wow! Awesome video, thanks 😊

[@hqt946]

Great video, thanks for doing the side by side!

[@mywatchreviews]

No problem!

[@PaulewingStHelens]

I’ve had the steeldive for about eighteen months. You can’t beat it for value and I do enjoy wearing it. At the end of the day though it is an homage, a copy and that’s something I’ve found is always in mind when I’m wearing it. I’m looking to buy the re-isssued Seiko version when I can find a decent deal. Great vid, thanks

[@mywatchreviews]

I kind of see it the same way. It gives you a taste for the real thing.

[@daleydose6851]

'True homages' describe watches that take inspiration from existing timepieces while maintaining their unique elements. 'Clone homages' are those brands that copy and paste existing famous designs and rebadge them.

[@JogieGlenMait16]

If I can afford the modern Willard releases, I would buy them right away. However, I'm broke. But I am happy with my Steeldive 1970.

[@armandogomez2677]

That was me have both. I don't think I'll buy homage over re issue again.

[@jeraldc.1729]

​@@armandogomez2677why?

[@armandogomez2677]

@@jeraldc.1729 why what? Why own a fake and a real one? The fake one I modded and looks cool wear it often. The real one I wear as a dress watch

[@manuzach]

Good move, the 6R movement is not good either …really mixed luck

[@jb678901]

I went for the Tandorio (for US$62) without LOGO...plus modding with an aftermarket applied LOGO (+$6). Beautiful diver with PANDA color scheme (Black ceramic bezel with Lumed PIP, white dial with black/lumed/applied indices, white chapter ring). Rest of specs same as SD and Addiesdive; i.e. NH35, sapphire crystal, 200M rating.

[@petermarusich3923]

Hi, My first watch at the age of 16 was a 1970s Willard, it cost me $80.00 NZ dollars which was a lot of money at the time. I owned this watch for 5 years then sold for $60.00 NZ. I recently had the opportunity to purchase a Steel Dive version which I am very happy with, especially as I still had fond memories of the the original model. As much as I which like to own an original again the second hand prices are ridiculous at the age of 72 I am very happy with the Steel Dive.

[@BushCampingTools]

I just got one of those Captain Willards, not bad not bad at all; running right on spec for the NH35 movement. Also have a SD1975 also running spot on. Reviewed them both as well. That Seiko's was popular when I was at school, all the rich kids owned them LOL.

[@danlazer8762]

Hi Mike. Good overview. I had an original but sold it a while back and have the Steeldive now as well as the Rdunae version which is a pretty much spot on 1:1 copy. Something of note that I wish the Steeldive had was a more angled bevel on the crystal. If you look straight down on the original Seiko there is a starburst effect of the minute marks. On the Steeldive it's not really there and that is one visual that I really dig on the original.

[@jeff1176]

I completely agree, that crystal on the SD1970 is definitely lacking that effect. When you consider the price though, I mean what's not to love about the SD1970. If I ever pull the preferbial trigger on a Willard it would be a safe queen. Whereas the SD1970 is an everyday wearer.

[@MPiKMS72]

That is a subtle but enchanting trick of refraction.

[@JosephCarcasole]

Thank you for your service.

[@noela6370]

Merci pour cette video tres intéressante !

[@ddeusify]

Incredible, but the Steel Dive is more exciting then the Seiko. But the best homage 6105 for me of course, is the Heimdalr. Very very nice watch. Thanks for the interesting revue.

[@simonosborne3047]

I have the 1980 version, identical to the 1970 except the minute track is on the rehaut rather than the dial. Gives the impression of being slightly larger. Steeldive are definitely my fave micro for quality/price - twice as good as PD for the same price, score slightly less that San Martin but you pay at least double for a SM.

[@mywatchreviews]

I didnt even know there was a 1980 version until you said.

[@rosstisbury1626]

Interesting enjoyed the vid. Luv my steeldives I have 3 now, latest has small but noticeable improvements to quality and Finnish.

[@boldmeregarden637]

I have the Steeldive and mostly love it. However i hate the shine between the lugs when it is with a rubber strap. (Someone should make a curved rubber strap with an endlink sized thickness at the watch case) Has anyone de-shined theirs and how did you do it?

[@mywatchreviews]

Use some ultra fine scotchbrite pads as they will remove a shine and give a brushed finish . Just mask off areas you want to protect

[@JohanDee]

Call this the Captain Uemura that made this watch famous in Japan! He was a famous person like Cousteau and Willard was just a character in a movie.

[@lbco5229]

I was just showing my original Willard and Pogue to my son last night.

[@artvandeco4135]

You didn't show the case backs side by side. Loved the Willard resto vid. In fact, love most of your vids. Please keep up your good work, and your good health.

[@mywatchreviews]

Thanks. The Steeldive caseback as a weird character engraved on it. The Seiko caseback is just classic Seiko.

[@propblast82nd]

I was a paratrooper in 1971 and almost bought one at the PX but $95 was a lot of money back then 😢

[@brucecoleman7412]

I have a black Steeldive and an Addiesdive with a white textured dial. My Steeldive has a milled clasp and the Addiesdive has a pressed clasp. I think I paid around $80 for the SD and around $55 for the AD. They seem to be the same watch with different dials, bezels, and clasps.

[@m.s.g1890]

Looks great! I wear my Steeldive 1996 all the time on a nato and looks sweet. I would 'upgrade' to an skx if a sensibly priced one came along, but I'd miss the hacking. I wouldn't miss the horrible blue AR coating though.

[@mywatchreviews]

I dont get the SKX prices, its not the best Seiko out there by far but because some of the big KZbinrs talk about them all the sheep have followed. Its an 7S26 movement which is crap, full of plastic and a far cry from the 70## that came before it. Id have a Seiko Turtle over an SKX all day long.

[@m.s.g1890]

@@mywatchreviews pretty much summed it up there! I’d only get a low priced one, and that’s just because it’s classic watch to add to the collection. But I’d still want to get the movement changed. Turtle is a great watch!

[@mywatchreviews]

I am talking to Namoki Mods about reviewing a build from them at the moment. I plan to use their SKX case and make my own design. what they seem to offer is decent enough. I do understand wanting the original and Ive also been looking, but for a beaten up one that I can restore on video for my other channel.

[@knutjunker2019]

I own the Willard Hommage from Heimdallr and find it much more accurate than the Steeldive in terms of design. The quality of workmanship is also much better with Heimdallr. However, it also costs a little more than the Steeldive and is probably only surpassed by the San Martin Willard. But that doesn't make the Steeldive a worse watch, on the contrary, it's worth every cent.

[@mywatchreviews]

There are many homages but I find the ones that are too close to the original more a copy than a homage. Do they have 19mm lugs because that denotes the whole case size.

[@knutjunker2019]

@@mywatchreviews The Heimdallr has a lug wigth of 20 mm. like the Steeldive.

[@FiremanFrach]

I love my Heimdallr. Very well put together.

[@knutjunker2019]

@@mywatchreviews Meanwhile i swapped the Heimdallr case to a Rdunae case, which is very similar to the original, same bezel and aluminium insert. Looks great. And 19 mm lug width :-)

[@TheRugbyman904]

Hey I have a couple of lovely 1969 seiko navigators if you want to review ... Also if you want a Willand I have a lovely original one with diver history and letter with an original box I might sell in the future

[@22magnum68]

The bezel diameter and dial diameter on the Steeldive look slightly smaller to me. And the Seiko definately looks larger overall.

[@tunokies]

Currently wearing my Rdunae which is soooo close in case and crystal to my 6105-8000 that it's unreal.

[@mywatchreviews]

I have heard this too. I’m more happy the SD is not a complete one for one copy really.

[@aponinenaugcasio8456]

How about changing the hands and bezel of the steeldive to match the green lume of the dial brining it closer to the seiko-ish lumibrite.

[@jeansandjumper]

Just ordered the black dial on silcon strap for 63 euro, absolute bargain

[@bigshoe84]

At least I am helping support Seiko when buying all my homage watches since they all use Seiko movements.

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

Don’t get that watch anywhere near that legend!!!!!!!;)

[@mywatchreviews]

Hey there Russell. Didn’t know you viewed this channel . The legend remains a legend and will always be. To be fair I think all the rehash Seikos who have this style (you own one) just don’t have the same vibe as the original Here’s me say that owning the Steeldive 😂😂

[@THEMADWATCHCOLLECTOR]

@@mywatchreviews hahahaha of course my friend! Listen I’m only kidding . In terms of specs the Willard wouldn’t win! A modern Willard would but there’s the price. In 1969 the lunar lander that first let man on the moon (aparently;) had less computer power than my car! Doesn’t mean my car can get to the moon;)

[@endy_fx]

Honestly I don't hate the Steeldive. It's a 2020s take on a 60 year old design whilst still using a Seiko movement. I think the number of people that save 1200 quid for the original and then decide to buy the 80 quid homage is going to be very low. If you want the Willard that's what you buy. If you want a nice dive watch with a classic design on a budget, the Steeldive is the way to go. To each their own :)

[@mywatchreviews]

Thats a good take on it. Look at me I am a massive Seiko fan but I bought the SD. Firstly to see what everyone was talking about and found I actually was really liking it. Thing is too that ultimately it does make me want to have the real thing also.

[@tunokies]

Didn't Stefan Radymski schillachi61 used to stock hands with the right size holes? I may me mis-remembering

[@mywatchreviews]

Who knows he blocked me from buying anything from him! I used to promote his shop too on all my videos but I think it’s because I did a Seiko Pogue from aftermarket parts he got the hump. Thing is I really don’t know as he would never answer my emails

[@TheGrenadier97]

Glad to known the Steeldive is very close to the original. I may get a Willard-Uemura someday, but for now i find Seiko' game of overpriced limited reissues extremely tiresome. Besides, SD has a few better specifications and more options on colors and materials.

[@PanSearedRibeye68]

Steeldive is an upgraded Seiko. I’m proud to wear it. It’s what Seiko should be doing.

[@MrPleers]

I almost bought one in an antique shop in Bangkok. The asking price was 1.200 euro. But the condition was good. As I'm saving up for a Rolex, I decided (with pain in my heart) to walk away.

[@mywatchreviews]

Oh that's a painful situation but if you have your heart set on something else..

[@pecosbill76]

The right comparation is between the original Seiko and the Rdunae homage which is VERY similar to the original Willard

[@mywatchreviews]

But I only own the Steeldive and its also the most popular homage, clearly not too close to the original which in my view is better than a 1 4 1 copy as its then a true homage.

[@pecosbill76]

@@mywatchreviews I think a real homage should introduce some real different features (hands, dial, etc). The Steeldive has nothing personal: the small differences compared to the original Seiko are "errors" and certainly not a stylistic reinterpretation...

[@mywatchreviews]

I didnt say its stylistic but you imply the Rdunae ( how do you pronounce that!) to be a closer copy. What we do not know, and I highlighted it in the video is which version is Steeldive homaging. Seiko have re-issued this many times and they too have not kept to the complete 1 for 1 copy.

[@australier263]

So the best and cheapest clone comes from Tandorio!

[@rrich52806]

My old original Willard Seiko did not have sapphire crystal and does not glow so much anymore.

[@mywatchreviews]

Sapphire was not around in the 70s and lume does not last forever. Thing is with a Willard is to keep it all original as thats what the collectors want.

[@johnb.9806]

Did you mean bi-directional?

[@mywatchreviews]

I did yes. Apologies

[@snacklofter]

👍👍

[@commentjedi]

The aluminum insert should be replaced. But keep old one in the box as a permanent part of the kit. Same goes for the hands. In thinking terms, inserts are like tires on cars.

[@mywatchreviews]

I did a recent video on the main channel giving the watch back to Keith and attempting to change the hands with some aftermarket ones.

[@tko8218]

Seiko vs Feiko

[@thegorn]

The Steeldive is arguably the much better watch. You'd only get the old Seiko if you're a collector, and those things matter to you. Using sharp steel verniers on metal watches... ouch!!!!

[@mywatchreviews]

I’ve scared a few of you with the steel vernier but I’m careful. I use one every day in my day job on steel and never mark anything. I should order some plastic ones for everyone’s sake but being in engineering I feel they will be less than accurate

[@ianjamieson3985]

I think Steeldive are totally misinterpreted and as misunderstood as the word homage. They are not copies (as a fake would be). They are in the style of the original. They don't mirror the originals because Steeldive can't achieve it (that would be easier to do). They're producing their own take on a classic design. Those that really long for a Willard but can't afford one should just buy a fake. That way you get to see the fake logo on the face as well.

[@clark3830]

PS: repair the original hands and also buy new replacements.

[@arlindosneto]

SD wins

[@roadgent7921]

Had many Steeldive. They are junk basically. Even though cheap they aren't worth the money or time. 😮

[@mywatchreviews]

I can’t agree. Had mine two years now without any issues. I’m currently on holiday and been in the pool and the sea with it and it’s been fine. Granted through for the cheapness of them QC is not going to be fantastic so perhaps I’m just lucky.

[@rocky8084]

Amazing the fake looks better

[@clark3830]

I owned an original Seiko 6105 bought in Ubon while flying out of Vietnam in 1970. I feel the Steeldive and Addiesdive homages are very close and worth every penny. They are actually better than what I wore during the Vietnam war. I have the blue Steeldive version and gave my brother the black version as I wore in 1970 with a picture of myself wearing the Seiko then.

[@cherchil]

Glad you survived the war 🫡

[@clark3830]

@@cherchil God bless you too.

[@massagistruka]

Ну и как, демократию принёс во Вьетнам? Сколько местных убил Вьетнамцев, добрый дядюшка герой войны?

[@massagistruka]

Главное, что часы хорошие приобрёл!

[@cherchil]

@@massagistruka And we gonna talk about what russians did in germany and yugoslavia during ww2?

[@Soggz7785]

The Steeldive has a Seiko movement, so to me, the difference is just in looks. I have two Steeldive, and both are great. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@jackbrown3689]

the willard original has plastic parts too, the nh35 doesnt as far as i know

[@jacksoncornbreadmcbride6763]

No Johnnie Boy​@@jackbrown3689

[@jacksoncornbreadmcbride6763]

@reilly-vc1rm I cannot agree with you lady

[@alancollett8870]

I have the Steeldive 1970 with the updated crystal with clear AR coating and bracelet with a milled clasp with Steeldive logo and brand name etched into it and 6 micro adjust holes. I paid £63 in the Aliexpress sale including taxes and delivery and the watch is absolutely sensational the movement running at less then minus 5 seconds per day. This watch gets more wrist time than my Longines Hydroconquest or Panerai Marina Luminor

[@garynico9872]

steeldive > longines and panerai, the beauty of chinese watch

[@mywatchreviews]

That’s a fantastic price deal you got!

[@alamore5084]

They are better than Seiko period.

[@daleydose6851]

Soooo.... you wear a cheap Chinese "clone homage" over a panerai? Ok right. lol. Cause steeldive is in no way a homage. 'True homages' describe watches that take inspiration from existing timepieces while maintaining their unique elements. 'Clone homages' are those brands that copy and paste existing famous designs and rebadge them.

[@PanSearedRibeye68]

@@daleydose6851Yes he does. It’s a beautiful watch and is better than the Seiko.

[@suheilkaspar8885]

Have had the Steeldive for a year, so happy with it, and it's like tank!

[@duanek9892]

Your restoration video of the Willard was great, with a fascinating backstory on it. The Steeldive homage is well done and quite appealing. fyi I think the Willard bezel would be called bidirectional and the Steeldive unidirectional. Very much looking forward to the video on the Seiko chrono quartz!

[@mywatchreviews]

Yes I realised in edit I had said uni and bi the wrong way around but hey . I love my mistakes! Yes the Willard is great and this one has such a good story.

[@ppadilla8990]

i dig the desings but i would like to try build my own willard from aliexpress parts, lets see how it goes

[@martinlloyd7563]

I appreciate you synchronised the seconds hand. The refurbishment video was excellent, this one was very informative, well done sir.

[@mywatchreviews]

Thank you. I figured as they both hack that it’s wise to do so otherwise it would trigger some negative comments!

[@williamf.9615]

Good video. Apart from nostalgia and status, applying the law of diminishing returns, I would choose the Steeldive, which I did. Got the one with the rubber waffle strap, which really is rubber. Finding a good 6105 from the 70's is almost like winning the lottery, because they weren't put in the safe as an investment, like a Rolex Daytona. They were worn and used by divers, soldiers etc. They were put through their paces. Then there is the issue of price. Anyone willing to part with one wants the going rate, which is quite high. Even a pretty knackered one. A Steeldive actually has better stats than the original.. It has a modern Seiko movement, sapphire glass, a screw down crown and don't get me going about the lume, which sensational on the SD. Maybe people will be asking 3000 whatever in 40 years time for a Steeldive. Oh, and I wouldn't want to buy one of the new Seikos, as they don't possess the charm. Strange, that a 68 quid watch is the one to buy, but life is strange sometimes.

[@mywatchreviews]

Fantastic reply and agree in many ways. As a serious Seiko collector I would still love an original Willard but not for those prices so for now I will happily wear my steeldive and enjoy the look without any worry or damage or theft

[@davidcrandall4958]

@@mywatchreviews Have you considered the SRP777?

[@jeff1176]

For what it is, an everyday wearer, the SD1970 is terrific watch for the money, no question. The Willard is a safe queen. One day if I can find a good one, I may pick one up. For now though I'm not afraid to wear the SD doing anything. Great video Mike.

[@mywatchreviews]

Well said I think you are completely correct there Jeff. Thanks

[@SidBonkers51]

As a diver I cant believe that the Seiko didnt have a unidirectional bezel, as its absolutely essential for a dive watch as any backward movement could end up giving you the wrong decompression times. Interesting to see them both together though as Ive just ordered the Steeldive SD1970 at a pretty good price I thought, £65.91 incl tax and postage. Anyway thanks for a great comparison video.

[@mywatchreviews]

It’s a good point and I don’t know why the original didn’t but then the owner of that one was a mine clearance diver in the 70s and went on to saturation diving. In saturation he didn’t need a bezel anyway they had contact with the surface at any given time . At the depths he was at as they send down in the bell they would just pull the crown out. He even dived with some real cheap quartz stuff as it didn’t matter . You did well on your steeldive price !

[@sheisty1753]

@@mywatchreviews Hi Mike! Just joined your channel. Great review of these two! I look forward to seeing more of your reviews. I’ve been looking at the Steeldive MM300. I, like you am a big Seiko guy. Also like you, I’ll probably never spend $3,000 + for that piece. So here’s the thing…the MM300 is about $200 from Steeldive. There’s other watches I’d be able to put the $200 towards if I don’t buy the Steeldive. Are you comfortable with the quality of Steeldive? Or is a Steeldive you’d buy as kind of a throwaway piece? Maybe I missed your sentiment regarding that. I was wondering if you’d clear that for me. Thanks!

[@brianmsahin]

I have a Seiko Willard. I have the SKX. I have the Seiko Tuna and I have the Steeldive Tuna and it's great. I got the yellow dial Tuna as I love it. I also have a 3rd gen Monster but I still bought the red dial pointy teeth 2nd Gen Heimdallr Monster in red and I love it! I got both because I loved the colours and Seiko never made them. And yes, the Heimdallr and Steeldive have a better sapphire crystal and the Heimdallr also has a better bracelet than my Seiko ones..........but Seiko is Seiko...can't beat them. Honestly I wouldn't buy a homage that can be confused with an original, hence the dial colours Seiko never made. Personal choice for me and not a criticism of people who get ones that do look like the original. If you get a good deal with better crystals and bracelet to boot with the original Seiko movement inside, go for it!!

[@mywatchreviews]

You have good ethics Brian and totally respect your point of view. I got the SD purely as I never thought a Willard would come my way at a price I would be willing to pay. Now after handling it and looking at the two I am pleased the SD is not a complete one for one copy. Its watch I enjoy and one to take on holiday knowing it can handle everything and I'd not be afraid of it being pinched.

[@brianmsahin]

@@mywatchreviews Exactly my friend. Buy what you like, wear what you're happy with. I only draw the line at counterfeit watches, then I'd feel as fake as the watch. We should add, if Seiko are happy to sell their movements to these companies knowing exactly what they do there's absolutely nothing to feel bad about. In fact these companies are just honoring the legacy of iconic designs but aren't pretending to be Seiko.

[@Rid_Of_Thee]

I know what you mean. It is just something in me that wants to have the original version of a watch.

[@sonwilvergaralopez6165]

Este steeldive es una maravilla de la relojería por el precio q vale ni los suizos tienen competencia para este reloj en calidad precio

[@soggz4246]

I have a Steeldive Willard. It’s a great watch, with a Seiko movement. To me, it’s as good, if not better, than a Seiko, simply on the cost of it. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@mywatchreviews]

Its certainly much more affordable than a Seiko and yes offering a bit more in the way of specs but its still Seiko's design which they do deserve maximum respect for. Thanks for watching this one.

[@alexharris8500]

I love copy's. I'm very poor.

[@GTR890]

I went into a watch store and saw the spb151j. I said what an interesting and beautiful design. It didn't look like any other watch and I liked it very much. I didn't even know it had such a story. For now, I bought the sd1970 until I have the budget to buy the spb151j. It's a great watch for its price.

[@ChrisRogers-mb9ft]

Hi Mike, I just received SD1970 in Green today and I have to say that it’s an awesome watch for the money. I paid just over AUD $120 and consider this is one of my best watch purchases by far when it comes to Bang for Buck. Feels really nice on my wrist, I wear my watches on my right wrist so never feel that the crown can catch on things anyway. Really enjoyed your comparison. Having never seen a Capt Willard in person I can’t comment on how they compare but I’m really happy with the SD. Keep up the great vids!

[@walther9161]

I Am saving my bucks for a Willard but for that price… the steel dive can’t be skipped .. thanks Mike for posting always great videos and content.

[@mywatchreviews]

Thanks. Are you saving for the original or one of the more modern Seiko "Willards"?

[@Ericdagreat]

Honestly, I would save my bucks, period… and just stick with the Steeldives. I had all the Seiko’s, except for the Grand Seikos, and the Spring Drives. Nothing really worth spending over $200 for, to be quite honest. I would not mind the vintage ones, but if it was handed down to me, yard sale find, or thrift find. The Steeldives are superb quali for the price, along with the Watchdives.

[@spicydragon3881]

Wonderful video, very interesting to see the two side by side. The history and patina of the original cannot be beat. When you look at something original like that that has not been over restored it shows its history, its stories, it wears its ding and dents with pride. I also have a Steeldive that I have regulated a bit and modified with a Seiko dial, for what you get you cannot beat it for the money.

[@mywatchreviews]

The backstory of this Willard is brilliant and all from meeting a guy in the next bed to me in hospital. The watch was used for its purpose that’s for sure

[@dbaider9467]

Regarding replacement hands, ask Seiko directly at the Seiko museum in Tokyo. They are really helpful and proud of their products.

[@mywatchreviews]

I think every man and his dog have tried things like that before me. There are millions of Willards and equal amount of collectors.

[@dbaider9467]

@@mywatchreviews Not at all. I was looking for a replacement part for a Seikosha wall clock from the 40's, before the names change, and they were able to point me in the right direction to a japanese manufacturer. They even told me where and when the clock was originally sold from a japanese stamp on the back.Very nice people. A VERY courteous email is worth a try at least.

[@peterrussell3854]

Check out the Rdunae willard. It is a much more accurate homage, even down to the 4 o'clock crown, 19mm lug, dial details and bezel shape. At £150 I'm pleased with mine. I've got the seiko 151 and it's a bit small. 6105 is on it's way from the U S, But I think the Rdunae will still be a great daily.

[@carlad2640]

Great video. Thinking of buying this to mod it. How much was it total shipped to England?

[@williamhowes8530]

Very nice side by side comparison; much appreciated and helpful in decision making.

[@mywatchreviews]

Thanks for watching!

[@Goudi-xh2tq]

Bonjour Belle présentation ! Je suis vraiment tenté, pensez vous que la steeldive peut être révisée facilement en cas de problème ? J'aimerai également acheter un bracelet caoutchouc gaufré quel modèle conseillé vous ? En vous remerciant par avance ! Goudi

[@TeaandTickers]

Seiko bezel is Bidirectional not unidirectional.

[@mywatchreviews]

Yes. It was a slip of the tongue that I noticed in edit but too late to correct! A few people picked me up on this one now 😂

[@marionboren5787]

I own a addiesdive willard homage. I wouldn't spend the money for the seiko the addiesdive as well as the steeldive have sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel and the nh35 seiko movment is a major upgrade as well. Thank you seiko for the design but my vote goes to the modern version and you can't beat the price and if it fails throwing away and buy a new one . I have the strap and don't like it I have huge wrists and the strap is way to long and stiff as a board. The tropic strap is the strap for this watch.

[@Ohne_Silikone]

I don't mind the hommage trade. It sells to people who can't afford or never would go to the more expensive option if not giving them a nudge. It makes the originals more known and more desired and will draw people into buying them. Before this steeldive, I didn’t know of this watch. The firts times I saw it I was far from interested. I would have never tried it if I wasn't bombarded with them. And thus eventually I realised they don’t fit half bad on my 15" wrist. Having one of the hommages made me also learn to appreciate the case shape. No, at the moment I am not in the market for an original, but I at least can understand and could see myself wearing one somewhere in the future, something I would have never expected and that is a win for me, steeldive and seiko.

[@daleydose6851]

'True homages' describe watches that take inspiration from existing timepieces while maintaining their own unique elements. 'Clone homages' are those brands that copy and paste existing famous designs and rebadge them.

[@mywatchreviews]

Its a fine line they tread. In the same vain we could say that every watch with a bezel is copying Rolex etc. I would have the original our of these two all day long but its not affordable to get a good one that is not filled with aftermarket parts. At that point @ £2000 I would not want to wear it often due to risk of damage or even theft.

[@Happyfacehotwheels]

I injoyed the restoration video, it really was a great story. I had the Steeldive 1970 for a couple years now and it's been a great watch. I'll be looking forward to the Seiko digital review. Thanks

[@michaeldemarillac9992]

I just got my SD1970 following the November sale 2023. I put a black 20mm NATO strap on it, cut and melted the double strap, so it acts as a single, and it looks and feels fantastic, sitting flush on the wrist. The watch is a keeper, it has fantastic time keeping, only 5 seconds slow per day, which is so close that I probably won't bother adjusting the setting. It looks great, get fantastic comments, I am very happy with it. I fell out of love with Seiko when they stopped production of the Seiko quartz diver. That was my preferred dive watch in the Navy, operationally it went with me on every dive, rescued people while wearing it, night diving and lume was critical for me. Nothing was so accurate, useful and practical as that dive watch, it spoiled me for anything else. I will put the SD1970 through its paces diving, I note a lot of people use if for that purpose.

[@snacklofter]

I have the Steeldive in blue with a sterile dial - It's been modded a bit and now has a Seiko dial - best value watch pound for pound in my entire collection!👍👍

[@mywatchreviews]

Very nice! The value is just exceptional.

[@thinredline2795]

Do you mind me asking where you got a Seiko dial to fit?

[@elelz6409]

SteelDive Willard > Seiko Willard Seiko became a bunch of money grabbers that are selling a subpar watch compared to Steeldive for much much more. I mean mineral glass for 1000$? Get outta here

[@todd344]

I got the new it cost me 1200 us my dad still got the old one he got at the p x in 1972

[@CaptainWillard830]

Very cool that your father still has his original Willard he bought at the “Post Exchange” aka PX! That’s a family heirloom now and has a great story to go with it! Very cool! Semper Fi …

[@Alex-px2mb]

Partially on the strength of this comparison, I bought the slightly different SD1972 (the more recent iteration with the Tuna hands) with the blue dial and stainless bracelet. I actually wanted the full day/date complication and although the crown is not as deeply recessed I still truly love the look as well - I echo your words about it and I still pine for the Seikos and will own one some day, but right now the money situation lets me indulge my fascination just a bit with the Steeldive for a price I can afford. Stay strong, Mike!

[@mywatchreviews]

Thanks Alex. You can video homage watches as stepping stones to the real thing.

[@Alex-px2mb]

@@mywatchreviews Thank you! I agree and it does have a genuine Seiko NH36 inside, so at some point in the not-too-distant future I'll be opening it up to learn, and will prob. change the dial. It's better for a newbie to learn with a

[@mywatchreviews]

A seiko is always a good place to start in watchmaking! I like Richards channel always nice to see how the pros do it. Never knew he had mentioned me? Do you perhaps remember what video it was in?

[@BushCampingTools]

Good to see a watch which is/was actually used for diving.

[@mywatchreviews]

Funnily enough I’m on holiday with my Steeldive that’s now been in the pool and the sea without any issues!

[@BushCampingTools]

Yeah we were surfing the other day, no issue and some snorkelling, but weather too bad for scuba now bummer.@@mywatchreviews

[@TheAvalist]

To be sure. Steeldive - Addiesdive used to be a company. Steeldive handled things for Addies. Steeldive - Addiesdive or San Bastian are processed through a company. Did Seiko develop the watches? Nope. The USA and Asia nicely took the knowledge. After World War II, Japan was used as cheap labor! What did the Japanese do? Contract work. Optimized changes. And now you're comparing Japanese watches to Chinese? Chinese people aren't dumber than the rest of the world. The Japanese watch was optimized haptically.

[@jerdonsbabbler3515]

Maybe don't replace the hands on the Willard. I would leave the piece original. I picked up a 6105-8110 at an estate sale, recently. It's got a few imperfections, it's not Phoebe Cates emerging from the pool. But at least is not Meg Ryan post-surgery.

[@karstentopp]

Or,if you want a cooler interpretation, go for the Frozen Willard by Addiesdive. Same same, but a frozen looking dial.

[@gazookerman1328]

Nostalgia is not worth the money. The Steedive is a far superior watch in every way .minus the lume pip. The guy's at seiko must be chuckling away, everytime someone buy's a watch with there rebranded movement installed in it..

[@josephatnip2398]

I bought the addiesdive sterl version with no logos on the steel bracelet it's a good watch for everyday wear holds up decent I have no complaints all I've ever done to it was to size the bracelet and oil the bracelet and rotating bezel with gun oil and wipe it all down

[@redastrachan8978]

I appreciate the quality, but it lacks the 'harmony' of the Seiko, or even the Rdunae...

[@eyesonly7072]

Thanks for the video, I’ve been considering a Steeldive as my next watch 👍🏻

[@asjohnseesit]

Great video, I'm sorely tempted but I think my wife won't be happy with another watch in my collection 🤣

[@mywatchreviews]

The steeldives are now so cheap! Go on do it

[@onlyme6819]

I owned a original a few years ago,sold it for some reason,I've just this morning bought a steel dive off AliExpress £42 plus tax around £52 fast delivery within 5 days,

[@mywatchreviews]

Very nice!

[@kenamaro3942]

Never heard of Steeldive. I might look into them now. Thanks .

[@gabrielM1111]

The captain's name is pronounced Will-erd or Will-ird not Will-ard

[@mywatchreviews]

I’m English and as such read it as it should be said and is spelt.

[@1a2b3c4.]

I would never buy such an UGLY watch.

[@RichSDet]

Bullocks…..it’s about the cash

[@just_T4U]

many times cheaper and many times better, shame on seiko

[@darkchocolate4643]

I love Seiko watches, but for some reason I'm always interested in the ones that end up costing more than my car. LOL I'm about to order this watch, which is more my speed, price-wise. I'm just looking for confirmation that this watch is worth my hard earned cash, of course. :) On a more personal note: I do hope that your health issues are a thing of the past, Mike. Glad to hear that you made a good friend in the process though. Keith sounds like a gem.

[@mywatchreviews]

Thanks. Health wise I am getting there. Its all in the past although I still have to suffer daily reminders.

[@dubcheck2943]

My 1970 was the 2nd watch in my collection. Still gets a lot of wrist time. Find the case shape real comfy. Looking at buying another so i can mod the dial and hands.

[@chrisphillips554]

Loved both videos. Love my SD1970😊

[@JamesP_TheShedShop]

Classic good looks..👍🏻

[@Cleatus546]

Sugess. 👍 Seiko. 👎

[@watchalot919]

It may upset some people, but I am a believer a watch is a sum of its parts. I donate about brand or history. That said, there are many brands I won't wear because of awfubrandi g. Technically the SD is far better

[@martinryder6910]

Picked mine at £46 on rubber strap (inc tax and VAT). The price fluctuates each day but the lowest I've seen is £37 with a steel bracelet

[@mywatchreviews]

That's unreal