On the Wrist, from off the Cuff: WristWatch Rambles & Rants - Episode 07

On this latest instalment of WWRR we will once again talk about the hot button topic of Seiko, as I continue to see a lot of false narratives spread about their pricing and market strategies that are just plain reaching. As a specific example we'll preview Seiko's new SRPD97 / SARY147 from their Presage line, it's in the 38mm scale many fans have been clamoring for over the years but of course as soon as it's released, people decide to chime in on how it's another example of Seiko losing their way. So essentially after complaining about 40mm watches in the $750 to $1000 range being too large and expensive, Seiko answers with a 38mm in the $500 range and fans comeback saying the watch should only cost $250... seriously guys? There's a lot to unpack here, so buckle up, enjoy the ramble and don't forget to let me know what you think in the comments below, thanks guys!

This Segment Brought to you by Wrist Candy Watch Club:

[SecondHourWatches]

Excellent points on homage watches and I think they're points that needed to be made. Another great video. Cheers

[frazierriver]

beautiful watch and great value... I own the SARB 033 and 035 and love them both.

[azizhusseinz]

Don't forget that Seiko even the master of producing mainspring. Something that only few company in the world that able to do that.

[El-AYE-Rasd]

Is that 38 size a solid white? Or does it have like a blue tint?

[josephgelo]

does the sarb bracelet fit the srpd97?

[herebarian]

Seiko is upgrading its image, especially with the presage and prospex lines. In the Indian economic context, it is considered a premium and well regarded brand. Hardly anyone in India views Seiko as a 'budget' watch, since people here can already get far cheaper quartz and mechanical watches from homegrown and Chinese brands.

[EnemyOfGod]

I totally agree with you! You cannot compare apples with pears...
That said.. I am actually looking for a new Seiko watch and this is the one I'm also considering. I have a hard time choosing between the new SRPD97/99, (450$) the SARB033/035 (500$) or the new alpinist in black/cream dial (650$) - those are local prices in Germany btw. All of those above are really similar to each other. 38-39mm cases, black or white/cream dial, sapphire crystal, exhibition caseback and: all of them are strap monsters..
Which one of those would you recommend?
Cheers!

[Yos]

Love this video you're speaking sense! Seiko watches are still great deals and I absolutely love them. I just bought the SARY147 today!

[jimwashington]

Is this bracelet pin and collar on the sary 147?

[UnNamedTrucker]

It would be very cool if Crown & Caliber let you take over the currently defunct Watch and Listen podcast. You did a great job when you appeared on that show. I hate perlon watch bands though. Ick.

[Munki]

I'm gonna get this watch. I was tossing up between the SRPD97 and the SRPD39, but the 38mm size just sounds more appealing.

[ElijsDima]

Dude, you cannot talk about chapter ring alignments and "cheap watches" when any of seiko's divers between 500 to 1000 (6rmas, new sumo, etc.) also have alignment issues exactly as the cheaper models do. Idk what world you live in, imo an $800-$900 msrp does not equal a cheap watch.

[dararohan]

I think they might reissue the Sarb like they did the Cocktail Time and Alpinist. I live in hope at least.

[BryanO]

It's the most common economic misconception that price is linked to cost: it simply isn't, unless it's a necessity product for which there are limited alternatives, and the prices are being set by a cartel (e.g. OPEC). Any good or service in a competitive market will sell for what the consumer is willing to pay for it, full stop. If that's less than it cost, then the seller will lose money. See the beautiful Calvin Klein ETA 2824 pieces now going for $130 gray market. That's not much more than the movement itself cost them. They absolutely got rinsed, and I would be surprised if CK ever makes an automatic watch again.

[dwiesengrund]

What brand is that great looking Jubilee on the Sarb? Looks far better proportioned than the Angus Jubilee. How about the end links? do they fit well?

[timmcdonald]

Great rant and Seiko is a great company. I bought the PADI 62mas modern version at a great price. Love the watch. Now I see Invicta are copying this design. What people are perhaps complaining about is that it is difficult to understand the difference in price between this 62mas PADI version and the more recent Seiko model (which came out about a year later) has identical specifications but is $200 to $300 more expensive.

[RPrototype]

I thought Seiko made all their dials, but when I was researching a watch - Kurono by Hajime Asaoka - they mentioned using the same dial manufacturer as Grand Seiko. So now I'm unsure. Maybe it's that they get their unfinished dials from a manufacturer and then finish them in house?

[dararohan]

Some good analysis here. Hard hitting points.

[jwags]

This is a good discussion that I happen to disagree with you on. Seiko production is more streamlined now than it was 15 years ago thanks to technology. It is probably less expensive now to create a watch or movement than it was then. Seiko made 136 million dollars in profit last year. This is all about profit, not necessarily costs going up. It’s about pleasing shareholders. Which I don’t fault them for. Capitalism says we can vote with our wallets if we don’t like it.

[A_Dude_And_His_Watch]

It's an interesting perspective, but people are still going to vote with their wallets.