Is The Seiko Prospex LX a Rolex Submariner Killer?

A brief discussion surrounding the newly released Seiko Prospex LX. The analysis will look into it's design elements and movement in retrospect to the well established Rolex Submariner.

[gwyn]

I worked as a professional diver from 1982 to the late 90's and my work watch was a Seiko - ultra reliable and unbreakable and still as good now. I have been watching your videos with the intention of investing in a 'special' watch and Tudor has been a favourite so far - maybe a Seiko Prospex would be more apt. Thanks you I will keep watching for more inspiration.

[its_clean]

Common misconception: “Zaratsu” does not translate to “katana polish”, “mirror blade”, or anything like that. It’s a Japanese transliteration of “Sallaz”, the Swiss-German tin-plate polishing machine that Grand Seiko began using in the 1950s, and has no technical or historical relation to the polishing techniques of Japanese swords. Zaratsu/Sallaz polishing is unique in its use of the flat surface of the plate, which can produce a smoother finish and sharper lines than the round edge of a traditional polishing wheel. While this method is difficult and unforgiving, it is not exclusive to Seiko- a handful of other manufacturers use the same process, including Japanese brethren Citizen (on their Chronomaster) and Minase.

[Motorrad]

Though I agree with all of your technical comparisons matching up timepiece to timepiece; Rolex isn't really in the business of selling timepieces anymore. They sell something that the majority of their clients hold higher than any specification.... Status.

[RMA__]

The fact that you stuck an F1 reference here just won you another subscriber!

[marekeos]

One of the BEST movement comparisons/presentations I have ever seen.

[evh]

Seiko / Grand Seiko SHOULD release a 40 mm high end / high quality dive watch with a high end micro adjust clasp and bracelet. They really should !!

[bluensx]

No, because people buy Rolex for the name. Many many better movements. But yet people will buy it because it says Rolex

[tantu]

Seiko sure making a big wave as take a huge step forward with the "spring drive" in house movement.

[nkyryry]

The LX wins due to the spring drive. It’s the pinnacle of watch movements. Nothing beats it.

[andrewl]

He said, "if they don't redesign in 2020, we'll see riots in the streets" hahahahahahahaha

[stanleyleong]

Im still wearing my Seiko Diver watch made from 70's.

[MrVoayer]

Detailed, thorough and highly infirmative review! Well done!!!
Seiko really deserves much more respect than they receive.
They should put you on the head of their PR department!

[JB]

I have a 45 year old Seiko Automatic Day Date, 6139-7039. While I haven't worn it much, the watch has only needed crystals as they are glass and has never been opened. After sitting for months, it starts running before I even close the clasp. I don't think you can beat a Seiko!

[marioaquilina]

While the Submariner remains the starting point for all diver watches, Seiko produces some of the best diver pieces which cater for almost all budgets. In this case Seiko gives Rolex a very serious challenge. If the Seiko was 40/41mm it would sweep off the Sub easily in my modest opinion. Thanks for the Video.

[mikestone]

This Seiko is a beautiful tool watch. As a dive watch and at it's price I totally agree that it is superior or at the least equal to the Submariner. But let's be totally honest, most people buy the Rolex for the "wow" factor. To impress people and show off their money. Either way, Seiko has hit it out of the park with this one. Great review.

[justcallmeq]

Had chills hearing the screaming V10 of the F2002 again been so long, still as always praying for Schumi

[chi-towncalifornia]

I love the video, IDGuy. I think the LX carves out a proper niche for itself, though I would hold off on getting an LX until Seiko comes out with a 40-42mm size diver, with an updated clasp. I don’t get hung up on brand names, so I think comparing a Seiko to a Rolex isn’t necessarily a problem. Personally, however, I would still prefer the Submariner, since I find it to have a more compact and conservative form factor than the Seamaster and the LX, and the Sub is a better all rounder as a one watch. Coincidentally, Ken Okayama designed the Enzo Ferrari, so your car analogy was also fitting.

[ironscalp]

Nicely written presentation.
I'm growing to respect Seiko...

[sidewinderxx]

you kno what I love about your reviews mate? It's not just a list of specs and stating the obvious.. it's qualitative, opinionated, thoughtful perspective. I would rather have deep commentary and stock photos than pro macro shots and boring commentary I could read on a spec sheet.. which is pretty common out there!

[dipsyfriday]

I agree with all your points except for your visual evaluation. The Seiko looks very "thick" and "chunky" compared to the classic lines of the Rolex.