Should You Buy A Seiko Watch

Why are so many people enamored with Seiko watches? I explore the pros and cons of buying an alternative watch over Seiko.

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Timecodes
0:00 – Introduction
0:56 - Seiko Watches
2:47 - Why buy Seiko

[tkindschi]

One "advantage" of Seiko is simple availability. If it's currently in production, (or recently discontinued), you CAN find one with little trouble. Same can't be said of most of the micro brands. You need to buy in the first month(?), or miss out. Then of course there is price. Don't pay full retail, and wait for the prices to soften, and you won't find anything much cheaper.
I have two Seiko's myself. A Seiko 5 field watch (SRPG37), and a recent Alpinist variation (SPB209). But I'm passing on the GMT, although they look interesting. I'm thinking/hoping a micro-brand will come up with a version that doesn't look so much like a dive watch....which would be my preference. Improved specs are a bonus as well. ;)

[lesgillard]

Top notch as usual Bob.
I have a few Seiko's and like the brand (older ones).
About 6 months ago I orderd a SRPG-47K1. what I appreciated about the dealer was yhat he refused the first one, sent me an email and offered to give me my money back. I waited and received the replacement. Im happy with the watch and extremely happy the dealer..
Well worth the wait.😀

[raymcd]

One thing I dislike is the bracelet pins and collars, not sure why they can’t use screws like other watch makers. I’ve got a handful though, SRPD59, SRPH57, SSC813, SRPD93, and SRPD79. I’m somewhat repetitive but enjoy and wear them all. I’d say it’s a brand with some history might be why we buy them and a good quality watch. Excellent presentation as always and I very much appreciate you!!!! I sent you a message on Instagram with a couple of my posts with watches if you have a chance to take a look.

[keith]

Seiko has some of the best dials for the money. Something people tend to overlook. Plus Seiko has a charm to me that many of the micros don’t have.

[JuggusNawt]

I have a SKX007 & 009.The alpinist you own is very nice. I like those alot.

[watchdogpodcast]

Seiko speaks to me. The design and history. Specs mattered to me when I got into the hobby so I chose microbrands over Seiko early on. Now I'm completely the opposite. I'm a Seikopath and have little to do with micros anymore

[RobinsWatchJourney]

I’m not a Seiko fan but I do have the SNK807, one of my first purchases after joining the hobby. I wear it as a beater and keep it because of its sentimental value.

[lalaha]

Got an astron 5x and a sumo spb101J1 love them both!

[Gumby]

No Seiko here but like you, I want a Grand Seiko hi-beat and spring drive.

[stevefox]

I actually prefer my Willard over my Seamaster tbh....not as accurate, but as well finished & love their tough coating ( my beater hasn't a single mark on it!). The new GMT doesn't appeal, I've no use for such a complication.
My only gripe against Seiko is I wish they offered their Divers without a date - a completely useless complication imho, used once per day and spoils the dial.
Cheers 👍🏻👍🏻

[Dragon_rls]

Hey Bob. Thanks for posting as always. I see you got a little creative with the production of this one, and yes it was very entertaining. But to answer your question on my opinion of the best Seiko alternative? In my opinion, one needs to look no further than "Liddil Bradda" Orient. I love the idea of Seiko, and what they have done for the watch community as far as bringing people who's idea of a watch is an "Apple watch", and showing them this fantastic art form. I have not, do not, and probably will never own a seiko, and here is a list of my reasons. 1. Mineral crystal, 2. 4 o'clock crowns, 3 the chapter ring issues, 4 Seiko USA's legendary bad service track record. I'm sure they do make a great product, but they just aren't for me. See ya next Saturday👍.

[ericpignatore]

Seiko makes some nice looking watches but I just can't buy them anymore. Their movements just plain suck. I'm not going to buy a watch that is so terribly inaccurate when I can get a Hamilton in the same price range way more accurate. Oh and Grand Seiko is overrated...just thought I would throw that in as aside.

[Dr_LK]

We, the buyers a, have to let Seiko know that we don’t like their QC issues and the raised prices… we have to stop buying them. F*@# Seiko. Buy something else.