Why Seiko is Still the Value KING! | W&W 10th anniversary + SARB Alpinist

** Warning: in Dec. 2022, I discovered the Alpinist in this video is a fake. I am leaving this video up as reference. Be careful out there guys!

Seiko is a brand that I just can't quit. Yes, Seiko has it's share of issues, but this week I explore just why I am always drawn back to Seiko, and the magic they've infused into the budget end of their catalog.

[curious]

Hello...I' a Seikopath ..or a Seikoholic...which ever you prefer.

[skzion]

Orient is the value king now. It offers multiple lines of models, each with several versions, and each version with different color options. These watches are also available at nice discounts. AND, the Bambino line is appropriate for semi-formal work just.

Most important: Orients can be used in place of "fashion watches" like Daniel Wellington. This is a wonderful way to bring people into the hobby and hurt DW's bottom line.

[catlike]

Totally agree. Many watch nerds like to complain about Seiko, moaning about QC issues and rising prices. They ignore that the reason the SKX, SARB033/35, old Seiko 5s were so cheap is that Seiko lost control of its distribution channels. Most of these watches were not meant for the US market but they found their way via the grey market. The new Seiko 5s are still a great value, especially since they are usually discounted 20-25 percent within a year of launch. And often, even before then, you can find some at least 15% off. I've bought a couple for $160-180. Too many reviewers also fixate on lack of sapphire crystals as if other materials like hardlux/mineral glass or acrylic don't have their benefits. And the obsession over bezel misalignment just suggests that many watch collectors are OCD. Yes, on more expensive watches, some of these issues might be problematic. But at the price of the Seiko 5s, I'm not at all bothered. Seiko also is the master of dial design at every price point. They are still great values, especially in the sub $800 range. I do wish, they would put a bit more effort in their bracelets, though. And I do miss the tremendous amount of design variation of the old Seiko 5s with many different case designs. The new Seiko 5s basically use 1 of 3 main cases--the SKX-like SRPD, the 40 mm DressKX case, and the common 39.5 mm case used for field watches and fliegers--and most of the design variation comes from the dial, handset, and finishing on the case.

[effu]

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander month watch fam🤙🏽🙏🏽🇵🇭🇺🇲....new subscriber.

[jameshoward]

The greatest watch brand, fact! That they can now make expensive watches as well as cheap ones marks them out. From a 5 to an Eichi! Seriously - have people any idea how hard it is to manage that? I would get the "Seiko's too expensive now" whinge if they no longer made good, cheap watches, but they do. In '68 at launch, the Willard 6105 was half the price of a Rolex Sub. As are Seiko SLAs today. But gotta say, the Prospex 'X' is hideous. On the Alpi? On amazing, subtle, clever SLAs? Crazy. Hell, on an SPB it's like a zit on your nose!

[joncalvo]

MAX. I totally agree with what you are Thinking and how you Speak it. I started out w less costly watches, went up to Seiko, Bulova, more Seiko just because I like so muck of them, then on to Stienhardt, Otis’s (4}, Longines, Tudor’s and the looking at my Top 21 watches in my full box - I find 6 Seiko’s, including my just purchased Seiko Alpinist 210. I also same day bought a Citizen Toyosa Yellow. I skipped even thinking about anything like a Rolex because how they manipulate the market and Dealers.
Yep, Seiko watches are Amazing and offer Great Value in the $400- 1K range.
WELL SAID MAX !!!

[chairreader]

The ultimate value king is Casio, and for mechanical it's Orient. Two great gateway brands. Seiko is when you wanna get a little more nerdy. I don't own a Seiko but every one I've seen has impressed me. I might have to bum one off my brother.

[avarmauk]

Seiko has done more for putting the time on peoples wrist than any other company. That alone makes them the greatest

[danielrs]

This Alpinist was my second automatic watch after the SKX007, the diver is not longer in my collection, but the SARB is still one my favorite watches.

[fadibousamra]

Tissot offers better value. The movements you get with Seiko are not very accurate.

[RA]

No sapphire @ $300 (6 times the original $50 which also came with a hardlex). Looking at the innovation and value ratio, seems like "No Significant More Value" given so many other brands in the market offering better quality for the price ! Brand Heritage is all your getting for your money !

[Scotttarlow]

the hidden gems, that every watch publication talks about lmao.

[roamy]

I think this movie quote captures my thoughts about Seiko: "Just when I thought I was out...they pull me back in". So many times I've tried to turn away and ignore Seiko. So many failures.

[gregalonzo]

While I agree with you that people should judge a watch by what it is, Seiko isn't it for me. Poor QC is what made me stop buying Seiko.

[charlieboylol]

I’ve just watched the producer and his time with Jacob&co and the price of the watches, what a joke, just like RM so much money for what, Seiko make great watches for all types of people, great video thanks

[kenrankin]

I still love my little SNK-809. Paid all of 47 dollars for it but I don't think I would ever sell it. I do have a couple of Seikos and then some Orients but would love the Alpinist, I think. Great video!

[OnTheScout]

I want to know if you ever got a chance to bring that SARB017 in for AD servicing if the comments saying it is a fake are true or not.

[dspserpico]

The SARB Alpinist is a watch I will never let go.

[wendyandgeoffpattison]

You reckon I'm a weirdo Max, you're the guy that paid double for for the Alpinist?

[brianmckibben]

You should not have to pay near double the price for hacking / handwind features. The movements are close to identical