The Seiko SPB143 Prospex Diver | WatchGecko Review

WatchGecko Review - The Seiko SPB143 Prospex Diver

The SPB143 is one of Seiko’s latest releases, and features a grey dial and brushed black bezel. To my mind the SPB143 offers something Seiko fans have wanted for ages- a moderately sized, affordable interpretation of the 62MAS. Until now, your only affordable option was the SPB053, which comes in at a sizeable 43mm and features a divisive broad arrow handset. In contrast, the SPB143 has a modest 40.5mm case, with a lug length of 47.6mm and a thickness of 13.2mm. It’s also a much more faithful homage to the 62MAS, and as a result it’s getting a lot of attention.

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*Model Wrist Size*
6.75 inches

Products featured;

Seiko SPB143 Prospex Diver

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It’s fair to say that Seiko are probably the kings of affordable dive watches. The Japanese brand has established a strong reputation over the decades for making tough, functional dive watches that do their job very well. As a result Seiko are held in very high regard by the watch community.
Their latest SPB14X models pay homage to their first ever diver – the 62MAS.
The SPB143 is one of these new models, and features a grey dial and brushed black bezel. To my mind the SPB143 offers something Seiko fans have wanted for ages- a moderately sized, affordable interpretation of the 62MAS. Until now, your only affordable option was the SPB053, which comes in at a sizeable 43mm and features a divisive broad arrow handset. In contrast, the SPB143 has a modest 40.5mm case, with a lug length of 47.6mm and a thickness of 13.2mm. It’s also a much more faithful homage to the 62MAS, and as a result it’s getting a lot of attention.

So as you’d expect from a watch that carries the Prospex mark, the SPB143 is a tough, practical diver at heart. With a decent 200m water resistance, it will certainly cover most people’s diving needs.

What’s more, the case and bracelet have Seiko’s DiaShield coating. This is a super-hard coating that protects the watch from the usual minor scuffs and scratches steel picks up. And, with a steel bezel insert, it can certainly take whatever most wearers will throw at it.

You’ll also be pleased to hear that the SPB143 has a sapphire crystal. For me it’s the only choice for a tool watch that carries an £1100 price tag.

Powering the SPB143 is Seiko’s 6R35 automatic movement. The 24 jewel calibre beats at 21,600 bph, and has a fairly average accuracy of +25 to -15 seconds per day. Though on the plus side the movement does have a healthy 70 hour power reserve. This means that it can compete with the newer high power reserve movements made by the Swatch Group. Indeed, I’m sure any Seiko fan will tell you that their movements are capable of going toe-to-toe with the Swiss competition.

As I mentioned earlier, the SP143 has a modest 40.5mm case. In my opinion this a perfect all round size that will look great on most wrists. Indeed, the watch wears nicely on my 6.75” wrists. It’s the perfect width for me, and it’s also not too tall, so it doesn’t look out of place on a NATO.

The case shape itself is heavily inspired by the angular skindiver case of the 62MAS. However Seiko have added some sharp polished chamfers on each side to bring it up to date. And, as you’d expect from Seiko, the finishing is top notch. Also, many of you will be pleased to see that Seiko have given the SPB143 drilled lugs, which will make strap changes a breeze. Even the screw down case back is nicely executed, with a polished Seiko Tsunami logo at its centre.

I think my one complaint about the case is that the screw down crown is unsigned, which I think is pretty lazy for a watch that’s over the £1,000 mark. However, to make up for this the bezel action is incredibly smooth, and it offers just the right amount of resistance. It’s also nice to see Seiko using something tougher than aluminium for the insert.

[LocalWatchGuy]

The choice of music, the editing & the macro shots are so satisfying to watch... Bravo WatchGecko!

[NWA_]

I have the spb149, i absolutely love this piece. The design is simply amazing, the finishing quality is very nice. Very much what you expect from a watch at this price. The bracelet is also very nice, i think it's on par with rest of the watch. Only "complaint" i have is the movement is pretty basic, and not very accurate (mine runs +22s/day). Probably will get it regulated at some point, hopefully it will get much better then. Would have loved to see a 4hz movement but i quess the price would have gone up a bunch.

[TYPEV]

I’ve had this watch for a few months now and tbh the 70hr power reserve is meaningless with that +25/-15 accuracy. I find myself resetting it whenever it comes back into rotation 😅

[Grafton]

Very well done. I enjoyed it immensely.

[mingtakchu]

i have two watches with this 6r35, and they r running fast few mins for few days

[gedam]

How is the strap on this? Not top flimsy? Solid like a Tudor or Rolex strap?

[viewfromvenice]

Watch is fire I have a 143 and my 213 is on it’s way

[bettersteps]

There is NO WAY I would spend that kind of money for that watch. Plus 20 seconds to minus 15 seconds a day? And some of the lume isn't printed as well as it should be? Seiko keeps jacking up their prices and lowering their quality. Outside of the sapphire crystal I don't see any difference in that Seiko and my Citizen NY0040 Diver. In fact, I think the Citizen is a better watch. Nice honest review though..good job.

[khalifa]

Unfortunately Hi I got this watch, my first diver ever what a beauty, however I have damaged very first threading on crown tube. It’s screwing unscrewing perfectly fine. Will it cause issue in long term ? Or I should get it repaired right away. Please guide

[masterleecs]

May I know how long this watch need to send for maintanence

[mathewazzopard]

New to the channel, great review, 10/10. For the watch I simply can't rate . The steel bezel (regardless that it's some sort of homage to the old version) would prefer it either sapphire or ceramic. The rubber strap could have been better along with it's clasp for that price tag. The bracelet, typical Seiko mid range with a clasp that $400 micro brand watches wouldn't use. The 200 WR isn't the best when a typical diver watch is rated at 300m. Seiko needs to realize that a watch, especially divers, is not just a mechanism. The finishing should be such that the watch will be both elegant and tool like. Ceramic insert of course, imho is great but the only watch that I've experienced with the ultimate, is the 50 fathoms. Yes at different price range but not far from that price is the Sub, 50 fathoms the winner. I still see in 2020 the MM bracelet, which is a shame, on a great case to have such bracelets. I want to add one more Seiko but will not repeat the MM error, if and when the colossal Seiko will upgrade the whole product (actually looking forward for that) will certainly buy. Thank you for the review.

[ritinsharma]

How about alignment issues? Are they sparse or rampant?

[CallOfTheWild]

These beautiful timepieces does not need a date window

[kerrybayton]

It's a great looking watch.. But with the usual below par Seiko bracelet. If they can't do a good bracelet why try? Surely Seiko could try and offer something innovative!

[najo]

am a seiko fan also holding 2 grand seikos, i strongly believe that they have increased $$ but quality is still the $300 ones! this is completely unacceptable and you can have excellent made eta swiss brands for the $$ seiko is asking now. i have stopped my seiko collection...

[rockinginafreeworld]

Plus 25 seconds is shocking for the price. My beautiful sinn runs 2 seconds plus a day. Swiss movement and German made . Takes some beating for a none cosc certified watch.

[lowersaxon]

I‘m not quite sure if 200 m will suffice for my wild armchair diving fantasies. Well, lets hope the best.

[cityslickeroutdoors]

-15/+25 ouch. Omega Seamaster is Metas -0/+5

[ruggsterify]

I'm sorry, but the 6R35 cannot go "toe to toe" with the swiss family movements. The 6R35 is not consistent in it's daily wear to be regulated correctly. Every entry level Sellita, ETA, or others, is consistent enough to regulate better than the 6R family spec. Every single one.

[Nahariim]

I have this watch since day one, but now the watch is very imprecise -15 /-30 sec a day :(