Seiko Watch Reviews

We love Seiko watches here at Worn & Wound and have enjoyed every one that we’ve reviewed over the past decade plus. Whether it’s their incredible dive watches, distinguishing formal wear, or unbeatable tool watches, Seiko has consistently produced some of the all-time greats regardless of price point. Below find a curated selection of our Seiko reviews, including some of the absolute favorites of our editors, and most read by you over the years. You can find all of our Seiko content right here.

Seiko Prospex SPB149

A new “affordable” version of the 62MAS, it stayed truer to the source than the SPB051/053s, which were a similar release from just a few years prior. Smaller in size and more deftly detailed, regardless of the vintage-inspiration, the SPB149 (149 from here out for brevity) simply seemed like it would be an incredible watch to wear, and a bit different from the current lineup of Seiko divers. Read the full review of the Seiko Prospex SPB149 right here.

The Seiko SSC819 Speedtimer Chronograph

The SSC819 is one of those 4 solar powered chronographs, appearing uniform black across the dial and bezel, offering the most sobering take on the design. The 817 gets a sand colored base; the 815 a dark blue base; and the 813 a panda configuration with white base and black sub dials (and undoubtedly the most popular among the group). Each offers a unique look and feel that takes advantage of the simple but effective base design that makes this watch work in the first place. Read full review of the SSC819 Speedtimer Chronograph right here.

Seiko Prospex SRPF81K1 Tuna

Over the years, there have been countless versions of the Tuna and other shrouded-case divers by Seiko, from Arnies to solar models and even digital takes on the format, with the most famous earning secondary nick-names, such as “Emperor,” “Golden,” and “Darth.” Often north of 45mm, and even up to 52mm, while there have been various case materials and movements at play, they were always massive unrepentant tool watches. Until recently, that is. Read the full review of this Seiko Prospex SRPF81K1 right here.

Seiko SKX007

The SKX007 is one of the most iconic divers currently on the market. If the Submariner is the quintessential modern dive watch in the luxury market, then the SKX007 is, without a doubt, its affordable counterpart. The SKX007 is usually the first watch budding collectors buy after making the jump to mechanicals, but it’s also prized by seasoned enthusiasts for its robust build and good looks, ISO-rated case, and epic nighttime luminosity. It has a street price of around $150–depending on the vendor and availability–so it makes for a super solid beater that you don’t have to worry about. But price aside, it’s simply a really well-made watch that’s equal parts versatile and equal parts utilitarian, all from one of the most respected firms on the planet. Read the full review of the SKX007 right here.

Seiko SPB153 “Captain Willard” Reissue

Seiko’s 6105-8110 “Captain Willard” is one of the most recognizable and sought after vintage Seiko divers. The watch was worn on screen by the fictional character Captain Willard, portrayed by Martin Sheen in the cult-classic “Apocalypse Now”. The funky case shape is immediately recognizable. It’s broad, flat, and has a crown guard like no other. While the dial and bezel are busy, they remain legible and functional. It’s a perfect watch for a military character to wear, as it’s built like a tank and values both function and form. It’s also a perfect candidate for a modern remake like this. Read the full review of the Seiko SPB153 ‘Willard’ right here.

Seiko Prospex “Monster” SRPD25

When I first came across the Monster, it was an orange oddity with large triangular hour markers that recalled shark’s teeth, and was truly a monster in size, with dimensions exaggerated visually as a result of the distinctive shrouded bezel assembly. Today’s Monster is a different beast altogether. While it’s still a big, chunky dive watch, it’s not nearly as rough around the edges as the original Monsters, which remain popular and have become quite collectible in many variants. The current Monster line up is a little slimmer and more refined, and doesn’t have the same in-your-face styling as the original. Read the full review of the Seiko ‘Monster’ SRPD25 right here.

Seiko SNJ029 “SafArnie” Urban Street Series

Bushwhacking his way through the jungle en route to the famous “choppa” and avoiding an alien hunter at all costs, Arnold wore the original ana-digi diver that was introduced in 1982 as the Seiko H558. It’s an unapologetically large, 47.8mm tuna-style diver with a shrouded case. The dial is squashed down at 12 to make room for the signature LCD screen that has some key functions that really make the watch more useful during day to day wear. The new model is updated with a new movement with solar charging, an extra 50m of water resistance, and the Prospex logo, but the roots remain traceable right back to the nearly 40-year old model. Let’s take a closer look at this excellent grab-and-go Seiko. Read the full review of the Seiko SNJ029 right here.

Seiko Prospex SPB077

As was Seiko’s MO for a few years, when they’d release a limited edition recreation, they also would release a more affordable, open edition with a modernized aesthetic. These watches are often the true cult favorites, as value has always been at the core of Seiko’s charm. So, in 2018 alongside the SLA025 came the SPB077 and 075 loosely dubbed the MM200s. Featuring very similarly styled cases, these were the first time the 6159-esque aesthetic was made more obtainable. Read the full review of the Seiko SPB077 right here.

Seiko x Giugiaro SCED035 “Ripley”

Having a watch associated with a famous film character is a sure way to concrete its place in history. Obviously the most famous example being James Bond and his Rolex Submariner, Omega Seamasters and a plethora of others that rode the character’s coat tails to higher sales. Well, in the history of cult classics there is perhaps no watch that is more interesting, or associated with a cooler character than the Seiko x Giugiaro watch worn by Ripley in James Cameron’s amazing horror/action film from 1986, Aliens. Read the full review of the Seiko Giugiaro SCED035 right here.

Seiko Prospex SRP777 & SRP775

The 6309 was manufactured by Seiko for approximately 12 years–from 1976 to 1988–so one could argue that they’re not rare watches. And for a long time, that was certainly true. Finding a well-priced original 6309 was no challenge, but in recent years that has become less of a reality. There are a lot of Franken-6309s floating around on eBay and on forums with aftermarket parts–some of them good, and some not so good–and NOS replacement parts like handsets and bezel inserts are getting harder to source. Read the full review of these classic Seiko divers right here.

Don’t see what you’re looking for? You can find all of our Seiko reviews right here. If you’ve got a specific Seiko in mind that you don’t see reviewed, drop us an email at [email protected] and we’ll revisit.