My First Seiko Automatic

Paulomega · Apr 21, 2023

Well, here we go, got my first Seiko automatic – SBDC125 Marinemaster Reduced from Gnomon Watches – it is 42mm in diameter, 48.8mm Lug to Lug, and 12.5mm thick, which is a huge watch for me (with the exception of the Speedmaster and the Seamaster GMT in my collection).

I took a chance based on the opinions of other Forum members such as @Dsloan and @Foo2rama in buying this watch, and I can not get over the fact how comfortable this watch feels on the wrist. I am glad that I listened.

Now I do understand the benefit of shorter lug-to-lug distance, the importance of bezel size, and th shape of the case among other factors that have a big impact on the appearance of the watch and the wearing comfort. I was very apprehensive and ordering the watch, as it is not a cheap watch, and I didn’t think I could wear it. I am pleasantly surprised and very happy with my decision.

I can see many Seiko watches in my collection in near future.

Share your stories about your first Seiko purchase or inheritance.

Walrus · Apr 21, 2023

That’s a cool nice thick piece but I like seiko for the exact opposite. The larger diameter and the shorter lug to lug on numerous offerings. I don’t think you made a bad choice though, it’s a looker, seiko has something for everyone.

khangct · Apr 22, 2023

I have a little-under 6.5 wrist and was skeptical about the larger size of this MM300 but surprisingly it fit my wrist perfectly and comfortable. Like you mentioned above, the short lug to lug design make a huge impact on how the watch sit on the wrist.

Dsloan · Apr 22, 2023

Nice! I think it looks great. I also find Marinemasters highly legible, and the lume is superb.

While it does come down to personal preference, my opinion is that people really overthink watch size. There are extremes - a 28mm watch or a 50mm would look kinda odd on me, but anything 34mm-44mm can work reasonably well.

I have a bunch of cheaper SKX's for fun. The 6105-8000 is one of the favorite things in my collection. I also have a 6117 GMT that's off at the spa. What I love about Seiko is that they have something for every occasion, at every price point, from $20k to $200.

I'm currently on the hunt for some of the other classic divers (62mas, Willard, etc), but may also pick up a few more reissues to scratch the itch. The SPB313, for example, is a fun watch to wear when I'm doing something that might destroy the 6105.

watch3s · Apr 24, 2023

Dsloan
Nice! I think it looks great. I also find Marinemasters highly legible, and the lume is superb.

While it does come down to personal preference, my opinion is that people really overthink watch size. There are extremes - a 28mm watch or a 50mm would look kinda odd on me, but anything 34mm-44mm can work reasonably well.

I have a bunch of cheaper SKX's for fun. The 6105-8000 is one of the favorite things in my collection. I also have a 6117 GMT that's off at the spa. What I love about Seiko is that they have something for every occasion, at every price point, from $20k to $200.

I'm currently on the hunt for some of the other classic divers (62mas, Willard, etc), but may also pick up a few more reissues to scratch the itch. The SPB313, for example, is a fun watch to wear when I'm doing something that might destroy the 6105.

nice slim turtle! I fell down the rabbit hole again and that ones been book marked. My sixth seiko came in the other day, the mini turtle. Three were gifts from a watch collecting patient. Used to have the skx007 and skx013 myself before letting them go before the hype and d/c :whipped:

now theyve skyrocketed.

Dsloan · Apr 24, 2023

watch3s
nice slim turtle! I fell down the rabbit hole again and that ones been book marked. My sixth seiko came in the other day, the mini turtle. Three were gifts from a watch collecting patient. Used to have the skx007 and skx013 myself before letting them go before the hype and d/c now theyve skyrocketed.

I really like the Slim Willard quite a lot. While I like it on its own terms, for its own charms, it has also scratched the itch for vintage submariners that I cannot afford. Someone on OF recommended following 'two vintage seikos' on Instagram as a reputable vintage Seiko seller - they do daily auctions via IG, and I've seen them post two 6105-8000s in the last week.

It's funny that you mentioned some of your watches being gifts. I have friend that I've gotten matching SKX's with a couple of times as a memento. And, I've got a younger coworker who is getting into watches but he's having trouble making a decision about his first mechanical watch. I might just grab him a used Seiko 5 as a gift. I feel like Seiko is in this sweet spot of price, fun, quality, and history that makes them a no-brainer for a gift among watch nerd friends.

watch3s · Apr 24, 2023

Dsloan
I really like the Slim Willard quite a lot. While I like it on its own terms, for its own charms, it has also scratched the itch for vintage submariners that I cannot afford. Someone on OF recommended following 'two vintage seikos' on Instagram as a reputable vintage Seiko seller - they do daily auctions via IG, and I've seen them post two 6105-8000s in the last week.

It's funny that you mentioned some of your watches being gifts. I have friend that I've gotten matching SKX's with a couple of times as a memento. And, I've got a younger coworker who is getting into watches but he's having trouble making a decision about his first mechanical watch. I might just grab him a used Seiko 5 as a gift. I feel like Seiko is in this sweet spot of price, fun, quality, and history that makes them a no-brainer for a gift among watch nerd friends.

amen on that. im still kicking myself for trading out of a no date sub set sometime back. Cant replace that one at the price I paid back then.

First gift was a seiko padi turtle! Funny enough I bought a bracelet for that since I realized I didnt wear it as much as Id like due to those solid end links extending the lug to lug a bit. I had bought a jubilee for the other watch that patient gifted, an 5kx. Seiko always has a spot in the heart and on the wrist for me. Especially in the hospital, I can wear a seiko and not worry too much about dinging it or banging it on a railing while pushing a patient wheelchair or etc.

My First Seiko Automatic

Paulomega

Walrus

khangct

Dsloan

watch3s

Dsloan

watch3s

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