• out of stock

Seiko Prospex SPB079J Automatic 200m Divers Watch $599 delivered (+ $2.95 Express) @ Watch Depot

530

Those that know and enjoy their Seiko dive watches will understand the heritage behind this one and want to do a bit of research. Even then I know it's only going to be right for a small niche of Seiko fans.
If cashback discounts show up for this post then I think it is only because Watch Depot is a subsidiary of Sheils. I don't think any cashback is actually achievable.
As usual, stock Seiko photography does nothing for this watch. Check tag SPB079J1 on instagram for better, real life pictures. The bezel on this one is amazing.
I think this model is about four years old now and was one of the original "1968 recreations". The hands on this model have always been contentious but aren't terrible in reality and could always be modded.
Check out SBDC167 / SPB299J1 for what next months model will look like but remember you'll pay at least $1,000 more for that one for the foreseeable future.

The all black SPB077J on bracelet is also available for $799:
https://www.watchdepot.com.au/seiko-prospex-spb077j-automati…

You should still be able to get a $20 discount code by signing up to their VIP newsletter.

Related Stores

Watch Depot
Watch Depot

closed Comments

  • +10

    Yikes this is a great deal. But I've kind of promised myself to stop buying so many cheaper watches and to save up for a real luxury watch

    • For someone who isn’t down this particular rabbit hole, what’s a ‘real luxury watch’? I would have thought that $600 was getting into the range of luxury.

      • +10

        How long is a piece of string?

        • I'm guessing from the poster's comment - about 600 cm.

      • +6

        Add a 0 to that then ranges to another two extra 0's

        • +2

          Starting with an extra 0 to ∞.

          $600 will probably buy half of the strap.

          Panerai deployment clasp was AUD$500 10 odd years ago from their store in Hong Kong…

      • +2

        Omega Seamaster 300 has been in production for 60 years and continuously refined
        AU$9,000 and up
        https://www.omegawatches.com/en-au/watches/seamaster/heritag…

        Even if you wanted a Rolex Submariner you can't just walk into a dealership / boutique and buy one. Waiting lists are years long and average punters get continuously leapfrogged by established customers. Guess where this takes second hand prices.

        Wallace Bishop will even sell you Seiko Prospex (Professional Specifications) dive watches up in that stratosphere.
        https://www.wallacebishop.com.au/search?type=product&options…

        • +3

          I've been thinking hard about getting a sapphire sandwich moonwatch actually. Sad I missed the boat on the cheap 1861s… but the moonswatch hype has actually worked on me.

          • @Save Medicare: I was lucky to get a pre-moon ten years ago when vintage watches were cheaper than the new releases.
            So far out of my league now.

          • +2

            @Save Medicare: Maybe try a Vostok Amphibia, comrade

          • +1

            @Save Medicare: I picked up a hesalite 1861 at the end of my honeymoon in 2019, a lovely watch.

            Wish I could get my hands on a couple of MoonSwatch!

        • tudor is regarded as luxury watch and cheaper than seamaster or submariner …..

          • @garage sale: Tudor is part of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, as is Rolex.

            Definitely make some amazing watches.

      • My 2 cents:
        I agree a watch that is $600 (Normally $1200) is luxury, lets be honest, it's not like you wouldn't know the time without it, and a $30 casio would be able to do the job just as well.

        Something like a Tudor (Rolex's value brand) is a good entry into Swiss luxury.

        • +4

          Fwiw the casio will actually tell the time more accurately.

          • @Ezuku: Quartz almost always trumps mechanical any day due to the simplicity.

            The more moving parts and complex something is, the more points of failure (and inaccuracy).
            Anything magnetic can magnetize the hairspring in the balance wheel.

            • @cwongtech: i think he meant digital casio

              • @dcep: That's powered by a quartz crystal as well :)

      • -1

        A real luxury watch is one that chuffs your bits while the AD chuffed your wife's bits.

        OK ciao!

    • +3

      I've got the black on bracelet, and I really think the promotional photos don't do this one justice. It's quite stunning for a "non-luxury" watch. For the price I wish they'd given it a better movement, but it's fine.

      I've owned several turtles (pepsi is my daily), samurais and a SPB085J1 which I still own but I'm looking to sell soon. Honestly the SPB077J is my favourite.

      • +2

        FML i bought it

        • Congratulations!
          Easy resell.
          Consider any (minimal) loss as a rental fee!

        • Congrats. I’m close to purchase too

      • +1

        The movement is great
        6r15
        50 hrs power reserve +25/-15 seconds a day
        6r35 is better due to 70hr reserve but this isn't bad

      • How does this wear compared to the turtle and samurai?
        The turtle wears fine for me but the sammie is pushing the envelope a bit. Just making sure this wouldn’t wear bigger before I start researching and persuading the wife.

        • Sorry about the late reply. These are quite petite in how they wear compared to the turtle and especially the samurai.

    • Getting a few to start with gets one familiar with specs, styles, key features/desires at least, assuming you're interested in them.

      You don't need to spend a fortune to get a well spec'd quality watch these days, just have to do them research. Depends if you want a big brand Swisse made automatic etc.

      This seiko looks pretty nice though, they typically do very nice hands and faces. I'd personally go for a bracelet version, these rubber strap styles look massive and chunky (and cheap). Also need to check the 'lug to lug dimension', this would wear pretty large on most wrists I am guessing (~<50mm is good with end links/strap that points downwards).

      At least this one has sapphire crystal for that price. The main issue is when RRP $700 Seikos are still using old movements, no sapphire crystal, cheap press clasps and rattly bracelets. Better choices out there but obviously there are some good models the more you pay.
      It's a good brand but better options these days- half the RRP is probably a reasonable deal, but no one should pay full RRP on a Seiko.

  • +2

    I’ve two of these in different colours. It’s an excellent watch. The quality and finish of the case are fantastic for the price. Much better quality than the entry level watches. Plus, it has increased power reserve over the basic 4R movement. Wears like a 42mm.

    • Is it thiner than a samurai?

      • Don't have a Samurai, but just compare the thickness with the online specs.

  • +1

    A couple of months ago I would have jumped on this but I'm realising that there is already too much crossover in my Seiko collection.
    After 10+ years of collecting I couldn't bring myself to pay what real luxury watches are going for now.
    If I was starting over again this could be a true contender for a one watch collection.

  • +1

    is this 6r35 movement? for $600 hard to beat this one.. i cant think any in term of quality. Or maybe steeldive lol

    • 6R15 in this one.

      I was close to mentioning Steeldive in my post. Lots of happy customers out there it seems.

      • +1 for steeldive.
        Would still like an upgraded skx007 one day but the prices are outrageous now and missed the boat on them when they were reasonably cheap watches. The steeldive is excellent.

        Cronos microbrand does reportedly the best sub mariner homages if you wanted to spend more.

    • +1

      The indices on my $100 Steeldive Willard are sharper and nicer than the actual Willard I’ve checked out in stores.
      Crazy value.

      • Were you wearing your Steeldive at the time? That would have been funny.

        • +1

          That would’ve been quite awkward ;)

  • How do you specify your wrist size? Or do you need to adjust elsewhere?

    • What? You can measure your wrist size with a piece of string and then hold it against a ruler. If you have a smaller wrist that is flat, then it might work. I’d recommend this watch for wrists over 7 inch. For reference it wears larger than my SKX, but smaller than my Turtle. It is larger than than the current MM200 case I have and the same as the MM300 I have (only much thinner!).

      • Sorry I meant for the steel bracelet on the 077j

        • +1

          You can size it with a spring bar tool which is like $10 ($30 for a bergeon branded one) or pay some guy at the shopping centre $10 to do it for you

          • @Save Medicare: You will need more than a spring bar tool for the steel bracelet (it doesn’t come with one on this model) since it uses a pin and collar system. For the silicone strap, a spring bar tool is fine. They are cheap as chips.

  • -6

    I swear I seen this watch at Smokemart for $12.49.

  • IMHO 44mm With a rubber Expando diver strap is going to wear slightly huge on anyone short of the rock… Even their "monster" is only 42.5

    • i usually go for stainless band and swap to synthetic strap if needed, stainless wear smaller and fit under shirt cuffs easier , find with rubber strap need to pull shirt cuffs over the band rather than gravity does it.

    • The case is 44mm, but the bezel is much smaller. The case a wedge sort of profile. Wears like 42 or 41mm. It’s Seiko case magic. The strap does not wear huge at all, however, I swapped mine for a flat, smooth FKM strap. Looks great.

      • Nice one

      • +1

        It's 51mm! lug to lug though. "Seiko magic" comes from curved or short lugs like on the turtle, monster or the tuna. This model has more European styling in the case shape so I don't see Seiko magic applying at all. It's the lug to lug that ultimately determine sizing. I don't get how people don't realise this. ZilogX is right. The only time this watch looks reasonably sized is worn on top of a wet suit.

  • wow that is cheap for a 6R15

    • +2

      Buy the watch, not the movement.

      • yeah, needs to look the part ….and this looks like mainstream seiko divers, not very distinctive but if you like the colour and shape that’s all that matters.

    • +3

      Got my SARB035 with 6R15 at $400 full retail price 5 years ago… Inflation is real

  • I don't know much about the SPB077J but after a quick research it uses the 6R15. I would suggest going for the SPB101J. Upgraded 6R35 movement, appears to be the same size with minor changes to the bezel.

    Starbuy has the SPB101J for $690 currently:
    https://starbuy.com.au/seiko-sumo-prospex-spb101j/

    Also Starbuy is an authorised Seiko dealer.

    • The new MM200 wears much smaller than this original MM200, thus the newer version can suit more wrist sizes - reflected in it popularity. This version feels more premium too, especially on an SS bracelet. I’m holding both right now to compare. The newer MM200 has an upgraded power reserve, which is very appealing.

      • Which feels more premium? The new one or this original?

        • +1

          The original.

    • +1

      The Sumo is 45mm and wears big. The SPB077 has a 42mm bezel and is a better watch. A descendant from the 1968 diver and MM300, this is nicknamed the MM200.

      This is a steal. Newer models have the 6R35 but are 40mm but wears a lot smaller. Best try it on if you can.

    • I'll upvote this to cancel out the neg. No idea why someone would neg your post but you posted an opinion backed up with good info.
      Cheers

    • I actually prefer the sumo too.
      Thanks

    • Hoping starbuy does a deal on a seiko speedmaster or something new, already have 2 turtles, 3 samurais, several eco drives ….. their deals are sometimes so cheap I just ended up buying but now I want a few things they haven't discounted in a while.

    • Thanks for linking the SPB101J.

      Found the hulk and really tempted to get this one: https://starbuy.com.au/seiko-sumo-prospex-spb103j/

      Is there a sign up discount for starbuy for their newsletter?

      Also those that have both the Sumo and Prospex, which do you prefer and why?

      This will be my first watch …

      • Sumo is a Prospex.

        Sumo, 70hours reserve.

        • Sorry, I meant the Sumo v the watch OP has shared SPB079J

          • @Mybabyburrito: Sumo. It gets used more frequent than the Snowflake.
            - suits more casual attire
            - it's cheap (relatively) and won't hurt as much if it is damaged
            - looks good (personal preference)

            The one posted has an older movement with 50hours reserve. If that is not an issue, the stainless steel strap one is awesome.

            • +1

              @Domicron: Just went into Bevilles and tried it on.

              I'm pretty sold on it, thanks!

        • I got the Sumo and have gone full circle with other options. Had tunas et al but if you have large wrists the Sumo should suit as it does me….

          On the other hand this is a bargain and a beautiful watch…

      • -1

        I love that Green Sumo! great choice.

        As Domicron said, 6R35 movement has improved power reserve +20h and +1 extra jewel and is considered to be the successor to the 6R15 movement.

        If it suits your wrist size, in my opinion the improvement on power reserve and stainless watch band are worth the extra $90. I have had my eye on the SPB101J, SPB103J and SPB181J for a while and I have not seen them cheaper this year.

      • I have the previous version of this watch (jade green dial, yellow second hand). Model is SZSC004.

        It wears big, it’s quite a thick watch and with the bracelet it’s a pretty top heavy watch. I don’t like the bracelet, feels a bit chintzy. It’s okay but I didn’t really like it.

        One thing to note in this if you want to change straps is that it’s hard to get straps becuase of how the spring bars are located to the case. Went through a ton of straps (anything with curved ends look weird and are generally too thin). A thick leather strap works well (again it’s the case size). In the end i settled on a crafter blue strap which is a lot more comfortable than the bracelet. Wear the thing a lot more than I did before

  • +3

    For a website specialised in watches they are quite lazy with description and specs.
    Here is a hands on article
    Saphire, 50hrs reserve

  • +1

    What a bargain for what is offered! A beautiful watch that is affordable and good as a daily workhose.

  • I like the look of it.

    Have a 40mm solar that's similar. Not sure id want bigger, but if it suits you then good choice

  • +3

    This is a very good price for one of these. They were selling for closer to $1000 not long ago. I had one, wore it heaps and really loved it, it looked like and wore like a more expensive watch.

    If you're a bracelet guy like I am, you can get the original bracelet from "Gnomon watches" in Singapore, and it will arrive in a few days.

  • Just as i was going to buy it went out of stock.

  • Amazing watch! The black version with the metal bracelet for $799 brand new is a steal! I got mine preowned at this price 2 years ago.

  • Showing as available again.
    Monday morning stocktake?

  • +1

    Ughh, if only this didn't have a 6Rxx movement. Ticking timebomb.

    • The 4R35/36 (and NH35/36 for non-seiko branded watches) are a great workhorse for a reasonable price, the latter pretty easy and cheap to replace)

    • Ha. Yes, the accuracy is ok but they are erratic. No where near an ETA.

Login or Join to leave a comment