Perfect example of why Marc has such a great reputation in the watch community - even though he’s selling these, he was honest about the negative points and didn’t gloss over them. Thanks as always, Marc.

I appreciate that these watches force the consumer to finally just admit to themselves the truth- you don't dive and you don't even like to swim.

Just got the blue one. The reasoning is simple. I like dress watches, but feel like I can only wear them when dressed up. The bezel makes it slightly less dressy and suitable for everyday use. I put a leather strap on it so I'm not about to go swimming with it. The fact the bezel doesn't rotate doesn't really bother me.

You can hear the disappointment in Mark’s voice. Do better, Seiko.

I can understand non-rotating bezels on the Presage GMTs, but this along with 50m WR begs the question "Why do these models exist?"

Seiko is afraid with misalignment of the bezel so they make it non rotated 😂

Seiko forgot to add the "Seiko 5" emblem!!

Seen a few reviews on this and people are demanding sapphire and rotating bezel. Well this review point out boxed sapphire would increase the price on this was hugely, a rotating bezel a bit, but one with a quality action would again increase the cost considerably. I love this watch, the crystal looks so much better with hardlex when it has this boxed shape as sapphire in my opinion must be flatter to avoid milky rings and glare unless it’s coated. A rotating bezel is not something I find important anyway. The watch looks fantastic.

Agreed Marc, definitely think it looks great but quite quirky in terms of its short comings. If it was a tad smaller I think it would have been better too.

Love the honesty, watch dealers usually "love" everything they sell!

We can always enjoy you Marc, even if the watches are a bit flat sometimes.

Absolutely love the white dial! It will be my next purchase! I love the presage collection and i have 6 presages! I have only 2 divers because i like dress watches more but this watch gives me the sportie/dress watch feeling! Perfect

Take note Marc, inverted mid link, one reason it wears so well, PLEASE offer this on your Islander watches…!!!

For me, it's almost to the point to where if it's a choice between a Seiko or an Orient (speaking generally here) I would take an Orient any day over a Seiko....quality and value just seem to be a notch higher at Orient these days.

Seiko finally solved the misaligned bezel problem with this one 🤡

I love the way this watch looks and would've gladly paid extra for a rotating bezel. I could have used this thing to time my eggs or parking meter, etc. We desk divers have needs too, Seiko!

Even as a Seiko fan I can say that Seiko roasting has become legit and entertaining. Seiko, these are warning signs. 💪

I think that a fluted bezel is a better look on a "dress watch" then a non-rotating numbered bezel. 👍🏽✌🏽

Stunningly beautiful visual design. This reminds me of my parents "good china set". Never used it, just sat in the dining room behind glass cabinet doors. Gorgeous but, too expensive ($500+) and delicate (5 ATM).

Thanks Marc! Ordered the Isl 54 yesterday after your wrist check.

Love seeing that 6139 keep popping up! I literally can't stop thinking about that watch, if my local shop still has one I may pull the trigger soon...

I picked up mine this afternoon, love it! Personally I prefer having new models with different features than having another color of the same ref (62Mas, Turtle…). Let’s be honest for a minute, who’s gonna dive with this one? Nobody of course it’s a Presage, so I dig the fixed bezel :) I have the 5 Sports SRPD55 and tested some new 2021 Seikos from 700€ to 1200€. I’m pretty happy to pay 500€ for this new Presage. Personally I think the Sports 5 are overpriced (especially with that bracelet). I picked up mine for 180€, that’s a more accurate price. Ps: Given what you’re saying this thumbnail/title is a bit « clickbaity » Mark. But you got me so it’s working I guess :)

So the problem that people have with this watch, more or less, is it looks like a dive watch but isn't? Expectations are in correlation with disappointments, I say. Keep your expectations low, and you won't ever be disappointed. ;) Getting past that, I think they look great. I almost bought one while I was in Japan. They had a special on them which put them at around $400 USD. For that money I think you get a very nice dress watch. You even get a milled clasp, unusual for Seiko at the price point. I think they're pretty nice overall. I don't see a problem at all with going for the retro diver look but just being a fixed bezel, low-wr piece. It's still sporty/dressy and that's clearly the point of this one. Very beautiful pieces from Seiko.

Love the honesty Marc.

Hi Marc, luv your work, keep up the great content and honesty. I do however disagree with your take on the new Presage. As a vintage inspired, "sporty" dress watch, it's an absolute stunner. I'm obsessed with dive watches, but they don't always work with formal attire. In my opinion, that's the aim of the new SRPG's. It has design elements of legendary divers, while being it's own thing, scratching that itch during office hours, till you can rock a proper diver. The Lorier watches definitely beats it for value/price quality and Prospex for performance, but Seiko aced it in the looks department and I'm sure the finishing is up to Presage standards. I think it's going to fly off the shelves. Have a good one.. regards

These are great looking watches, I actually saw one in person the other day in one of my rare trips to my local shopping center. Stylistically they are right up my alley. If they had working timing bezels and better water resistance I would be all over them.

I don't know what it is about this guy, but his laid back attitude makes me want to be his buddy. Plus I could borrow his watches.

You're the best, Marc! Seiko really fumbled this one, it could've been a Seamaster 300 on a budget, but we got this instead.

I absolutely love the looks of these, particularly the blue one. That being said, the negatives noted do bother me. I get no sapphire, because even though I've never tried to get a watch built, I know the box sapphire is more expensive. I'm good with hardlex at the price. The lack of at least 100m water resistance, when it looks very much like a dive watch case is truly puzzling. A rotating bezel would be nice, but isn't a deal breaker. Does it have a bit shinier indices than a diver? Yes. Does that make up for the fact that the land tortoise and divers can be had for around the same cost with 200m WR, rotating bezels, etc.? Not really. Maybe they'd be an easier sell at $450 MSRP, maybe not. It's just my opinion, for what little that's worth. The 12 o'clock indicator on the lume isn't a big deal to me, because if I put my arm straight across, it's pretty obvious where that's at. That's more of a nice to have on a regular watch, but a must on a diver.

I saw this in person and bought regardless of its shortcomings..got the green. It’s beautiful! This watch is for people with a decent collection. Best part I got it as a nice discounted price

You always get a thumbs up! 👍🏼 Awesome review despite a poorly designed watch.

"I always try to be as honest as possible" Marc. That's reassuring 🤣

The Esthetic of this watch is insane, had it been a lil bit smaller, would have bought it eventually.

Your transparency is killer! It's a good looking watch!

One thing I don't think anybody's brought up is that this watch is an homage to the 45899 Monopusher Chronograph. That isn't a diver bezel, that's a chronograph bezel. Now the original version was a rotating bezel (for the chronograph function), but this one also doesn't have a chronograph function...so I'm not that bothered by it. 🤷‍♂️ Same with water resistance.

My birth year watch Marc! Appreciate your honesty for sure on this video which is most important. Ouch on price just by an Islander and be done!👍 Great video!

Hey Marc would you consider creating a high end grail type Islander collectible watch, such as a Tourbillon or precious metal style watch?

Make that a bi-directionnel, friction bezel with 1-12 markers and you've got a great looking and functional, travel, dress watch

I actually like them. Just looks like a lovely, old-world (602 say!) gentleman's sports watch. Love the white/cream dial version.

Looking at purchasing the new release ones of these are they worth purchasing the bezel movement dosnt bother me

Hello Marc, I was looking recently for a Seiko spb127j and had al ost given up because they are basically sold out. I thought that if one wasn't available that one of these might be an option but I couldn't get past the fixed bezel. It reminded me of the $50 watches that are available at clothing stores. Fortunately I was able to find a spb127 at a AD in Memphis and love it.

I got the blue one for 2 weeks now and its drop dead gorgeous.

Marc, you saved me £400. I thank you sir. You are a rather decent guru of the Seiko indeed. Salutations from Belfast Northern Ireland 🇬🇧

Maybe a non rotational bezel is Seiko's way to get the alignement right... Is a possitive thing. Furthermore... I cannot think of any.... Thanks for the video Marc. Looking forward to your next watch review that for sure inspires us to buy one;) (An Islander maybe?)

Thanks for the review Mark. Nearly pulled the trigger on the bronze open heart dial just 12 hours ago. Was really looking for an Omega Seamaster 300 homage. Will keep looking... or mod my own.

hmm they put steel bracelets here. is it the same as any of the other models like srpd series or something like spb155?

I hope they reuse this dial in a smaller, non bezel case. In that configuration, I think it makes much more sense

Thanks for the honesty, Marc. This is why we trust you

How expensive is boxed sapphire, compared to flat or domed?

The moment I saw the bezel, I guessed it was non-rotating. I *hate* that. Really like the dial, markers and lumed Dauphine hands. Overpriced vis-a-vis the Presage "Cocktail Time" series; I'd absolutely choose a CT over one of these. Seiko knows better. Thanks again, Marc, for being the straight-shooter you are.

Fantastic review and honest !!! TY !!!

non-rotating bezel kills it for me! And Mark, I enjoyed the video.

I think these are gorgeous. That moss green is stunning. The bezel would annoy me yes, I've a Citizen that has similar, that doesn't rotate, and it's a let down. A screw down crown with 100mts at least, would also have improved it. But the bezel is probably a bigger issue for me personally.

Hi Marc, I would like to know a slightly unrelated yet related question to this video. Since Seiko killed the Skx and Orient constantly killing their watch lines in favour of newer models (like the power reserve Triton for example) I was wondering: I restarted my watch collection, this time with a theme of collecting what I consider the best value options I can find. I have already bought some and my wife won't let new watches come in for quite a while for good reason since we have more things we want to do with our savings. So I am wondering if your islander versions will still be around when I get to them or already discontinued because you are on their third iteration already. I adore some of the current options, and would be sad to see them go prematurely.

I remember seeing this one, and it’s gorgeous- and I’m like I NEED THAT. Then seeing the specs I had the same exact reaction as you. I know it’s presage, but if your going to make it look like a sport watch, spec it like one. The 50m especially. They manage to make their seiko 5 sports watches with 100m… at a much lower price point… wtf? And the bezel is just plain silly. I’ll always have a soft spot for seiko but these just plain confuse me lol

I recently got my own Islander ISL-54 on a bracelet. I love it!

I've worn the black one (SRPG09) for quite a while now, and still like it a lot. I see this as a future odd classic 😊

All the more reason to look forward to your imminent open heart dress watch release Marc 👌

Bought one last week, and while I do think the non rotating bezel is a bit of a letdown, its still imo a beautiful piece. Dial is sublime, hands look great, and the bezel looks beautiful ad wel. I got it on sale for 480, so I'm not complaining.

Thanks for your honesty Marc. I think it's still a nice watch but not at over $500. One day, I do hope Seiko will make a better reissue of this 1964 Seiko 45899 Mono Pusher Chronograph “Tokyo Games” (Hand Wind)

Aaaaawsome watch. So stylish and wears GREAT! Can not recommend it enough. Got it new for $350ish, great value. If you like how it looks, just buy it.

They are reminiscent of the Sinn 104. Shame the bezel not rotates. Thanks for honest review!

Wondering about your thoughts on the San Martin SN004G Retro Diver?

Would that clear case back be compatible with other Seiko’s? Like with a SPB143 for example… I’m asking for a friend…

Maybe it's the thin "divers" bezel, but the dial looks huge. Feel like they could've shrunk the case size a bit and just scrapped the aluminum ring

Looks especially disappointing when you compare it to the Citizen NJ2180 - which has a box sapphire, titanium case/bracelet, 100m of WR and can be found under $300 (RRP equivalent to $460 USD). Maybe one to consider stocking?

Hi Mark, what about the 140th anniversary editions? Do you think it’s worth the limited edition mantras?

If it were a rotating bezel it would be to difficult for Seiko to align.

The non screw-down crown is a feature not a bug on an automatic dress watch that isn’t going to be worn while swimming. The scratch prone crystal gives me pause at this price-point though.

Just bought the blue dial version as a beater and am very happy with it but appreciate Mark's honest review. BTW, $348 delivered to my door.

I think other than the price, these are some nice watches. I think the thing is they look like dressy tool watches, when they are really tool style dress watches. So it throws you off a little as people tend to appreciate tool watches that look exceptionally nice more than just a watch that plays the role but has less utility than it seems. But they are from the Presage line so, I think they serve their purpose well...sporty but very classy looks. Little actual utility outside of the main purpose of telling time (and date) and looking good while doing it. I do think they are a little over priced for what they are offering but they certainly look good for a more casual dress watch. As it's often said how many of us love our dive watches or even our chronos but never go diving or even in the water with them and rarely use the watch for timing when we can have our cell phone do it. :).

What watches would you suggest in the $400-$800 range?

I had such high hopes for this watch the blue one looks stunning! Now I’m not so sure. Thanks for your honesty Marc I’m not sure if to get it or not?

Seiko finally figured misaligned bezels. Well done 😂

If they'd ditched the bezel, sized the case to 38-39 mm, added another two micro-adjusts and dropped the MSRP a bit, it could have been another sarb033-like success.

Love the look, but thought the exact same. Need more water resistance I think it’s ok that the bezel doesn’t rotate but for the price it seems like a lot

$300 added just for a signed crown 👑

I got the 09J1 and been absolutely loving it! I guess it's supposed to be an oversized dress watch with diver looks... 🤷‍♂️ I also got mine 30% off the retail price so that obviously changes my views on the watch.

It is a very good looking watch but I feel like they could have done so much more for this price point. Maybe I am comparing apples to oranges (or presage to prospex) but the king samurai I just bought for less money has the same movement, 200m of water resistance, a sapphire crystal, AND a ceramic bezel insert.

Many of the Presage dial have beautiful reflection which can only be seen directly through naked eyes. The reflection adapts with the surrounding light. But the camera fails to catch the reflection for some reasons.

Hey Marc, hope all is well with you and yours. Question, would you be interested in making an Islander version of the all Grey dial and lumed bezel of the Davosa Argonautic BG ref # 16152209 ?

I think you can tell the time in the dark. 12 marker is a bit bigger, and I think the 3 o'clock marker is not in line. You can use it for orientation. . If only Seiko put 1-12 markers on that bezel instead, it would be better. Maybe that would be a nice and cheap mod.

Is there a better alternative for the White one?

These are a consumer level watch intended for the average Joe. I see not a lot bad about them. I was going to get the blue gilt one until I saw the blue RLG Odyssea and got that instead. I made the right decision except the RLG is a bit small at 39mm. The Seiko 41mm is a better size to be able to appreciate the dial.

Wow, this would have been amazing with a screwdown crown, decent clasp, sapphire boxed crystal and rotating bezel with lumed sapphire insert. If it was $250 the shortcomings could have been overlooked but not worth it when you can get a very similar design with all those features from a microbrand at the same price

An affordable everyday time piece from Seiko that could be your very first watch to purchase if getting into collecting! I like it

Almost bought the GMT version of this watch. I agree it is a beautiful watch and I had the opportunity to put it on my wrist. Unfortunately the print on the chapter ring was so small I couldn’t read the 24hr GMT.

Not a diver. Not a dress watch. Not a sports watch. But I've still got one...SSA426J1. I think I need help..

My first thought was, someone crossed a SARB033 with a Richard LeGrand. Second thought, they got less than the sum of it's inspirations.

I agree. You should make an Islander with the necessary improvements.

It's like Seiko had parts left over from their Presage Prestige limited edition release and decided to just pump out some more. I guess they kind of had to cripple this watch by halving the WR, switching out the crystal, and fixing the bezel in place so as to not be a total slap in the face to every one who bought the LE (i.e. me).

The girl at my local watch shop texted me to tell me they got some new stock in that she thought might interest me. It was this watch, and although I thought it was beautiful I went for the Land Tortoise next to them. She was pleased that I preferred the Tortoise, because she said they might have ordered that one by mistake. LOL!

I love this watch in the green/khaki. Can be purchased for much less than MSRP. I don’t care about the non-rotating bezel. It’s a handsome dress watch and would look great in the right setting.

Although I really like the white one with gold indexes, I haven't found yet one without missalignement issues... And I have already checked 5 of them in different AD.

Bought one SSA425J1, looks crazy awesome (for me). Specs quite crappy lol. But then again, 100m would be better although NO ONE will use this kind of watch for swimming or water activity. But no sapphire is quite a disappointment. Great Review !

Having been gifted this particular Seiko for 25 years long service, and I did have a choice, I probably should have watched your review first!

A colleague of mine who was never into watches bought this watch because he liked the look of my omega seamaster 300. They are very similar looking. He had asked me to find something very close and he chose this one. He enjoys it a lot. So much so he bought a new model monster. The penguin one with the darker dial. Yeah it maybe isn't a tool watch but even my speedmasters I have never used the chrono function once. My seamasters have never dived once. As long as you enjoy it that's what matters. Build quality is excellent and it keeps great time. He told me 7 seconds a day fast.

So crazy but this watch caught my eye and once I found out the bezel didn't move .....I realized it was an imposter ....went with the king samurai from my local ad.....it's the special edition with the marine blue minute hand and 15 minute track on the bezel .....I love it... usually don't like big watches but this thing on the hexad bracelet is to me a tank ....I feel like it is the definition of tooltastic

That's a great watch at 300 bucks, needs sapphire and 100 m water resistance to be in the $500 range in my opinion.

Bulova released a very similar styled watch with fixed bezel. Very beautiful watches.