Seiko Presage Automatic SRPB43 Watch Review

roadwarrior

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Seiko is still the name to beat


NOV 15, 2019 — BY ARIEL ADAMS

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/seiko-presage-automatic-srpb43-watch-review/



When it comes to affordable, value-for-the-money, damn fine effort watches, Seiko is still the name to beat. Yes, this is true even with the brand’s move upmarket and the growth of the prestigious and very impressive higher-end Grand Seiko watches. The Seiko Presage Automatic SRPB collection watches (debut here) have a retail price of $425 (on the strap) and are a lot of watch for the money. For some people, this will be the nicest watch they will ever own — and, in this instance, that is not necessarily a shame. While Seiko’s pricier new offerings capture the attention of the watch collecting community, it can’t be said that the brand still has some of the most compelling affordable offerings out there.

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There is a reason the Presage Automatic SRPB43 (SRPB43J1 in Japan) and kin are nicknamed “Seiko cocktail time” watches. The playful and colorful sunburst dials are classy-looking and also more expressive than many Japanese dress watches out there, especially at these prices. The SRPB43 has a silver dial with a blue sheen in the light. (Opt for the SRPB41 for a darker blue dial.) Seiko offers the same model in a silver dial, dark gray dial, brown dial, and an ivory white with black hands and hour markers, which is sort of cool. The SRPB pieces are easily the most character-rich among the entire Presage collection today.

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It wouldn’t be a cool Japanese watch without something quirky going on. What’s with the shiny patent-leather-style black strap with midnight-blue stitching? If you happen to be wearing a tuxedo with matching colors, then the stock strap will suit you well — or if your wardrobe consists of a lot of highly polished black military formal shoes. Otherwise, I think most people interested in this otherwise lovely Presage Automatic with the silvery blue dial will want to start thinking about their ideal strap choice. Black alligator or crocodile wouldn’t be bad. Price for the Seiko Presage Automatic SRPB43 is $425 USD (and similar models on a matching steel bracelet are $495).

Necessary Data
>Brand: Seiko
>Model: Presage Automatic SRPB43
>Price: $425 USD
>Size: 40.5mm-wide
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Someone looking for the most interesting yet conservative dress watch $400 can buy.
>Best characteristic of watch: Excellent quality and materials for the money. Really has that “more expensive watch feel,” but at a remarkably accessible price point. Dials are attractive.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Dials are not to everyone’s taste visually. Movements could be just that much better finished. Strap is amusingly quirky in style, but you’ll likely only use it as a spare.

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