Seiko SSA3xx's - Kinda expected to not like these

[3Pedals6Speeds]

After seeing the 6139 homage watches (SSA329 and SSA333) a little while back I was fully prepared, as a 6139-600x collector, to be underwhelmed by these new watches Seiko is aping one of our classic Seiko's with.  The fake tourbillon visible through the dial, and the 'racing stripe' running horizontally, I just wasn't sure it would work.

Well, I ordered a 333 and a 329, confident that if I didn't like it when I opened the box (That's Rob at Monsterwatch!) I'd simply flip them and have lost a couple bucks in the transaction.  Whelp, I'll be holding onto them for a little while at least!

Observations: They're big watches.  I don't recall the specifics, but it's much larger than the watches the "descend" from.  The dials are very cool as well, I'm particularly liking that the minute indicies are colored to draw out other details on the watch.  On the 329 they are red to match the red part of the bezel.  On the 333 they are gold to match the 'racing stripe'.  Interestingly, the bezel on the 333 does not have gold font, which is fine, but I feel is a missed opportunity to more fully integrate the gold theme.

Here are some quick snaps:

Seiko SSA 333 (foreground) SSA 329 (background)



SSA 329


SSA 333


So - in the metal, nicer than expected, I'll update as it goes on longer-term impressions.

[small]

Too big for me... But I thought they looked "Cool". I kind of like the stripe...Reminds me a bit of the Tag Monaco's only 90°...

[3Pedals6Speeds]

It is large, I think about 42mm w/o the crown.  That said, it doesn't look as big in person on my wrist as the photo I put up does.  Not sure why, but pics of watches on my wrist always look bigger than the in-person size looks.

[HiBeat]

I am also considering the SSA329 and they've been available at $177 on ebay for a few weeks now and no takers.  This makes me think I'll sit it out a bit longer for a crazy crazy low price.   I bought my SRP777 when $312 in hand was crazy good, now the lowest price is around $100 less than that.    

I like them for what they are, not for what they are not - which is to say, they are not reissues, just homage in styling.

I look forward to your future updates.  

[earthphase]

The bezels on these crack me up....

At least I'll know when I'm 15 seconds into a new minute!  Really?

These should all be destroyed.

[69ChevelleSS]

Feb 7, 2017 12:45:41 GMT -8 earthphase said:

The bezels on these crack me up....

At least I'll know when I'm 15 seconds into a new minute!  Really?

These should all be destroyed.

Now that you mention it, it is really funny!  WTF?  There is no rotating inner bezel and no other means (AKAIKT) of marking the starting point.

What the heck were they thinking!

Good catch earthphase!

[pip]

I've looked at these a few times, and I keep nearly liking them. It's almost good but the details just don't do it for me.

[earthphase]

The look like a Fossil watch to me.

[3Pedals6Speeds]

Feb 8, 2017 13:32:13 GMT -8 pip said:

I've looked at these a few times, and I keep nearly liking them. It's almost good but the details just don't do it for me.

That's how I was, and I agree with some of the previous comments regarding the tachymeter - it's pretty silly.  That said, the size, and general look of it are growing on me.  For the price, it a pretty terrific watch (24 jewel automatic on a bracelet).