SLA025 and SLA039, which ?

3334 Views 18 Replies 10 Participants Last post by buddy13, 4 mo ago

TheTigerUK

Discussion Starter · Jun 11, 2021

Both very much of a muchness but which would you choose if you was going to buy one and why ?

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Grammarofdesign

· #2 · Jun 11, 2021

I came within $175 or so of getting the SLA025 from an AD when it came out but walked. It's bugged me ever since.

Haven't held the SLA039 yet but it is more of a stretch interpretation so I'd lean SLA025 for its faithfulness to the original. That said, I do have an SBDC063/SPR079 with a similar blue bezel insert and I must say it is compelling to see that on this model, it could swing me if I saw it in person.

Like the SLA017 and the SLA033, I can truly say if you are not holding the watch it is very hard to fully appreciate them. I think when you were at Baselworld you got to see how the in-the-metal impression is better than trying to take in and appreciate these Seiko SLAs looking at internet photos, etc.

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Reflex

· #3 · Jun 11, 2021

If like you, I had a 6215 or a 6159, then it would have to be the 039 - just for something a little different

Thesharkman

· #4 · Jun 11, 2021

I don't think I'd ever buy either (for "close" to the same coin, I'd buy an original), but that's me. The bezel on those things are so TALL. To answer your question, I'd go 025 between the two. =)

<* shark >>><

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151255

· #5 · Jun 11, 2021

sorry, mistake.

Phil_G

· #6 · Jun 11, 2021

First thought is the 025, but after closer inspection I think I would go for the 039. I do like the colors/gilted accents used on the SLA025, but right now I think that I would prefer the "just steel" look of the 039.

Reynaldo

· #7 · Jun 12, 2021

Thesharkman said:
I don't think I'd ever buy either (for "close" to the same coin, I'd buy an original), but that's me. The bezel on those things are so TALL. To answer your question, I'd go 025 between the two. =)

>QUOTE]

Click to expand...

Yep, that tall bezel plus the case is thicker and larger than the original, it's an ugly reinterpretation. Top view looks fine and the high-beat movement is appealing but upon overall aesthetic inspection I decided to pass.

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simonp

· #8 · Jun 12, 2021

The looks of the 039 really appeal to me but at over $7,000 out the door…. Just couldn’t do that for the watch.

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Vette Enthusiast

· #9 · Jun 12, 2021

John - I have to say, the SLA025 just pops for me. Beautiful watch. Is this different than the SBDX012 MM300?

buddy13

· #10 · 5 mo ago

Gents, I know this is an old thread, but am in the exact same position.

Apart from the Everbrilliant steel on the 039 (which I do prefer) is the same all equal?

I like me a good bracelet, unlike many, I especially like the ratcheting extension on Seiko's pro diver's since I use my watches diving in anger

. What is your preferred bracelet on these watches? Thank you!

Thesharkman

· #11 · 5 mo ago

buddy13 said:
Gents, I know this is an old thread, but am in the exact same position.

Apart from the Everbrilliant steel on the 039 (which I do prefer) is the same all equal?

I like me a good bracelet, unlike many, I especially like the ratcheting extension on Seiko's pro diver's since I use my watches diving in anger . What is your preferred bracelet on these watches? Thank you!

the only bracelet that I've seen for these is a modified MM300 bracelet. The end pieces were slightly shaved to fit and it looked great; that would have your ratcheting extension too.

<* shark >>><

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Grammarofdesign

· #12 · 5 mo ago

buddy13 said:
Gents, I know this is an old thread, but am in the exact same position.

Apart from the Everbrilliant steel on the 039 (which I do prefer) is the same all equal?

I like me a good bracelet, unlike many, I especially like the ratcheting extension on Seiko's pro diver's since I use my watches diving in anger . What is your preferred bracelet on these watches? Thank you!

I went with the Uncle Seiko Beads of Rice with retrofitted Omega Speedmaster end links.

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buddy13

· #13 · 5 mo ago

Grammarofdesign said:
I went with the Uncle Seiko Beads of Rice with retrofitted Omega Speedmaster end links.

View attachment 508525

Beautiful watch and the bracelet suits it, looks vintage. Care to share your opinion on how this watch wears compared to the MM 300 (SBDX001, SBDX017 etc.)?

Does it wear larger, more top heavy?

It's a little bit longer lug to lug. I have 6.75 inch wrists and do wear an Emperor Tuna too (however weird that may look)

Grammarofdesign

· #14 · 5 mo ago

buddy13 said:
Beautiful watch and the bracelet suits it, looks vintage. Care to share your opinion on how this watch wears compared to the MM 300 (SBDX001, SBDX017 etc.)?

Does it wear larger, more top heavy?

It's a little bit longer lug to lug. I have 6.75 inch wrists and do wear an Emperor Tuna too (however weird that may look)

Yes the SLA025 is larger because it is taller by about 1.4mm and has a decidedly heavier watch head so it is bordering on a top heavy watch. Not that it is an issue, whereas the MM300 is not at all.

The lug to lug is nearly identical between these 2 watches and very wearable. I too have a 6.75 inch wrist so let these photos be a guide of some sort.

SLA025 on left, SBDX017 on right

Hand Black Fashion Finger Wrist

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buddy13

· #15 · 4 mo ago

Grammarofdesign said:
Yes the SLA025 is larger because it is taller by about 1.4mm and has a decidedly heavier watch head so it is bordering on a top heavy watch. Not that it is an issue, whereas the MM300 is not at all.

The lug to lug is nearly identical between these 2 watches and very wearable. I too have a 6.75 inch wrist so let these photos be a guide of some sort.

SLA025 on left, SBDX017 on right

View attachment 508557

Wow. Thanks so much for taking the time. Really appreciate

I really prefer the crown at REALLY 4 o'clock on the SLA025. Also prefer the dimensions of the crown better.

But I really like the ratcheting clasp of the SBDX017.

Decisions, decisions....on my wrist size I have now ruled out the SBDB011, unfortunately, as its otherwise such a cool and feature laden watch.

PS: I didn't like the shark mesh you had on the SLA025 as bumped into your post somewhere else as was looking for bracelet options for the SLA025.

Grammarofdesign

· #16 · 4 mo ago

I actually use a spare MM300 ratcheting clasp on the Uncle Seiko Beads of Rice on my SLA025

Watch Gesture Finger Material property Wrist

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TheTigerUK

Discussion Starter · #17 · 4 mo ago

I still fancy a SLA025 but would it get the SBDC001 off my wrist ?

Jon, can the end link be fitted a little better ?

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Grammarofdesign

· #18 · 4 mo ago

TheTigerUK said:
I still fancy a SLA025 but would it get the SBDC001 off my wrist ?

Jon, can the end link be fitted a little better ?

View attachment 508596

Hahaha

Excellent computer skills John

buddy13

· #19 · 4 mo ago

Grammarofdesign said:
I actually use a spare MM300 ratcheting clasp on the Uncle Seiko Beads of Rice on my SLA025
View attachment 508576

Now that's cool. I haven't noticed!

You really aren't making it any easier for me!!

Last thing. Was the 8L55 only ever used in Seiko Hi-Beat Diver's? Interesting to know. The same can't be said for the 8L35. Which was used in say the Landmaster amongst others.

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