Seiko Prospex SPB143vsTissot Seastar 1000

Complete head-to-head comparison

Comparing the Seiko Prospex SPB143 ($700–$900, 200m WR, 40.5mm) against the Tissot Seastar 1000 ($650–$800, 300m WR, 45.5mm). The Tissot Seastar 1000 is the more affordable option by $50.

Price

Prospex SPB143$700–$900
Seastar 1000$650–$800

Water Resistance

Prospex SPB143200m
Seastar 1000300m

Score

Prospex SPB1438/10
Seastar 10008/10

Repurchase

Prospex SPB14380%
Seastar 100080%

Specifications Compared

Prospex SPB143
Seastar 1000
Case Diameter
Prospex SPB143
40.5mm
Seastar 1000
45.5mm
Case Thickness
Prospex SPB143
13.2mm
Seastar 1000
13.7mm
Lug Width
Prospex SPB143
20mm
Seastar 1000
23mm
Lug-to-Lug
Prospex SPB143
48mm
Seastar 1000
52mm
Movement
Prospex SPB143
automatic
Seastar 1000
automatic
Caliber
Prospex SPB143
6R35
Seastar 1000
Powermatic 80
Power Reserve
Prospex SPB143
70h
Seastar 1000
80h
Water Resistance
Prospex SPB143
200m
Seastar 1000
300m
Crystal
Prospex SPB143
sapphire
Seastar 1000
sapphire
Case Material
Prospex SPB143
Stainless Steel
Seastar 1000
Stainless Steel
Bracelet/Strap
Prospex SPB143
Silicone/Steel
Seastar 1000
Stainless Steel
Price (New)
Prospex SPB143
$700–$900
Seastar 1000
$650–$800
Price (Pre-owned)
Prospex SPB143
$550–$750
Seastar 1000
$450–$650
Style
Prospex SPB143
dive, sport
Seastar 1000
dive, sport

Pros & Cons

Seiko Prospex SPB143

Pros

  • Consistently ranked as the best dive watch under $1,000
  • 62MAS-inspired design has vintage charm with modern specs
  • Finishing quality surprises people who expect just a Seiko
  • 40.5mm hits the sweet spot for most wrists

Cons

  • Chapter ring misalignment is a known QC lottery
  • Bracelet feels like an afterthought — most swap to rubber or NATO
  • Lume is not as bright or long-lasting as competitors

Tissot Seastar 1000

Pros

  • Most dive watch you can get for under $800
  • Ceramic bezel at this price is unheard of from a Swiss brand
  • Powermatic 80 is genuinely set-and-forget reliable
  • Lume is bright and lasts — actually useful underwater

Cons

  • 45.5mm is genuinely huge — try it on before committing
  • Competes with Seiko and Orient divers offering similar value
  • Bracelet can feel cheap compared to case quality

Community Verdict

Too Close to Call

Both sit in a similar price range: Seiko Prospex SPB143 at $700–$900 vs Tissot Seastar 1000 at $650–$800 — choose based on use case and style preference. Choose Tissot Seastar 1000 (300m WR) for diving; Seiko Prospex SPB143 (200m) suits everyday wear. Case size: Tissot Seastar 1000 at 45.5mm suits larger wrists; Seiko Prospex SPB143 at 40.5mm is the more compact option.

Prospex SPB143Community RatingSeastar 1000
50%50%
🗳️Community Vote
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Seiko Prospex SPB143 or Tissot Seastar 1000?

Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The Seiko Prospex SPB143 offers a more compact size and costs more new. The Tissot Seastar 1000 excels in water resistance. The best choice depends on your wrist size, budget, and preferred aesthetic.

What's the price difference?

The Seiko Prospex SPB143 retails for $700–$900, while the Tissot Seastar 1000 is priced at $650–$800. Pre-owned, expect $550–$750 and $450–$650 respectively. Actual secondary market prices vary based on condition and demand.

How do the case sizes compare?

The Seiko Prospex SPB143 has a 40.5mm case diameter with 13.2mm thickness, while the Tissot Seastar 1000 measures 45.5mm × 13.7mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 48mm and 52mm respectively. Consider your wrist size and wear style when deciding.

Which has better water resistance?

The Seiko Prospex SPB143 is water-resistant to 200m, while the Tissot Seastar 1000 offers 300m. Both are suitable for swimming and snorkeling at their respective depths. For professional diving, verify the rating exceeds 300m and includes a screw-down crown.

How do the movements compare?

The Seiko Prospex SPB143 uses a automatic 6R35 with 70 hours power reserve. The Tissot Seastar 1000 features a automatic Powermatic 80 with 80 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.

Which holds value better?

Seiko and Tissot both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $550–$750 for the Prospex SPB143 and $450–$650 for the Seastar 1000. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.

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