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The Watches I Wore Most in 2020: Seiko SPB083J1, Sinn 104 and Lorier Neptune

Thor Svaboe’s most-worn watch of 2020 was the blue Seiko Prospex SPB083J1, ahead of the Sinn 104 and Lorier Neptune II. Here’s what he liked about each.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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In his January 2021 retrospective, Time+Tide writer Thor Svaboe ranked the Seiko Prospex SPB083J1 first among the watches he wore in 2020, followed by the Sinn 104 and Lorier Neptune II. It is one watch writer’s account of a year spent largely at home—not a survey or a head-to-head test—but it offers a useful look at three different everyday-watch personalities.

1. Seiko Prospex SPB083J1: the watch Svaboe wore most

Svaboe’s top choice was the deep-blue-dial SPB083J1, which he identified as the Japanese domestic market “Great Blue Hole” edition and a variant of the Baby Marinemaster. In his words, “The one I wore the most is the deep blue dialled SPB083J1 JDM model – Great Blue Hole edition, aka a variant of the Baby Marinemaster.”

He found the 44 mm diver comfortable on his wrist and especially liked its dial and lume. He also said the DiaShield-coated case and bracelet showed little visible wear during his use. Those are personal observations, not a fit guarantee or a durability test.

Seiko’s official UK page identifies the model as SPB083 and lists these specifications:

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#1 Best Overall
Seiko Prospex SPB519J1, GMT Automatic Watch, White Dial, Blue Bezel, 60th Anniversary Edition
  • ELEGANT DESIGN: Round stainless steel case with blue rotating bezel, white dial and steel bracelet for a professional and refined look
  • GMT function: Automatic movement with GMT function for monitoring two time zones, ideal for international travelers
  • TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: Diver watch with water resistance up to 300 m, sapphire crystal and date indicator
  • SPECIAL EDITION: Prospex Collection 60th Anniversary commemorative model, representing Seiko excellence in the sports watch industry
  • BRACELET: Solid stainless steel bracelet with safety clasp, perfect for everyday wear and sports activities
  • 44.0 mm diameter and 12.7 mm thickness
  • Calibre 6R15, automatic winding with manual winding capability
  • Approximately 50 hours of power reserve
  • Manufacturer-stated precision of +25 to -15 seconds per day
  • Sapphire crystal, unidirectional bezel and screw-down crown
  • 200 m diver’s water resistance

The official page uses the SPB083 model name, while Svaboe uses the fuller SPB083J1 reference. The accuracy figure is Seiko’s stated specification; it is separate from Svaboe’s anecdotal report that his own watch often ran near COSC-level daily rates. The figures should not be treated as results from a controlled test. Seiko’s official SPB083 product page.

2. Sinn 104: a versatile monochrome everyday watch

Svaboe’s second choice was the Sinn 104. He describes it as a monochrome, 41 mm pilot-style watch and appreciates its legibility, ability to work with different straps, and the tactile feel of its bezel and day/date change. These are his impressions of wearing it, rather than standardized comparisons with the other watches.

Rank #2
SEIKO Prospex Automatic Green Dial Men's Watch SPB121J1
  • Timeless Design: Crafted with a classic, round case and a green dial featuring a crosshair pattern, this Seiko Prospex Alpinist watch exudes timeless appeal
  • Durable Construction: Built to last with a robust stainless steel case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, ensuring long-lasting wear
  • Automatic Movement: Powered by Seiko's renowned automatic Caliber 6R35 movement, offering a 70-hour power reserve
  • Compass Functionality: Equipped with a rotating compass inner ring, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures
  • Water Resistance: Designed for water sports and swimming with a 200-meter water resistance rating, providing peace of mind during aquatic activities

Sinn’s Series 104 technical document lists a 41 mm case diameter, 20 mm lug width, self-winding movement, day and date displays, sapphire crystal and screwable crown. It also specifies a captive pilot’s bezel with minute ratcheting and a luminous key mark, and water resistance up to 20 bar. Details can vary with the exact 104 reference or configuration, so check the specification for the particular version if a feature matters to you. Sinn Series 104 technical document.

3. Lorier Neptune II: Svaboe’s budget everyday diver

Svaboe called the Lorier Neptune II a “near perfect budget everyday diver.” He liked its dark-blue dial, vintage-inspired styling and bracelet, and also wore it on a Tropic-style strap. He recalled receiving the watch in 2018 and described it as using a Seiko NH35 movement with a 200 m depth rating.

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Rank #3
Sale
Seiko SSA464 Watch for Men - Presage Collection - Stainless Steel Case, Leather Strap, Elegant Design, Precision Timekeeping, Gold
  • OPEN-APERTURE DIAL: this men's automatic watch features a black dial with 24-hour subdial and LumiBrite hands, with a retro watch feel inspired by the 1964 Crown Chronograph
  • AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
  • STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable stainless steel watch case, black bezel, and stainless steel watch band
  • WATER-RESISTANT: these men's wrist watches are water-resistant down to 50 meters
  • 4R39 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R39 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time

Those Lorier details here come from Svaboe’s retrospective; they have not been independently confirmed against a manufacturer specification page. He also mentioned a price of US$499, but that is a historical figure, not a current price or an indication of present-day availability.

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What the three watches have in common—and what separates them

In Svaboe’s account, the watches served different tastes rather than competing under a shared test. The Seiko is the bold blue diver that took the top spot; the Sinn is the more restrained pilot-style option he valued for legibility and strap versatility; and the Lorier is a vintage-inspired diver he regarded as a strong budget everyday watch.

Rank #4
SEIKO SRPB41 Automatic Watch for Men - Presage Cocktail Time - Patterned Blue Dial with Date Calendar - Stainless Steel Bracelet, 50M Water Resistant
  • STUNNING BLUE DIAL: this automatic men's watch features a deep blue, pressed pattern and gloss finish surrounded by a stainless steel watch case
  • AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
  • STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable stainless steel watch case and bracelet with see through caseback
  • WATER-RESISTANT: these men's wrist watches are water-resistant down to 50 meters
  • 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time

If you are comparing them for your own use, the most practical distinctions are the case dimensions and how they fit your wrist, the display and design you prefer, movement and complications, water-resistance rating, and strap or bracelet options. The available figures are manufacturer specifications for the Seiko and Sinn series, while the Lorier details above are reported by the author. None of the three was tested under common conditions in this retrospective.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 3
Seiko SSA464 Watch for Men - Presage Collection - Stainless Steel Case, Leather Strap, Elegant Design, Precision Timekeeping, Gold
Seiko SSA464 Watch for Men - Presage Collection - Stainless Steel Case, Leather Strap, Elegant Design, Precision Timekeeping, Gold
WATER-RESISTANT: these men's wrist watches are water-resistant down to 50 meters; WATCH DIAMETER – 41.8mm.
$546.00
Bestseller No. 4
Bestseller No. 5
Best Value
SEIKO SRPB46 Automatic Watch for Men - Presage Collection - Burgundy Patterned Dial with Gloss Finish, Date Calendar - 50M Water Resistant
  • BURGUNDY DIAL: this men's automatic watch features a burgundy deep, pressed pattern with a gloss finish and rose gold stainless steel watch case
  • AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
  • STAINLESS STEEL & LEATHER: features a durable rose gold-finish stainless steel watch case paired with a brown leather watch band
  • WATER-RESISTANT: these men's wrist watches are water-resistant down to 50 meters
  • 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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