Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm vs Seiko King Seiko SPB279

In-Depth Comparison

The Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm and the Seiko King Seiko SPB279 represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Hamilton and Seiko are both highly respected names in watchmaking. The Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm comes from Switzerland, while the Seiko King Seiko SPB279 originates from Japan. This particular Jazzmaster reference was introduced in 2017, while this King Seiko reference debuted in 2022. The Seiko King Seiko SPB279 is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm beats the H-10 caliber offering a 80-hour power reserve running at 21,600 vph with 25 jewels. The Seiko King Seiko SPB279 is powered by the Seiko 6L35 with a 45-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 24 jewels. The Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm wins on power reserve with a 35-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm features a 42.0mm case at 11.7mm thick with a 50.5mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Stainless Steel. The Seiko King Seiko SPB279 comes in at 37.0mm and 11.4mm thick with 44.0mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Stainless Steel. The Seiko King Seiko SPB279 wears more compactly on the wrist, making it potentially more suitable for smaller wrists or those who prefer understated proportions. At 78g, the Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm uses a Sapphire crystal paired with a Fixed, polished bezel, while the Seiko King Seiko SPB279 features Sapphire with anti-reflective coating crystal with a Fixed polished bezel. On the wrist, the Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm comes on a Brown calf leather strap with Pin buckle, while the Seiko King Seiko SPB279 is fitted with Stainless steel bracelet featuring Three-fold clasp.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm is rated to 50m / 164ft and the Seiko King Seiko SPB279 to 50m / 164ft. Both watches share the same water resistance rating, making them equally suited for aquatic activities.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm lists for $1,045 compared to $1,300 for the Seiko King Seiko SPB279. On the secondary market, the Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm trades around $795 while the Seiko King Seiko SPB279 commands approximately $1,100.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 42mm and the Seiko King Seiko SPB279 ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Seiko King Seiko SPB279 is more versatile. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.