Seiko crowned the 55th anniversary of producing the first diver watch with a trio including three limited edition models that it added to the Prospex Collection.
Seiko, one of the first brands that come to mind when it comes to diver watches, continues to be among the leading names in this segment, especially with its models offering a high price/performance ratio. Introducing its first diver model exactly 55 years ago, the Far East origin watchmaker brand carries its half-century of heritage and experience to the present day with three new models.
Vintage Seiko Dive Watches
Seiko, which introduced the first Japanese automatic and 150M water resistant diver watch, strengthens its place among the indispensable names of the segment with the limited edition models added to the Prospex Collection.
1965 “62MAS” Diver SLA037
The first model introduced, which is limited to 1000 units, is the Ref. SLA037J1. The case is made of patented stainless steel alloy Ever-Brilliant material measuring 39.9mm x 47.9mm x 14.7mm. The bezel, which is designed, referring to the model introduced in 1965, features phosphor-added symbols. The case is equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the front side and is water-resistant to 200 meters.
The dial of the model is finished in blue-gray tones. The dial, equipped with a set of hands and indices designed in line with the original model, features a date display window at 3 o’clock. The words 'Hi-Beat', which emphasizes the high beating frequency of the movement that gives life to the model, and the 'Diashock', which point to the impact-resistant mechanism of the period, also took their places in the dial as details enriching the nostalgic theme.
Ref. SLA037J1 beats with the automatic Caliber 8L55. Remarkable with its high operating frequency of 36,000vph, the 37-jewels movement offers up to 55 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The new model comes with a 'tropical' style, navy blue rubber strap, which is also inspired by the original model, and a Seiko signed stainless steel buckle.
1968 Hi-Beat Diver SLA039
Another model in the new collection, Ref. SLA039 is the modern version of the 1968 Professional Diver's 300 Meter, which is among the milestones of the brand's diver watches.
1968 Professional Diver's 300 Meter has an important place for the brand as the model was ahead of its time with its high-frequency automatic movement, one-piece case architecture, unidirectional diver bezel, and screw-lock winding crown. In addition to its visual similarity to the original model, Ref. SLA039, which is limited to 1000 units, also includes many technological updates.
Designed with flat and sharp surfaces to remain true to the original model, the case is also made of the brand's patented stainless steel alloy Ever-Brilliant material. With its one-piece structure architecture, the case is not only suitable for 300 meters of water pressure but also for saturation dives. The dimensions of the case are 44.8mm x 51.4mm x 15.7mm. It has a dual-curved AR-coated sapphire crystal and a phosphor filled unidirectional bezel as well as a screw-lock winding crown.
The background color of the dial, which offers excellent readability in almost any environment with large phosphor filled arms and large indexes, is also finished in blue-gray tone. The date window is located at 3 o'clock.
Ref. SLA039 is powered by the automatic Caliber 8L55. Remarkable with its high operating frequency of 36,000vph, the 37-jewels movement offers up to 55 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
The new model comes with a 'waffle' style, inspired by the original model, dark blue rubber strap and a Seiko signed stainless steel buckle.
1975 “Tuna” 600m Diver SLA041
Those who are familiar with Seiko diver watches will pay utmost attention when they hear the word 'Tuna'. This interesting model, which has been nicknamed Tuna because of its characteristic case protection piece, has been included in the Seiko catalogs since 1975. The fact that a Japanese diver spoke to Seiko in his letter that he was working in environments where the water resistance to 300 meters was insufficient caused the birth of the Tuna legend. Of course, an important date such as the 55th anniversary of the first diver's watch could not be crowned without a Tuna variation.
The model, which is limited to only 1000 units, comes with a titanium case accompanied by the Ever-Brilliant stainless steel bezel. As with the original model introduced in 1975, the protection piece in this model is made of ultra-hard zirconium/ceramic alloy. The case, which we surely believe that would offer a bold wrist presence with the dimensions of 52.4mm x 53.5mm x 17.2mm, is water-resistant to 1000 meters. Featuring a screw-lock winding crown, the case is equipped with a sapphire crystal on the front side.
The dial, featuring Tuna model family-specific hands and indices, is finished in a blue-gray tone. In the dial, which emphasizes the professional feature of the model with the inscriptions written in red and white tones, the date window is placed at 3 o'clock.
Ref. SLA041 is powered by the automatic Caliber 8L35. The 26-jewel movement operates at a frequency of 28,800vph and offers 50 hours of power reserve when fully wound.
An ‘accordion’ style rubber strap and a Seiko signature stainless steel buckle accompany the model.
The new models will arrive at sales points in April. The brand will offer a special commemorative box with all three re-creations and additional black straps, 100 sets only, on May 20.
