Seiko, one of the most important Far Eastern names in Baselworld, is the guest of our pages with SNR031J1 model, which is included in the newly introduced Prospex Collection.
Seiko has an important history regarding diver watches. The giant Far Eastern manufacturer, which introduced many successful models almost since the emergence of this very concept, remains one of the unchanged addresses for the avid watch enthusiasts.
There are many reasons that Seiko owes its present situation in the world of watchmaking. The price/performance ratio, which is very hard to beat, comes at the beginning. When we take a look at the price segments of the famous brand, it is impossible not to realize the huge gap between the upper and lower levels. Seiko, which has made it a principle to offer the best alternatives for every budget, continues its successful rise.
The sporty Prospex Collection, which hosts the mid- to high-end models of the brand, expanded this year with a new series called Prospex LX. The model we selected from this new product group, which was announced at Baselworld 2019, was SNR031J1, offering a sporty and tactical image with its black theme.
The new model comes in a sporty, masculine case measuring 44.8mm x 15.7mm x 50.9mm size. The case, which gets its stealth look over the titanium material by a super-hard coating, is equipped with a black ceramic uni-directional bezel on the front face as well as an anti-glare coated (inner side) scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Solid case back is decorated with the embossed wave motif, a signature feature for the brand’s diving watches. Magnetically shielded, the case is also water resistant to 300 meters / 30 bars thanks to the large screw-in winding crown at 4 o’clock.
The dial of the model hosts large indexes and hands, as expected from the concept of diver’s watch. The contrasting white Super LumiNOVA phosphorus-filled components with black ground color provide optimum legibility in virtually any condition. The disc, which appears from the window for the date function at the 3 o’clock position, is also preferred with a black background, maintaining the overall visual integrity of the dial. A power reserve indicator, designed in the form of a quarter circle, is present between 7 and 8 o’clock. The Spring Drive text, which refers to the advanced technology movement beating at the heart of the model, is located at 6 o’clock.
Seiko Prospex LX SNR031J1 is powered by a Spring Drive type movement, which unites both the mechanical and electronic operating principles of modern watchmaking under the same roof. The movement Ref. 5R65 stands out with its 3 days (72 hours) of power reserve and impressive ±1 second per day accuracy.
The model we selected for the review comes with the accordion-type black rubber strap that is among the Seiko classics. A Seiko signed pin buckle that is designed in line with the case material secures the strap. The MSRP for the new model is 6100, 00 EUR.
