Well, old things are in fashion. So are vintage watches too! Seiko, of course, is one of the brands that did not miss that great opportunity.
Nowadays, the demand for the vintage inspired watches is more than ever. The watches that were thrown aside not many years ago became desired collectibles now. Watch manufacturers also feed this trend, which I could never understand how and why it got so popular, by re-issue timepieces introduced one after the other.
Seiko SLA033J1 is one of the most recent examples of this. The similarity of the model that screams retro-inspired with the 6105 model is obvious. However, calling this watch as an exact replica of the old version will not be the accurate due to the refinements and upgrades thrown in.
Seiko SLA033J1 feels so special and solid making it incomparable with the brand’s quality standards applied for its entry-level models. The hardened stainless steel case and the diving bezel that turns in solid clicks play a big role in this high quality feel. The case measures 45mm x 49.7mm x 13mm and offers a bold wrist presence, as well as a comfortable wearing experience. The scratch resistant sapphire crystal on the front face is anti-glare coated from the inside only providing a balance between legibility and durability. As you know, there are brands that offer double side anti-glare coated sapphire crystals to offer utmost legibility. However, the upper coatings are prone to scratches in time causing an unpleasant, aged look. The case is equipped with a solid case back and a screw-in winding crown making the watch water resistant to 300 meters. The hour markers and hands are filled with Super LumiNOVA phosphor material that make them glow like a torch in darker environments as expected from a dive watch.
The movement that powers the model cannot be seen due to the solid case back preference. Considering Seiko’s movement decorating standards, which are mostly below average, I would like to point out that this is a very sound decision. Self-winding manufacture Caliber 8L35 shows up as a decent and reliable movement. Although the +15 to -10 seconds daily accuracy is far from the chronometric standards, you can rest assured that your watch will serve you without problems for a long time excluding the extreme situations. 26 jewels movement offers a 50-hour power reserve when fully wound.
I believe calling the Seiko Prospex SLA033J1, a “nostalgic watch” would not be wrong at all. If you wish to have this model, I recommend you to hurry up. Let me remind to those who find the USD 4250, 00 MSRP high, this timepiece is limited to a span of 2500 units only.
