Seiko Prospex Diver SLA017

Seiko's and Japan's first ever diver's watch was made in 1965 at a time when watches with high levels of water resistance were not widely available. It incorporated an automatic mechanical caliber and delivered 150m water resistance. The watch was designed for maximum reliability and legibility in the harshest conditions and was used by the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from 1966 to 1969. At that time, when navigational aids were rudimentary, an accurate watch that could be used in astronomical observations in polar regions was vital and the Seiko diver's watch proved itself to be up to the challenge by performing well on every expedition. The watch's significance, however, went far beyond satisfying the needs of Antarctic explorers. As leisure diving grew in popularity, the watch found favor with an ever wider public and set Seiko on a path of continuous development in durable, accurate and safe diver's watches that has continued to this day.

The Prospex re-creation of this 1965 classic is faithful to the original design, but thoroughly up-to-date in its technology. It incorporates Caliber 8L35 which was specially designed for diver's use and is made by Seiko's skilled craftsmen and women in the Shizuku-ishi Watch Studio in Morioka in the north of Japan. The overall re-design was entrusted to Nobuhiro Kosugi, a recipient of the prestigious Medal with Yellow Ribbon and Contemporary Master Craftsman awards. Kosugi has kept faith with the original, as is attested by the 3D embossed hour markers which stand up in sharp relief and yet are an integral part of the dial itself, the luminous dot at twelve o'clock, the slim profile of the case and the narrow bezel. The case is virtually identical to the original, but its diameter has been increased by 1.9mm.

While faithful to the 1965 design, this new Prospex diver's watch has greatly enhanced functionality. It has a box-shaped sapphire crystal and 200m water resistance for greater reliability and a silicone strap for enhanced wearability both outside a wetsuit and on the wrist. Durability is also enhanced by the super-hard coating which protects the watch from scratches. This hand assembled and adjusted masterpiece is available in a limited edition of 2,000 from July 2017.

Information:

Pre-Owned: Seiko Prospex Diver SLA017

Reference: SLA017

Limited Edition: 2000 Pieces

Dated: 2017

Strap: Uncle Seiko rubber strap

Case Size: 39.9mm x 14.1mm

Lug Width: 19mm

Case Metal: Stainless Steel

Movement: 6L37 - Automatic - 50 hour power reserve

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date

Box and Papers: Inner box, and warranty card

Crystal: Box Shaped Sapphire  

Bracelet size: 7.75”

Condition:

Case has wear, with one lug side missing the coating 2PM (attempted polish by the previous owner). Strap is made by Uncle Seiko and is in good shape with some creasing. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear.

History of Seiko Watches

Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.

The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition. 

The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.