Seiko Prospex SLA041 1975 Recreation Tuna 55th Anniversary
Marking the 55th anniversary of Seiko's first diver's watch, this extraordinary 1,000 meter water resistant timepiece recreates the first watch designed to withstand the dangerous world of the professional diving, Seiko's 1975 saturation diver, with its one-piece inner case, outer shroud and revolutionary L-shaped protective gasket. The product of seven years of work by the Seiko engineering team, which generated 20 new technology patents, this landmark watch was inspired by a letter from a professional diver unable to find any watch equal to the demands of his job. Available only in a limited edition of 1,100, with the serial number engraved on each caseback, and crafted, like the original, with a light and durable one-piece titanium inner case and ceramic outer case, this limited edition includes a one-way rotating elapsed timing bezel in Seiko's new Ever-Brilliant Steel, offering an exceptional level of corrosion resistance and a lighter, brighter finish. The rich blue-gray dial, designed to suggest the ocean depths at the point at which blue yields to darkness, includes a date calendar and LumiBrite hands and markers, and is made of pure iron for antimagnetic resistance of 40,000A/m. With a sapphire crystal, screwdown crown, and blue-gray silicone strap, this exceptional watch, following ISO standards for diving to depths of up to 1,000 meters, features a 26-jewel caliber 8L35 automatic movement, assembled expressly for diver's watches at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio, and offering a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, power reserve of approximately 50 hours, and manual or automatic winding. 1,000m Water Resistant.
Information:
Pre-Owned: Seiko Prospex SLA041 1975 Recreation Tuna 55th Anniversary
Reference: SLA041
MSRP: $4,100
Dated: 2021
Limited: 1100 Pieces
Bezel Aligns
Dial: Blue
Bracelet: Blue Silicon Strap
Case Size: 52.4mm x 17.2mm Thickness x 53.5mm Lug to Lug
Lug Width: 22mm
Case Metal: Titanium case with Ever-Brilliant Steel
Movement: Seiko 8L35 - Automatic - Running Spec
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Second, Date
Box and Papers: Box and Papers
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet size: 7.75”
Condition:
Case is in great condition with a few micro scratches. Strap is in great shape with a sticker still. Dial, hands, and crystal are in prefect shape. Running spec.
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.