Seiko Prospex Diver SLA047 140th Anniversary

Marking 2021 as the 140th anniversary of Seiko calls for special commemoration and the “Island Series” is a worthy means of doing so thanks to design elements both new and familiar.

Turning to the remote Iriomote Island off the Japanese coast in Okinawa Prefecture for inspiration, Seiko found it in the flourishing jungles, idyllic coral reefs, and unspoilt beauty across the tropical paradise. Soft morning light spreading across the jungle canopy provided the imagination for the series’ captivating green dials.

For its part, the SLA047 is a worthy addition to Seiko’s historic “Marinemaster” lineup. Rated to depths up to 300m, the Prospex SLA047 maintains Seiko’s reputation for making expert dive watches and uses the new 8-series movement housed inside the brand new “Sharp Edge” case style.

Reference: SLA047 (JDM Version Model: SBDX043

Limited: 3000 Made

Dated: 2022

Strap: Steel Seiko Bracelet and Green Silicone Strap

Case: 44.3mm - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: 8L35 - Automatic

Functions: HMS, Date

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes and warranty papers

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 7.75”

Case has minimal light wear. Bracelet has light micro wear, strap has no wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear.

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.