Seiko Prospex Heritage Diver's Special Edition SLA075
1968 Heritage Diver’s Special Edition. Designed for those who treat life as the ultimate adventure, the Seiko Prospex line meets every challenge with technological excellence and style. Part of a rich legacy of innovation in high-intensity timekeeping, Prospex continues to celebrate a long history of sports watch excellence with re-creations and re-interpretations of landmark achievements. A streamlined and updated re-interpretation of Seiko’s landmark 1968 diver’s watch, this extraordinary timepiece, has been inspired by the dangerous, yet compelling, world of undersea cave diving, complete with special features designed to enhance safety for intrepid divers. The unique patterning and gradation of the dark gray dial evoke the magnificent underwater cave formations as illuminated by the diver’s light. While the hands, markers and 12 o’clock marker on the black uni-directional rotating elapsed timing bezel all offer LumiBrite coating, the glowing color is different on the minute hand and the bezel to ease critical elapsed time measurement during these hazardous dives. In addition, there is deeper knurling on both the bezel edge and the screwdown crown for ease of use. For improved legibility, the dual-curved sapphire crystal features anti-reflective coating on the inner surface. Following ISO standards for scuba diving to depths of up to 200 meters, this exceptional timepiece is powered by the 26-jewel 8L35 automatic mechanical movement, hand-assembled at the Shizukuishi watch studio to provide the enhanced torque necessary for a diver’s watch, along with manual winding capability, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. Crafted of stainless steel with super-hard coating, this rugged and superbly functional watch also includes a date calendar, secure screwdown caseback, and black silicone strap. Packaged in a collectors’ box. 200m Water Resistant
Information: 250395
Reference: SLA075
MSRP: $2800
Dated: Undated - (Topper Card 2024)
Bezel Aligns
Bracelet: Rubber Strap
Case Size: 42.6mm x 13.1mm Thickness x 49.3mm lug to lug
Lug Width: 20mm
Case Metal: Stainless Steel
Movement: 8L35 - Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Box and Papers: Box and Papers
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet size: 7.75”
Condition:
Case has little to no wear. Strap has little to no wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Watch runs within 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.
