The identify Prospex carries a major quantity of gravitas within the watch neighborhood. It actually means Professional Specs or Skilled Specs. Seiko used this moniker to delineate watches in its catalog that had been meant to do a job or meant to carry out within the harshest situations. 5-and-a-half a long time in the past, Seiko launched Japan’s first dive watch, the 6217-8001 (62MAS). It proved itself by accompanying the Japanese Antarctic Analysis Expedition whereas they had been drilling ice cores from the Antarctic. The 62MAS paved the best way for extra diving watches to return from Seiko. For the 55th anniversary of this accomplishment, Seiko has determined to launch three new and up to date variations of its pivotal dive watches.
Every of those three fashions will probably be launched in restricted editions of 1100 items. All three are modernizations of pivotal Prospex dive watches from the 1960s and 1970s, beginning with the 39.9mm SLA037, which commemorates the 62MAS, and adopted by the 44.8mm SLA039 based mostly on the 1968 Hello-Beat Diver. Lastly, we’ve got the 52.4mm SLA041 based mostly on the 1975 Skilled Diver or extra affectionately often known as the Tuna Can. All three have been up to date with actions from the 8L household. The SLA037/39 with the 8L55 Excessive Beat motion and the SLA041 with the 8L35 automated motion.
One other factor Seiko has unveiled on this assortment is the brand new Ever-Good Metal. That is a wholly new grade of chrome steel that provides to the distinctive look of those three watches with its white hue. Along with aesthetics, Ever-Brillant Metal is much extra corrosion-resistant than earlier grades of chrome steel. It’s price declaring that the SLA041 will solely have an Ever-Good Metal bezel. Its case will stay devoted to the unique and be fabricated from titanium.
Along with these three SLA collection reissues, Seiko additionally unveiled the SPB149. This watch is yet one more tackle the traditional 62MAS, that includes a (regular) chrome steel case that has been slimmed all the way down to characteristic a decrease heart of gravity. This watch will characteristic the 6R35 caliber automated motion and include each metal and rubber strap choices. The SPB149 will probably be out there in a restricted version of 5500 items.
Evaluation
There’s a lot to unpack with these three releases; 55 years of creating designs which have in the end change into synonymous with the time period “dive watch” is a exceptional accomplishment. All three of the watches Seiko has chosen to commemorate are noteworthy and deserve the eye. For my wrist, I like that they’ve up to date the actions. These new 8L collection actions are top-shelf and can make for glorious timepieces. Along with that, I’d be very curious to see Ever-Good Metal in individual.
The SPB149 poses an attention-grabbing addition to this lineup. It’s nonetheless based mostly on the 62MAS however is reimagined. I just like the bracelet, and I like the handset. With the cheaper price level and wider version, these must be a little bit extra prevalent as soon as they hit the market.
Moreover, it’s price declaring that not less than the 62MAS has acquired a reissue as soon as earlier than from Seiko. The SLA017 again in 2017 was Seiko’s first re-creation of this specific timepiece, which we lined right here. Equally, Seiko adopted the identical system utilizing a contemporary improve motion (the 8L35 on this case) and a sapphire crystal. These two modifications successfully carry this watch into the fashionable age.
Conclusion
Seiko did properly on these three items. These releases are all designed after watches a lot beloved by the watch neighborhood, and I imagine that can serve them properly. These watches will probably be launched on a staggered schedule beginning in June of 2020. The SLA037 will probably be launched first. It will likely be adopted by the opposite two in July and August. All three watches will are available in a commemorative field with blue rubber straps that match their dials. The SLA037 will probably be out there for €6,500,the SLA039 for €7,000, and the SLA041 for €four,500. The SPB149 will probably be out there in a restricted version of 5500 items for €1,350 beginning in June. For added data on these watches, head on over to seikousa.com.
