You’ll be able to’t go very far nowadays with out seeing a Seiko dive watch. That goes for whether or not you’re a watch lover, or not. One of the standard mainstream watches you’ll seen on individuals’s wrists is prone to be some type of Seiko dive watch, and if you’re a timepiece fanatic, Seiko makes a dizzying array of recent diver’s watches annually. Right now, I’m speaking a few specific colorway of a Seiko Prospex diver’s watch that has been lined on aBlogtoWatch just a few instances — comparable to our hands-on article in regards to the Seiko Prospex SPB077 and SPB079 right here, or the restricted version Prospex SPB107 “Topper Version” version. On this article, I’ll deal with the Seiko Prospex SPB097, however I’m additionally together with some photographs of the Seiko Prospex SPB105, which has a distinct dial colour and bezel materials — simply because.
This era of Seiko Prospex SPB watches debuted about two years in the past and is a part of Seiko’s bigger push upmarket. The model’s extra long-term technique is to offset decreased manufacturing numbers (manufacturers like Seiko have needed to take care of the pure truth that a world of smartwatches signifies that the marketplace for sub-$400 conventional watches is far smaller) by promoting extra of its “premium” merchandise, which include accordingly larger value factors. That isn’t to say that Seiko has deserted the lower cost factors (see Seiko 5 watches right here) however fairly that the favored Seiko Prospex assortment of sports activities and diver’s watches begins larger up the worth ladder. Seiko hasn’t simply provided the identical watches at larger value factors. That might usually be a tactic the Swiss manufacturers interact in. As a substitute, Seiko has broadly elevated the worth proposition of its core merchandise in a sequence of delicate methods. Extra so, I believe Seiko is executing a “see what sticks” method by attempting numerous issues in terms of new watches and seeing which of these does greatest out there.
One of many causes for the above dialogue is that I’m delicate to these individuals who definitely desire a Seiko dive watch however can’t appear to determine which one to get subsequent. This can be a widespread (first-world) downside, however it’s no much less irritating for timepiece lovers. At even related value factors, Seiko appears to supply an array of timepieces with totally different designs, totally different actions, and totally different supplies. Which is the higher watch? The reality is that the majority of them are good watches and the very best factor to do is go for these merchandise whose design and story converse the loudest to you. Should you attempt to examine specs, supplies, and motion efficiency between comparatively related Seiko fashions, you may go mad earlier than you decide on which is the very best to purchase.
So, who goes for the a Seiko Prospex SPB097? All of the watches on this Prospex dive watch household are primarily the model’s newest reinterpretation of a design from the Japanese watchmaker that got here out in 1968. From the 1960s to the 1970s, Seiko was prolific in releasing dive watch designs. That didn’t finish later, however given the timepiece market’s insistent deal with retro designs, Seiko has been newly prolific in re-making just about all of its retro types in a dizzying array of fashions that may vary in value by a number of thousand .
At simply over $1,000 retail, the Seiko Prospex SPB097 and its kin have an vital position to play for the model for the reason that $1,000 value level is a singular hurdle for watch lovers. As soon as shoppers get to this stage, they’re in actual “good watch” territory and start to have numerous worth and high quality expectations. The buyer who spends this quantity is often regularly shifting up the worth ladder however has a group that’s nonetheless fairly concentrated. That tends to imply any new watches they get ought to be versatile as a result of they’re going to get numerous wrist time. That’s a great way of trying on the Prospex SPBXXX assortment — it’s nothing if not versatile. This is likely one of the most conservative Prospex watches on the market proper now, along with its being very legible and utilitarian.
Seiko factors out that the SPB097 and SPB105 are “re-imagined” variations of dive watches Seiko began making in 1968. I imagine it was only a few years earlier than, in 1965, that Seiko first began making dive watches. The case fashion is type of tonneau that has grow to be extremely popular inside Seiko dive fashions, and right here it’s 44mm huge (although with the dial not being tremendous huge, this watch wears a bit smaller. The 200-meter water resistant metal case is likely one of the highlights of the watch since it’s so nicely completed and elegant-looking with its distinction sharpening. Seiko is likely one of the kings of fine case ending — particularly at these extra affordable value factors. Over the dial of the watch is an AR-coated sapphire crystal. The dial is most simply typified by its arrow-style hour hand.
Right here the dial is metallic “twilight blue,” which is paired with a black and orange rotating bezel and different orange accents. It really feels far more refined than a number of the wilder-looking bright-colored Seiko dive watches on the market. What makes issues a bit complicated for shoppers is that some Prospex SPBXXX fashions have ceramic bezel inserts (just like the SPB105) and a few (just like the SPB097) have aluminum bezel inserts. Neither appears to have an effect on the worth, however I would favor ceramic when given a alternative. That mentioned, Seiko doesn’t provide two-tone ceramic bezels (a minimum of not but, and never at this value level).
Seiko notably upgraded the bracelet for this $1,000-plus watch as in comparison with a few of its earlier hardware. The metal bracelet feels extra strong with milled hyperlinks and upgraded elements for the fold-over security deployant clasp. Whereas it’s certainly an improve, I believe Seiko ought to nonetheless attempt to section out as most of the stamped metallic elements as potential. These really feel very “final gen” to Seiko collectors, even when novices gained’t know the distinction. The bracelet is in any other case comfy and has a diver’s extension (which at all times amuses me as a result of it’s difficult to open and shut in the event you don’t know what you might be doing). Not as if most individuals will ever really function this function (statistically talking, that’s). For the worth level, Seiko mentions that it additionally features a diver’s-style silicone strap with the Prospex SPBXXX watches — which is good to know since, for precise sports activities actions, the consolation and practicality of these straps can’t be simply overwhelmed.
Contained in the watch is the Seiko in-house-made caliber 6R15 computerized motion. It operates at 3Hz (21,600 bph) with about 50 hours of energy reserve providing the time and date. This can be a comparatively customary Seiko workhorse motion, and that is in regards to the high greenback level I’d suggest for this motion. Why? Nicely the 6R15 is a strong performer, little doubt, however at this value level, individuals can purchase a plethora of Swiss-made dive watches with 4Hz actions. For Seiko to retain its legendary high-value proposition and competitiveness, they need to provide a minimum of what you may get in a Swiss-made timepiece (and sometimes far more).
On comparability, you continue to sometimes get extra in a Seiko sports activities look ahead to $1,000 than many “equal” Swiss-made watches, however at sure value factors, the hole is closing. That mentioned, Seiko Prospex value-propositions are a shifting goal, as annually Seiko endeavors to supply increasingly more options and enticing supplies at these value factors. You sometimes don’t see such development (a minimum of not as rapidly) within the timepieces provided by the European manufacturers.
A straightforward purpose to love the SPB097 is that you simply desire its conservative fashion with enjoyable colours as a every day put on. That goes for the SPB105 as nicely, however for a metallic inexperienced dial and black ceramic bezel. The fashion will look good for years, bolstered by the truth that Seiko is probably going nowhere close by celebrating this case and dial design — over and over. Worth for the Seiko Prospex SPB097 is $1,150 USD and retail value for the Prospex SPB105 is $1,zero50 USD. Be taught extra on the Seiko Luxe web site right here.
