Seiko Prospex SRP773 Turtle Diver - A beautiful case; Similar to the SRP775, SRP777 and SRP779, A Review

I have been following the progress of Seiko dive watches for some time now. I have in my collection quite a number of Seiko divers (you can view them here: http://easternwatch.blogspot.co.id/p/blog-page_4.html). However, it is one model of Seiko diver that I have not been able to get, the 6105, or more affectionately known as the "Turtle Diver".

Granted, it is still possible to get one in the secondary market but I try to keep my collection from pre-owned pieces. However, I am still open to homage pieces. For the 6309/6105, I got a homage by Athaya Vintage, the AV002 Lamafa.

For the last two years, Seiko have started to reissue (more like reinterpret) some of its classic models for the modern collector. This is very exciting for collectors such as myself as it gives me an opportunity to get watches that are no longer in production (Here are some of them which I was able to collect - SBEX001G, SNKN45K1 and SNKM79K1).

In November 2015, Seiko announced a modern reinterpretation of the classic turtle divers of the 1960s and 1970s. The reissue is more akin to the original 6309 than the 6105. More about it later.

Seiko Presage Enamel Automatic SPB049J1 Watch (Part of the SRQ023J1, SPB045J1 & SPB047J1 Series) – A Fine Dress Watch With Great Value, A Review (plus Video)

Seiko marked the 60th anniversary of its first automatic watch with a pair of limited edition chronographs in 2016. One has an enamel dial while the other has an Urushi lacquer dial. The clincher was not the styling (which was appealing to a lot of people) but more on the pricing. Compared to Swiss made watches with enamel dial or lacquer dial, the price was unbelievably low and the series sold out swiftly.

Seiko has decided to bring back the enamel dial concept in a new series for 2017. This time around, it is not a limited edition series. This gives hope to many fans of their change to get their hands on at least one. Under the Presage line, this new series have four types of watches that make up part of the regular collection. The styling takes its cue from two historical Seiko timepieces; (below, left) the Laurel wristwatch of 1913 which was Seiko’s and Japan’s first ever wrist watch with an enamel dial and (below, right) the Time Keeper pocket watch of 1895 which utilizes a distinctive font for the Roman numeral hour markers.

Seiko Prospex Green Sumo SPB103J1 (similar to SPB101J1) - Continuing the Tradition with Further Improvement Possible, A Review (plus Video)

The third generation of the Seiko Sumo divers were recently released during Baselworld2019. The latest iteration has the two biggest changes in the design specification. First was the introduction of the new 6R35 movement to replace the workhorse 6R15 used in the previous two iterations. Second was the use of sapphire crystal instead of Hardlex crystal also used in the previous two iterations.

Unfortunately, this fact was not lost to fans and the demand for the watch went ballistic. Shops practically sold out even before they got the chance to display on their shelves (the pre-order market was just incredible). I tried to get one but I was not high enough on the order list to get one from even the first, second or third batches to be delivered. Not many watches have such a high level of demand upon launching. This could be an indication how this piece be acknowledged 30 years from now.

Sometimes it is good to have relationship with a few authorised dealers instead of just one or two. In this case, the many relationship I made over the years with a few vendors proved invaluable. One of them came through and got an allocation which was quickly set aside for me. Debra of Style Watch, Mid Valley Megamall, a big thank you!!!

Seiko Prospex Jade Monster Third Generation 200M Automatic SZSC005 (similar to SBDC023, SBDC025, SBDC067, SBDC073, SBDC075 & SZSC003) - The Ultimate Testimony of an Icon, A Review (plus Video)

The third generation Seiko Monster (GEN3 Monster) sparked my revival of interest on the Monster line. The SZSC005 is my choice over the others in the series. Reviews on my GEN1 (Click here for the review) and GEN2 (Click here for the review) Monsters are already on the blog.

Seiko seems to have a very interesting marketing strategy for the Monster series. For the GEN1, Seiko launched 11 models, seven of which were available internationally while the other four were JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) only. For the GEN2, Seiko launched 12 models, six of which are standard production while the other six were limited editions. Honestly, after getting my GEN1 years ago, the number of available models was overwhelming and it actually put me off from getting another Monster. However, I must say Seiko read the market sentiments well and the Monster series became a collectors item despite the various examples available. In fact, the Monster has become a watch icon in a similar vein like a Rolex Submariner is to a serious (and rather well-to-do) watch collector. This accolade is seldom given to any watch as it is not dictated by a standardised award or regulatory body (such a GPHG or Fondation du Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève) but purely by the legions of fans.

Seiko Spirit Automatic SARB035 JDM – The White Knights of Seiko, A Review (plus Video)

My interest in dress or formal watches continues unabated. Today I was able to get another of the famous White Knights of Seiko, the Seiko Spirit SARB035. This design is not new. It was first made available back in 2009 under Seiko’s Spirit line. This is a line of formal dress watches less complex than the Premier line. As opposed to other models in the Spirit line, the SARB035 is completely mechanical. This is also a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) model i.e. made in Japan and sold only for the Japanese market.

Seiko is one watch brand that is synonymous with value-for-money timepieces at every price range. I have to declare up-front that I am one of the many Seikonistas that follow the brand closely and with a passion. Having said that, I do try to be objective but I guess, the readers will be the judge of that.

The SARB035 is an in-house made timepiece that is priced at YEN45,000 (MSRP in Japan). Made out of polished and brushed stainless steel, the watch casing has a diameter of 38.0 mm. It has a thickness of 11.2 mm and its lug-to-lug width is 45.0 mm. Lug width is 20.0 mm. The watch casing is paired with a stainless steel bracelet that starts at 20.0 mm at the lugs and tapers to 18.0 mm at the clasp. The clasp is signed and secured with a button lock.

Seiko Prospex JDM Baby Marinemaster 200 Meter Diver SBDC061 (similar to SBDC063 or SPB077/SPB079) - Similar to a Seiko Sumo, A Review (plus Video)

My trip to Japan in June 2018 has been very memorable. I visited for the first time, Fukuoka, capital of Fukuoka Prefecture that sits on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island. To commemorate the occasion, I decided to get myself a Japanese watch. Inside the Yodobashi Camera superstore in Hakata, Fukuoka City, I found a Seiko that was launched in Baselworld 2018.

The watch is the Seiko Prospex JDM Diver SBDC061. This watch has the International reference SPB077 when sold outside Japan. Similar to SBDC063 (or SPB079), the watch has been dubbed 'Baby Marinemaster' by Seikonistas. I got the watch on 19 June 2018 for just YEN82,633 after taking into consideration store discounts.

The SBDC061 is the more affordable modern reinterpretation of the famous Seiko 6159-7001 diver. The reference 6159-7001  diver was the first Seiko Professional diver (where the PROSPEX line was born) first released 50 years ago in 1968. The 6159-7001 was the first Seiko diver to bear the marking “Professional” on the dial. Seiko did also issue a much closer reinterpretation of the Seiko 6159-7001, the SBEX007 (internationally known as the SLA025) but that particular model is a limited edition and the specifications (as well as the price!) is very high-end.

SEIKO Presage SARX019 Enamel Dress Watch - Simple and Elegant, A Review (plus Video)

After searching for an enamel-dial SEIKO in Tokyo, I finally found one in Narita Airport Terminal One South Wing. The MSRP was YEN80,000 but I got it for YEN72,000 (not a good discount but can't complain much).

The SARX019 is a dress watch with three hands and a date window. It is made out of 316L stainless steel and paired with a crocodile leather strap with folding clasps. The watch is part of Seiko's Presage line and is a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) piece. This wristwatch is one of the most difficult pieces to find as it is always sold out. The sole reason behind its popularity is its beautiful enamel white dial at a very unbelievable price point.

The enamel dial is the singular point of interest for the watch. Made by baking, the cast iron based enamel dial is smooth without any hint of imperfection. Easier said than done, such perfection requires a very tedious baking process. Generally, having this material would jack up the price considerably. However, Seiko is still able to price this watch one tenth of a Swiss made equivalent.

SEIKO Prospex 200M Diver Automatic SBDC053 (SPB053) – A Dress Diving Watch, A Review (plus Video)

During Baselworld 2017, Seiko launched a few modern interpretation of its famous iconic dive watch, the 62MAS. The closest to the original, the SLA017 (SBDX019) uses Seiko’s top of the range movement and materials. Seikoholics and fans gave it a five star rating and practically all examples (only 2000 pieces were made available) have been taken up. Fortunately, I was one of the lucky one and the review on that piece can be found here (Review of my SLA017/SBDX019).

The only downside of the SLA017 (SBDX019) was the limited number available as well as the high price set for it. Nevertheless, as to not disappoint the legions of Seiko fans, the Company came out with two examples with more modern re-edition or interpretation of the 62MAS and sold at a more reasonable price range.

The all bracelet model with matte black dial is the SBDC051 (SPB051) and the silicon strap sunburst blue dial SBDC053 (SPB053) . The listed price in Japan is YEN378,000, YEN108,000 and YEN86,400, respectively (as at 1 November 2017). When compared to the price of the SLA017 (SBDX019), the other two models are much cheaper. Like the SLA017 (SBDX019), these two models are also flying off the shelves due to surge in demand. 

Seiko Presage Automatic "Baby GS Snowflake 2" Limited Edition International Ref. SJE073 or JDM Ref. SARA015, The Best Reinterpretation of an Icon - A Review (plus Video)

When the Seiko Presage Automatic "Baby GS Snowflake 2" Limited Edition Ref. SJE073 (International reference)/SARA015 (JDM reference) was showcased at Baselworld 2018, I was hooked. It immediately became another 'grail' watch for me. Why a 'grail' watch you might ask? The likelihood of me snaring one of the only 1,881 examples made is slim considering how beautiful it is.

In many reviews, the SJE073/SARA015 has been given the nickname "Baby GS Snowflake". This nickname was already given to the SARX055 last year. It is not fair to strip it from the incumbent just because this looks closer to the GS Snowflake. I prefer to give the nickname "Baby GS Snowflake 2" to the SJE073/SARA015. I will provide a justification on this later.

This new Presage introduced an all new Seiko caliber, the 6L35. The new caliber is thinner and more accurate compared to the commonly used base caliber for Presage, the 6R15. The dimensions of the watch also took advantage of the thinner movement to make for a much thinner watch casing.

The photos of the watch taken at Baselworld 2018 and via the press kit provided by Seiko wetted my appetite even more. When Gnomon Watches sent me a product update newsletter with the SJE073/SARA015 available at the store, I jumped at the opportunity to get one.

The MSRP in Japan is listed at YEN240,000 (before taxes). Gnomon Watches listed it at USD2,100 which is equivalent to RM8,994.75 at the point of purchase. The purchasing experience is smooth as silk and the watch was on my desk in 48 hours.

SEIKO Automatic PRESAGE SARX055 Titanium - All the bits and pieces to make it feel special yet at a price point that does not break the bank, A Review (plus Video)

The Seiko Presage SARX055 Titanium is the latest model by Seiko to come out from the Presage line. A dress watch design, the SARX055 has some of the qualities that mirror the more refined Grand Seiko line of watches. I was very intrigued by the white paper-like dial surface which has some semblance to the famous Grand Seiko 'Snowflake'.

I desired to get the watch through SeiyaJapan.com when I saw it being listed (I was lucky as a few days after the listing, the website announced that the stocks had sold out). The listed price was YEN140,400 (including tax) or USD1,248.16 (based on the the exchange rate on 21 November 2017) but the merchant sold it at USD1,058 or MYR4,623.97. Adding the import tax of a further MYR296.50, total cost came out to MYR4,920.47.

The watch is made out of titanium with the super-hard proprietary surface coating by Seiko called DiaShield. It has been said that it has the hardness of 2 to 3 times stronger than stainless steel. This provides the necessary hardness to the titanium surface to protect it from scratches from normal wear. Meanwhile, the dial is protected by sapphire crystal with super-clear coating surface for anti-reflective and anti-smudging qualities. The display case-back is also protected with the same crystal material.

Head-To-Head: Seiko 62MAS remake SBDC053 versus Seiko 6159-7001 remake SBDC061

During Baselword 2017 and Baselword 2018, Seiko decided to present a series of re-interpretation of their famous dive watch icons, the 62MAS and 6159-7001, respectively. Using the latest manufacturing technologies, materials and movements, Seiko was able to offer new iconic styled watches to fans. This strategy has been well received by Seikonistas all over the globe (<L> is the SBDC053; <R> is the SBDC061 - please click the photos below for the links to the written reviews).

Head-To-Head: The Seiko Alpinists in the Collection - History & Capabilities

Today, we are conducting a head-to-head comparison of five distinct models within the Seiko Alpinist lineage, a "living icon" that traces its history back to 1959 with the Laurel Alpinist. Designed specifically for the Japanese mountain climbers known as "Yamaotoko," this series was Seiko's first attempt at a specialist sports watch.

The Face of the Series: SARB017

 

Seiko Prospex SBDC003 Scuba 200m Blue Sumo - Although The Watch Is Not Perfect, It Can Stand On Its Own, A Review

This model was first launched in 2007. Back then, the design philosophy was very tool-like. This new design is a new development of the Seiko diving watch line where styling also becomes a design criteria. A new caliber has also been earmarked for use with this new model.

Codename "Sumo", it is one of the desirable watches that came out of the Seiko stable. When I got the opportunity to get it via my trusted Japanese supplier Katsu-san, I immediately ordered one and it promptly landed on my table.

The blue dial is what attracts me. Its ocean blue color is very consistent with the purpose of the watch and offers great readability. I loved the classic simplicity of the dial design. The markers are slightly raised with gives a 3 dimensional feel to it.

One of the striking visual cues on the watch is the relatively large width of the bezel. The additional space available on the bezel allows larger than normal Arabic numerals to be etched on it. The bezel is uni-directional with a lumed pip at the 0/60 minute position. It has a 120-click movement to complete one rotation.

Seiko SARB017 Alpinist – A Very Refined Gentleman’s Sports Watch Classic (Updated with more photos)

Had the opportunity to visit Tokyo Japan for the first time earlier this year. Before making the trip, I was already planning to get at least one Japanese watch, a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) model, to commemorate my first trip to the “Land of the Rising Sun”.

I originally targeted a Grand Seiko but my eyes kept wondering towards the Alpinist. The green dial was too mesmerizing. Truth be told, this watch has always been in my radar screen for a long time. Fate would have it; I was able to get a very good discount, a 35% off the standard retail price from an Authorised Dealer in downtown Tokyo.

But before I start describing about the watch, a short history about this design is in order.

Seiko Japan released the first of five generations of Alpinist in 1961. The hand-winding Laurel Alpinist came on a leather strap, and was followed in 1963 by the Dauphine-hand Champion 850 Alpinist. Seiko then retired the model for 30 years, but it was revived in 1995 with the popular automatic/hand-winding 4S15 caliber version.

Seiko Prospex Titanium 200M Air Diver SBDC029 “Shogun” – A Balanced Design, A Review (plus video)

As you all know I am an active collector of the Prospex series of watch by Seiko. Tool watches built not for style but for professional tradesman to be used and abused. The genre within this series that I am follow closely is the mechanical diving watches (I do have some Spring Drive powered watches but I tend to lump these as being mechanical as well. I guess sooner or later I will have to look at solar powered as Seiko seems to be making a push towards building this technology into more of their newer offerings).

Strictly looking at Prospex watches in my collection with movements of 6R and above, I have the 300m Marinemaster SBDX001, the Spring Drive GMT SBDB011, the Transocean Chronograph SBEC001, the Transocean SBDC039, the 1000m Titanium Hi-Beat SBEX001, the 1000m Emperor Tuna SBDX011 and the Scuba Sumo SBDC003. The Shogun is a gap that has been missing in the collection for some time now.

SEIKO Prospex Transocean SBDC039 Dive Watch - A Chic Executive Watch With Elegance Yet Capable Of Extreme Adventure, A Review (and Video)

I did not come back empty handed when I went for a short business trip to Tokyo, Japan. I went with a purpose to get my hands on any SEIKO Presage watch with a white enamel dial. Within the small window of personal time, I was able to go to my favourite watch shop, BIC Camera in the Shibuya shopping district. Unfortunately, none of the models that I want was available.

Instead I focused on the Prospex series. One line of dive watch I am interested in was the Transocean series. This is a new class created earlier this year to fulfill a certain gap not filled by any existing model under the Perspex line. This gap is especially glaring under the diver class genre.

I bet you are wondering what gap I am alluding to. Well, it's the gap between the professional diver and the professional executive. One of the common feedback which SEIKO gets from its legion of enthusiasts (I too took the opportunity to give a similar feedback) is offering a dive watch that would look equally at ease in a boardroom as it is on a diving platform on the stern of an ocean going boat.

The Prospex class has always been a tool watch but in recent years the demand has been growing from the non-diving community. Quality and brand awareness has made the SEIKO Prospex series a collectable timepiece. The reputation has grown beyond the traditional Japanese and Asian markets as the collection becomes more assessable all over the world. This achievement can also be accorded to the growth of Seiko's distribution channels. The explosion in numbers of Prospex enthusiasts (especially after 2014 when SEIKO decided to globalise the Prospex segment which was until that moment was a JDM exclusive offering from SEIKO) has introduced a number of challenges to the brand.

Head-To-Head: Seiko Alpinist SPB117J1 (6th Generation) versus Seiko Alpinist SARB017 (5th Generation)

The Alpinist is classic line of sports watches from Seiko. It is a series of watches designed in 1959 for mountain climbers. The first is the iconic Laurel Alpinist. The most famous of all the Alpinist and a cult classic, the SARB017 is the face of the series. This is the 5th generation Alpinist and it was launched in 2006. In 2020, Seiko launched the 6th generation Alpinist with updated movement. 

I have the SPB117J1 (below and left) and the SARB017 (below and right). In this short write-up, I will be comparing both watches.

Seiko Prospex Diver 300m Marinemaster SLA019J1 Deep Forest Limited Edition (or SBDX021) - Desirable as a Collectable, A Review (plus Video)

I finally able to complete the mechanical set of The 1968 Mechanical Divers 50th Anniversary Commemorative Collection by Seiko.

This year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1968 hi-beat diver model 6159-7001, the first diver’s watch with a hi-beat automatic calibre, Seiko introduced three modern divers that pay homage to this icon. Up to this point I was able to collect the first and third in the series; the limited edition Prospex Diver 300m Hi-Beat SLA025 (or SBEX007) with calibre 8L55 and the Prospex Diver 200m SPB077 (or SBDC061) with calibre 6R15. Today, I finally snared the second of the series, the limited edition Prospex Diver 300m 'Marinemaster' SLA019 (or SBDX021) Deep Forest with calibre 8L35. This watch is officially known as 'The 1968 Automatic Diver's Commemorative Limited Edition'.

Originally I wasn't looking at getting the SLA019 for the collection. My view then was that it was too similar to the SBDX001 300m Marinemaster which is already a member of the collection. However, after having laid my eyes on an actual piece recently, I was taken by beauty of the dial colour and the use of zirconia ceramic for the bezel. Couple with the sapphire crystal to protect the dial, this combination is something that I have been searching for a long time in a Seiko professional dive watch.  Unfortunately, this realisation only came to me in November 2018 when examples of this limited edition timepiece were already shipped to distributors in August 2018! The likelihood of getting one appears thin as rave reviews about the watch have already flooded the internet since it was presented to the public back in Baselworld 2018 which was held in March 2018.

Head-To-Head: Seiko SLA017, a HOMAGE to the 62MAS versus the Seiko SBDC053, a REMAKE to the 62MAS

If one is truly a hardcore Seiko fan, the 1965 Seiko 62MAS (autoMAtic Selfdater) Ref. 6217-8000/1 Diver is the Japanese dive watch to which all dive watches from Seiko (or even from other brands) owes their genesis to. The Seiko 62MAS is a collector’s timepiece that is very rare. If one does find a “Seiko 62MAS” out on sale with a ‘reasonable’ price, chances are it is not all original with newer movements, dials, bezels, crystals, hands, and even crowns.

Seiko Prospex 4th Generation Monster SRPD25K1 (or SBDY033) Dive Watch (similar to SRPD27K1/SBDY035 and SRPE09K1/SBDY045) - The Quintessential Tool-Watch, Review (plus Video)

In 2019, Seiko released the fourth generation Monster dive watches. In the initial release, three models were launched, the blue dial with bracelet SRPD25K1, and the black dial with silicone strap SRPD27K1, and the wavy blue dial special edition with bracelet SRPE09K1 (In Japan, the references are SBDY033, SBDY035 and SBDY045, respectively).

In my collection, I already have a model under each of the earlier generation. Gen 1: SKX779K1 Black Monster; Gen 2: SRP311K1 Sunburst Black PVD Monster; and Gen 3: SZSC005 Jade Monster. Although I should have made a decision back in 2019 to get one, I had to re-prioritized my acquisition plans as a number of other timepieces took precedence.

During the current unpleasantness of the Covid-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to re-look at my original plans and I decided to get the SRPD25K1 to complete the Monster family.