(L) Seiko SLA033J1, (R) Athaya Vintage AV002 |
Unfortunately, I don't have an original but I decided to get a homage made by Athaya Vintage a few years ago. The Athaya Vintage SV002 Lamafa was built to similar dimensions. Recently, I had the opportunity to get my hands on a re-creation by Seiko called the Seiko Prospex SLA033J1 Limited Edition 1970 Diver. This is part of the series of special limited edition re-creations of iconic Seiko dive watches which started with the SLA017J1 (re-creation of the Seiko 62MAS reference 6217-800X; where X can either be 0 or 1 depending on the market the watch was originally sold).
Below is a table of comparative specifications of the watches. I have also added the original specification of the 6105-8110 as reference.
DETAILS | SLA033J1 | 6105-8110 | AV002 Lamafa |
Type | Scuba diving | Scuba diving | Scuba diving |
Width | 45 mm | 44 mm | 44.3 mm |
Length | 49.7 mm | 47.5 mm | 48 mm |
Height | 13 mm | 12.5 mm | 13.5 mm |
Lugs | 19 mm | 19 mm | 20 mm |
Complication | Date | Date | Date (hidden) |
Movement | 8L35; 26 jewels | 6105B; 17 jewels | NH35A; 24 jewels |
Material | Stainless steel with DiaShield | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
Strap | Silicone strap | Rubber strap | Rubber strap |
Crystal | Dual-curved sapphire with AR coating | Dual-curved Hardlex | Domed sapphire with AR coating |
Water Rating | 200 m | 150 m | 200 m |
Construction | Casing with screw-down solid case-back | Casing with screw-down solid case-back | Casing with screw-down solid case-back |
Crown | Screw-down | Twist-and-lock | Screw-down |
Bezel | Unidirectional 120 clicks | Unidirectional 60 clicks | Unidirectional 120 clicks |
Weight | 131.5 gm | 70 gm | 107.4 gm |
MSRP | USD4,250 | USD75 | USD350 |
Year | 2019 | 1970 | 2015 |
Aspect Ratio# | 0.91 | 0.93 | 0.93 |
As you can see from the Aspect Ratio, the AV002 Lamafa is more closely aligned with the original 6105-811X in terms of dimensions.
Both watches come with a diver's strap, i.e. a rubber-like strap that is extended in length. This is to ensure the user could also use the watch over a thick dive suit. For the SLA033J1, the strap is made out of silicone while the AV002 Lamafa is made out of rubber. Between the two watches, I prefer the silicone strap over the rubber as it is softer, pliable and more durable over the other.
Note also the the texture of the top surface and bottom surface of the straps. Note the similarities in the types of textures available, from the waffle-like and the long-groves patterns found on the top surface to the pyramid dimple on the bottom surface. The buckles are also similarly simple in design.
The major difference is the strap guide. In the photo below, the SLA033J1 has a single signed wide metal piece whereas the AV002 Lamafa has two thinner textured rubber pieces. Both are free-floating. The original 6105-811X comes with two free-floating thin textured rubber prices similar to the AV002 Lamafa. In this regard, the AV002 Lamafa is more reflective of the original.
Another departure from the original is the introduction of the drill-through lug holes on the casing. You will find them on the SLA033J1 but not on the AV002 Lamafa as well as the original 6105-811X.
All three models have solid case-backs. However, the way information is etched on them is different. The SLA033J1 uses an early pattern 6105-811X case-back design with a horseshoe arrangement where as the AV002 Lamafa has a graphic image in the centre.
Between 1970 to mid-1974, the case-back pattern on the 6105-811X has the horseshoe arrangement.
Source: The Watch Bloke, https://thewatchbloke.co.uk/2015/05/26/seiko-6105-8110-3/ |
Source: The Watch Bloke, https://thewatchbloke.co.uk/2015/06/02/seiko-6105-8110-4/ |
I am all for new materials. In this case, I fully supported the use of silicone and sapphire crystal. However, if given the option, I would also like to put in the mix, ceramic, for the bezel insert. These combination would be so cool.
As it stands, I am more incline to recommend the AV002 Lamafa over the SLA033J1. The primary factor that totally put me off the SLA033J1 is the astronomical pricing. By getting the AV002 Lamafa and paying just a bit extra for a silicone strap, one would be able to get something very comfortable to wear. Moreover, there are also a number of after-market shops that make ceramic inserts for the bezel which is not that expensive as well.
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Hi been following your youtube too about the prospex lx series you advised its in here in kl where can i get it
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