Seiko Superior SSA005K1 Flight Computer CYCLOPS (similar to SSA001K1, SSA003K1 & SSA007K1) - Classy, A Review (plus Video)

The Seiko Superior Flight Computer CYCLOPS series were first launched in 2011. Back than I was relatively NOOB in the world of horology. I did come across the series in the course of researching watches but I did not make an effort to get one. Back then, there were other 'grail watches' higher up the list of wants.

Nine years later, when browsing in the watch section in a major departmental store in Kuala Lumpur I stumbled on a gaggle of watches deemed as 'old stocks' with a 40% discount. In the middle of the pile was a SSA005K1. I couldn't pass up such an opportunity and within a few minutes, it was mine (definitely impulse buying <LOL>).

The Superior line has an illustrious history. Back in the days of the quartz watch revolution in the 1970s, Seiko has always equate precision with this line of watches. Unfortunately, after a rationalisation exercise of Seiko's sub-lines a few years ago, the brand has decided not to continue with the Superior line.

The nickname CYCLOPS was given to the watch by fans as the 24-hour sub-dial looks like a single eye on a face. Officially, it is called the Flight Computer due to its ability to calculate relatively complex mathematics using the circular slide rules incorporated in the bi-directional bezel.

Seiko Prospex Sky Slide Rule Bezel SRPB61K1 Navitimer (similar to SRPB57 and SRPB59) - A Manual Computer with Limited Use, A Review (plus Video)

During Baselworld 2017 in March 2017, Seiko launched a number of new series. However, the focus of watch lovers was squarely on the SLA017J1, a reissue of the famous 62MAS dive watch. This was unfortunate as there are a number of gems launched by Seiko during that time that should have been given the light of day. The Seiko Prospex Sky Slide Rule Bezel Navitimer series is one of them.

It was only two years later that I was able to revisit this series in depth. Originally I was to get the bracelet version but unfortunately none of the merchants I am comfortable with have one in stock. Instead, I opted for the black dial with leather strap, the SRP61K1. I found it in one of my favourite watch shop in Mid Valley Megamall, AWG.

This watch has one unique complication, the bi-directional slide rule bezel. For those of you that like maths, this complication is so cool (I am one of them!).