Prospex Novelites - First Diver's has come back!

Mar 19, 2017,20:31 PM
 

Seiko’s first ever diver’s watch is re-born in Prospex.


Seiko’s first diver’s watch from 1965 is re-invented in the Prospex collection. SLA017


Seiko’s reputation today as a leader in watches for divers is no accident of fate. This reputation is the direct result of a long tradition of innovation that stretches back over 50 years, during which time Seiko has been responsible for creating many of the features that are now widely accepted as the industry norms. Indeed, The ISO standards have been based, in part, on aspects of Seiko’s diver’s watches. Seiko inventions like the accordion-style strap, the use of titanium as a case material and the extra wide hands have helped to define the world’s expectations of what a diver’s watch should be.


Seiko’s first diver’s watch was made in 1965.
Seiko’s and Japan’s first ever diver’s watch was made in 1965 at a time when watches with high levels of water resistance were not widely available. It incorporated an automatic mechanical caliber and delivered 150m water resistance. The watch was designed for maximum reliability and legibility in the harshest conditions and was used by the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from 1966 to 1969. At that time, when navigational aids were rudimentary, an accurate watch that could be used in astronomical observations in polar regions was vital and the Seiko diver’s watch proved itself to be up to the challenge by performing well on every expedition. The watch’s significance, however, went far beyond satisfying the needs of Antarctic explorers. As leisure diving grew in popularity, the watch found favor with an ever wider public and set Seiko on a path of continuous development in durable, accurate and safe diver’s watches that has continued to this day.


Seiko's first divedr's watch, 1965




The case back bears the same dolphin emblem as the 1965 original


... and these are the actual example handling photos, as always, courtesy of Seiko Watch Corporation.


SLA017
First Diver's Re-creation Limited Edition









Actually, this fits my smallish wrist VERY well (39.9mm).






First Diver’s Re-creation Limited Edition: SLA017
Caliber 8L35
  Caliber 8L35
  Driving system: Automatic
  Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
  Power reserve: 50 hours
  Number of jewels: 26
Specifications
  Stainless steel case with super-hard coating
  Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
  Screw case back. Screw-down crown
  Water resistance: 200m diver’s
  Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
  Diameter: 39.9mm, Thickness: 14.1mm
  Silicone strap. A stainless steel bracelet is included.
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: 3,800 Euro
Limited Edition of 2,000 pcs




Profile of the modern re-interpretation - SPB053




A little bit bigger (42.6mm)










The same Modern Re-interpretation - SPB051






SPB051                                                                                                                  SPB053


The Modern Re-interpretation: SPB051, 053
Caliber 6R15
  Driving system: Automatic
  Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
  Power reserve: 50 hours
  Number of jewels: 23 jewels
Specifications
  Stainless steel case with super-hard coating
  Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
  Screw case back. Screw-down crown
  Water resistance: 200m diver’s
  Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
  Diameter: 42.6mm, Thickness: 13.8mm
  Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release, secure lock and extender (SPB051)
  Silicone strap (SPB053)
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: 1,100 Euro (SPB051) / 900 Euro (SPB053)



Please read on!

Ken








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Baselworld 2017: SEIKO Novelties (Astron, Prospex, Presage, and Credor Collections)

 
 By: KIH : March 23rd, 2017-02:00
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Prospex Novelites - First Diver's has come back!

 
 By: KIH : March 19th, 2017-20:31
Seiko’s first ever diver’s watch is re-born in Prospex. Seiko’s first diver’s watch from 1965 is re-invented in the Prospex collection. SLA017 Seiko’s reputation today as a leader in watches for divers is no accident of fate. This reputation is the direct...  

The SLA017 is excellent!

 
 By: KMII : March 23rd, 2017-02:28
And a modern day Diver watch at under 40mm is a great move

+1 [nt]

 
 By: KIH : March 23rd, 2017-05:04

+1

 
 By: M4 : March 23rd, 2017-04:10
Love the SLA017. Also digging the SPB051. Nice job Seiko. M4

Thank You Ken....

 
 By: SALMANPK : March 23rd, 2017-04:32
for the excellent and complete coverage of GS and Seiko Novelties. I really like the SLA017 S

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 By: KMII : March 23rd, 2017-02:31
And while I like the new dial colours, printing Presage on the dial is perhaps not an improvement on the original series - but would need to see it live to be sure...

You're right there :)

 
 By: KMII : March 23rd, 2017-05:28
And the more I look at the pictures, the less it bothers me...

Credor - Yet another wonderfully engraved masterpieces!

 
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HI Ken, Thank you. Your posting saved me from having to digest it all before 6 am. I look forward to learning more about the "new" Grand Seiko brand. Mike