Seiko 6105-811x vs. SLA033/SBEX031 Reissue Review
Vintage

Seiko 6105-811x vs. SLA033/SBEX031 Reissue Review

By hieraklion · Jan 29, 2020 · 2 replies
hieraklion
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Hieraklion embarks on an ambitious multi-part review of the iconic Seiko 6105-811x diver, comparing it with its modern reissue, the SLA033/SBEX031. His introduction outlines a comprehensive exploration of Seiko's diver history, a detailed review of the vintage reference, and crucial tips for identifying genuine models amidst prevalent fakes. This series aims to be a valuable resource for both seasoned 'Seikoliks' and new enthusiasts.

BACK TO THE FUTURE, Seiko divers review – 6105-811x  
and  comparaison with the SLA033 / SBEX031 reissue

In this series of articles, I will review the iconic 6105-8110 reference and compare it with the SLA033 reissue. First, I introduce this review with a chapter on the Seiko diver’s history. For sure, this part will not be a breakthrough for the Seiko enthusiasts, but it should help the beginners.

Next, I review the 6105-8110 reference. Trying to buy a genuine 6105-811x for many years, I have been faced to a lot of frustration with bad condition models and after-market replacement items. I tried to add “Seikolic and fake recognition” highlights for the persons that could be interesting to buy a vintage 6105-811x model … hoping mine is not a fake!

Finally, I compare the 6105-8110 reference with the 2019 reissue.

I cannot guarantee that this article is 100% complete or accurate. If you spot any issues, missing copyrights in the article, please add comments.

Enjoy.

Note: I’m French, so my English is unfortunately not a Shakespeare/W.Churchill/B.Obama/R.Parks one. But I did a lot of efforts!

PART 1 – Light Seiko Divers history

A lot of dedicated, detailed articles and reviews already exist on the Seiko diver watches. For Seikoliks, an interesting book exists “SEIKO Diver's Watch Evolution”. Unfortunately, it is in Japanese but worthy.

I just briefly introduce the 6105 model in the Seiko diver’s history to highlight the continuity and legitimacy of Seiko in this watch’s category.

Seiko Chronos Sea Horse and SilverWave

By the end of the 50’s and the beginning of the 60’s scuba diving is becoming possible for - almost! - anybody. Seiko, like other brands designed models for this new sport. In 1959, appeared a Seiko 50m rated water proof model: the Seiko Cronos Sea Horse (ref. J13032) with a manual Diashock 21 jewels movement and a new 2 parts screw-down case. Honestly, I do think that we could rather consider this model as a sport watch with swimming and snorkeling capabilities even if it was marketed as a diver watch.



Chronos Sea Horse (Image courtesy Internet)

The first real waterproof Seiko belonged to the Seikomatic line in 1961: Seikomatic 50m SilverWave (ref. J12082). From a history perspective, the Silverwave models made the link between the previous Sea Horse models and the first Seiko professional diver watch, the 62MAS.



J12082 SilverWave (Image courtesy a friend of mine)

The J12082 SilverWave was discontinued when a budget SilverWave model with a cheaper movement appeared in 1964 until early 1966. This model named Sportsmatic SilverWave (ref. 69799) was 30m rated water proof due to a pressure fit case back.

It’s important to notice that the SilverWave models were the first model of Seiko having the “tsunami wave” symbol on the case back.


62MAS (first professional diver watches by Seiko)

In 1965, Seiko released the 62MAS (autoMAtic Selfdater – ref.6217-8000/1). It retailed for 13,000 yen. This is the first professional diver watch from Seiko with dedicated features:

  • Guaranteed up to 150 meters
  • External elapsed time bezel (but bidirectional and no click)
  • Large lumed indices
  • Hands with large lume
  • Screw down case back

 The « tsunami wave Â» symbol was not used anymore, replaced by a « dolphin Â» symbol (except for the later models having Seiko engraved inside a « horseshoe Â»). The 62MAS 6217-8000 reference is the first generation of the 62MAS mainly featuring a smaller crown (April-May 1965). The 62MAS 6217-8001 reference is the second generation (Jan. 1966 - June 1967) with a bigger crown, a larger crown tube and a small case cut for the crown. If the first generation is built by Suwa, Daini joined from 1967 to June 1967.

However, since this emblematic model, we can retrieve the 62MAS DNA in the next Seiko divers and for sure, the 62MAS is an important milestone in the Seiko history, considered as an emblematic model for all Seikolic!


62 MAS – Big Crown (Copyright Seiko Museum)

Professional Divers and 150m lines

After the 62MAS, we can consider 2 different ranges of Seiko divers. The professional one with 300m or 600m rated water proof models like 6125-7000 (in 1967), 6159-7001 (in 1968), the shrouded Tuna models and more recently the Marine Master.



Tuna 6159-7010 (Image courtesy Internet)

The other line of models is initially 150m rated water proof. The first models were the 6105-8xxx models (from 1968 to 1977), followed by the 6309/6306 models (from 1976 to 1988). The 6309-729x model has been the last model with a 6xxx caliber and rated for 150m water proof.


In 1988, the new model 7002-7039 introduced a new era: water resistance of 200m, 120 clicks unidirectional bezel and a thinner case, still present in the current models.

Now, let’s focus on the 6105-8xxx models.


Hieraklion 01/2020

** TO BE CONTINUED **


Some interesting readings, videos and references

Adventures in Amateur Watch Fettling: adventuresinamateurwatchfettling.com m
Fratello Magazine : www.fratellowatches.com /
Horology Crazy: www.horologycrazy.com m
Keep the Time Blog: www.keepthetime.com /
Plus9Time : www.plus9time.com /
Seiko & Citizen Watch Forum (SCWF): www.thewatchsite.com /
Seiko Club Singapore: forums.seikoclubsg.com /
Seiko Corp: www.seiko-watch.co.jp /
Seiko Diver Blog: seikodiver.blogspot.com /
Seiko Museum: museum.seiko.co.jp /
Seiko Shizuku-Ishi Studio : www.shizukuishi-watch.com www.morioka-seiko.co.jp l
Spencer Klein: www.kleinvintagewatchrepair.com m
The Grand Seiko Guy : thegrandseikoguy.com m
The Seikoholics Forums:
www.tapatalk.com /
The Sping Bar : thespringbar.com m
Vintage Time Australia: www.vintagetimeaustralia.com Haut du formulaire

Worn & Wound: wornandwound.com /
Wrist Sushi, A Japanese Watch Forum: wristsushi.proboards.com /
…




About the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6105

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual reference 6105 represents the brand's Bubble Back series from the 1940s. This 32mm timepiece demonstrates Rolex's automatic watchmaking during the decade, featuring the caliber A.10 movement with 42-hour power reserve.

The stainless steel case measures 32mm in diameter and houses an automatic caliber A.10 movement. The watch displays a silver dial beneath an acrylic crystal, framed by a smooth bezel. Water resistance extends to 50 meters, and the timepiece is fitted with a leather strap.

This reference appeals to collectors interested in mid-20th century Rolex automatic watches and those focusing on the Bubble Back series specifically. The 32mm case size and silver dial configuration place this reference within the smaller format offerings of the Oyster Perpetual range from this production period.

Specifications

Caliber
A.10
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
32 mm
Dial
Silver
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Acrylic

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