Cazalea previews Seiko's 2020 diver re-creations, celebrating 55 years since Japan's first diver's watch. The post details two limited-edition models: the SLA043, a re-creation of the 1965 diver, and the SPB183, a modern re-interpretation of the 1970 diver, both updated with enhanced functionality and materials.
Preliminary Information Press Release
55 years ago, Seiko introduced its, and Japan's, first ever diver's watch. With an automatic movement and water resistance to 150m, it proved its reliability when it was used by members for Antarctic survey in the 1960s. In the years that followed, Seiko created many other diver's watches that found favor with professional divers and adventurers alike, thanks to their high quality and reliability.
Special anniversary models suitable for the finale of 2020, which celebrated the 55th anniversary of the Seiko diver's watch will appear. Based on the historical models released in 1965 and 1970, which are the milestones of Seiko diver's watch history, this is a limited collections that is updated to the specifications and design suitable for the 55th anniversary.
The 1965 Diver's Re-creation Ltd to 1700 watches using 8L35 movement= SLA043
The greatest feature is in the grade of stainless steel used in case. To be known as Seiko's "Ever-Brilliant Steel," thanks to the brilliant white hue that gives this watch its unique look, this grade of steel is more corrosion resistant than that which is used in most high-end watches today.
This material is used extensively in the surfaces, linings, bolts and other components of marine structures and vessels so as to avoid corrosion in a chloride-rich environment such as sea water. It presents many challenges in the manufacture of watch cases but, thanks to the experience and innovative techniques of the Seiko team, these challenges were overcome and Ever-Brilliant Steel is now set to bring a new level of durability to the diver's watch.
It is powered by the 8L35 movement, developed and assembled expressly for diver's watches at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio.
While faithful to the 1965 design, this new Prospex diver's watch has greatly enhanced functionality. It has a box-shaped sapphire crystal and 200m water resistance for greater reliability.
The case back bears the same dolphin emblem as the 1965 original.
1970 Diver's Modern Re-interpretation Ltd to 5500 using 6R35 movement= SPB183
The 1970 launch model, which boasts strong popularity in its history, will be reinstated with a blue color. It is resurrected by modern state-of-the-art technology and a design interpretation.
A unique profile and a proud history
The uniqueness of the design of the 1970 watch stemmed largely from the way that the crown, moved to the 4 o'clock position, was protected by the extension of the case around it. The design turned out to be as memorable as it was functional and this 150 meter water resistant diver's watch rapidly found favor among those who needed a watch of exceptional strength. It was worn by the Japanese adventurer, Naomi Uemura, when he did a solo dog-sled run from Greenland to Alaska, a journey of 12,000 kilometers that took eighteen months.
It is powered by Caliber 6R35 that delivers a power reserve of 70 hours. The case has a super-hard coating and a dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and is 200 meter water resistant. The upper surface of the bezel rim is Zaratsu polished to a perfect mirror finish.
Cazalea
