Reintitan's initial impressions of the Seiko SLA017J1 sparked a lively discussion among collectors, many of whom had pre-ordered or recently received this highly anticipated limited edition. His post highlights the watch's wearability, unique crystal, and the debate surrounding its pricing relative to Swiss counterparts, offering a valuable early review for prospective owners.
Mine was delivered this morning by my friendly neighborhood mail carrier.
It's too early for anything but first impressions but I think the size is perfect and the dial is a sunburst grayish-brown. The bubble-domed sapphire crystal is awesome; I think this is the first time Seiko executed a crystal like this. I hope we see more of it in other Seiko watches in the future. Also IMHO a LOT more wearable than the bulky Seiko Marine Master automatic (SBDX017).
I hear a lot of folks complaining about the MSRP (price). I feel Seiko priced it moderately considering it is as an LE of one of their most iconic watches and as usual is an all inhouse watch from movement to the Lumibrite luminous used on the dial. Compare it to some Swiss dive watches such as the Tudor Heritage Black Bay (both ETA and in-house versions), the current Omega Seamaster 300, and the Oris 65 divers using Sellita movements where the opposite is usually mentioned: these are "fairly" priced watches yet they are all in the same price range (Black Bay) as the SLA017 or higher (Omega SM 300) except the Oris which can be had for less than the Seiko but doesn't offer the inhouse movement.
I guess if you're Seiko you get punished for pricing any watch in the Swiss price tiers even if it's in the lower of those tiers.
About the Seiko Seiko Prospex Ref. SLA017
The Seiko Prospex SLA017 is a limited edition reinterpretation of the brand's first diver's watch, the 62MAS, originally released in 1965. This modern iteration pays homage to its historical predecessor while incorporating contemporary watchmaking advancements, positioning it as a premium offering within Seiko's Prospex line.
The SLA017 features a 39.9mm stainless steel case with a super-hard coating, paired with a domed sapphire crystal. It is powered by the automatic caliber 8L35, a robust movement known for its reliability. The watch offers a water resistance of 200 meters, consistent with its dive watch heritage.
For collectors, the SLA017 holds significance as a faithful and high-quality tribute to a foundational model in Seiko's diver's watch history. Its limited production run and adherence to the aesthetic codes of the original 62MAS contribute to its desirability and collectibility within the enthusiast community.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 8L35
- Case
- Stainless steel with super-hard coating
- Diameter
- 39.9mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 200 meters
- Crystal
- Domed sapphire
About the Omega Ref. Seamaster300
The Seamaster 300 reference is a re-edition that draws inspiration from Omega's historical dive watches. It is characterized by its robust construction and design elements that pay homage to early professional timepieces, while incorporating modern watchmaking advancements. This reference is positioned as a contemporary interpretation for enthusiasts who appreciate vintage aesthetics combined with current performance standards.
This particular Seamaster 300 features a stainless steel case, typically measuring 41 mm in diameter. It is equipped with an automatic movement, often a Master Co-Axial caliber, providing a substantial power reserve. The watch is fitted with a domed sapphire crystal, contributing to its vintage appearance while offering enhanced scratch resistance. Its construction ensures a high degree of water resistance suitable for aquatic activities.
For collectors, this reference appeals to those seeking a blend of historical design and modern technical specifications. It represents Omega's commitment to its heritage while offering a reliable and well-engineered timepiece. The Seamaster 300 is a significant part of the brand's contemporary collection, offering a distinct alternative to other models within the Seamaster family.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Omega 8400
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 41 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 300m
- Crystal
- Domed sapphire
