FIRSTS

1965 Japan’s first 150M Diver’s watch

Japan’s first diver’s watch was the self-winding (shake to wind) 150M Diver. The launch of this model marked the beginning of Seiko’s pursuit for reliability and safety that was to come in future diver’s watch models. In 1966, the watch proved its reliability and capability in the 8th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition.

1968 The Diver’s 300M, with the hi-beat caliber (10 vibrations per second)

Increasing the number of vibrations in the balance, the Seiko hi-beat automatic added manual winding as well. The timepiece used Japan’s first hi-beat caliber (10 vibrations per second) that improves precision.

1975 The world’s first professional Diver’s 600M with titanium case

The model features a world-class corrosion-proof, shock resistant, airtight case. In addition, the accordion style type polyurethane band makes the model able to accomodate varying wrist dimensions. The Diver’s 600M has been granted over 20 patents.

1978 The Professional Diver’s 600M, the world’s first saturation diving watch featuring a quartz movement

1982 The world's first Hybrid Diver's 150M with alarm and chronograph

The Hybrid Diver’s 150M provided an alarm system, chronograph and a bilingual display, with electronic sounds communicable under water.

1985 The world’s best selling Quartz Diver’s 200M

This timepiece enabled divers to reach depths of 200 meters, exceeding previous limits, 150 meters, for a diver’s watch.

1986 The world’s first Diver’s 1000M with a ceramic outer case

The Diver’s 1000M was the first watch to use ceramic material for the outer case. The lightweight, corrosion resistant titanium case with a remarkable waterproof one-piece structure enables this watch to withstand depths of 1,000 meters.

1990 The world first computerized diver's watch

Seiko's mastery of electronic watchmaking and long experience in diving watches resulted in the creation of the “Scuba Master”, equipped with a water sensor and depth sensor and displaying diving time and depth, vital information for divers.

1992 The world’s first Kinetic Diver’s 200M; automatic power generating quartz watch.

Along with the high precision of Quartz timing, this model automatically generates electrical energy with Kinetic movement, eliminating a need for battery changes and putting emphasis on safety, and ecology.

1995 The water thermometer and depth gauge combined, the Diver Scuba 200M

The timepiece calculates depth of water and dive time, also it displays log data memory and air pressure, for underwater purposes. In addition, the watch features functions such as the stopwatch, alarm and battery indicator for use on land.

1995 The world’s first 24-hour hand Kinetic Scuba Master 200M

1995 The world’s first Scuba Master 200M, with an automatic calculating analog depth gauge

2000 Diving Computer Watch; world’s first timepiece to provide accurate information underwater

Adding powerful features to the Diver’s 200M, the Diving Computer Watch displays a dive profile by recording the current depth level of the diver. Can be used for nitrox diving.

2005 The world’s first Spring Drive Diver’s 600M

TECHNOLOGY

The world’s first diver’s watch to use titanium. Seiko was the first in the world to use titanium for its corrosion resistance and lightness.

The combination of these functions, features and technologies has resulted in Seiko being able to produce TRUE DIVER'S WATCHES. For example consider just one factor - helium permeability in the diver watch.

For saturation diver’s watches, helium is a constant issue. The gas penetrates the glass, and in some cases the difference in external and internal air pressure causes the glass cover to break. While other companies focus on methods to release Helium with an escape valve, Seiko took a different turn and developed a glass case that is practically impermeable to Helium gas. This is the unique accomplishment of Seiko’s Diver’s Professional 600M. 

In 1983, JAMSTEC conducted an impermeability test by submersing several diver’s watches under 300M saturation diving. Seiko’s Diver’s Professional 600M proved to be up to ten times more impermeable to Helium gas compared to other companies. The result of 300m saturation diving: Pressure inside the watch case for brand other brands (A, B, C) and Seiko Professional Diver 600M. The vertical line shows the pressure inside the watch case and the horizontal line indicates the period of time. After the dive, the air pressure inside the watch case gradually went up. Seiko Professional diver’s scored the best result.

Seiko believes there are countless products labeled as a diver’s watch around the world but only a negligible number of these timepieces are functional in professional environments.

From the introduction in 1965 as Japan’s first diver’s watch, the Seiko engineers have never stopped innovating. The trust their watches have gained goes beyond the borders of Japan and into the world. As a result, Seiko facilitated the establishment of the standard for diver’s watches in International Standard Organization (ISO), and Japan Industrial Standards (JIS). 

As for the ISO, Seiko lobbied the organization to amend the standard to match the actual use of diver’s watches in the deep sea. In 1996, ISO6425 with annex, about diver’s watches for mixed gas diving, was issued.

Seiko’s relentless challenge and innovation have driven the company to create a model that could truly be called authentic.

THE MARINE MASTER is the summation of all these developments; a true professional diver's watch.

If you have read this far, you must certainly be interested in Dive Watches. What do you think of the Seiko track record and claims?

Cazalea