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.
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.
The case of this watch is made of a grade of stainless steel not used before in a diver's watch. Seiko's new Ever-Brilliant Steel takes its name from the brilliant white hue that gives the 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 because it resists corrosion in the chloride-rich environment of sea water. Its use in a watch case presents many manufacturing challenges but, thanks to the long 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.
The watch is powered by the 8L35 movement which was developed expressly for diver's watches and is assembled by hand 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.
Information:
Pre-Owned: Seiko Prospex SLA043 55th Anniversary Limited Edition Diver 300m Automatic Diver
Reference: SLA043
Limited: 1700 Made
MSRP: $4500
Strap: Steel Seiko Bracelet and both original silicone straps in blue & black.
Case Size: 39.9mm x 14.1mm Thickness
Lug Width: 20mm
Case Metal: Stainless Steel
Movement: 8L35 - Automatic - running spec
Functions: Time, Power Reserve, Date
Box and Papers: Box and papers
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet size: 7.75”
Condition: Excellent
Case has little to no wear. Bracelet has light micro wear. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear. Straps are in like new shape. Watch is running spec.
History of Seiko Watches
Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.
The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition.
The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.
