Arms-On With The Seiko Prospex Diver Save the Ocean SLA065

A few weeks in the past, Seiko launched a brand new dive watch a part of the SLAxxx sequence – the higher-end assortment with probably the most superior options the model can pack. As soon as once more, it needed to do with probably the most emblematic dive watch of the model, the 62MAS – which can also be the model’s first-ever and coincidentally Japan’s first-ever dive watch. As soon as once more, it was a part of the “Save the Ocean” sequence. Surely, it felt acquainted and shared many design components with different watches within the model’s portfolio. Nevertheless, this new Seiko Prospex Diver Save the Ocean SLA065 additionally got here with some specificities – its dial, in fact, and its color scheme too, but in addition an unprecedented case. And now that we had the prospect to have a pattern in our arms, it’s time to let you know the whole lot you’ll want to find out about it.

Our preliminary article was intentionally brief and factual. To start with, Seiko is usually reasonably brief relating to explaining its watches in press releases. Having solely the model’s official photos in our arms isn’t sufficient to make an neutral judgement. Second, we knew the check watch was coming quickly after the discharge, therefore why it’s now time to maneuver away from info solely and to deliver a bit extra emotions into the equations. There’s additionally the necessity to reply some questions, relating to supplies and value… This new SLA065 is an costly mannequin contemplating Seiko’s requirements. But, for a purpose.

Background… The Seiko Prospex Diver Save the Ocean SLA065 is one more interpretation of the model’s most iconic and most vital dive watch ever, the 62MAS. We’ve seen many re-editions and re-interpretations prior to now, however this new mannequin comes with its personal specs. What’s a 62MAS…? Seiko in the present day is usually thought to be one of the vital reputable manufacturers within the subject of diving, and it’s all due to this 1965 watch, the reference 6217-8000, which is usually identified within the accumulating group because the 62MAS – MAS being an acronym for “autoMAtic Selfdater”. It was the primary dive watch of the model and the primary of its type produced in Japan. Essential, to say the least.

This watch had an unlimited affect on the upcoming manufacturing and several other present Seiko Prospex Diver’s watches nonetheless depend on a few of its design components. It took a while for the model to enter the race (Rolex and Blancpain began in 1953, Omega in 1957…) The 62MAS is as basic as it may be, with its 37mm case made from metal, with a pointy design and strong shoulders. It’s nonetheless pretty easy, with out crown guards and a crown classically positioned at 3 o’clock. The dial can also be pretty easy, but environment friendly – massive arms and markers, beneficiant lume – and framed by a skinny 60-minute bezel. Its 150m water-resistance was nothing distinctive again in 1965, and the motion was strong, however then once more fairly basic. What issues now could be the general design, which has been an ideal supply of inspiration for the model.

The 62MAS form has been used a number of instances prior to now. We’ve seen a extremely trustworthy re-edition in 2017 with the SLA017, adopted by a barely modernized model with the SLA037. There are additionally a number of extra accessible fashions to say, all thought of Fashionable Re-interpretation watches. It began in 2017 with the SPB051 and SPB053. Pretty massive watches that failed to completely persuade. Seiko rectified the scenario in 2020, with the SPB143, SPB147 and SPB149 watches – extra vintage-ish, extra compact, extra interesting and extra convincing altogether. With this in thoughts, there are already many choices within the model’s assortment for somebody who’d wish to have the sensation of the 62MAS, in a modernly-produced watch. Besides that with the SLA065, there’s extra now.

How one can place this new mannequin? Whereas the SLA017 and SLA037 had been trustworthy to the unique 1965 mannequin when it comes to appears to be like and proportions (not in measurement, although), this new SLA065 must be thought of because the higher-end sister to the SPB sequence. It isn’t meant to be a classic Re-Creation, however a Fashionable Re-interpretation – that is how the model positions its watch. It’s impressed by the classic watch however isn’t copying it completely. What it does is deliver the aptitude of the previous, similar to the SPB sequence, but right here with extra refined components, a case with extra consideration to particulars and a motion from a far increased vary.

What does it imply within the steel? The Seiko Prospex Diver Save the Ocean SLA065 isn’t the identical watch as an SLA017. The case is new and has completely different proportions. The diameter is 41.3mm and the peak is 13.1mm – thus considerably bigger and thinner. Lug-to-lug has been measured at 47.6mm, which is sort of compact and makes it a watch that wears comfortably. Being a part of the SLA sequence, this watch has extra refinement in its supplies and building. The case is stainless-steel however comes with super-hard coating (a transparent floor coating that approx. doubles the scratch resistance of metal). Additionally, the ending of the case is combining brushed surfaces with Zaratsu (distortion-free) polished accents, a method that’s used usually by Grand Seiko.

Then, for those who take a look at the SLA065 subsequent to an SLA017 or an precise 62MAS, you’ll discover that the bezel is wider. Once more, this modifications your entire notion of the watch. A bit bulkier, a bit much less retro, extra sturdy and thus nearer to the SPB sequence. The temper of the 62MAS is clearly current, however not in the identical retro approach because it was prior to now re-editions. In spite of everything, this watch is known as Fashionable Re-interpretation. Speaking concerning the bezel, the insert will not be ceramic however metallic and coated in blue. Personally, I favor the feel and appear of a metallic insert in comparison with ceramic, though the latter brings extra sturdiness. The bezel has a whole 60-minute commencement and rotates unidirectionally with 120 clicks.

All different options of this SLA065 are basic, with a screw-down crown, a strong metal screwed caseback, an anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal on prime (however not a box-shaped one as within the SLA017) and a water-resistance rated at 200 metres.

Shifting to the dial, that is the place the model has been inventive. To start with, this new mannequin is a part of the “Save the Ocean” sequence, the place the model contributes to the better understanding and preservation of the world’s oceans, with monetary and different assist to chosen marine charities. Certainly one of these is an underwater archaeology mission, which explains the selection for the dial design. The selection was to deliver a texture and the latter is impressed by the astrolabe, the traditional navigational software that seafarers used to find out the latitude and time of their location based mostly on the place of the celebs and the solar, and to help their navigation.

I’m barely sceptical relating to why the model selected this sample – and no, your SLA065 can’t be used as an astrolabe – however the result’s visually pleasing and provides curiosity to the design. It modifications from the basic matte black or sunray-brushed blue dials we’re seeing on most watches. At the least, within the current case, it’s not too apparent, it stays discreet and doesn’t compromise legibility. As anticipated, the model has featured massive utilized markers and arms, each largely full of LumiBrite. Additionally, the hours and minutes arms are executed with a twin ending, with one aspect brushed and the opposite polished, guaranteeing optimum distinction in all situations. You’ll discover that, as with most up-to-date Seiko dive watches, the SLA065 has a small luminous plot subsequent to the date. Not probably the most elegant answer, however needless to say that is mandatory to fulfill the ISO6425 requirements.

Contained in the case of the 62MAS-inspired Seiko Prospex Diver Save the Ocean is a fairly good motion, the calibre 8L35. This motion partially explains the higher-end positioning of this watch, as we’re speaking a couple of calibre that’s based mostly on a Grand Seiko 9S55 ébauche. Particularly developed by Seiko for its dive watches, it shares the identical structure and specs because the GS motion, but in a much less adorned model and with updates to make it extra immune to shocks. It beats at 4Hz and boasts 50 hours of energy reserve, includes a SPRON (a Seiko alloy) hairspring and an escape wheel and pallet fork made because of the MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Methods) know-how. Its accuracy is rated between +15 and -10 seconds/day – one thing that appears fairly pessimistic and could possibly be improved by the model, which ought to get nearer to chronometer requirements.

The Seiko Prospex Diver Save the Ocean SLA065 comes geared up with a blue, striated silicone strap and a metal pin buckle. It’s a good watch on the wrist, with good proportions – in some way the candy spot for a vintage-ish diver. It’s not too thick, and the L2L is affordable.

There’s one factor that we clearly want to speak about; the worth. Many feedback have talked about the EUR 3,000 price ticket as exaggerated. Certainly, it’s increased than many of the watches produced by Seiko, however there are good causes for that. To start with, an equal SLA017 of 2017 (and sure, in 6 years, the market has modified drastically) with an equivalent motion and nothing higher when it comes to ending was priced at EUR 3,800 (which might have been simply 4.5 to 5k in 2023). The SLA037 with hi-beat motion was priced at EUR 6,500… Then, the SLA065 is a really fantastic piece, much better completed than a watch from the SPB sequence, with a motion that has nothing in widespread with a 4Rxx or a 6Rxx, or with a Sellita or ETA. It does really feel if you deal with and put on the SLA065. This watch isn’t low cost, nevertheless it does include options to match its value. I do perceive that some might be reluctant to place that sum of money right into a Seiko, nonetheless.

The Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver’s Fashionable Re-interpretation Save the Ocean Restricted Version SLA065 is a restricted version of 1,300 items, which might be out there from February 2023 at Seiko Boutiques and choose retail companions worldwide. For extra particulars, please go to www.seikowatches.com.