Fingers-On Seiko Prospex Black Collection 1970 Divers SLA061J1

Following the trio of watches launched this morning by Seiko, the Japanese manufacture really had some extra to current in its Black Collection lineup. Whereas the opposite fashions have been comparatively accessible and modernized variations, this fourth watch performs in a unique area, being a part of the SLA class – watches with a lot higher-end mechanics and extra refined development. Impressed by the 1970 “Turtle” or “Naomi Uemura” reference 6105, this new watch opts for a a lot bolder look, with a completely black-coated case and hanging orange accents. Meet the Seiko Prospex Black Collection 1970 Divers SLA061J1.

The story of this watch is a relatively modernized tackle one in all Seiko’s most well-known dive watches. Following the 62MAS, the primary of its form for the model, Seiko introduced a number of evolutions of their dive watches idea within the late Nineteen Sixties. Considered one of them was the reference 6105, adopted by the 6309. Produced from 1968 onwards, the Seiko 6105 was a sturdy dive watch with a water-resistance of 150 metres. What caught all people’s eye was the crown positioned at 4 o’clock (which was, the truth is, used for the primary time within the 1961 Seiko Silver Wave) and the massive, decrease crown protector. It will likely be changed in 1976 by the 6309 sequence. Whereas fairly much like the 6105, the 6309 has an much more asymmetrical case design and likewise provides a day perform and a dial with round luminous plots as an alternative of rectangular ones.

An instance of Seiko 6105-8110 – picture by Fratello Watches

The watch is legendary for 2 issues. First, most of us will keep in mind its look within the 1979 film Apocalypse Now, worn by one of many film’s foremost characters, Captain Willard, portrayed by Martin Sheen. Second, and most significantly, it was examined in actual life by explorer Naomi Uemura, a very fashionable Japanese adventurer, properly revered for having achieved solo feats. As an illustration, he undertook a one-man dog-sledge run from Greenland to Alaska, a journey of 12,000 km that took 18 months, with this watch on the wrist.

Since then, we’ve a number of roughly trustworthy recreations of this well-known watch, such because the Re-Creation SLA033 or the SLA049 & SLA051 Tribute to Naomi Uemura – these two being extra re-interpretation of the 6105 idea with some liberties taken in the way in which these are designed. The brand new watch we’re at present is principally the identical because the Uemura-inspired fashions, apart from the colors and textures. And sure, it’s far bolder and way more hanging that the unique watch…

Briefly, we discover again the identical rounded case with built-in crown guards on the aspect and the signature place of the crown (screw-down, in fact) at 4 o’clock. General, the design is harking back to the late Nineteen Sixties watches, nevertheless proportions and shapes have developed through the years. What actually modifications on this watch, being a part of the Black Collection, is that the case has been black handled with “laborious coating”. Surfaces are handled both in brushed or polished and the watch exudes a sure (in a cool manner) imply angle. The remainder is acquainted, with a curved sapphire crystal on high, framed by a unidirectional bezel with a black aluminium insert with basic 60-minute scale. The caseback is stable metal and ensures a 200m water-resistance.

The dial of the SLA061J1, if as soon as once more counting on the identical base because the Uemura-inspired fashions, opts for brand spanking new colors and an unprecedented texture – one thing that we see fairly often in Seiko and GS collections. Right here, the black color displays the mysterious world of the ocean at night time, the orange accents the lights that illuminate it and the feel evokes the sand ripples you will discover on the sea mattress – I’m quoting the model for this… Transferring away from advertising and marketing talks, this ends in a relatively nice, wonderful texture that provides some depth to the dial with out interfering with legibility and distinction. The utilized markers and fingers are stuffed with cream-coloured lume, matching properly with the orange seconds hand. This color can also be discovered on the depth score.

Contained in the case is the calibre 8L35, a 4Hz automated motion with a 50-hour energy reserve. This motion was designed particularly for diver’s watches by the watchmakers on the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan. It’s given for an accuracy of +15 to -10 seconds per day.

The Black Collection 1970 Divers SLA061J1 is worn on a black-coated chrome steel bracelet with folding clasp and diving extension. As well as, a black silicone strap with black-coated {hardware} can also be included within the presentation field.

Availability & Worth

The Seiko Prospex Black Collection Restricted Version 1970 Mechanical Diver’s Fashionable Re-interpretation SLA061J1 might be obtainable as a 1,000-piece restricted version as of March 2022. It will likely be priced at EUR 3,300. Extra particulars at seikowatches.com.