Polar exploration has been on the coronary heart of Seiko’s dive watch line for almost so long as the model has constructed divers. From famed explorer Naomi Uemura’s solo expeditions by way of the Arctic to the crew of the Eighth Japanese Antarctic Analysis Expedition in 1966, Seiko has used the punishing situations of the polar areas as a crucible to develop sturdy, dependable device watches. This apply of outfitting cold-weather scientific expeditions continues to this present day, because the 63rd Japanese Antarctic Analysis Expedition at present conducting scientific testing in Antarctica is totally outfitted with Seiko timepieces. To pay tribute to its lengthy relationship with Japanese polar exploration efforts, the model has developed a brand new dive watch iteration particularly for the mission, combining traditional ‘60s Seiko dive watch cues with among the best efficiency and ending the Japanese big at present has to supply. Accessible to the general public in a restricted version manufacturing run, the brand new Seiko Prospex SLA055 is a shocking showcase of the extra premium facet of the model’s dive watch repertoire, with a charismatic design and refined nods to the unforgiving Antarctic panorama.
Measuring in at 42.6mm, the Seiko Prospex SLA055’s case follows the sharply angular profile of the traditional 1968 Seiko Diver’s Watch, with a considerable trendy overhaul. The case, bezel, and crown are rendered in Seiko’s proprietary Ever-Good Metal alloy, which the model claims is 70 p.c extra corrosion resistant as standard chrome steel alloys. The recessed crown at 4 o’clock additionally makes use of a singular impartial screwdown tube reasonably than screwing straight into the principle case physique, permitting for simpler restore and alternative within the occasion of a dangerous influence. Seiko additionally reprofiles the sting of the unidirectional dive bezel, changing the standard coin fringe of the 1968 mannequin with a chunkier gear-toothed design that must be extra usable whereas carrying heavy cold-weather gloves. The dramatically angled lugs and broad polished case facet chamfers must be acquainted to followers of the model, nevertheless, as ought to the mix of mirror sharpening and horizontal brushing. Seiko does take a refined departure from the acquainted with the bezel insert, nevertheless, rendering the complete dive scale in a pale ice blue that reinforces the Antarctic theme in pictures with out drawing undue consideration to itself. Surprisingly, Seiko charges the SLA055 for much less water resistance than its forebear, providing 200 meters of resistance versus the 300 meter ranking of the 1968 authentic.
Seiko has constructed a lot of its trendy popularity on the energy of its dial ending, and the Prospex SLA055 continues this pattern. The primary dial floor itself is extra muted and restrained than some present entries within the model’s lineup, however the deep midnight blue sunburst and shallow rippling texture evoke the frigid waters of Antarctica powerfully in preliminary pictures. Whereas this floor alone provides character to the design, the model pays outstanding consideration to the smaller parts of the dial as nicely. For instance, the utilized diver type indices at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock characteristic a fragile grooved texture that ought to work together dramatically with altering mild. The broad, sharply pointed lumed handset additionally options intricate ending in pictures, with strongly brushed central sections complemented by brightly polished beveled edges. Nonetheless, the blunt cutout of the 4:30 date window arguably detracts from this sense of refined ending, whereas additionally disrupting general symmetry.
Contained in the Seiko Prospex SLA055 beats the in-house 8L35 computerized motion. Developed particularly for Seiko’s premium dive watch choices, the 8L35 is hand-assembled within the model’s unique Shizukuishi Watch Studio manufacturing unit (usually house to Grand Seiko motion manufacturing) and produced with the pains of heavy underwater use in thoughts. Though hidden behind a strong caseback, Seiko finishes the 8L35 handsomely with striping throughout the bridges and rotor, together with brightly polished chamfered edges. By way of efficiency, the 8L35 affords a strong 50 hours of energy reserve at a 28,800 bph beat price. As with the water resistance ranking, nevertheless, this can be a decrease specification on paper than the 1968 authentic, which used Seiko’s cutting-edge (for the time) Hello-Beat 36,000 bph beat price. Seiko {couples} the Prospex SLA055 with a pair of strap choices, paying tribute not simply to the model’s personal legacy however to the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship that drives a lot of its present output. The primary of the pair is a contemporary silicone reinterpretation of the 1968 authentic’s “chocolate bar” rubber strap in black, abandoning the shiny texture of the unique design to focus on its raised blocks in a grainy matte end. Seiko additionally features a navy blue NATO strap braided within the conventional Japanese sample often known as Seichu. The model claims this braided weave is each extremely sturdy and immune to fading from solar publicity.
With sturdy development, intricate ending, and good-looking nods to the model’s historical past of polar exploration, the restricted version Seiko Prospex SLA055 is a rugged and engaging device watch meant for one of many world’s most excessive environments. Only one,300 examples of the Seiko Prospex SLA055 shall be made, and the watch shall be obtainable by way of Seiko boutiques and choose approved sellers beginning in January 2022 at an MSRP of €4,600. For extra particulars, please go to the model’s web site.
English 