Seiko resurrects one of its most lauded professional diver’s models from the past; a watch that took the legendary Prospex diver’s from 1975 and thrust it into the 1980s with (for the time) a very high level of diver’s specification.
35 years on, the classic Seiko 1986 Quartz Diver's is re-born with an even higher level of professional diver’s specifications than ever - that will surely stand it in very good stead – well, at least until 2025 that is when we can surely expect a 50th anniversary model.
But it’s 2021 and we’re looking back on 1986 when Seiko launched said diver’s watch that set a new benchmark by combing the iconic 1975 design with the 1’000 meters of water-resistance required for SAT-diving (saturation diving) with a precision quartz movement that had a level accuracy that no mechanical diver’s watch could ever rival.
At the time (even today) it was recognized as one of Seiko’s most important diver’s watches. Today, 35 years on, this classic Seiko Diver’s watch is back boasting new design features as well upgraded professional diver’s watch specifications.
The 2021 model inherits all the key design features and innovations which made both the 1975 mechanical and the 1986 quartz OG models trusted diving companions that professional divers have used for literally decades.
It has 1’000 meters of water-resistance as well as what Seiko call the “Helium Resistance” (not a valve) that saturation diving requires and incorporates its unique one-piece Titanium case with its outer protector structure (AKA shroud) that also give it an exceptional level of shock-resistance.
It also has the accordion-style strap that ensures that the watch remains tight on the wrist no matter the depth. The outer shrouding is made of zirconia ceramic, which is seven times harder than steel and is highly corrosion resistant. The new diver’s strap is now of high grade, strong yet flexible silicone.
As a new and additional safety and design feature, the crown is marked with a vivid yellow “Lock” sign and an arrow to indicate the rotating direction.
The winding stem is also in yellow so that the wearer can immediately notice if the crown is unlocked. The white hour markers stand out against the dark dial so that they are easy to read at depth.
The watch is offered with extra-strength silicone straps in both black and blue-gray, ensuring excellent wear-ability over a wetsuit or directly against the wrist. Each strap proudly features the text “FOR SATURATION DIVING 1000m” in yellow.
The watch is equipped with Seiko’s tried and trusted quartz Caliber 7C46 which delivers a high level of torque so that it can move the powerful hands that are wide, robust and Lumibrite-coated for maximum legibility. It also delivers a reasonably long battery life of 5 years.
The Limited Edition of 1,200 pieces will be available as of July 2021 from selected Seiko Boutiques and retail partners, worldwide. Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €2,700.
Thoughts? If I was ever going to splurge on a high-end Quatz-powered diver, this would be the one. It’s such a cool watch – I mean professional diving instrument cos’ don’t forget it measures a substantial 49.4mm in diameter. But what do you think – has to the ultimate bath time toy, right?
Un gran cuarzo para chapotear
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