HOMAGE TO THE SEIKO ORIGINAL 1986 QUARTZ DIVER
To say that Seiko has a history would be an immense understatement. Seiko has built their reputation of manufacturing reliable, bang-for-your-buck watches over many decades, and this year, they want to celebrate that.
Seiko has released a Quartz Diver that pays homage to the original 1986 version of itself. Back then, there were no mechanical divers that could match Seiko in terms of accuracy, and it set a new standard for all watches out there. 35 years later, that accomplishment is remembered, and celebrated through this new release.
The Seiko Prospex 1986 Quartz Diver’s 35th Anniversary Limited Edition has come back with new design features and upgraded professional diver’s watch specifications, all while keeping the classic 1986 look.
The watch comes in a tough titanium case and a ceramic outer case protector, which allows it to withstand depths of up to 1000m. The titanium case is uniquely incorporated with its outer protector, increasing its shock resistance. A stainless-steel rotating bezel offers added durability, along with a way to measure your time in the water. Additionally, the watch is helium resistant, a need for any deep saturation diving.
The case is 49.4mm in diameter, 16.3mm thick, weighs 118.5g and thus is sturdy and reliable in any situation. The sense of security with this watch on your wrist is like no other.
It also features a silicone strap, which offers water resistance and a flexible and comfortable fit on any wrist. On the strap, the text “FOR SATURATION DIVING 1000m” is printed in bright yellow. This small but loud detail ensures you feel a sense of safety, and that this timepiece will not fail on you even in the deepest, darkest waters.
The dial is a mid-toned blue that gradually fades to black, similar to how divers venture from the brightness of land into the deep, dark ocean. It features markers that are all circular, with the exception of the 12th hour, which is triangular in shape.
The markers are large and bold, and painted with Lumibrite, Seiko’s own luminous paint. Lumibrite’s glow lasts for 3 to 5 hours in the dark just after about 10 minutes of exposure to light. Furthermore, Lumibrite’s quality is lasting due to its inorganic nature, allowing it to be used semi permanently.
The dial is fitted with broad, bold hands, that glow similarly to the time markers. The hour hand is shaped like a polygon, while the minute hand follows a more conventional arrow shape. The second hand is fitted with a sphere at its base, while its tip remains sharp and precise. This multitude of shapes and lines gives the watch a bold asymmetry that fits the boldness of the whole watch.
Protecting those hands is a Sapphire Crystal glass, which has a scratch resistance of 9 on the Mohs scale, on which the only harder material is diamond. This means that the occasional bump is no issue, which is especially important while diving.
Powering said hands is the quartz Caliber 7C46, which has been designed to be a tool specifically for professional divers. It features an accuracy of around 15 seconds a month, and is battery powered with a lifespan of up to 5 years.
While the watch itself is a work of art, what truly shines is its history. Seiko reached high in the past to create a standard-setting watch, and by comparing the original quartz diver and its reincarnation, it is truly obvious that they have continued to set the same standards for themselves.
While it may be tough to get the 1986 original nowadays, you can relive the same excitement that divers felt for it through this new and improved version.
The Seiko Prospex 1986 Quartz Diver’s 35th Anniversary Limited Edition is usually on Vincent Watch for $4,369.90 SGD (RRP). However, it is going currently at a special price of $3,714.41 SGD.
Pick one up today, and feel what a true tool watch can offer.