New In: Seiko 1965/1970 Diver's Modern Re-interpretation (SPB237J1 & SPB239J1)
There is no denying that the dive watch is certainly one of watchmaking’s most iconic and recognizable designs. Whether it’s the timelessness and ruggedness of its design or the appeal of having a watch that can easily survive the harshest of environments, they are easily some of the most popular watches in the world. There’re plenty of divers in the market today, and practically anybody who is anybody in the industry has made or are still making dive watches. And with such a mass of watchmakers making them, there’re bound to be a few icons. Watches like the Rolex Submariner, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, and the Omega Seamaster PLOPROF are great examples of iconic divers. But let’s not forget that Seiko has no shortage of icons. In fact, some of their most iconic watches are dive watches.
The watches that have to be the most recognizable and versatile is undoubtedly the Seiko Turtle and the 62MAS. First debuted as the 6105 in the mid-1960s, the Turtle had a unique case design which flared along the sides as crown guards and short lugs allowed for an improved ease of wear. It’s a design that has garnered a cult following and one that is still as distinct yet timeless today, as it was 50 years ago. And the 62MAS was Seiko’s first ever attempt at a dive watch, and till now, the design is still an icon for modern divers.
The Seiko Prospex ‘Turtle’ Reissue SPB237J1
One of the finest releases from Seiko this year for the enthusiast is easily this one: the SPB237J1. It’s a lovely reissue of the 6105 Turtle, the first ever Turtle and one that would become an icon after finding itself strapped on the wrist of Captain Willard in the legendary 1979 movie Apocalypse Now.
Though we have the modern Seiko Turtles now, they’ve never truly given us the feel and design of the original, and though Seiko did reissue it in the form of the SLA033, it was incredibly expensive and a limited edition as well (spoiler alert, we’ll be taking a look at that one later). So, we now finally have an affordable and much more attainable version of the Captain Willard which fans have been waiting for and there’s no denying that it is a fantastic watch.
Coming in at 42.7mm in diameter, and featuring that unique flared case/crown-guard design with a domed sapphire crystal to top it off, it’s a fantastic looking piece. Pair that gorgeous design with an in-house 6r35 caliber offering a neat 70 hours of power-reserve and you have one of the best modern dive watch money can buy today. There’re no shortages of icons in Seiko’s line-up: The 62MAS, the Marinemaster 300, the Tuna, The SKX and of course the Turtle. And now, being able to have such an iconic timepiece, that’s incredibly executed at such an affordable price really makes this quite possibly, the bargain icon of the year.
The Seiko Prospex ‘62MAS’ Reissue SPB239J1
Inspired by the classic 62-MAS, Seiko’s original dive watch that made its debut in 1965, the Seiko SPB239J1 is, in my opinion, one of the nicest looking divers you can buy today for under two thousand dollars.
There’s plenty to like about this watch right off the bat. From the uniquely subtle grey sunburst dial to the immaculate finishing around the entire watch and of course, the in-house movement that is powering it.
Though it is really the look of the watch that sells it for me, harking back to the 62-MAS, it’s also the best and most accessible representation of that classic piece so far.
Powering the SPB239J1 is Seiko’s proprietary in-house 6R35 automatic caliber. It operates at 3Hz (21,600 VPH) offers a whopping 70 hours of power reserve and can be hand-wound with hacking seconds as well. The watch comes in a very comfortable 40.5mm diameter which fits nicely on most wrists, has a water resistance of 200m and is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal as well for added sweetness.
Of course, no Seiko diver is complete without a generous application of the brand’s proprietary Lumibrite luminescent material. And this results in an incredibly legible and visually enjoyable time-telling experience when the lights go out.
The SPB239J1 exemplifies everything there is to love about Japanese watchmaking, which is often stereotyped as a very spartan and utilitarian no thrills and frills affair. With a beautifully finished dial, multi-colored lume pips and the performance of a proper professional diver, the SPB239J1 is a properly excellent timepiece to own whether you’re looking to add a classic design to your collection or looking for a companion for your next deep dive.
Modern Affordable Watchmaking Icons
It should come as no surprise that such an iconic design has to be a staple in any collection. Whether you’re looking for a mid tier daily beater or a high-end affordable luxury tool watch, there’s something for everybody in the Seiko Prospex diver line. And whether it was intended or not, Seiko has certainly made a mark not only in the history of dive watches, but watches as a whole with this pair of truly distinct, and timeless icons.
