Seiko | Featured Brand at Time+Tide Watches

27.10.2020
Thor Svaboe

The Seiko Prospex SLA043J1 is the less expensive version of the $10k Seiko Prospex SLA037J1

For us, there was only one effective way to rate and review the luxurious Seiko Challenger diver, the $9995AUD Seiko Prospex SLA037J1, a re-creation of Seiko’s first dive watch, the 62MAS, launched in 1965. And that was to put it up against a brand nobody baulks at spending that kind of money for a diver: Omega with their Seamaster 300 Co-Axial vintage. Once put in the ring, we let them duke it out, spec for spec. And the verdict? I concluded that some will no doubt be attracted to what might be the very pinnacle of Seiko’s dive range, and an entirely new paradigm for quality within the brand collections. Others, of course, will consider that there are too many other options at that price point. Me, I’m in the former camp. The SLA037J1, limited to 1100 pieces, is the very realisation of 62MAS-inspired divers, and comes at the perfect size, under 40mm. The only issue I could muster is the Grand Seiko vibe it emanates. Surely that is pure bliss? Well, yes and no. The finish is so perfect in every sense, with the slight bevel at the end of a lug so pristine that I would compare it to… Read More

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23.10.2020
Thor Svaboe

INTRODUCING: The Seiko Prospex SNR049J Batman will leave you black and blue

Looks can be deceiving, and the Seiko Prospex SNR049J proves the point in idiosyncratic style, once again firmly setting the bar for how we perceive a tool watch. This is a deliciously blue faced, limited reference in the LX series, Seiko’s pinnacle of sports and diver’s watches. In 2020 this is a brash and unapologetically large watch, but even at 44.8mm, Seiko are the masters of watch ergonomics, and close to unbeatable for chunky tool watch comfort. Don’t be surprised if this feels like a 41-42mm watch on the wrist, as the familiar muscular sides curve downwards at the lugs, sharpened by exceptional bevels. The reason the weight drops away is a T for titanium: light, strong and seldom finished to this degree outside Japan. The bold, softly finished angles on the large case create a strong visual impact, one that is only superseded by what is surely a knock-out punch to this year’s other Batman wannabes. Yes, this is a classic GMT, where the decisive movement of the sword hands is complemented by a pop of light blue in the second time zone arrow. The dial itself — encircled by the familiar sight of the dark night vs blue day… Read More

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20.10.2020
Zach Blass

INTRODUCING: The Seiko Prospex SPB183J 55th Anniversary Limited Edition is back in blue

A proven trend within the world of watches is for brands to reinterpret historic models within their archives for modern-day release. Seiko has revived and renewed one of their classic ’70s divers with the new Seiko Prospex SPB183J 55th Anniversary Limited Edition. ⁣ The case While slightly larger than the original, the Seiko Prospex SPB183J is faithful in almost every other aspect of its design. The 42.7mm stainless steel case has a super-hard coating, making this a great candidate for daily wear. The case is mostly satin finished, with hairline bevels and polish on the outer flanks of the case. Its saucer-like profile makes the watch wear compact for its size (46.6mm lug-to-lug) and, with a thickness of 13.2mm, is only about a 0.5mm taller than a Rolex Submariner. As a reinterpretation of a classic diver, it is not only faithful to the original design, but also to its original purpose and utility with its screw-down crown, diver’s timing bezel, and 200m water-resistant case. The dial The gradient blue dial is displayed beneath a dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The blue of the dial is on the darker side in lower lit settings, but when the sun or light… Read More

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27.10.2020
Thor Svaboe

The Seiko Prospex SLA043J1 is the less expensive version of the $10k Seiko Prospex SLA037J1

For us, there was only one effective way to rate and review the luxurious Seiko Challenger diver, the $9995AUD Seiko Prospex SLA037J1, a re-creation of Seiko’s first dive watch, the 62MAS, launched in 1965. And that was to put it up against a brand nobody baulks at spending that kind of money for a diver: Omega with their Seamaster 300 Co-Axial vintage. Once put in the ring, we let them duke it out, spec for spec. And the verdict? I concluded that some will no doubt be attracted to what might be the very pinnacle of Seiko’s dive range, and an entirely new paradigm for quality within the brand collections. Others, of course, will consider that there are too many other options at that price point. Me, I’m in the former camp. The SLA037J1, limited to 1100 pieces, is the very realisation of 62MAS-inspired divers, and comes at the perfect size, under 40mm. The only issue I could muster is the Grand Seiko vibe it emanates. Surely that is pure bliss? Well, yes and no. The finish is so perfect in every sense, with the slight bevel at the end of a lug so pristine that I would compare it to… Read More

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19.10.2020
Andrew McUtchen

Design a Seiko 5 Sports online with the Custom Watch Beatmaker, get lots of votes, and see it released by Seiko

Seiko 5 Sports has just announced a global digital campaign, “CUSTOM WATCH BEATMAKER” which will run from October 19, 2020 to the end of January 2021. Having just gone through the process, this is a super fun customisation process that also has you name your bespoke watch. A track created for the campaign by an up-and-coming artist is then paired with your watch. I called mine the ‘Sam Sparro’, and that should give you some clues about its jam. Black and gold, baby. Users can create their original model by selecting watch parts such as the bezel, case, dial, hands and band. They can then also vote for their favourite model, and have theirs included in the selection of original custom watch designs. Eight musical artists have taken inspiration from the Seiko 5 Sports to create 32 original tracks for this campaign. The watch selected as the most popular model will be released globally in the future. That’s one hell of a bragging right. Get amongst it here. Step 1. Choose the bezel Step 2. Choose the hands Step 3 & 4. Choose the case and strap Step 5. Name it!

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08.10.2020
Thor Svaboe

INTRODUCING: The Seiko Astron SSH073J Limited Edition offers dressy darkness in ceramic and titanium

Seiko’s 2020 arsenal of new watches has yet another devastatingly attractive addition in the Seiko Astron SSH073J. In parallel with the mechanical in-house divers and sports watches we can’t seem to get enough of, we find the ultra-precise Astron series, here shown in the dressy darkness of titanium and ceramic. I apologise in advance for more Star Wars references, but they are too tempting. With this on Mr Vader’s wrist, the Death Star would always be on time, as the Astron accuracy is legendary. We sing the praises of Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive and Quartz models with their beguiling mix of craftsmanship and mechanical excellence, but this is something else. The Astron series, with their tough, high-tech focus, does not get the column space they deserve, as they are damn impressive at what they do. This year is the 160th anniversary of Kintaro Hattori, the founder of Seiko, and they have chosen to mark this with a limited edition of their laser-sharp solar-powered GPS watch, the Astron SSH073J. And when we say devastatingly handsome, we mean it. It’s hard to think of a cleaner execution of the Astron, and the colour scheme? A symphony of black and gold in a… Read More

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05.10.2020
Nick Kenyon

VIDEO: See the Seiko Save The Ocean SRPE33K and SRPE39K dials for yourself (they’re insanely good for the price)

Seiko’s “Save The Ocean” program is an important one, helping raise much-needed funds for the conservation of the planet’s oceans. You can check out a couple of the places that benefit from Seiko’s work here and here, but today we’re looking at the watches that help raise money for these critical programs. This year, it’s all about the Seiko SRPE33K and SRPE39K, two references that offer what might be the most imaginative and spellbinding dial of the year at this exceedingly affordable price point. The Seiko SRPE39K is based on the classic Seiko turtle shape, the same as last year’s Seiko SRPD12K “Save The Ocean” edition, but with a couple of important changes. While the bracelet and movement remain the same, the key difference is in the shimmering blue dial, and the inky black ceramic bezel that elevates this watch into some very competitive territory. Similarly, the Seiko SRPE33K features the same blue gradient dial, with the faint outline of stingrays as though just below the water’s surface, and an eye-catching ceramic bezel. Even if you’ve already got a couple of Seiko watches in your collection, these two new offerings from the Japanese watchmaker are some of the most impressive pieces… Read More

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