Any watch collector must be familiar with the Seiko diver watch series. Among the diving community itself, Seiko dive watch is popular as part of the starter packs. However, even though you’re not a diver, you may appreciate the art and the technology Seiko gives to this watch. The Japanese watchmaker is famous for its state-of-the-art machine and long-lasting watches. And one of the series is the divers watch.
“What is a Seiko Diver Watch?”
Simply put, it’s a line the company dedicates to the sports watch specifically for diving and other water sports. However, it’s more than just a watch since it also champions some causes. One of the most popular diver’s watch is 62MAS, the Japan’s first diver’s watch in 1965 which considered as one of the best Seiko dive watches.
You can find a Seiko diver watch as part of the Seiko Prospex series. Some of them are official PADI watches and modern reinterpretations of their classic watches, chronograph series or special edition series.
What Sets Seiko Diver Watch Apart from Other Brands
The history of Seiko starts in the 1880s. The company’s founder was a humble beginning who takes craftmanship seriously. The company’s original name was Seikosha, which translates as “the greatest craftsmanship”. And not until much later did they shorten it to Seiko brand and there are many reasons why Seiko watches are vastly popular.
But mainly because they cater to both sides of the price spectrum without giving up any of the quality. Even the most affordable Seiko watch will have the same craftsmanship and machinery like the one in their luxury line. Of course, there are differences in materials used for the bezel, dial, and band for watchmaking. But the machine is from Seiko which guaranteed precision down to the second.
Should you go for Vintage of a more Modern Style?
It’s a common question among timepiece enthusiasts. Do you want to have a vintage watch or prefer to go with the sleek more modern look? Luckily for you, Seiko offers a wide range of options including their Prospex series and Grand Seiko series.
Some of these watches offer the classic Seiko turtle look. Aptly named because of the case shape that takes inspiration from the animal. While some others opt for a round case for a sleek look.
Another thing to look into is the watch mechanism. Do you prefer it automatic or automatic with manual winding? Rest assured that Seiko has all versions as an answer to your needs.
Which of the Best Seiko dive watch to have?
Seiko has several lines of watches. Each has unique characteristics. For example, the Seiko 5 is more of a sport and general utilities watch while King Seiko is more of their luxurious line.
Seiko diver watch is part of the Seiko Prospex line. Their tagline is to keep going forward. Therefore, Seiko continues a working partnership with several explorers, research facilities, and NGOs to highlight the marine ecosystem and nature in general.
We have curated some of the watches for you who want to buy your first Seiko watches or want to add more to your collection.
SEIKO Prospex SLA049
The Prospex SLA049 is a limited edition Seiko Diver watch commemorating the Naomi Uemura 80th anniversary. Uemura was one of the solo explorers who challenged some of the most treacherous summits in the world. He disappeared not long after his 43rd birthday when he was climbing Delani peak.
Seiko celebrates his life by releasing the Prospex SL049 on what would be his 80th birthday. They only produced 1200 of this watch, making this watch a collector’s favorite.
SEIKO Prospex SNE575
Seiko has a long and withstanding partnership with PADI, and the collaboration reflects in some of the watches. One of them is the Prospex SNE575. But unlike the other official PADI watches, the SNE575 only has blue lumens on the bezel.
The watch still carries the classic PADI stamp on the dial and the solar-powered mechanic. Another thing that makes this watch unique is the technology that prevents the watch from overcharging.
Being an official PADI watch, this Seiko diver watch is also capable of a 200m dive or roughly 600 feet. The bright blue lumens on the bezel give the watch a more casual look for daily use.
Seiko Diver Automatic Orange Dial Men’s Watch
Seiko Automatic Orange Dial is best Seiko Diver watch that gives off a fun and playful dial instead of the classic black and white. Many fans claim the watch is a cheap shot at the Doxa sub watches.
Unfortunately, despite the Diver name, this watch is only good for swimming or snorkeling at best. It’s a misnomer among the watch enthusiasts because this Diver Automatic is part of the Seiko 5 series.
However, it carries a price of less than $300 for a new one, so it’s a still good wristwatch to have. On the plus side, it’s an orange Seiko. So it’s a win-win for any owner who enjoys a quirky watch that is also precise and has massive capabilities.
SEIKO Prospex SPB299
Seiko Watch Corporation released three watches with Save the Ocean theme in 2022, and Prospex SPB299 is one of them. The watch is a modern reinterpretation of the classic 1968 Diver, which was the first Seiko watch to have 300m water resistance.
The SPB299 is also a result of collaboration with the National Institute of Polar Research of Japan. They are minutely working on understanding climate change and how they prevent it from speeding. Hence, the watch has unique details such as the jagged blue dial to represent the cause.
Seiko Prospex SPB077
This Seiko diver watch is also a modern reinterpretation of the classic Seiko 1968 automatic divers. This watch is also one of the Save the Ocean movement watches. However, SPB077 retains the Seiko turtle and is slightly larger than the SPB299 at 44mm diameter.
This watch has a forest green dial, taking inspiration from the Yakushima island, one of the world’s natural heritage sites and also a favorite among divers. The SPB077 is also a thinner bezel than the original.
Compared to other watches, the Seiko diver watch has a wide range of varieties of models and prices. Of course, some of these models are more expensive than the rest. But given that they are partnering with organizations championing worthy causes, it will be money well spent. Don’t forget that Seiko watches are popular for their lasting and precise mechanism.
