Earlier this year, I treated myself to a new Seiko diver from Atelier Lou. I had admired it online for weeks before finally visiting the store and trying on the piece. I bought it on the spot, which says everything, I guess!
I have owned a bunch of Seiko divers before and the SPB335 uses the wonderful calibre 6R35 engine, with nearly 3 days of juice. My issue with previous Seiko watches was always the dials, which can feel unfinished, and the long, weird-fitting straps. This Seiko Prospex Black Series “slim turtle” has a lovely matte, almost textured dial. I can also wear its strap loose enough to be comfortable, with the watch still sitting securely on my wrist. For whatever reason, this particular watch fits my large wrist perfectly, allowing me to wear it for hours without feeling it. The colour scheme is cool, urban and contemporary. The Seiko just feels nice.
After nearly six months, the Seiko Prospex Black Series is running within a few seconds per day if stored “crown down.” If left “dial up,” the watch runs fast, but well within the stated specs. On the wrist, the watch gains less than one second per day. The long power reserve is a practical feature as you can rotate through your collection and find your Seiko still ticking after two days. Wearing the Seiko, which is a Japan made model, feels like wearing a proper luxury sports watch.
I have worn my new Seiko diver on the beach, in the pool, at rock concerts, in the back yard and for days of urban exploration. The fact that the watch can swim and so on makes it feel like a reliable companion. This, in my view, is luxury. You do not NEED to wear your watch while swimming in the pool. But the fact that your watch can be worn in the pool makes it feel more capable and valuable. This is where the Seiko excels - for far less money than many Swiss sports watches, you get a gorgeous, rugged watch with a serious in-house movement.
Now, let’s talk about the style. I have always, ALWAYS loved the style of 1960’s diving watches. This whole series of Seikos is a tribute to their legendary diving watches of yesteryear. Style is subjective, but I love these watches. Mine has a far more modest size and proportions, which add to the comfort. For my tastes, the Seiko hits a home run with the design. Combine that with a great price, true rugged utility and a well-performing movement, and the watch sells itself. The all-black case and buckle add a certain something to the watch.This is different to my dozen-or-so steel watches and it feels quite premium to have the black treatment. At this price point, both the limited production and the black treatment are impressive.
The SPB335 is limited to 4,500 examples. But if you cannot find one, do not despair. Just look at other Seiko references with “SPB” in their model number. There are many similar watches, with the same movement, in different colour combinations and styles. The SPB333 is a great example, and it is a regular production model. There are plenty of others to choose from.
My modest watch collection boasts three Seiko divers today and all have been used for beach and swimming. I would not feel comfortable wearing a $10,000 watch to a beach resort down south. While a thousand bucks is not cheap, I feel like I can wear my Seikos while travelling without much anxiety. Plus, they run well and look fantastic. Seiko divers, in general, can be considered as excellent travel and vacation watches. The value is hard to ignore. If you are in the market for a weekend warrior or sports diver, I think you can find some great options in the SPB lineup.
The purpose of any wrist watch, of course, is to provide joy. There is no other purpose. You do not need a watch in today's world. And you certainly don't need a mechanical watch. And this is why the Seiko was a "treat" for me. It simply provides me with joy and pleasure, which certainly enhances any vacation or personal time. Whether it ever swims again or not, I have tested it in the water so I know that it can answer the call if required. My Seiko Prospex Black Series has become a favourite companion and designated vacation watch.
Yours truly,
TimeCaptain
I have owned a bunch of Seiko divers before and the SPB335 uses the wonderful calibre 6R35 engine, with nearly 3 days of juice. My issue with previous Seiko watches was always the dials, which can feel unfinished, and the long, weird-fitting straps. This Seiko Prospex Black Series “slim turtle” has a lovely matte, almost textured dial. I can also wear its strap loose enough to be comfortable, with the watch still sitting securely on my wrist. For whatever reason, this particular watch fits my large wrist perfectly, allowing me to wear it for hours without feeling it. The colour scheme is cool, urban and contemporary. The Seiko just feels nice.
After nearly six months, the Seiko Prospex Black Series is running within a few seconds per day if stored “crown down.” If left “dial up,” the watch runs fast, but well within the stated specs. On the wrist, the watch gains less than one second per day. The long power reserve is a practical feature as you can rotate through your collection and find your Seiko still ticking after two days. Wearing the Seiko, which is a Japan made model, feels like wearing a proper luxury sports watch.
I have worn my new Seiko diver on the beach, in the pool, at rock concerts, in the back yard and for days of urban exploration. The fact that the watch can swim and so on makes it feel like a reliable companion. This, in my view, is luxury. You do not NEED to wear your watch while swimming in the pool. But the fact that your watch can be worn in the pool makes it feel more capable and valuable. This is where the Seiko excels - for far less money than many Swiss sports watches, you get a gorgeous, rugged watch with a serious in-house movement.
Now, let’s talk about the style. I have always, ALWAYS loved the style of 1960’s diving watches. This whole series of Seikos is a tribute to their legendary diving watches of yesteryear. Style is subjective, but I love these watches. Mine has a far more modest size and proportions, which add to the comfort. For my tastes, the Seiko hits a home run with the design. Combine that with a great price, true rugged utility and a well-performing movement, and the watch sells itself. The all-black case and buckle add a certain something to the watch.This is different to my dozen-or-so steel watches and it feels quite premium to have the black treatment. At this price point, both the limited production and the black treatment are impressive.
The SPB335 is limited to 4,500 examples. But if you cannot find one, do not despair. Just look at other Seiko references with “SPB” in their model number. There are many similar watches, with the same movement, in different colour combinations and styles. The SPB333 is a great example, and it is a regular production model. There are plenty of others to choose from.
My modest watch collection boasts three Seiko divers today and all have been used for beach and swimming. I would not feel comfortable wearing a $10,000 watch to a beach resort down south. While a thousand bucks is not cheap, I feel like I can wear my Seikos while travelling without much anxiety. Plus, they run well and look fantastic. Seiko divers, in general, can be considered as excellent travel and vacation watches. The value is hard to ignore. If you are in the market for a weekend warrior or sports diver, I think you can find some great options in the SPB lineup.
The purpose of any wrist watch, of course, is to provide joy. There is no other purpose. You do not need a watch in today's world. And you certainly don't need a mechanical watch. And this is why the Seiko was a "treat" for me. It simply provides me with joy and pleasure, which certainly enhances any vacation or personal time. Whether it ever swims again or not, I have tested it in the water so I know that it can answer the call if required. My Seiko Prospex Black Series has become a favourite companion and designated vacation watch.
Yours truly,
TimeCaptain