At the watch and jewelry festival "BASELWORLD 2018" held in Basel, Switzerland, Seiko Watch announced many new products this year as well. Since 2018 is the 50th anniversary of the company's mechanical divers, the leading role is the "Prospex" diver's watch.
In the GPS solar watch "Astron", the first sports model has appeared, mainly for use in off-scenes such as holidays and leisure. It will be developed as a new series "Executive Sports Line". Click all photos to enlarge. All prices do not include tax, and all release months are planned.
In addition, the report on the luxury watch brand "Grand Seiko", which became an independent brand in 2017, will be delivered in a separate article.
A mechanical diver's watch released by Seiko in 1968. At the time, it was equipped with the world's highest standard 10-beat high-beat movement in the world's first one-piece, 300m waterproof case without a back cover. This time, the design of this epoch-making model has been faithfully reprinted. While recreating the original sharp case with Zaratsu polishing, the 300m air diving specifications have been upgraded to saturation diving specifications.
In addition, the material of the strap engraved with the pyramid pattern has been changed from the original vinyl chloride to reinforced silicon, and the glass windshield has also been changed from inorganic glass to dual-curve sapphire glass with an anti-reflective coating on the inside.
The movement is the 8L55 automatic movement for divers watches made by Shizukuishi Watch Studio, which consistently manufactures high-end mechanical watches. High-speed vibration of 36,000 times per hour (10 vibrations per second) achieves stable accuracy. Proprietary alloys are used for the mainspring and hairspring, and a single barrel provides a power reserve of approximately 55 hours.
The outer diameter of the case is 44.8mm (not including the crown) and the thickness is 15.7mm. The case material is SS (stainless steel) with diamond shielding. The price is 550,000 yen. Limited to 1,500 units worldwide, scheduled to be released on June 9th.
Another model commemorating the 50th anniversary of Mechanical Divers is the Deep Forest. The deep green color of the dial and bezel was inspired by the rich forests of Yakushima, which nurtures the beautiful sea.
The deep green bezel ring is made of scratch-resistant zirconia ceramics. In addition, Lumibrite is applied directly to the hands, indexes, and the scale on the bezel that measures the elapsed time during diving (from the ▽ mark to 20). Visibility is improved underwater and in dark places.
The movement is self-winding and the caliber is "8L35" (8 vibrations per second). Power reserve is 50 hours. The outer diameter of the case is 44.3mm (not including the crown) and the thickness is 15.4mm. The windshield is sapphire glass with an anti-reflective coating on the inside, and is waterproof for 300m saturation diving. The case and bracelet are made of diamond-shielded SS, and a replacement reinforced silicone strap (black) is included. The price is 320,000 yen. Limited to 1,968 bottles worldwide, scheduled to be released on July 7th.
