Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver's Re-Creation SBDX031 / SLA033 (Limited Edition)

What do you get when you mix Seiko's iconic 6105 Willard (famously worn by Martin Sheen in Apocalypse Now), with a modern high-end build and a luxury-grade finish? If you guessed the Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver's Re-Creation, then you know your watches! With a limited run of 2,500 units worldwide, with this watch, you have yourself a truly unique and scarce collectible that doesn’t pop up too often. 

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*INCLUDED*

+ Outer white box & inner blue box
+ Stamped warranty card from authorized dealer (Japan)
+ Hang tags
+ Manual + Japanese Guarantee Card, Dated: June 03, 2020 
  
 

RE-CREATION vs. RE-ISSUE

This is the re-creation the vintage Seiko watch nerds have been waiting for. But, why has Seiko decided to call the SLA033 a “re-creation” as opposed to a "re-issue", the more commonly used term for a homage watches of this nature?

Seiko, in fact, has a series of "re-creation" watches - the the Alpinist SJE085 and the SLA025, being two of them. If I am to draw comparisons between this 1970 Diver and the aforementioned watches, I would note that they share the following characteristics that are together make a Seiko watch worthy of the "re-creation" moniker. The watch must be:

• A limited edition
• An upgraded re-imagining of an iconic references from the golden age of sport watches. 

So, these are not your run-of-the-mill carbon copy repeats. And while they tend to draw faithful inspiration from their predecessors, particularly from an aesthetic standpoint, these "re-creations" masterfully merge iconic references of the old, with upgraded modern specifications. 

ABOUT THE SLA033

We've heard the stories of the iconic Seiko 6105 - Apocalypse Now, Vietnam, the Naomi Eumura expeditions - but after handling this piece, it is difficult to ignore why this watch is special.  

Firstly this piece feels like a luxury watch. Its weight, presence on the wrist, and the smooth yet firm action on the bezel, all lift this watch to heights that are eons beyond any entry-level Seiko. 

BUT it's the treatment given to the bezel and general outer built quality of the watch that you first notice as something truly exceptional. The upper surface of the bezel enjoys a full Zaratsu finish, a meticulous polishing technique typically reserved for higher-end Grand Seiko watches. These watches were assembled in Seiko Shizukuishi Watch Studio, another luxury typically reserved for Seiko's luxury offerings such as Grand Seiko and Credor. 

Mechanically speaking, the SBDX031 / SLA033 is a clear upgrade from its predecessor. Housed inside this seemingly indestructible case is a 26 jewel caliber 8L35 movement, which delivers a 50 hour power reserve, and beats at 28,800 vph (up from 21,600 vph in the original 6105a). 

 CONDITION & SPECS

The watch is in exceptional condition, with very little signs of wear. There is a very small scuff at the 24 min mark on the small outer ring of the bezel, and has a few nearly microscopic nicks at the upper-right edge of the case (details in photos). Personally I didn't notice these small marks until I was taking pictures through the macro lens and bright lights. So this is me being very picky. Overall, the watch is in truly excellent condition. With the full set included, this is a compelling package. 

This watch was part of the early batch of the limited series, designated for the Japanese domestic market. So in the paperwork, the watch is referenced according to the Japanese coding system (SBDX031 as opposed to SLA033). The watch is exactly identical (including the case-back) to the watches allocated to the global market, and is part of the total 2,500 units released globally. 

Brand: Seiko (Prospex)
Model: Polaris SBDX031 / SLA033
Production Year: 2020
Complications: Date
Case: Stainless steel with "super-hard" coating
Bezel: Stainless Steel case w. zaratsu polished bezel
Case size: 45mm (diameter) & 13mm (thickness)
Dial: Black
Lume: Hands and indexes
Depth Rating: 200 meters
Strap: Waffle pattern silicone strap
Movement: 8L35
Power Reserve: 50 hours
Frequency: 28,800 vph
Jewels: 26

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