2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of Seiko?s landmark 6159-7001 dive watch. It was the Japanese firm?s first hi-beat diver, and it featured a beautiful monocoque case, screw down crown, Hardlex mineral crystal, unidirectional bezel, and a depth rating of 300 meters. It was arguably the best-engineered dive watch available in 1968, and it?s a highly sought-after vintage piece today.
To celebrate this anniversary, Seiko is putting out two limited editions?introducing the reference SLA025, and extremely faithful recreation of the historical model; and the SLA019, a watch our editor has dubbed ?The Green Marine.?
What can I say" Seiko?s done it again.
I?ll begin with the the SLA025. Since last year?s incredibly well-received SLA017 (62MAS recreation), Seiko diehards have been excitedly anticipating this release. There have already been several releases based on the 6159 (the ref. SBDX001 Marine Master, for one), but the SLA025 is by far the most faithful reproduction yet.
The shape of the case here is nearly identical to that of the original, but it?s been scaled up to 44.8mm in width and 15.7mm in height. Like its inspiration, the SLA025 is monocoque with a flat back. As far as finishing goes, this big chunk of steel gets Seiko?s highly specialized Zaratsu polishing treatment, which gives its edges an incredible sharpness that one generally sees in watches from Seiko?s most premium ranges. This watch is basically a Grand Seiko in a proverbial diver?s...