An enormous part of the appeal of Seiko dive watches is the endless variety. In terms of case shapes, styles, price points and dial variants, there are combinations to suit every taste, and multiple times over. There?s a reason why there are so many collectors who happily focus exclusively on Seiko divers – if you pay attention and are tuned into the history of the brand, there?s as much variation across this one segment of Seiko as you?ll find with entire brands that have been around for similar lengths of time. Their newest release takes two popular case styles that have been around for a long time but recently saw significant upgrades, and gives them a modern feel that?s rooted in an unusual detail for Seiko: a fabric strap. 
We?re very accustomed to seeing new Seiko releases come with a series of publicity photos on the standard Seiko bracelet or, maybe, a rubber dive strap. But the new SPB239 (based on the 62MAS from 1965) and SPB237 (based on the ?Willard? from 1970) lead with images on a ribbed fabric strap. And this isn?t merely a throwaway detail, but is a highlight of Seiko?s campaign around these watches. According to Seiko, the new fabric straps make use of a traditional Japanese braiding technique known as ?Seichu,? which is often found in the fabric cords that hold kimonos in place. While the technique is decorative in Japanese culture, Seiko claims some real performance benefits with these straps as well, befitting the Prospex designation of ...