Seiko is one of the titans of the watch market. Its offerings are every bit as good as those of Rolex but often they don’t get the credit they deserve. Seiko divers watches has a large range to choose from – perhaps too many. This article will cover five of the top Seiko watches designed for divers.
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1. Seiko Prospex Padi Solar (SNE435P1)
$294 / £160
It’s fair to say that once a watch has approval from PADI (the Professional Association of Dive Instructors) you know it’s a solid option. The Seiko Prospex PADI Solar has all the features you need in a decent stainless steel dive watch. It mirrors the PADI colours of blue and red and is solar powered, so there’s no need to worry about charging it – ever.
The best feature on the Prospex is the level of craftsmanship for the price. The display is easy to see. The bezel has sixty minute increments. The metal bracelet offers durability. It’s not necessarily the most stylish, but it’s made for hardwearing use. It’s at the lower end of Seiko’s price scale but it oozes quality.
Advantages
- Bang for your buck
- Great luminescence underwater
- The display is easy to read
- PADI special edition
- 20ATM
Disadvantages
- None to speak of.
2. Seiko Special Edition Diver’s Watch (SPB083J1)
$1,325 / £950
Another special edition in the Prospex line. Though it looks like a duplicate of the to the PADI version, but it swaps solar power for a battery. It offers 50 hours of power reserve which isn’t bad. It should cover your requirements if you want it as a professional diving watch or simply something to show off.
It’s a wonderful diving watch, but you’re paying more because it’s a limited edition, not because it offers more functionality. It was made for Seiko collectors.
Advantages
- A great looking timepiece
- Professional scratch-resistant coating
- Wetsuit extension buckle
- Gradient styling looks fantastic
- 20ATM
Disadvantages
- Battery life isn’t as good as it’s solar PADI sibling
3. Seiko PADI Solar (SNE499)
$274 / £265
With styling modelled off the back of the classic Golden Tuna, inside it offers top of the range tech and up to 10 months’ solar-powered use.
Looking at the design, there’s also another nod to PADI with the red and blue in the middle. It’s quite bold but appeals to classic Seiko lovers who have been loyal to the legacy and association with PADI.
Advantages
- Great price for a limited edition piece
- Fantastic battery life
- Easy-to-read face
- Improved security underwater using the screw-down case
- 20ATM
Disadvantages
- Arguably a PADI-gimmick considering alternatives
4. Seiko Prospex SRPC44 Automatic-self-Wind Watch
$253 / £279
This Prospex offering is a budget dive watch that exudes elegance where other models don’t. Its gold and black design is in stark contrast to the typical dive watch, but it’s still an excellent dive companion. It has Seiko’s trademark automatic movement for accuracy and can withstand water pressure on par with other Seiko automatic dive watches of its class. It offers a 41 hour power reserve so you don’t have to give it a second thought whilst on a dive.
Advantages
- Luxury design on a budget
- Great power reserve time
- Uses Seiko’s famous automatic movements
- Uni-directional bezel with luminous pip
- Luminous hands
Disadvantages
- Style might not be to everyone’s taste compared to traditional dive watches
- Arguably too similar to the SRP775
5. Seiko Prospex Special Edition (SSC701)
$319 / £232
Another special edition in the Prospex family, the difference here is more complexity and style in comparison to its Prospex stainless steel siblings. This solar-powered device has its own chronograph that allows you to track up to 60 minutes in one-fifth of a second increments and has a day/date section.
It’s undeniably a great-looking dive watch from Seiko at this price point. The blue face with gradient colouring is bold and vibrant. The blue band made of silicone matches perfectly and the blue accents make the bezel, in black, pop. It’s lightweight enough to not be a burden on your wrist.
Advantages
- Uber stylish look and feel
- Unique chronograph function for precision
- Solar-powered for an impressive battery life
- Easily navigated thanks to three side buttons
- 200 ATM
Disadvantages
- It’s proven incredibly difficult to find any downsides to this dive watch!
Summary
When it comes to choosing a Seiko dive watch you have to ask yourself whether you want quartz or an automatic movement. Seiko has got you covered when it comes to both and all its watches are of extremely high quality. The quartz movement will have an accuracy of 5-10 seconds over a year. A lot of Seiko’s offerings are solar-powered and, providing there’s sunlight, will offer you a reliable dive companion.
Seiko is famous for the number of watches in its catalogue so make sure you know what your requirements are. A dive watch is something you want to take seriously, and Seiko’s aren’t cheap – but they’ll never disappoint.
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Last Updated on February 28, 2022
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