Seiko donated numerous products to four different Japanese Antarctic expeditions from 1966 to 1969 to assist the team members in their tasks in the inhospitable environment. The design is directly inspired by the 1968 divers model that was donated to the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition at that time. The watch has both a rubber strap as well as a blue replacement fabric strap woven using a traditional Japanese technique called "seichi" that is durable enough to withstand long-term use in tough environments. The dial color represents the Antarctic ice sheet, the largest block of ice on earth with a volume of approximately 30 million cubic kilometres.
#SEIKO MODEL NUMBER 11 SERIES#
Inspired by the beauty of Antarctica, the SLA055J1 (JDM SBDX049) is part of the Save the Ocean series from Seiko. The models came in the following variants SRPG27K1 (SBSA111 JDM) with black dial and bracelet, SRPG29K1 (SBSA113 JDM) with blue dial and bracelet, SRPG31K1 (SBSA115 JDM) with gray dial and strap, SRPG33K1 with green dial and strap, SRPG35K1 (SBSA117 JDM) with dark gray dial and strap, SRPG37K1 with black dial and strap, SRPG39K1 (SBSA119 JDM) with blue dial and leather strap, SRPG41K1 (SBSA121 JDM) with brown dial, black case and leather strap, and the SRPG42K1 (SRPG42KC JDM) with green dial, golden case and brown leather strap.
This variation in dial text is present on numerous models with the JDM versions having Japan on the dial while the international release does not. Like many Seiko models there are both international and JDM releases, the JDM versions have the text “Made in Japan” at the base of their dials. The dials in all of the models have numerals at each of the hour marks. You'll find bejeweled watches and precious metals as well as exquisitely hand-finished movements.A series of new field inspired models was released in different color variants with bracelets or nato style straps. On par with Credor in terms of finishing and prices but with Grand Seiko design codes, the Masterpiece line is for some of the most special, high-end watches the brand makes. Grand Seiko’s catalog is divided into Elegance, Masterpiece, Heritage, and Sport lines. Grand Seiko’s movements range from the sophisticated 9F family of quartz calibers, to robust automatic mechanical engines, fast-paced Hi-Beat versions, and the acclaimed Spring Drive technology, which uses quartz precision to regulate a fully mechanical drive train. These techniques include the Zaratsu steel finishing that produces sword-sharp hands and markers, multiple dial finishing and engraving methods, and impeccable in-house movement building. Nominally splintering off from Seiko in 2016, Grand Seiko is still tightly related to the larger brand, so much so that occasionally Grand Seiko’s most storied craftspeople lend their time-honored techniques to the likes of limited-edition Seiko Presage models. Flash a budget Seiko at Mom, and she’s likely to approve of your frugality and good taste.īelow is a map through the enormous territory that is the Seiko ouvre. Pop into your local SCUBA shop with a Seiko diver and they’ll give you more than the time of day. You might sound a little silly pointing out that your $45 watch has an in-house caliber, but you wouldn’t exactly be bullshitting either.Ĭred: If you showed up at an horological snob-fest with a Grand Seiko, even the snobbiest would acknowledge the value and craft. In-House Movement: From bottom to top, Seiko manufactures all of their movements themselves. Quality: Even the lowest-tier Seikos are well made and will typically outperform their price-point counterparts from other brands. Value: Whether you’re buying a last-minute gift at the drugstore or dropping ten figures on a solid gold handmade Grand Seiko, you’ll be getting an impressive value. The Seiko identity, catalog and even the names and ranges of sub-brands are constantly evolving.ĭespite Seiko’s diversity, there are a few qualities that tie all Seiko watches together. Seiko aficionados tend to huddle in one corner, sometimes around just one model, like the revered sub-$200 Seiko SKX007 diver or the handsome JDM-only Seiko Alpinist. Seiko is constantly releasing limited editions and/or market-specific models, and watch nerds in the USA are particularly charmed by the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) designation. Seiko, quite literally, offers something for everyone.
Seiko’s technology is equally diverse, with movements ranging from old-school mechanical calibers to GPS-enabled solar powered quartz units that set themselves when crossing time zones. Watches You Should Know: the Grand Seiko Snowflake
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