EuropaFb: Divers

Showing posts with label Divers. Show all posts

Review Seiko Sumo SBDC005

Seiko Sumo models SBDC001 black, SBDC003 blue, SBDC005 orange. Released in 2006 and still remains a fantastic option for a commercially manufactured larger cased ISO diver. Doubtful there is any better bang for your buck model out there. The TL;DR summary is that the Seiko Sumo case finishing is on a level of its own, but overall at the expense of other attributes of the watch. Also the large size of the case is beyond the limit of many potential wearers.

New Citizen Signature Diver Spotted 2014

Citizen, Divers, Mechanical, Signature

A new model of Citizen Signature Diver has been spotted. I love these Signatures and I'm excited to see the line continued. This one looks like an evolution of the Grand Touring line to make it diver styled. I really like it and look forward to seeing more.

Review of Citizen Signature Diver BL1285-53L

Citizen, Divers, Eco Drive, Quartz, review, Signature

The Citizen Signature line continues to be a great option for those looking for a watch with high end features that don’t break the bank. The Courageous Diver models were released a few years ago in 2011 in a variety of dial and movement options. They have since been reduced in selection, but price wise remain the most affordable option of the entire Signature line. There is a trade off in quality on the Diver model relative to the more expensive Signature models, however, the Divers still represent a good option for something nicer than an entry level Citizen or Seiko.

With the discontinuation of the Signature Chronograph, the Diver model (located in the Courageous line) is the only remaining sport Signature. Unlike the Chronograph model, much of the intricate work on the case and bracelet are lost on the diver, but the Diver still carries much of the Signature DNA.
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Seiko Caliber V158

Divers, Seiko

One of the few unfortunate things associated with the more reliable quartz, solar charged watches is that pictures of the movement are rare simply because there's hardly ever any reason to open up the watch.

I previously wrote about the Seiko solar diver model SNE107 HERE which uses the V158 caliber inside. A friend was kind enough to open up his Rail Road approved model which happens to contain the same movement and shared a picture with me. Looks like a nice construction with a metal top plate and 2 jewels.

Recall -- Seiko Solar Chronograph Diver

Divers, News, Seiko

I noticed on the Seiko Japan site there is a recall on the bracelet models of the Solar Chronograph Diver models. Apparently the end links can deform from violent force. The notice is limited to products with V175-0AD0 and V175-0CF0 stamped on the caseback. Owners are encouraged to contact their local customer service.

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Seiko 7C43-7010

Divers, Quartz, review, Seiko

If you think this is an SKX007, you'd be sadly mistaken. It’s something so much better.

Seiko SKX007

Divers, Mechanical, review, Seiko

The venerable SKX007.

If there is one Seiko model which exemplifies Seiko it is the SKX007. A design rooted in the legacy of Seiko's ancestry of divers. Value delivered beyond expectation. A mechanical watch thriving in a world of quartz. A template for the demonstration of creativity of enthusiasts and hobbiests.

Is it perfect? No, far from it. But its there. Where you expect it to be. Like a well broken in pair of jeans.

Its days are numbered. Surely Seiko is smart enough to continue the legacy of this diver. The new generation of Seiko Monster gives us hope that Seiko will also just nudge the SKX007 forward towards perfection rather than take drastic action. Hopefully we'll find out soon.

Hands On Comparison Seiko Monsters New and Old

Divers, Monster, review, Seiko

Redirecting to a blog entry from SJX with a hands on comparison of the new and old model Seiko Monsters.

Changes include not only the improved 4R36 caliber with hacking and handwinding, but also several cosmetic changes as well including a knurled crown, case finishing and a cleaner dial with less text and chrome trimmed index markers. The painting of the hands also looks different and much better than the original. The sloppy painting of the Monster hands always irritated. It is obvious on so many examples and you can even see in his pictures the mispainted edges of the hour hand on the original Monster. New Monster hands also look to be matte with a slight texture as opposed to the glossy finish on the original.

Already having an Orange Monster, I don't know if these changes motivate me enough to get the new model. But in a time of major discontinuation of models by Seiko, especially Professional Diver's, its good to see Seiko recognize the popularity of this model and breathe new life into it.

For original post with lots of pictures, click HERE.

Review of Citizen Scuba Fin BN0095-08E

Citizen, Divers, Eco Drive, Quartz, review

I like it when the watch manufacturers give nicknames to their own products. Saves all the arguing and hurt feelings for watch forum members with nothing more important to be concerned about.

Some Comments about the Seiko Orange Monster SKX781

Divers, Monster, review, Seiko

I wasn’t planning on writing a review of the Seiko Monster. Its been around for so many years and there’s been so many owners that the internet is already saturated with bad-ass Monster content. But its been a slow year and I’m running out of watches to write reviews for.

Review of Seiko Solar Diver SNE107

Divers, Quartz, review, Seiko, Solar

When it comes to Professional Diver's, quartz models are slim pickings so when I see something interesting I want to give it a try. I had been looking for something with a 3 o'clock crown, traditional case shape with a budget price tag for a while. I decided to give the Seiko SNE107 a spin.

Impressions of the Seiko SRP043

Divers, review, Seiko

After my satisfaction with the BFK I decided to pick up the SRP043 because of the similarity in the case. I hate to say it, but I was incredibly disappointed. Probably the first time I was disappointed in a Seiko. Don't get me wrong, I really wanted to like it. The model has its loyal following, but I just couldn't warm up to it.

Review of Seiko SKA369 Pepsi BFK

Divers, Kinetic, Prospex, Quartz, review, Seiko

This summer I decided I needed to focus on finding a quartz diver. Although I liked the Citizen BN0085, the lack of a bracelet option reduced the long term satisfaction and versatility. Citizen EcoZilla is a bit much for my tastes. Then one day while surfing I managed to spot a Pepsi version of the BFK and instantly fell for it. I was familiar with the BFK models, but had no idea that there was a Pepsi model. A little research showed that not only the Pepsi model international and easily available, it was also very reasonably priced.

Last Call: Higuchi Has Received Last Few Stocks of Seiko SBCM023 Quartz Divers

Divers, High Accuracy, Prospex, Quartz, SBCM023, Seiko

Seiko Prospex SBCM023 Quartz Diver Caliber 8F35

That's right folks. Higuchi has reported receiving what could possibly amount to be the very last shipment of brand new Seiko Prospex SBCM023 quartz divers here

He doesn't specify how many pieces he is got but all of them are up for grabs at this very moment at his usual great price. As a matter of fact, I just picked one up as this legendary 8F35 high accuracy diver with perpetual calendar and ISO rated 200m case is simply no more.

So there you have it. If you have been on the fence about this watch, the time to act on it is now. Keep in mind that existing inventories have been depleted all over Japan ever since Seiko announced the discontinuation of this model. This comes as no surprise because other JDM online retailer said that the SBCM023 was the best selling Seiko diver watch in Japan, bar none!.

Snooze and you will lose!

Edit: Higuchi says that as of 5/20/2011 he is completely sold out on this watch.

More "Casualties" Arising from Seiko's Latest Product Consolidation Efforts

8L35, Brightz Phoenix, Divers, Grand Seiko

Yesterday I was perusing the official Seiko Japan web page (www.seiko-watch.co.jp) and while checking out the mechanical watches under the "Brightz Phoenix" lineup, I discovered that the pair of 8L35 powered 200m divers (Models SAGQ005 & SAGQ007 respectively) are suddenly missing from the product catalog. My hunch is that these models did not sell well upon their 2010 introduction at Basel World (And to much fanfare in part of Seiko executives at the time). While I never had the pleasure to handle one it seems to me they looked a bit too generic given their $2K+ price tag. They actually have a strong resemblance to the now popular 7S26 powered Seiko divers nicknamed "Stargate".

Video Friday: Grand Seiko Spring Drive 200m Divers

Divers, Grand Seiko, Spring Drive, Video

When you think of Grand Seiko watches, the first thing that comes to mind are classically styled, non-descript and superbly made high end timepieces. However, Grand Seiko was really never associated with sports or active lifestyle watches. That perception began to gradually change back in 2002, when the first ever GMT Grand Seiko was released, the SBGM001 9S mechanical. Then circa 2006 the Spring Drive GMT SBGE001 was released. This model features a 200m steel diver's case, complete with screw down crown at the 4 o'clock position, lumed hands/dial markers and a rotating 24 hour bezel made in sapphire and also lumed. The year 2007 also saw the release of the first ever Grand Seiko Spring Drive GMT Chronographs from the SBGC series sporting the then all new 9R86 movement.

But even until then, there wasn't a "True" ISO rated diver's watch under the GS umbrella. So in the Spring of 2008 Seiko introduced at the Basel fair the first ever pair of 200m rated Spring Driven ISO divers in both stainless steel and titanium cases and bracelets. Models SBGA029 (Steel) and SBGA031 (Titanium) made their debut and not without criticism from Seiko fans and others alike who perceived these models to be too similar looking to famous watch offerings from Swiss heavyweights such as Rolex and Omega. These models were a departure from the Grand Seiko watch design philosophy with their 44.3mm cases, ceramic rotating timing bezels, big "Cathedral" styled hands, power reserve indicator, and generous amounts of dial lume in the hands and markers. Also the bracelets have pins and collars instead of screws and the sport clasp has the same exact ratchet system diver's wet suit extension as found in tool divers from the Prospex range. And finally a nicely sized sports clasp with multiple micro-adjustment points. In sort, the new GS 200m Spring Drive 9R65 divers were viewed as a wild departure from the core principles of the brand.

Whether you like their styling or not, it is hard to ignore their significance and superb finishing, not too mention the innovative Spring Drive movement that powers them. Are these the ultimate luxury "Desk Divers"?