The Glance At Seiko's Early Diving Watch
The Glance At Seiko's Early Diving Watch
Seiko is usually not the brand that comes to your mind when you think about diving watches Rolex, Panerai, Blancpain and other Swiss watchmakers are usually the first to come to your mind. However, on the other side of the planet, Seiko has always been a player in the industry since the 1960s. While the price tag of the Swiss brands makes users hesitate to use it as a tool watch, Seiko offers a relatively affordable tool watch for actual divers not worrying it bang against rocks under the sea.
So the story starts here in the 1960s where Japan started to recover from World War II and Seiko competing against the Swiss giants in the industry. The company decided to develop a wristwatch that can withstand the pressure deep under the sea. Putting together all the effort from R&D, the 6217 was born in 1965. It was Seiko's first take on divers watch, with a bi-directional bezel, luminous hands and a water-resistant of 150M, it was a proud moment for Seiko to step into the game. Nowadays the 6217 is considered as a timeless classic for Seiko fans, a good example will set you back thousands of dollars.
But Seiko's designer does not stop here, in just two years time they released the 6215 doubling the water-resistant of the watch to 300M. 6215 was housed using monobloc case and screw-down crown to improve water resistance, the hands were thicker with more luminous material to improve visibility underwater. Seiko recognize this watch as an important part of their history by taking their looks to the modern Marine Master Divers watch.
Moving on to a more affordable price rage diver, and also one of the most recognizable Seiko diver's watch - Seiko 6105 Turtle. Famous for its case shape and durability, 6105 Turtle was one of the favorite choices for US soldiers during the Vietnam War. Fitted with a screw-down crown and 150M water resistance, its not hard to understand why soldiers choose it as their comrade during the wartime.
The classic case shape will extend the line towards today's Seiko Turtle Prosepx Diver which is Seiko's most popular watch in the line.
These models all contributed to the success of modern Seiko Diver's watch and are all great examples of Seiko's engineering perfection.
Next week we will back covering our favorite dress watch King & Grand Seiko. Stay tune!
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