First Seiko, thoroughly impressed.
I had been looking for an automatic diver that wears well, but was larger than 42mm. With Seiko's reputation, and the classic style of the Prospex, I made the purchase,and could not be more pleased. The watch wears low for it's height, and it is heavy enough that you are aware of it's presence, but it never feels cumbersome. The top of the stainless steel case is brushed, but it has a high gloss, and at first glance, it appears to be polished like the case back and sides. The polished bezel sits low enough that it doesn't grab the cuff of a dress shirt. Yet, with the aggressive knurling turning it requires little effort, and your grasp feels firm. The bezel flares out slightly as it meets the top of the case, allowing for a slightly larger 'footprint' on the bezel. The luminous markers on the face are slightly domed. This seems to collect more light, and as a result, provides a lume superior to Seiko's closest competitor in dive watches. The screw-down crown is nicely seated at the 4 o'clock position, and is large enough to make your grip on it feel very positive. The day/date is nicely displayed, the hour and minute hands are generously lumed, and the tail of the second hand is lumed with a large dot to keep time in seconds under low/no light. The screw-down case back is engraved with the Seiko Tsunami. The watch will accept a 22mm band. My particular model came with a thick, quality silicone band. The band has two small, but highly functional ribs on each side where it attaches to the watch. The band is soft enough, that these ribs actually would absorb some shock from the watch being pulled. The wide stainless steel buckle is solid and stamped with SEIKO. The wide stainless steel keeper is engraved with the same. The end of the strap has the Seiko Tsunami embossed on the tip. The outside of the band is a smooth texture, while the inside has a cobblestone pattern. As the watch is worn, the inside texture doesn't pull or rub, but it does help keep the watch in place. So far, it is keeping better time than the loss/gain Seiko notes is normal. I like the reliability and ruggedness of the Seiko movement. Additionally, a full service with a new movement is very inexpensive. I owned a Submariner years ago, and knew I wasn't going to like it a month in. I have also owned many quartz dive watches from Seiko's closest competitor in that market. Some I liked, some I didn't. This watch..I wore a day, and know it's a keeper. For the price point, I got a very functional automatic diver, backed by a big name, with very good watches.
