Seiko Prospex Diver Limited Edition

Seiko’s dive watches are among the best — and the most affordable, relative to their specs — in watchmaking.

From the rare-as-hen's-teeth 6159, to the film-famous 6105 and 6309 models, to the economy workhorse SKX007, Japanese watchmakers perfected incredibly well-made tool watches decades ago — and at prices that make the most diehard Swiss watch fans bristle with jealousy.

The particular Seiko diver we have here is an SLA039, a high-end, limited-edition recreation of the Reference 6159-7001 from 1968. A professional-grade instrument meant for offshore divers, the 6159-7001 has become ingrained in Seiko lore as one of the brand’s most capable tool watches.

Housed in a 45mm stainless steel monoblock case with holey lugs, a sapphire crystal, and a black ceramic unidirectional dive bezel, it features a sunburst blue dial with applied luminous plots, a matching ‘sword’ handset, and a date window at 3 o’clock. Water-resistant to 300m, undeniably handsome, and limited to just 1,100 pieces, the SLA039 is powered by Seiko’s Hi-Beat Caliber 8L55 with 37 jewels and 55 hours of power reserve. Further, it comes fitted to a blue rubber ‘studded’ dive strap with a stainless steel hardware, and is accompanied by its factory goodies.

Seiko has a reputation for affordability, and indeed, many of its products are eminently attainable. The SLA039 is not such a watch — it’s a serious wrist companion for the serious diver, and it warrants a closer look.

Have at it!

For over 140 years, Seiko has been cranking out innovative and impeccably engineered watches at every price point, from entry-level Seiko 5s to world-class haute horlogerie pieces under the Grand Seiko brand. Underpinning the company’s efforts has been the mass production of reliable and accurate movements paired with a wide array of case and dial configurations.
Founded in 1881 by clockmaker and businessman Kintarō Hattori in Tokyo, Japan as “K. Hattori,” Seiko began importing Western timepieces and selling them in the local market. In 1892, Hattori changed the name of the firm to Seikosha (“house of exquisite workmanship”), which was further altered to “Seiko” in 1924. Following the Second World War, during which Seiko produced watches for the Japanese military, the company began its streak of innovations based upon affordable, in-house movements and Japanese savoir faire. These included myriad dive watches such as the famed 6105 and the fan-favorite 6139 chronograph.

Later, in 1969, Seiko would go on to produce the Astron, the world’s first quartz watch. This technological innovation was followed by the Seiko Kinetic in the 1980s, which married quartz accuracy with automatic, self-powering functionality. Today, Seiko’s product offerings are vast, including dress watches, dive watches, chronographs and much more, all of which are powered by in-house movements comprising different types of technology.

Despite a move toward luxury positioning and pricing in the brand’s modern offerings, vintage Seiko classics can still be had at incredibly reasonable prices today, making them a favorite entry point into the vintage watch world for myriad collectors. From their availability in post exchanges on military bases around the world to their fame from films such as Apocalypse Now to their presence at six Olympic Games, Seiko watches are deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the contemporary collector.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.