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Back in 1982, Seiko introduced the world to the very first hybrid diving watch known as the Seiko Prospex H558-5009. It was not only the first diving watch to combine a digital alarm chronograph with an analogue display, but it would ultimately usher in a new frontier for Seiko watches and what a diving watch could be. Boasting a daring all-black face and enlarged dial with metallic finishes, the Seiko Prospex H558-5009 had a design that was way ahead of its time and would help uplift just about anyone's look. It became an instant cult classic and even a Hollywood icon after it was worn by James Bond himself, Sir Roger Moore in the 007-flick, The Spy Who Loved Me and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the iconic 1985-film, Commando. The latter even became so synonymous with this Seiko Prospex watch that it resulted in fans of the Japanese watch brand labelling it 'the Arnie'.
This year, the Seiko Prospex H558-5009 celebrates its 40th anniversary. And to celebrate, the Seiko Watch Corporation is reaching into its archives and releasing three new limited-edition watches inspired by the innovative 1982 original creation. Crafted from stylish and hard-wearing stainless steel, the Seiko Hybrid Diver's 40th Anniversary limited edition watches combine all of the timeless traits that the 1982 model embodied while also offering up a fresh new take on this classic timepiece. Whether you are a diving enthusiast, a person that spends most of your time outdoors, or simply just someone that is into nice men's watches there is a lot of love about this trio of fashionable and efficient timepieces.
From their formidable design all the way to their nuance-detailed craftsmanship, read on as we take a deep dive into Seiko's Hybrid Diver's 40th Anniversary edition watches.
Overview
The Design
While each model varies slightly in terms of colour and material, each of the Seiko Hybrid Diver's 40th Anniversary limited edition watch very much reflects the original 1982 design with its enlarged round case and stainless-steel bezel featuring silver finishes. Each model also has an all-black dial that is emphasised by white digits and hands which feature a special LumiBrite coating that provides the face with an endless luminous glow in different types of lighting. Another addition borrowed from the original 'Arnie' is the presence of a secondary chronograph dial in digital format, a feature that provides the best of both worlds in timekeeping. It should be noted, however, that even though the original Seiko hybrid diver's watch included a digital chronograph window, the positioning was slightly different than these stainless steel watches and was above the digits rather than below them.
Where these models differ from the original 1982 timepiece is the band. Fans of the original black watch will remember that it featured a very robust band that was mostly constructed from resin, a hardwearing material commonly associated with G-Shock watches. This material was not only very sturdy but provided the black watch with a slightly sportier aesthetic. Contrastingly, two of the Seiko Hybrid Diver's 40th Anniversary limited edition watches feature sleek stainless steel link bands which makes them appear slightly dressier and then a third model is adorned with a comfortable yet durable silicone band that offers up an edgier look. Another key difference with these three new Seiko watches is the appearance of three additional screw-down crowns that are arguably more user-friendly than the original push crowns used.
Functions
The beauty about Seiko venturing into their archives for their new releases is that it gives them the ability to introduce a whole new audience to an old favourite and improve upon it by making use of today's technology. Nothing is more proof of that than the Seiko Hybrid Diver's 40th Anniversary limited edition watches, which are naturally packed with all kinds of functions that support all aspects of your everyday lifestyle. Operated by a powerful calibre H855 solar quartz movement, these limited-edition watches are not only extremely reliable but also somewhat sustainable as you will never have to worry about any battery changes. And when it does go flat, all you will have to do is place it on a window seal and let the sun take care of the rest.
Not just making waves as a highly functional solar watch, Seiko's 40th-anniversary limited edition timepieces are also proving that they can hold their own in the diving watch market. With functions including a 200-metre water resistance level, a diving log function, as well as the ability to measure the depth and temperature that the wearer is swimming in, the Seiko Hybrid Diver's 40th Anniversary limited edition watches are bursting with versatility, something that arguably makes them perfect for ocean exploration and other marine activities such as surfing, water skiing, paddle boarding, fishing, sailing and much more. However, there is no reason why you should be half-human, half-fish to make the most out of these Seiko watches and their functions. No matter what you choose to do in your spare you will make use of some other functions of these watches including the perpetual calendar that will keep you on time at your next event, the digital chronograph that will allow you to display two different time zones on your travels and an LED backlight that will allow you to read the time even in total darkness.
Specifications
- H855 Caliber
- Solar Movement
- +/- 15 Seconds Per Month Precision
- Power Save Function
- Alarm Function (daily alarm)
- Full Auto Calendar (until December 31, 2100)
- LED (built-in illuminating light) Function
- 200-Metre (660-Foot) Water Resistance
- 4,800 A/m Magnetic Resistance
- Stainless Steel Case & Band
- Hardlex Crystal
- LumiBrite Coating (on hands, indexes and bezel)
- Three-Fold Clasp
- 'Limited Edition' Hallmark on back
- Serial Number
- Screw case back
- Undirectional rotating bezel
- Screw-down Crown
Final Thoughts
If today's fashion is anything to go by, it is clear that nostalgia is definitely in vogue. So, it is likely that these reinterpretations of a massively popular watch from the 1980s are sure to be a hit with timepiece enthusiasts just based on that factor alone. Regardless of this, however, their seamless and naturally everlasting design paired with a myriad of contemporary functions that excel in all areas of timekeeping is enough to ensure that the Seiko Hybrid Diver's '40th Anniversary' Limited Edition watches are sure to become a classic in the years to come.
With prices ranging from $995 to $1,150 a pop, you can explore the Seiko Hybrid Diver's '40th Anniversary' Limited Edition watches in-store and online today at Grahams. Wear now and pay later with various finance options including Afterpay, humm, Laybuy, Klarna, Latitude Interest-Free, Zip and PayPal: Pay in 4. Score free shipping on all orders within Australia that are $69 or more.
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A striking timepiece, this Seiko SNJ035 Prospex Hybrid Diver Watch is a must-have. The case features a wide bezel with clear indices, while the watch face features Lumibrite markers and the hands for increased legibility. Complete with 200m water resistance,… read more
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