2022 Seiko Prospex 'Antarctic Ice' 1968 Re-Interpretation SLA055J1
Ref: SLA055J1 (8L35-01K0)

Points of Mention

This watch is sold with its original Seiko box and paperwork. The watch comes paired with its original 19mm black silicone strap with a signed buckle, Seiko NATO included. The watch is from January 2022 and is sold in worn condition, but overall very fair condition as you can see. The watch comes with the remainder of its Manufacturer's Warranty.

The Watch

Seikos history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892 Seikosha was established to make wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch. 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924 the first Seiko was manufactured. Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) was established in 1937. Seiko was listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959). In 1956 Seiko launched Marvel as their first true in-house-made watch; they continued to make this watch until 1959. Japan’s first chronograph watch was introduced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; it was called the Seiko Crown Chronograph mono-pusher. Not stopping there Seiko launched Japan's first true divers watch the Seiko Diver’s 150M fitted with the automatic Caliber 6217 which later was given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches. 

Here we have a 2022 Seiko Prospex 'Antarctic Ice' 1968 Re-Interpretation SLA055J1 Limited Edition of 1300 pieces. Made to celebrate the anniversary of the 1968 Seiko ref: 6159-7001 “Professional” dive watches. The 42.5mm brushed stainless steel case is an industry first using Seiko’s “Ever-Brilliant Steel,” which is usually used in Maritime applications due to its corrosion resistance similar to 904l Stainless steel. The case shape sits on the wrist like a cushion, Seiko gets ergonomics so right. A lug to lug length of 49mm and a case thickness of 13mm give the watch an impressive wrist presence. Zaratsu polished edges and brushed surfaces transition with crisp lines. At 4 o’clock a signed screw-down crown. A 120-click unidirectional dive bezel with a black insert and ice-blue numerals has deep knurling for increased grip. A dual-curved sapphire crystal AR coated on the inside sits above a gradient blue ice textured dial reminding us of the Antarctic sea ice. Large applied disc and baton indexes are coated in Seiko LumiBrite for a bright luminance when fully charged. Between 4 and 5 o’clock a framed date window. Broad baton hands have LumiBrite infill. The second hand has a counterweight filled with LumiBrite. On the reverse, a screw-down case back with the Seiko Tsunami in the center with the number out of 1300 underneath. Inside an Automatic Seiko Cal. 8L35, 26 jewels, 28,800 beats per hour. Based on the Grand Seiko caliber 9S55 assembled by hand at Shizuku-Ishi Watch Studio in Morioka. The watch comes fitted on a Seiko 19mm black silicone strap with a signed buckle. The watch also comes with its Seiko presentation box and papers.

Personal Note

I'm excited to be dedicating an entire drop to Seiko, but not just any Seiko, some of the very top end of what Seiko can offer, with finishing and movements on par with Grand Seiko. If you've been looking at the other offerings and thinking they are just too big for you, this is the one you need to take a look at! I do believe if they went with this size as a new standard it would broaden the customer base among collectors for these higher-end Seikos. Regardless, this is one fantastic offering and one well worth considering as your new serial dive watch.