Seiko Prospex SLA039 55th Anniversary
The SLA039 is a limited edition celebrating the 55th anniversary of Seiko’s first dive watch. Seiko has recreated the 1968 Hi-Beat, one-piece case, saturation diver and limited it to just 1,100 pieces. It features a dual curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal and is crafted of Seiko’s new Ever-Brilliant steel. The steel offers an exceptional level of corrosion resistance and a lighter, brighter finish. The blue-gray dial was designed to feel like the ocean depths where blue yields to darkness. The LumiBrite hands and markers make it easy to read in low light. This watch has 300m water resistance and a Hi-Beat 36,0000 vibrations per hour movement making it more shock resistant, and 55 hours of power reserve.
Information:
Ref: SLA039
Dated: 2021
Strap: Blue Silicone Strap
Case Size: 44.8mm x 15.7mm Thick
Case Metal: Stainless Steel
Movement: 8L55 - Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, diver
Box and Papers: Box and papers
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet size: 7.75”
Condition: Excellent
Case is in great shape with the slightest micro wear. Strap is like new. Dial, hands, and crystal are in perfect shape. Running spec.
History of Seiko Watches
Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.
The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition.
The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.
