A bold black and orange color scheme for a Seiko 1970 high-end diver.
Following the three watches cheap Seiko unveiled this morning, the Japanese manufacturer actually has more to show in its Black Series lineup. While the other models are relatively easy-to-use and modern versions, the fourth watch functions in a different field and falls into the SLA category – watches with higher-end mechanics and more refined construction. Inspired by the 1970 “Naomi Uemura” reference 6105, this new watch takes a bolder look with an all-black coated case and bold orange accents. Meet the Seiko Prospex Black Series 1970 Divers SLA061J1.
The story of this watch is a rather modern interpretation of one of Seiko’s most famous dive watches. Following the 62MAS, Seiko showed several evolutions of its diver’s watch concept in the late 1960s. One of them is reference 6105, followed by 6309. In production since 1968, the Seiko 6105 is a rugged diver’s watch that is water resistant to 150 meters. What catches everyone’s eye is the crown at 4 o’clock (in fact, this was first used in the 1961 Seiko Silver Wave) and the large, low crown protector. It will be replaced by the 6309 series in 1976. While very similar to the 6105, the 6309 has a more asymmetrical case design, also adding a day function and a dial with a circular luminescent figure instead of a rectangle.
This watch is known for two things. First off, most of us will remember it from the 1979 film Apocalypse Now, worn by Captain Willard, one of the film’s protagonists, played by Martin Sheen. Second, and most importantly, it was tested in real life by explorer Naomi Uemura, a hugely popular Japanese adventurer revered for his solo feats. For example, he carried the watch on his wrist on a one-man dog sled run from Greenland to Alaska, covering 12,000 kilometers in 18 months.
Since then, we have made more or less faithful reproductions of this famous watch, such as the Re-Creation SLA033 or SLA049 and the SLA051 Tribute to Naomi Uemura – these two watches are more of the 6105 concept Reinterpret and add some freedom to these designs in a way. The new watch we see today is basically the same as the Uemura-inspired model, save for the color and texture. Yes, it’s bolder and more striking than the original watch…
In a nutshell, we find the same round case with an integrated crown guard on the side, with the crown’s signature position (screwed, of course) at 4 o’clock. Overall, the design is reminiscent of watches from the late 1960s, but the proportions and shapes have evolved over the years. Part of the Black Collection, the real change for this watch is the “hard coat” black finish on the case. With a brushed or polished finish, the watch exudes a certain (in a cool way) meanness. The rest is familiar, topped by a curved sapphire crystal framed by a unidirectional bezel and a black aluminum insert with the classic 60-minute mark. The bottom cover is made of solid steel and guarantees water resistance to 200m.
The dial of the SLA061J1, if once again relying on the same base as the Uemura-inspired models, opts for new colors and unprecedented textures – something we see so often in the Seiko and GS collections. Here, the black reflects the mysterious world of the sea at night, the orange highlights the lights that illuminate it, and the texture evokes the sand ripples you’d find on the seabed – I reference the brand for that…away from marketing, This produces a fairly pleasing fine texture that adds some depth to the dial without compromising legibility and contrast. The applied markers and hands are filled with a cream luminous glow that matches the orange seconds hand perfectly. This color can also be found on the depth scale. best online watch store
Inside the case is the 8L35 movement, a 4Hz self-winding movement with a 50-hour power reserve. The movement was specially designed for diving watches by watchmakers at Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan. It has an accuracy of +15 to -10 seconds per day.
The Black Series 1970 Divers SLA061J1 is worn on a black-coated stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and dive extension. Also included in the presentation box is a black silicone strap with black coated hardware.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – A MODERN REINTERPRETATION OF THE SEIKO PROSPEX BLACK SERIES 1970 MECHANICAL DIVER
Case: 44mm diameter x 13mm height – 49.3mm lug to lug – stainless steel, brushed and polished, black hardcoat – unidirectional bezel, black 60 minute insertion – screw-down crown and case back – with AR Coated Curved Sapphire Crystal Interior – 185g – 200m Water Resistance
Dial: Black dial with sand ripple pattern – Orange seconds hand – Application markers and hands filled with cream LumiBrite
Movement: Calibre 8L35 – Manufacture – Self-winding – 26 jewels – 28,800 vibrations per hour – 50 hour power reserve – +15 to -10 seconds per day – hours, minutes, seconds (stop seconds) and date
Bracelet: Stainless Steel Bracelet with Black Hard Coating, Folding Clasp with Safety Lock, Push Button Release with Extender Included
Additional Black Silicone Strap
Reference: SLA061J1