Seiko Prospex SLA043 55th Anniversary

The Seiko Prospex SLA043 is a faithful recreation of Seiko’s landmark 1965 diver, released in 2020 to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Japan’s first-ever diving watch. Limited to just 1,700 pieces worldwide, the SLA043 retains the compact proportions and straightforward tool-watch character of the original while substantially upgrading its construction. The 39.9mm case is made from Seiko’s corrosion-resistant Ever-Brilliant Steel and surrounds a distinctive blue-gray dial paired with a matching blue bezel, a color scheme intended to evoke the appearance of the ocean as light fades with increasing depth. A box-shaped sapphire crystal, screw-down crown, unidirectional bezel, LumiBrite illumination, and 200 meters of water resistance bring the historic design up to modern professional specifications. The solid caseback even recreates the dolphin emblem found on the original 1965 diver, while each example is individually numbered.

Powering the SLA043 is Seiko’s Caliber 8L35, a 26-jewel automatic movement developed specifically for professional dive watches and hand-assembled at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan. Operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, the 8L35 offers hacking seconds, manual winding, a date complication, and approximately 50 hours of power reserve. The movement represents a significant step above Seiko’s mainstream Prospex calibers and is engineered for greater stability and durability in demanding environments. Presented on a blue silicone dive strap with an additional strap included in its special anniversary packaging, the SLA043 combines the proportions and unmistakable styling of the historic 1965 Seiko diver with high-end modern construction, making it one of the more compelling limited-edition recreations from Seiko’s professional diving lineage.

Reference: SLA043

Limited: 1700 Made

Strap: Blue Silicon Strap and a black silicone strap

Case: 39.9mm x 14.1mm Thickness - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: 8L35 - Automatic

Functions: HMS, Date

Box and Papers: Inner/outer boxes, and warranty card

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet size: 8”

Case has minimal light wear. Blue strap is unworn, black has maybe worn worn a handful of times. Dial, hands, and crystal have no wear.

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.