Model Spotlight: Seiko Prospex SLA066 & SLA065
SEIKO PROSPEX SLA066
1965 DIVERS MODERN RE-INTERPRETATION “SAVE THE OCEAN” U.S. LIMITED EDITION
Seiko has always pushed boundaries, crafting timepieces that reach the heights, and in this case the depths, of human achievement. Their original 1965 diver’s watch was standard equipment on the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition thanks to an unheard-of combination of water resistance, legibility, and durability. The Prospex SLA066 modern re-interpretation of that legendary watch has been created as a Limited Edition of just 300 pieces, available only in the U.S.
The SLA066 has been updated with the newest, cutting-edge dive watch technology and materials, including a screw-down crown and caseback, and brown uni-directional rotating elapsed timing bezel. It follows ISO standards for scuba diving to depths of up to 200 meters, making it an unparalleled, superbly functional tool watch for divers. However, the SLA066 is so much more than that. This is a watch equally at home with a wetsuit or a business suit. Crafted of stainless steel with gold finish, the light champagne sunray dial features a design inspired by ancient astrolabes, with a date calendar and LumiBrite markers and hands for enhanced legibility. Finished with a handsome yet rugged brown silicone strap that matches the bezel.
Other features include a caliber 8L35 26-jewel automatic movement that beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, and a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. Finally, as part of Seiko’s “Save the Ocean” campaign, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the Seiko Prospex SLA066 will be contributed to marine conservation. When you can look good while doing good, that’s a win-win.
SEIKO PROSPEX SLA065
1965 DIVERS MODERN RE-INTERPRETATION “SAVE THE OCEAN” LIMITED EDITION
Seiko has never been a company satisfied with resting on their laurels, as they continue to strive toward technological excellence and fashion-forward style, but they will also never turn their back on their legacy of timekeeping innovation. The Seiko Prospex recreations and re-interpretations of classic timepieces is clear evidence of their commitment to celebrating that rich history. Case in point: the Prospex SLA065, a Limited Edition of just 1,300, with the serial number engraved on each caseback, is a reimagining of Seiko’s legendary 1965 diver’s watch. That timepiece, standard equipment on the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, was a marvel of water resistance, legibility, and durability.
The Prospex SLA065 has a sleeker, thinner profile, and has been updated with technology and materials that make it an unmatched dive watch—water resistance up to 200 meters, LumiBrite markers and hands for enhanced underwater legibility, dual curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, screwdown crown and caseback, and a blue uni-directional rotating elapsed timing bezel. The caliber 8L35 26-jewel automatic movement, hand-assembled at Seiko’s Shizukuishi watch studio, has the robust torque necessary to smoothly operate the enlarged diver’s watch hands, and has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.
A perfect combination of form and function, the SLA065 looks as good as it works. It’s crafted in stainless steel with fine Zaratsu polishing, and a blue sunray dial with a design inspired by ancient astrolabes that includes a date calendar. The blue silicone strap pairs perfectly with the blue bezel. Packaged in a handsome Limited Edition collectors’ box, the SLA065 also pays it forward—as part of Seiko’s “Save the Ocean” campaign, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this extraordinary timepiece will be contributed to marine conservation.
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About The Author: Tom Roth
Born in Washington state, Tom developed an interest in photography during college at University of San Diego. There, he got started in music journalism, interviewing artists and taking photos at concerts. A life-long tinkerer and collector, it wasn’t long before Tom became fascinated with fountain pens and watches.
Those interests collided in November 2020 when Tom started at Feldmar Watch Company where he lives out every watch geek’s dream: photographing and writing about timepieces. When he’s not tinkering with his watch collection, Tom can be found traveling, biting his nails while watching PNW sports teams, and taking flying lessons.
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