Under the Lens with the Seiko Prospex Black Series 1970 SLA061J1 Limited Edition

As part of four new Black Series Limited Edition watches to be released based on vintage Seiko dive watches – the new Seiko Prospex 1970s Mechanical Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation watch ref. SLA061J1 is powered by a hand-assembled movement, features an underwater-inspired dial and comes on a sleek black coated steel bracelet.

Back in 2019, Seiko decided to recreate an original dive watch from the brand’s heritage. It closely followed the cushion-shaped case of the original, echoing its unusual crown position of 4 o’clock. Seiko‘s original 1970s dive watch pretty much carved a lane for itself, with values strongly focused on precision, durability, reliability and legibility. When the Japanese manufacturer built this robust dive watch, little did it know how much success the model would be met with. Distinguishable for its wide, flowing design, the vintage dive watch from Seiko could easily be picked out for its cushion-shaped case that would eventually go on to be nicknamed the “Turtle”, with an unforgettable style.

The original Seiko 1970s Mechanical Diver’s watch had an asymmetrical extension to accommodate for its screw-down crown, a 150-meter resistance, a luminous hour track and hands to enhance readability when underwater, and a robust case construction. It was a perfect design for those in need of a rugged watch for withstanding extreme outdoor conditions, hence why it was the watch of choice for Naomi Uemora, who wore the watch on his expedition across Greenland To Alsaka, led by dog sledges over a distance of 12,500km in between the years 1974 and 1976.

Now Seiko has recreated the Seiko 1970s Mechanical Diver’s watch Modern Re-interpretation in the form of its relatively new Black Series Limited Edition collection. Unlike the other three 1965, 1968 and 1970 dive watches also released, the model is limited to only 1000 pieces worldwide. It also sports a black-coated stainless steel bracelet, a textured dial, and is powered by a different movement. Let’s take a look at the design of the new Seiko Prospex Black Series 1970 Mechanical Diver’s Re-interpretation watch ref.  SLA061J1

The case and bezel

Form follows function in every aspect of this new diving watch from Seiko. The broad 44mm case is wide and flowing, designed much like the original – to protect the crown at the 4 o’clock position. It made for a particularly memorable design back then. Now its shape is associated with the famous Seiko “Turtle”, yet this Seiko Prospex has some additional features to offer. The watch features a unidirectional rotating bezel in black with the 60-minute scale outlined in a cream colour to match the hour markers on the model’s dial. These elements differ from the other new SPB253J1, SPB255J1 and SPB257J1 models, limited-to-5,500-pieces, which feature grey and orange markers on the bezel.

The case of this 1970’s limited edition watch is also crafted from stainless steel with a hard coating in black to enhance robustness and durability. Its black hue is designed to echo the other blacked-out models from the same series, inspired by the deep mysterious blackness of the ocean at night. The watch is integrated with 200-meter water resistance and features a curved anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass lens. The case sides of this re-interpretation model are also polished to create a sharp and modern aesthetic.

The dial

The dial of the new Seiko Prospex 1970s Mechanical Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation watch is textured, unlike the other limited edition 1965, 1968 and 1970s models. This texture imitates the grainy texture of the sand along the ocean’s seabed during the night, whilst the central minute hand on the other three models is identified in a bright orange. The central hour and minutes hands on this limited edition Seiko Prospex dive watch are black and treated with Lumibrite for guided assistance in the dark. The surrounding rectangular and square-shaped hour markers depicting the hour track are also coated in Lumibrite – its cream shade nodding to one of many vintage-inspired elements throughout the design. In this model, we see the date (set against a black background as opposed to white) move from 3 o’clock to 4:30. The Seiko lettering sits at 12 o’clock on this black textured dial, balanced by the “Automatic Diver’s 200m” lettering at 6 o’clock. The central second hand is coated in orange and coated with a Lumibrite-treated tip.

The movement

The Seiko Prospex Black Series 1970s Mechanical Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation watch is powered by a different movement than the new Black Series 1965, 1968 and 1970s models. The Caliber 8L35 is an automatic and mechanical winding movement that promises an accuracy of +15 or -10 seconds per day. It produces approximately 50 hours of power reserve and beats to the rhythm of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement comprises 192 parts that are all hand-assembled and adjusted by Seiko’s master watchmakers at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Morioka.

The bracelet

The new 1970’s Limited Edition Black Series Prospex watch from Seiko is fitted on a matching stainless steel bracelet with a black hard coating. It secures with a three-fold clasp and push-button release mechanism with extender feature.  Like the other models, an additional strap is supplied. A black silicone strap is supplied inside the box of this diving watch, enabling the wearer to transform the look of the watch into something a little sportier. The black silicone strap is optimized for comfort on the wrist, ergonomically securing with a black coated stainless steel pin buckle engraved with the Seiko name and with a fast-drying quality that makes it suitable for dipping in and out of the water.

If you’d like additional information on the new Seiko Prospex Black Series 1970’s watch ref. SLA061J1, you can check the spec details here or view the new Black Series range here. Alternatively, you can call 01335 453453 and speak to a member of our sales team at Jura Watches.

Technical Specifications of the new Seiko Prospex Black Series Limited Edition 1970s Mechanical Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation watch

• Case: 44mm – stainless steel – black hard coating - depth: 13mm – 200-meter water resistance – cushion-shaped – asymmetrical design incorporating a screw-down protected crown at 4 o’clock – curved anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass front – black unidirectional rotating bezel
• Dial: Textured black dial surface depicting the grainy texture of seabed sand – Lumibrite central hour and minute hands – date window at 4:30 - Lumibrite tip on central second hand
• Movement: Calibre 8L35 – mechanical and automatic winding – 192 parts – 50-hour power reserve – 28,800 vph – bidirectional Magic Lever
• Strap: Stainless steel bracelet – black hard coating – three-fold clasp – push-button release – extender component – additional black silicone strap – black hard-coated pin buckle
• Reference: SLA061J1
• Price: £2,850
• Availability: Limited to 1000 pieces worldwide