New Arrival: Alba 'Black Wave' 200m Diver

[sys12345]

Efforts to locate this discontinued diver paid off when i found a BNIB piece. The Alba diver shows that you can have an affordable diver with quality and finishing far above its price.



Specs of the watch:

* Model: Alba AL-4009X
* Diameter: 44mm (without crown), 46mm (with crown)
* Lug-to-lug: 47mm
* Thickness: 14mm
* Lug width: 22mm
* Movement: Seiko 7S26
* WR: Diver 200m (ISO rated)












The wave pattern, together with the vertical bands on the dial adds a nice effect to the dial.








A rather unique side profile, with a wedge shape flowing to meet the crown guards




Knurled bezel and screw-down crown




The watch with an original Alba signed diver's strap












Nice lume using Seiko's Lumibrite!




Finally, a wrist shot ...



Thanks for viewing!

[lorsban]

Hey, there's a brand you don't see here very often.

Nice catch!

[chrisok]

Thanks for the write up! And thats a good looking watch!

[sys12345]

Thanks for the comments guys!

[everose]

You really prove that it is possible to have a great watch at almost any price point, if you look in the right places!!!!

Simply amazing!!!!!

Your photos are fantastic also.

I love threads like this.

Thanks for posting!!!!

[wildsidemtb]

I like the red and black band looks great on it

[sys12345]

Here's another rare and collectible Alba diver known as the Blue Manta with a unique blue dial ...

[sunburst]

Is this "ALBA" as in Seiko's 2nd brand ALBA ?

[everose]

Hey sys12345,

How old is the Blue Manta model,blue dial?????........i think i may have seen one at an AD VERY recently.!!!!

Again, stunning pics!!!!

[sys12345]

Yes, this is the very ALBA that u are referring to. It uses Seiko's 7S26 automatic movement, as well as Seiko's Lumibrite for the lume.

Originally Posted by sunburst

Is this "ALBA" as in Seiko's 2nd brand ALBA ?

[sys12345]

It'll look a lot better with an after market strap or bracelet. Its VERY DIFFICULT to find a brand new piece. If u have seen one at an AD, then its NEW OLD STOCK. I believe production has ceased since 2006/07. I'll snap more pics after i've found a decent bracelet for it.

Originally Posted by everose

Hey sys12345,

How old is the Blue Manta model,blue dial?????........i think i may have seen one at an AD VERY recently.!!!!

Again, stunning pics!!!!

[everose]

My local AD did have a Blue Manta-Ray, rubber strap!!!!!!

I now own it!

Thanks sys12345.

It must be about the most humble and unassuming 200m ISO Diver out there.

That sunburst blue dial is something else.....and the Manta Rays look almost 3-D,but somehow manage not to be distracting.

Unbeatable value........i presume production stopped as it stepped firmly on the toes of Seikos SKX model line??

[sys12345]

A good catch... congrats on the Blue Manta my friend! TBH, i would prefer the Alba diver over a Seiko Monster. Its a quality piece, from the detailed design and colours used for the dials to the nice blend of polished, brushed and knurled finishings makes it a worthy collection.


I dont know the actual reason why production ceased for such a fine watch and i dont see a new replacement for it. Perhaps u are right, its cannibalising on the sales of Seiko divers... especially since its more value-4-money!!!

[L950i]

Great Pics too!