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Old 12 October 2019, 03:17 AM   #1
Tbonewalk
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Prospex 1970 diver's reissue- SBDX031

This just arrived and I'm very pleased with it. I was not discouraged by the opinion of some that this was over priced, especially for Seiko. It is of the highest quality, and I guess you have to pay for that level of refinement. That's the thing about Seiko, you can proudly wear a $50 model, and some Grand Seiko models are priced at $50,000... and more!!!

So, I am happy with this. I also know that some don't like the Turtle design. It has really worked for me. I have a large wrist, not sure if that is a factor, but I find them very comfortable. I own several, and while the $400 ones are great, this one is in a different class. Not sure it is worth ten times more, but... it is certainly finer and at this price, it should be, and it is.

I am not sure and ask you knowledgeable Seiko guys, mine is the SBDX031... Is the SLA033 simply the USA version? Is there any difference?

Will keep you all updated on my exciting desk diving adventures... but know it will look great peeking out under a sweater or shirt sleeve as winter approaches... and should glow nicely in the darkest depths of my favorite movie theaters and in my bedroom when sleep is interrupted...

Wish me luck and hope you are all enjoying your watches!!!
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Old 12 October 2019, 06:40 AM   #2
Art 1
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That's very nice, congrats.
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Old 12 October 2019, 09:32 PM   #3
1William
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Congratulations. One of my favorite all time Seiko watches. Mine gets a lot of wrist time.
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Old 12 October 2019, 11:20 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Tbonewalk View Post
I am not sure and ask you knowledgeable Seiko guys, mine is the SBDX031... Is the SLA033 simply the USA version? Is there any difference?
Congratulations!

I have #1059 of the SLA033's and am curious about this also. Are they making 2,500 of each or is that the total number for both of them?

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Old 12 October 2019, 11:29 PM   #5
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I have seen that watch in the Seiko Boutique in London, it is fabulous, in my opinion, it could very easily be badged "Grand Seiko." it is that stunning and feels extreme quality in hand. Many congratulations.

As for your question, I dont know the answer for sure, but when I Googled either reference, the other was in brackets for the watch, I am of the opinion, it is the same watch, just different areas. (SBDX33 or SBDX031)
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Old 12 October 2019, 11:42 PM   #6
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Congrats.
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Old 14 October 2019, 04:44 PM   #7
Tbonewalk
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A little better lighting on this one. Enjoying it a lot! Thank you for your comments!
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Old 14 October 2019, 04:51 PM   #8
Tbonewalk
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Congratulations!

I have #1059 of the SLA033's and am curious about this also. Are they making 2,500 of each or is that the total number for both of them?

mine is #380. Not sure, but an online video review said 2500 total...
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Old 14 October 2019, 04:52 PM   #9
Tbonewalk
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That's very nice, congrats.
Thank you!!!
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Old 14 October 2019, 04:53 PM   #10
Tbonewalk
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Congratulations. One of my favorite all time Seiko watches. Mine gets a lot of wrist time.
Thank you, I expect to log on some miles with mine too!
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Old 14 October 2019, 05:01 PM   #11
Tbonewalk
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I have seen that watch in the Seiko Boutique in London, it is fabulous, in my opinion, it could very easily be badged "Grand Seiko." it is that stunning and feels extreme quality in hand. Many congratulations.

As for your question, I dont know the answer for sure, but when I Googled either reference, the other was in brackets for the watch, I am of the opinion, it is the same watch, just different areas. (SBDX33 or SBDX031)
Thanks Dave!I think they just can't put this kind of quality into a watch without a high price tag. The hands, indices, finish are clearly tops. And the movement is, as I understand it, described as similar to what Grand Seiko uses. It is reportedly not COSC but of that quality. Just a few days on the wrist and I get about +3 seconds/day.

I imagine the only reason it is not a Grand Seiko is because, as I understand it, the two are separate companies, or something like that.
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Old 14 October 2019, 05:02 PM   #12
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Congrats.
thanks Mark!
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Old 14 October 2019, 05:04 PM   #13
Tomas Eriksson
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Love it, its a cool piece! Thank you for sharing
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Old 15 October 2019, 08:30 AM   #14
Tbonewalk
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Love it, its a cool piece! Thank you for sharing
thank you, it's great to share this stuff with each other, not everyone out there relates to this stuff the way we do lol
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Old 15 October 2019, 09:37 AM   #15
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"I am not sure and ask you knowledgeable Seiko guys, mine is the SBDX031... Is the SLA033 simply the USA version?"

SLA033 is the international designation for the Japanese market SBDX031. Same watch. The SBDX031 gets a few hundred models and the lower serial numbers, I believe.



"I imagine the only reason it is not a Grand Seiko is because, as I understand it, the two are separate companies, or something like that."

It's not a GS because the original wasn't a GS.
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Old 15 October 2019, 10:01 AM   #16
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Its a classic style for sure.

COngrats.
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Old 15 October 2019, 10:04 AM   #17
Tbonewalk
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Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast View Post
"I am not sure and ask you knowledgeable Seiko guys, mine is the SBDX031... Is the SLA033 simply the USA version?"

SLA033 is the international designation for the Japanese market SBDX031. Same watch. The SBDX031 gets a few hundred models and the lower serial numbers, I believe.

"I imagine the only reason it is not a Grand Seiko is because, as I understand it, the two are separate companies, or something like that."

It's not a GS because the original wasn't a GS.
To naysayers, Grand Seiko, let alone Seiko, is not worthy of the asking prices. They are though! Thanks for weighing in Adam!
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Old 15 October 2019, 10:05 AM   #18
Tbonewalk
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Its a classic style for sure.

COngrats.
Thanks CJ... I miss Mister Bourdain a lot...
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Old 15 October 2019, 10:08 AM   #19
Chewbacca
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To naysayers, Grand Seiko, let alone Seiko, is not worthy of the asking prices. They are though! Thanks for weighing in Adam!
I agree.

And its not just that.

Its that they make 'good enough' models that scratch the itch if one is cost prohibitive.

You have to admire a brand with that much confidence in their products.

From $100 - $10k - you can get a Seiko dive watch and join the club.
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Old 15 October 2019, 10:08 AM   #20
Chewbacca
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Thanks CJ... I miss Mister Bourdain a lot...

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Old 15 October 2019, 10:31 AM   #21
Tbonewalk
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I agree.

And its not just that.

Its that they make 'good enough' models that scratch the itch if one is cost prohibitive.

You have to admire a brand with that much confidence in their products.

From $100 - $10k - you can get a Seiko dive watch and join the club.
"confidence", and you can feel confident and take pride in your watch regardless of the price. My "watch guy" in Flushing, Queens Chinatown had a customer with a real old, beat to heck Seiko Datejust copy. He told me it was his uncle's watch, I think it needed a battery. I just wish that watch could talk... because it looked like it has seen a whole lot...
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