The side view of the watch allows one to see the level of protection that this watch has. The cut-through center-line and the two screw points shows the two-piece construction of this watch. It is interesting to note if you disengage the 3 main screws (one on the crown side, two on the opposite side), the watch will drop out of the shroud without effecting the bracelet. This is because the lugs are attached to the shroud piece.
This design concept creates a very interesting possibility. The option to have two or more distinctive watch modules using the same shroud attachment. For example, a diver module that can be replaced with a pilot module or even a chronograph module. The possibility is endless. Although this concept is not new, I would love to see Seiko do something about it.
From the picture below, the crown is wide but thin. This is because it is not designed to wind the movement. The button on the right (at the 2 o’clock position) initiates the power reserve indicator that will show the level of energy left in the batteries. If you press it, the seconds hand will start moving. A complete half turn means it is fully charged i.e. capable of operating for 6 months without any movement.
Both the crown and the power reserve button are screw-downs to allow the watch to go diving.
The polished bracelet and end links are solid pieces. Lug width is 24 mm. The Seiko bracelet is tapered down to 20 mm at the clasp. This bracelet is of a higher end of the quality spectrum as shown by the machined bridge between the two halves of the bracelet. A standard Seiko bracelet usually uses stamped metal sheet as the bridge.
The case back of the watch is a solid screw-down piece and decorated with the famous Seiko ‘Tsunami’. Basic information about the watch is sand-blasted on to this piece of metal.
The movement used is the Seiko Kinetic caliber 5M85. The Kinetic movement is a hybrid movement used by Seiko to convert kinetic energy to electrical energy. The capacitors in the watch is capable of storing 6 months of energy. This particular caliber movement has the option for the fourth hand, the GMT hand running at a slower 24 hour per cycle.
Before traveling, ensure the GMT hand is pointing towards your home base time. When you have arrived at your destination, you only need to adjust the independent setting hours hand, which can be adjusted by the first click out on the crown.
Although it is commonly accepted that the concept is based on the ‘Tuna’ design, the angled side walls make it unique and should be given a new designation in my opinion. For example, below are three classic designs by Seiko, the ‘Turtle‘, the ‘Vader‘ and the ‘Tuna‘.
The watch sits high on the wrist. However, the ‘turtle’ shape of the watch case helps it transition quickly into a watch in formal setting. Coupled with the flowing design of the shroud and casing, it has style to be a dress watch as well.
The weight is noticeable when putting it on for the first time. For diver watch users, this feeling (heaviness) disappear after a while after your hand gets use to it. Since I got the bracelet version, this may not be an issue but for those opting for the rubber strap versions, the weight of the watch and shroud casing may cause some imbalances. You should be extra careful strapping these versions on as you could easily misjudge the weight distribution and accidentally drop the piece on the floor (ouch!).
