Category: Seiko

Hands-on – Seiko Presage Shippo Enamel Limited Edition (ref. SPB073 & SPB075)

A well-kept Japanese secret, Seiko’s Presage collection was not shared with the rest of the world until 2016. With its winning formula of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, resilient mechanical technology and an unbeatable price, the Presage collection is almost too good to be true. The new Presage Shippo Enamel models, with their eye-catching blue dials, seduce at first sight and are proof positive that you don’t have to shell out a fortune for a beautifully handcrafted Grand Feu enamel dial. Two mechanical references, one with a date function and the second with a calendar and power reserve indicator, stand out from the crowd of ubiquitous blue dials flooding the market with their exquisite handcrafted Shippo enamel dials.

8 years ago

Buying Guide – 10 of the Best Dive Watches Introduced at Baselworld 2018

Now that Baselworld 2018 is over, it is time for the MONOCHROME team to look at the best watches of the show. One category that usually appears to be highly disputed is the dive watch and 2018 has again been a productive year. From vintage-inspired pieces to proper instruments, here are 10 of the best dive watches we have discovered at Baselworld 2018.

8 years ago

Buying Guide – 6 of the Best Affordable Watches of Baselworld 2018

A good watch doesn’t have to break the bank. As Baselworld 2018 just ended, we have put together a selection of wallet-friendly watches proving that great things can come in affordable packages. Vintage-inspired, sporty, modern, complicated or just nicely designed… We have selected 6 different watches, all with a strong personality and mainly, great value for the money.

8 years ago

Baselworld 2018 – Seiko Prospex Diver 200m SPB077 & SPB079 – a Modern Recreation of the 1968 Ref. 6159-7001

Last year, Seiko re-created its first ever dive watch, the 62Mas, with a truly faithful re-edition, the Prospex Diver SLA017. Alongside this rather expensive and rare edition, the Japanese manufacture also reinterpreted the 62Mas in a more modern and more accessible way, with the Seiko Prospex Diver SPB051 and SPB053. This year, we’ll the same recipe but now applied to the 1968 Diver 300m. Alongside the rare and faithful Prospex Diver 300m Hi-Beat SLA025, Seiko is also introducing modern and accessible versions, the Prospex Diver 200m SPB077 & SPB079.

8 years ago

Baselworld 2018 – Seiko Prospex Diver 300m Hi-Beat SLA025 – The Recreation of the 1968 Ref. 6159-7001

Seiko’s reputation in terms of professionally oriented dive watches is not to demonstrated anymore – and that since 1965, with the creation of the Seiko Diving Department, and later the Prospex nomenclature. For our biggest pleasure, the brand has been opening its old grimoires and digs into its rich history to offer us some of the best vintage re-editions we’ve seen recently. Last year was about the Seiko’s first ever dive watch. This year, the brand looks at yet another icon, with the re-creation of the 1968 Automatic Diver 300m Reference 6159-7001. Meet the brand new Seiko Prospex Diver 300m Hi-Beat SLA025.

8 years ago

Seiko Prospex Automatic Diver “PADI Samurai” SRPB99J1

Back in 2017, Seiko treated us with a nice surprise, as one of its most iconic watches was back in the collection: the Samurai. Praised by many enthusiasts, tested and certified by most as a reliable dive watch, updated for 2017 with slight evolutions and new colours, there was not much to complain about… Except maybe for the lack of a PADI edition. Well, the honour is safe as the “warrior” can be now ordered in the super-cool blue and red combination dear to PADI editions. Meet the Seiko Prospex Automatic Diver “PADI Samurai” SRPB99J1.

8 years ago

7 Women Industry Insiders Pick Top Watches For Under $1,000 (for both genders)

Just in time for the holidays, we bring you seven great watches – for men and women – under USD1,000, as selected by women insiders in the watch industry. This article was initially conceived of in response to the male-insiders-only article written in the New York Times just over a week ago. For that article, entitled “A Watch With Snob Appeal for Under $1,000? Six Watch Insiders Offer Picks” the author opted to inquire about top watches under $1,000 as selected by 6 different men, including our Founder, Frank Geelen. We, at MONOCHROME, wanted to hear what women have to say on that topic too. Additionally, we can bring some choices for both men and women as well – something the men really can’t do.

8 years ago

Buying Guide – 5 Automatic Watches from Established Brands Under EUR 1,000

A good watch doesn’t have to break the bank. Thankfully, there are plenty of worthy options if you are looking for something affordable, yet stylish and well-crafted. We have put together 5 respectable watches priced under EUR 1,000. Of course, because you are reading MONOCHROME, these 5 timepieces couldn’t be anything else than automatic. And they all come from well-established brands. Did we hear cool Christmas gifts?

8 years ago

In-Depth – Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1000m “Emperor Tuna” Ref. SBDX014 – The Japanese Kraken

Seiko’s reputation in the field of dive watches is hard to beat. While they may not have been behind the creation of the first dive watch, the contributions of Seiko in improving the concept of a timekeeping instrument for divers is immense. Many features that are now the norm for dive watches were created under the influence of Japanese engineers – Seiko even influenced the creation of the ISO 6425 standard for dive watches. So, with over 50 years of innovation, over 50 years creating professionally oriented watches… that’s half a century of know-how that has been infused in the watch that we’re reviewing today, the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1000m Automatic Diver SBDX014 a.k.a the “Emperor Tuna”.

8 years ago