Seiko Prospex Owner Review : Robust, versatile and authentic

While looking for a GMT watch at the time, I looked at several models with this complication. Ultimately, I settled on this Seiko diver's watch with a GMT complication. First, I see it more as a diver's GMT watch than the other way around. I was looking for a watch with a discreet GMT complication. I'm not a fan of pure GMT watches with a 24-hour GMT bezel. Here, the GMT function is read via the two-tone flange (black for night and gray for day). Furthermore, the ochre yellow GMT hand provides optimal readability on the black dial, which can be matte or slightly grained depending on the intensity and angle of the light. Second, this model allows me to have one watch that can do it all. Its diver's features allow me to take it anywhere and never put it down. A real treat for everyday wear, vacations, and sports. In fact, we have here a classic diver's watch with a black dial and a black ceramic bezel with a GMT function that adds a touch of color that brings the whole thing to life. The whole thing is enhanced by a small red circle at the end of the second hand. These touches of color contrast with the rest of the piece's sobriety. Third point: I was looking for a watch with a unique identity. I wanted something out of the ordinary. When these models were released, I discovered the reinterpretation of the 1968 model with its imposing, thick lugs, traversed by a generous mirror-polished chamfer. The alternating brushed and mirror-polished finishes on the case are stunning. The crown at 4 o'clock is also stunning and characteristic of the Japanese brand. On the back of the case, we discover a magnificent screw-down caseback featuring the characteristic wave of marine Prospex watches. The set of hands gives depth to the watch with its four levels. The sword-shaped minute and hour hands are polished on one half and brushed on the other. The effect is simply magnificent. The date at 4:30 is incredibly integrated into the dial, and the date disc perfectly matches the dial color (you can see the difference in color under a 10x magnifying glass). I'm a big fan of the date at 4:30, so I'm thrilled about that. There's also quite a bit of text on the dial. At 6 o'clock, the word "GMT" is in the same shade as the GMT hand, and the word "automatic" indicates the watch's power reserve and water resistance. It's a lot of information, but I find that the watch's balance is maintained. Let's just say that each piece of information is present but discreet enough to be forgotten (the same goes for the date). I think the bracelet is a success. It's a brushed three-link bracelet. The upper inner edge of the central links is mirror-polished. This adds a touch of subtle elegance to the "disco ball" look. The sides of the bracelet are also mirror-polished. The buckle is rather mediocre, and the diving extension is really not great. However, when worn, the bracelet is very comfortable. The diving extension hugs the wrist, and you don't feel it on a daily basis. Ultimately, in terms of use and practicality for a non-diver, I think the bracelet is very good. It should be noted, however, that the integration into the case isn't perfect. There may be small deviations. I'm happy with that, but it's important to be aware of it. 3 Hz movement, with an accuracy of less than + or - 5 seconds in practice. By this, I mean with the watch worn for several days and placed overnight in a box as if it were on display in a showcase (to give you an idea of the angle the movement has relative to the ground). The 72-hour power reserve is comfortable, but personally, I don't care because I tend to wear my watches for several weeks in a row before changing them. Furthermore, I feel like the accuracy deteriorates significantly when the barrel isn't fully charged. Ultimately, in practice, it's better to have the watch fully wound, and so the 72-hour power reserve becomes obsolete, I think. Overall, it's a versatile, robust watch, perfect for everyday wear, with a unique style and very comfortable wear. It has a lot of charm, and I find it superb. It's the first watch where I said to myself, "I did well to buy that one." That says it all. I find the perceived quality really interesting, and I take enormous pleasure in wearing it. A real banger, in my opinion.