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Jul 11, 2016, 03:56 PM
#1
JDM Solar Watches
Clockwise from top left: SBDN019, SBDN015, SBDN017, SBDJ011, SBDJ009, SBDJ013. Seiko’s new titanium Solar divers are matching pairs offered in two sizes - the SBDJ range is 44.1mm x 52.6mm x 12.4mm (marketed to men) and the SBDN range is 38.8mm x 46.5mm x 11.2mm (marketed to women). The solar v157 movement has a stated 10-month power supply upon reaching a full charge. Drilled lug holes, classic proportions, and Dia-Shield coating to guard against scratches make them a good value at a price of around $500.
Clockwise from top left: SBDN023, SBDN021, SBDN026, SBDN029, SBDN028, SBDN025 The other model is one already dubbed the “Solar Tuna,” a direct reference to the outer protective shroud that is the hallmark of Seiko’s “Tuna”-nicknamed diver lineup. This 45.9mm x 12.1mm solar-powered (V147 movement) diver is an appealing option for those who might not want to pony up $900 plus for the traditional quartz SBBN model, which features a high-torque engine made specifically for the watch. That said, the Solar SBDN range doesn’t come across as an inferior alternative, but rather a lower-priced companion to an already popular watch. There are six variants in the collection, each limited to 3000 pieces. In terms of design, the to-be-expected SKX-like hands and date window at 4 o’clock provide a familiar look that doesn’t stray far from Seiko’s diver heritage. The plastic shroud is certainly the most contentious point of the design, and while it may have been a cost cutting measure on Seiko’s part, one could also argue plastic will better protect the watch head because it has more give than steel. What Tuna fans love about the design is that in spite of its large-on-paper dimensions, the watch can work on smaller wrists because the lug-to-lug height is roughly the same as the diameter, and the straight end connection tucked under the case allows for a variety of aftermarket bracelets or straps.
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