Hands On: Seiko SLA081
In 1965 Seiko released their very first dive watch, reference 6217-8000, nicknamed the 62MAS. Now, 60 years later, Seiko has launched a dive watch to commemorate that anniversary – and it’s a big one. SLA081 was released this July and it is a BIG watch. A true diver’s dive watch with all the technical features you could ask for on a dive watch. We were lucky enough to get our hands on one and have been pleasantly surprised.
SLA081 Specifications
Diameter: 45.3mm
Thickness: 16mm
Lug to Lug: 49.8mm
Weight: 174.9 grams
The Case
Seiko have been making it a point with their SLA series to create one-piece cases and have continued that trend with the SLA081. The titanium case is made from one solid piece and the watch is actually assembled from the front, ensuring performance at a water resistance rating of 600 meters. They have also developed a proprietary L-shaped gasket that keeps helium molecules out of the watch, allowing the watch to not need a helium escape valve.
The finishing on the case is extremely nice, easily the nicest finished watch in their lineup. The side of the case is dual finished with one high polish section and one satin brushed section that jumps out at you in person but proves nearly impossible to photograph. The combination of brushed and polished makes for a great looking watch and Seiko have done a nice job of making the titanium, which is often dull in appearance, look stainless steel like with the mirror finishing.
Last point: I have a two SPB divers in my collection and they’re a little touchy in terms of screwing the crown back in. If you own a Seiko you know what I mean, the crown has a habit of not always screwing in tightly in every position, sometimes it takes some work. I handled the crown on the SLA081 every which way and every single time it locks back into place as it should.
The Dial
The dial really steals the show for this watch, showcasing a wave pattern that is almost Grand Seiko-esque. Dark grey around the edges, the gradient dial gets lighter towards the center. I found that in natural sunlight it actually takes on a blue hue to it that is exceptionally nice. In true Seiko fashion, the text on the dial tells you everything you need to know about the watch. I love the MARINEMASTER text under the Seiko logo at noon, but really wish they’d clean up the 6:00 side. Seiko – if you’re reading this, the Prospex logo with Divers 600M is all you need, although I appreciate the reminder that the watch is automatic and has a 3 day power reserve.
The Movement
For the SLA081, Seiko decided to go with from what we can tell is their newest movement. The 8L45 is, as of this writing, only found in a small handful of watches. The Vanac collection boast the 8L45 movement, but SLA081 seems to be the only Prospex in the lineup to feature this movement. The 8L45 is undoubtedly Seiko’s highest quality offering. The 35 jewel movement beats at 28,800bph and claims an accuracy rating of -5/+10. We put ours on the timegrapher in different positions and came out with an average of +5spd.
We have heard rumors that the 8L45 is essentially a Grand Seiko movement without the finishing, so we did some digging. Grand Seiko’s 9S65 is awfully similar to Seiko’s 8L45. Both 35 jewel, 28,800bph, and the same size at 28.40mm. Both claim the same 72 hour power reserve, however, the Grand Seiko has a tighter stated accuracy. All this to say that from a movement spec position the whole “$4,600 for a SEIKO is crazy!!!” claims we hear are a bit overblown for this particular spec.
The Bracelet
On the off chance that our Seiko rep or anybody else we love at the Seiko team are reading this, this might be a good time to turn away. We know the bracelets leave a lot to be desired. They are honestly improving, but still have some improvements left (the new adjustable clasps on SPB511 and the like are awesome but that’s for another day.)
The bracelet on the SLA081 might be the best thing Seiko has ever done, period. The finishing is beautiful, a mix of polished and brushed finish that is incredible. Interestingly enough if you look at the bracelet from the side, you can see the outline of reinforcement pins within the bracelet. The result is a bracelet that doesn’t feel light or cheap, even though it’s titanium. It looks like Seiko put a lot of thought into the bracelet construction and made sure that the pins won’t flex and sag over time.
Lastly, the diver’s extension is a classic staple of Seiko’s SLA series. The same function as their SLA Marine Master collection, the ratcheting dive extension can be loosened on the fly to give you a little bit of room to work with.
Final Thoughts
Limited to only 600 pieces worldwide, with North America getting approximately 10% of that allocation, it’s definitely not a watch you will see everywhere and certainly not a watch that everybody would choose. It is also a Seiko for $4,600, which will always dissuade people from buying one and that’s fine. It does however deliver on the price point in the finishing, movement spec, and overall quality. It is also incredibly light for a 45.3mm watch weighing only 174.9 grans according to our scale. By contrast the Diver GMT SPB383 weighs 177.4 grams and is smaller at 42.5mm. Big, thick, difficult to wear, but man is it ever cool. As of this writing we have one in stock and with how tight the allocation is, one is likely all we will ever be able to get. If you have more questions on the watch, reach out any time. If you’d like to try the watch on, you’re welcome in our showroom any time.
