There is a strong Japanese theme behind this month’s round-up as we take a look at some of Seiko’s most impressive offerings from Baselworld this year. We begin with the SLA017, which is an almost exact recreation of the original 62MAS watch – Seiko’s very first professional dive watch. Limited to just 2000 pieces, I have no doubt this watch will sell out quickly. Next, we take a look at the SPB051 and SBP053, which are modern reinterpretations of the same 62MAS.

Then, we turn our attention to the very finest that Seiko has to offer and it comes in the form of the Grand Seiko Spring Drive 8 Days watch, otherwise known as the SBGD202. It comes in an immaculate rose gold case and features one of the very best dials in watchmaking.

Finally, we take a trip to Tokyo, Japan, to visit the Seiko Museum. For watch lovers visiting the epic city, the Seiko Museum comes highly recommended. Apart from housing a great variety of vintage Seikos, you can also see ancient Japanese clocks and even old European pocket watches.

1. First Seiko Watches Divers Automatic Diver Prospex SLA017 ‘Re-Creation’ & SPB051/53 ‘Re-Interpretation’ Watches Hands-On

For Seiko Watches Ebay Australia fans, the most exciting news out of Baselworld this year must be news of the reissue of Seiko’s legendary Ref. 6217 dive watch, otherwise more commonly referred to as the 62MAS. Introduced in 1965, the 62MAS is Seiko’s first professional dive watch. There’s the SLA017, which is an almost exact recreation of the original 62MAS – a modern replica if you will; and then there’s the more affordable SPB051 and SBP053, which are modern reinterpretations of the 62MAS. I have no doubts that these three watches will be among the hottest-selling dive watches for 2017. Have a good look at them here.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

What Makes the show for us horology lovers, however, and what makes a visit into this boutique worth your while is the heavier bits. The face is busy but it satisfies this watch comfortably. The dial is a kind of pearlescent blue with rose gold markers and hands, complementing flecks of contrasting reddish on several dials and about the next hand. The ￡15,000 price tag may set some off balance, but the production of those units is restricted to 500 that may help convince the right collectors. It is worth and eye seeing from the flesh.The second show-stealer is a lot more modest in appearance, but far more dizzying in price. At first glance, I must confess that the Grand Seiko Spring Drive 8 Day Power Reserve (complete hands-on post here) doesn’t look to be much and that I guess that an untrained eye may not even violate gaze to appreciate it. Whenever I picked it up and felt its weight, however, I suspected the piece was learning and special about it immediately revealed the depth of my ignorance. Seiko has a small but famous unit of elite watchmakers known as The Micro Artist Studio. Their hand-made creations instantly become possession aspirations of the horological purists and enthusiasts, and this particular creation is the first time that a Grand Seiko has come out of the esteemed studio. The remarkable weight is down in part to the on site movement which boasts 56 stones and an 8 day (192 hours) energy reserve, complete with a gauge on the back. This movement is surprisingly accurate to within +.5 seconds every day. It’s just purchasable through Seiko stalls such as their brand new London home but will require deep pockets with a cost of approximately ￡50,000.

2. Our Take On The Timepieces To Be Sold At The Only Watch 2017 Charity Auction

Only Watch is a charity event that takes place once every two years. At this event, watch brands are asked to submit a unique piece that would be put up for auction. The proceeds will then go to the Association Monegasque Contre le Myopathies to help fund research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. It is a neat idea and a noble cause. And for watch lovers, the thrill is in seeing new watches and guessing how much they will go for. Most of the brands have already submitted their pieces for Only Watch 2017 and here’s a good chance to see most of them. In addition, we also provide our take on them and also guess how much they will likely go under the hammer for.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

3. Omega Seamaster Diver 300M ‘Commander’s Watch’ Limited Edition Inspired By James Bond 007 Hands-On

When I first heard that Omega had another James Bond watch, I was puzzled. As far as I know, there isn’t a new James Bond movie in the cinema and this year doesn’t exactly mark any major anniversary for the character. So why is there a new James Bond Omega watch? And why is it known as the Commander’s Watch? Well, let us explain the story and also give you a closer look at the latest limited edition watch from Omega that pays tribute to the world’s most famous spy.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

4. Magrette Moana Pacific Professional Dive Watch Review

I do like micro-brand watches, but my problem with a lot of them is that most of them are either a) focused on homages or derivative designs or b) their original designs aren’t really well thought out. In short, a lot of micro-brands lack originality and refinement in their designs. A handful of micro-brands do stand out and Magrette is one of them. I find most of their watches quite handsome and they have a rather distinct look about them. One of their newer watches is the updated Pacific Professional Dive watch. It’s a beefy, sturdy piece that’s built to be an out and out tool watch and it even sports a Swiss-made movement from STP, the Swiss-based movement factory that is owned by the Fossil Group.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

5. Hamilton Intra-Matic 68 Watch Hands-On

The new Hamilton Intra-Matic 68 wasn’t just one of the hottest new watches from Hamilton, it was one of the hottest and most talked about watches from Baselworld 2017 period. The Intra-Matic 68 is based on a vintage Hamilton chronograph design from the ‘60s and it is dripping with vintage swag. At 42mm, the case is, admittedly, a little on the large side. And it is also far too thick. However, that reverse panda dial is really spot on and I really dig those pump-style chronograph pushers. If you have a fondness for vintage-inspired pieces like me, this watch is definitely worth checking out.

Source: aBlogtoWatch

6. Richard Mille RM033 In White Gold Watch Review

If there is ever a Richard Mille watch that can be described as discreet, this RM033 in white gold is probably it. When you think of Richard Mille, you are most likely thinking about the brand’s signature tonneau-shape case. The RM033, on the other hand, is immediately different because unlike most Richard Mille watches, it has a round case. It’s no ordinary watch, of course. Upon closer inspection, you’ll see that it actually has a nicely finished white gold case, a skeletonized dial, and a skeletonized micro-rotor movement. So, is this the most discreet Richard Mille watch you have ever seen?

Source: aBlogtoWatch

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