Launched in 2018 following the debut of a handful of heritage-inspired re-issued offerings over the 12 months prior, the Seiko Prospex Divers Hi-Beat SLA025 1968 Tribute is, as its name implies, a tribute to the Seiko ref. 6159-7001. Launched as their first attempt at a commercial diver’s watch, with a jaw-dropping, for the time, water resistance of 300m in 1968, the ref. 6159-7001 deepened Seiko’s involvement in producing dive watches following the iconic 6217-8001 aka 62MAS and 6215-7001. Celebrating the Seiko ref. 6159-7001’s 50th anniversary, the new SLA025 features a wonderful level of detail, with a slew of notable attempts to maintain aesthetic and historical accuracy to the original, such as its matte black dial and black aluminum bezel both featuring gilt inscriptions, its “red dot” seconds hand that extends fully to cover the indices, unlike previous releases, and the same 44.8mm x 15.7mm monocoque case with its winding crown at 4 o’clock. Powered by the hi-beat automatic Seiko cal. 8L55 movement, which beats at 36,000 bph like the original, the SLA025 was launched as a limited edition release of 1500 pieces that is just as accurate on the inside as it is the outside.

Watch is in near-mint condition with only minor wear visible on the case. Few light marks on the caseback.

Continuing a streak of historically accurate timepieces rich with heritage, the SLA025 pays homage to Seiko's past through its rich details and thoughtful design.