My Seikos

Seiko. Love them or hate them, you have to admit that they are one of the very few brands that can offer watches to fit every budget and need. I do love the brand and the fact that they are one of the very few true watch manufacture does not hurt either. 

I have had Seiko for the longest of time and have grown and culled them along my collecting days. Some I miss, others I don't. But the ones that remains are the ones that (I guess) I like most. Here are my Seiko watches.

Seiko basic diver watch, the SKX007. I am sure many of us have had or are still having this watch. Just as I am sure this watch is your first introduction into the world of mechanical watches. Perhaps even the watch that introduce you to the world of Seiko.

Cant go wrong with this watch. Bullet proof design and movement.

The Black Monster. I am sure there are many of us that have this watch. Great watch, great design and great movement. I was slow in getting this watch. Why? I had the other monster....

And which monster? The Orange Monster. This is one that I am sure many of us have and still have. Iconic Seiko. Robust, reliable and just plain awesome. 

The Seiko Stargate. I like this watch. Black PVD or DLC or what ever. Looks good and feels good. If only the bezel was as good as the monsters. 

Seiko 130th Anniversary watch. Thank you Seiko. Always wanted the traffic light sweep seconds hand Seiko and this was the cheapest way to get one. Yes, lots to dislike about the watch, like the red rubber (?) tuna surround, but just as much to like about the watch. Hacking and hand wind capability being the principal plus point. 

OK, not really a Seiko per say. It has Seikosha on the dial and it is a homage (reissue) of the watch Seiko issued to the Japanese Kamikaze pilots of WWII. But there is no evidence this watch is actually made by Seiko or even issued by them. It is mechanical and powered by a SII sourced movement (very basic). I believe it came out (in limited numbers) in 2006 or 2007. 

And one more Seiko to add to the collection. A final piece. The new Seiko monster with hacking and hand wind capable movement. Which one? Looking at the Dracula, but yet to decide.....

Lume....

Got this watch yesterday. It is a reissue/ replica of the Navy Aviator watch issued to the Japanese pilots during WWII. I never knew about the watch until a good friend pointed it out. It is branded Seikosha, but I have serious doubts that it was issued or made by Seiko. It is powered by the SII Y675A movement though. 

Anyway, I was told (and after some research), that the watch is also known as the Kamikaze watch, for 2 reasons. Firstly it was worn by the Japanese Kamikaze pilots and secondly you would need to be one to wear one as there were a huge amount of radioactive material used on the dial.

The watch.

From my reading, evidently the reissue is also known for its lume. Here it is at 2045 hours (excuse the time shown as the time was wrongly set).

And here at 0330 hours (correct time). Have to say it is one of the best lume I have seen on a watch for a long long time. 

I will be sending the watch to my friendly watch guy soon for a service and clean up. The watch is after all about 5 to 6 years old (issued in 2006/ 2007?). I will review the watch after that....:)