- Joined
- Jul 15, 2014
- Messages
- 3,002
I have two serious addictions when it comes to watch collecting - One long-term, and one newly acquired.
Now I do have several other "sub-addictions", but these two really drive me.
My long term sickness: Seiko Basic Divers
Seiko developed a leadership role in reliable and functional automatic divers with U.S. service men during the Vietnam War era and beyond. They proved to be tough and reliable, and were available inexpensively at military post stores. My Seiko auto diver collection includes models from 1970 vintage through contemporary models. IMO, Seiko dive watch design influence can be found in more contemporary dive watch brands than any other early maker, with the possible exception of the Rolex Submariner. And even there, one may detect hints of Seiko. The "Crown at the Four" was an Seiko dive watch innovation as their divers had grown to whopping 41/42 mm proportions. Certainly Citizen divers (another of my favorites) pay homage in design to their Japanese neighbor, Seiko.
The orange Velatura (bottom center) is quartz. The red bezel watch and the green dial piece are 1980s/1990s mods. The 6309-7040 (cushion case, center) and 6309-7290, (slimmed-down, upper right) are mid-1970s vintage. I have a few others somewhere that I couldn't quickly put hands on.
My newly acquired interest: Custom/Boutique Straps
Over the last year or so I have learned how an interesting strap can change the overall impact of a timepiece. I'm really just getting my feet wet here, choosing to add one where I feel the OEM fastener is lacking, or common. This nuance has added a new dimension to the hobby for me and I feel an expansion of strap-fun coming on.
But now, on to the matter at hand...
The Seiko Superior SKZ323 "Stargate" Diver, on Toshi Almond Strap.
This watch is from the Seiko Superior collection. The collection is a step up from their entry-level models, which are exceptional values in themselves. While still non-hacking, and non-hand-winding, the 7S36 automatic movement features 23 jewels rather than the 21J of the venerable 7S26 workhorse. And although slight, I find the overall fit and finish here to be of higher refinement. Folks, This is one nice diver!
That small touch of red has large impact.
Here's our first good look at the "Stargate" pip.
Note the 7S36 Movement I.D on the layered dial.
The Stargate case has influence of Seiko's Marine Master and Sumo designs.
The Seiko iconic dive watch highly-embossed Tsunami logo is predominately displayed.
The Stargate moniker is derived from the movie, and television show of the same name which featured this image...
The "Strap effect":
I have wanted this watch for a long time. When I saw it available from another collector, LNIB and with the Toshi for less than the average street price
on bracelet alone, I snapped it up! All Toshi Straps of London, England are hand-made to order. They are finely crafted of the finest leathers.
The comprehensive Toshi site is well-worth a visit if your at all curious about strap makers and their products.
Here's the link... toshi-straps.co.uk/
This "Almond" execution is 22mm (no taper) X 5mm with a brushed SS Pre-V buckle.
The Stargate is clearly appropriate for dress, or casual wear.
Included with the watch was Seiko's upgraded stainless steel diver bracelet and clasp.
This one features solid end-links, a pushbutton divers clasp with safety lock, and, a wet-suit extension.
Specifications:
The Seiko...
Seiko Stargate Diver watch SKZ323
Stainless Steel Case
Stainless Steel bracelet 22mm
Caliber:7S36
Automatic Movement
Day and Date display
Unidirectional rotating bezel
Crown : Screw down at 4 o'clock
Hardlex crystal Glass - Soft dome
White Dial
Hands and markers : Proprietary luminous
200M Water resistance
Case Diameter : 48mm with Crown
Case Thickness : 13mm
The Toshi...
Toshi Almond leather strap
Material : Very light golden yellow vegetable-tanned cow hide, very soft and pliable
Dimensions : 22mm X 5mm thick, non-tapering
Length : Mens regular
Style : Parallel sides with rounded tip and natural stitching
Construction/manufacture : Each strap individually completely cut, sewn and finished by hand
Buckle material : Stainless steel, brushed
Buckle style : Pre-V, spring bar
So there you have it... My new to me Seiko Superior SKZ323 "Stargate" Diver, on Toshi Almond Strap. It may not always be my favorite
Seiko Diver, but right now it is! If you're a fan of Seiko Dive watches, and don't have this one, I encourage you to check it out!
And as always... Thanks for lookin', WiTs!!!
Now I do have several other "sub-addictions", but these two really drive me.
My long term sickness: Seiko Basic Divers
Seiko developed a leadership role in reliable and functional automatic divers with U.S. service men during the Vietnam War era and beyond. They proved to be tough and reliable, and were available inexpensively at military post stores. My Seiko auto diver collection includes models from 1970 vintage through contemporary models. IMO, Seiko dive watch design influence can be found in more contemporary dive watch brands than any other early maker, with the possible exception of the Rolex Submariner. And even there, one may detect hints of Seiko. The "Crown at the Four" was an Seiko dive watch innovation as their divers had grown to whopping 41/42 mm proportions. Certainly Citizen divers (another of my favorites) pay homage in design to their Japanese neighbor, Seiko.
The orange Velatura (bottom center) is quartz. The red bezel watch and the green dial piece are 1980s/1990s mods. The 6309-7040 (cushion case, center) and 6309-7290, (slimmed-down, upper right) are mid-1970s vintage. I have a few others somewhere that I couldn't quickly put hands on.
My newly acquired interest: Custom/Boutique Straps
Over the last year or so I have learned how an interesting strap can change the overall impact of a timepiece. I'm really just getting my feet wet here, choosing to add one where I feel the OEM fastener is lacking, or common. This nuance has added a new dimension to the hobby for me and I feel an expansion of strap-fun coming on.
But now, on to the matter at hand...
The Seiko Superior SKZ323 "Stargate" Diver, on Toshi Almond Strap.
This watch is from the Seiko Superior collection. The collection is a step up from their entry-level models, which are exceptional values in themselves. While still non-hacking, and non-hand-winding, the 7S36 automatic movement features 23 jewels rather than the 21J of the venerable 7S26 workhorse. And although slight, I find the overall fit and finish here to be of higher refinement. Folks, This is one nice diver!
That small touch of red has large impact.
Here's our first good look at the "Stargate" pip.
Note the 7S36 Movement I.D on the layered dial.
The Stargate case has influence of Seiko's Marine Master and Sumo designs.
The Seiko iconic dive watch highly-embossed Tsunami logo is predominately displayed.
The Stargate moniker is derived from the movie, and television show of the same name which featured this image...
The "Strap effect":
I have wanted this watch for a long time. When I saw it available from another collector, LNIB and with the Toshi for less than the average street price
on bracelet alone, I snapped it up! All Toshi Straps of London, England are hand-made to order. They are finely crafted of the finest leathers.
The comprehensive Toshi site is well-worth a visit if your at all curious about strap makers and their products.
Here's the link... toshi-straps.co.uk/
This "Almond" execution is 22mm (no taper) X 5mm with a brushed SS Pre-V buckle.
The Stargate is clearly appropriate for dress, or casual wear.
Included with the watch was Seiko's upgraded stainless steel diver bracelet and clasp.
This one features solid end-links, a pushbutton divers clasp with safety lock, and, a wet-suit extension.
Specifications:
The Seiko...
Seiko Stargate Diver watch SKZ323
Stainless Steel Case
Stainless Steel bracelet 22mm
Caliber:7S36
Automatic Movement
Day and Date display
Unidirectional rotating bezel
Crown : Screw down at 4 o'clock
Hardlex crystal Glass - Soft dome
White Dial
Hands and markers : Proprietary luminous
200M Water resistance
Case Diameter : 48mm with Crown
Case Thickness : 13mm
The Toshi...
Toshi Almond leather strap
Material : Very light golden yellow vegetable-tanned cow hide, very soft and pliable
Dimensions : 22mm X 5mm thick, non-tapering
Length : Mens regular
Style : Parallel sides with rounded tip and natural stitching
Construction/manufacture : Each strap individually completely cut, sewn and finished by hand
Buckle material : Stainless steel, brushed
Buckle style : Pre-V, spring bar
So there you have it... My new to me Seiko Superior SKZ323 "Stargate" Diver, on Toshi Almond Strap. It may not always be my favorite
Seiko Diver, but right now it is! If you're a fan of Seiko Dive watches, and don't have this one, I encourage you to check it out!
And as always... Thanks for lookin', WiTs!!!