Back in March during Baselworld 2019, Seiko introduced a new line of watches called LX, which is derived from the Latin word for light, or lux. The watches have a very similar look with the Seiko Marine Master in terms of the case shape. These watches were fitted with the Seiko Spring Drive movements and zaratsu polishing on the watch cases.
And now, Seiko has release two additional watches to the LX line, both are limited editions of 200 pieces each. Both are dive watches with 300 meters of water resistance. Upon first glance, there isn’t much difference from the LX line. However, as always with Seiko, the devil is in the details.
Taking a quick look at the SNR041J1 (SBDB035), the watch dial is distinct due to its mocha colored dial and bezel from the press photos. However, this is done to imitate the way sun shines during dawn at sea. Seiko was able to do this with a material called cermet, which is a mix of ceramic with metal alloy. In this case, Seiko used violet gold to achieve this look.
For the SNR043J1 (SBDB037), Seiko used platinum in the mix to produced a dark look almost like a PVD coating, but this is to mimic the moon light at night viewing from the ocean!
Beating inside both watches is the proprietary Seiko Spring Drive 5R65 with the smooth sweeping seconds hand and accuracy of +/- 1 second a day and 3 days of power reserve. Similar to the rest of the LX line, the case diameter is 44.8mm with a height of 15.7mm and lug to lug of 50.9mm Even with the luxury touch of zaratsu polishing and the masculine defining case lines, Seiko is still staying true to form with the crown at 4 o’clock to provide comfort on the wrist.
Although the watch is big based on the specs, it does wear well and feels comfortable, as I did try on the production versions of the LX line while visiting in Frankfurt, trying out both the SNR029J1 and the SNR031J1. While they are big, I don’t think they overwhelmed my 6.5’/16.5cm wrist.
There is no pricing announced yet, but with the prices of the previously released LX lines in the $6,000 range, we can expect it to be in similar pricing when it is finally released in November 2019.
More info here