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 DriveSpring Drive A Spring Drive movement, pioneered by Grand Seiko, is a type of mechanical watch movement that combines the traditional mechanics of a mechanical watch with the precision of a quartz watch. It uses a mainspring as the source of energy, just like a mechanical watch, but instead of using a traditional escapement, it uses a quartz crystal to regulate the release of energy. The Spring Drive movement is considered to be highly accurate, and is known for its smooth, gliding seconds hand. [Learn More] movements and zaratsu polishingZaratsu Polishing Zaratsu polishing is a type of polishing technique used in watchmaking, specifically for the polishing of steel components, such as the case, lugs, and bracelet. It is a process that uses a spinning circular disk with an abrasive surface. The craftsperson, holding the watch part, applies a certain level of pressure and uses a specific angle to ultimately achieve a mirror-like finish. [Learn More] 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 reserveRéserve de marche Also known as Power Reserve. A watch's power reserve refers to the amount of time a mechanical watch can run without being wound. The power reserve of a mechanical watch can vary depending on the size of the mainspring, the efficiency of the gear train, and the rate at which the mainspring releases energy. If a watch has a Power Reserve 'complication' it simply means that the status of the power reserve can be seen on the watch itself (either on the dial or movement side of the watch). [Learn More]. 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 crownCrown The knob on the outside of the watch that you typically use to either wind the mainspring or set the time [Learn More] 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.
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