Hands-On: Seiko Prospex Solar Diver
SNE571P1, SNE569P1, SNE573P1, SNE575P1

If you’re looking for a dive watch, it is safe to say that Seiko has you covered. Few brands (if any) have such a wide range of options in this segment. Whenever someone asks me where to look for a quality diver’s watch, my very first recommendation is to start with browsing what Seiko has floating around. More precisely, the Seiko Prospex collection.

The Seiko Prospex collection is a key collection within Seiko. A collection that focuses on ‘Professional Specifications’ as the name suggests. Essentially tough watches, able to take a punch and built to last. This collection houses some of my absolute favorite diver’s watches, not limited to Seiko, such as the Seiko Turtle and the recent monster hit, the Seiko Prospex SPB143.

The Prospex collection keeps expanding and Seiko recently introduced a new value proposition with this new, nicely sized, Seiko Prospex Solar Diver. While we are looking at the SNE571P1, the watch is also available with different color and strap options (SNE569P1, SNE573P1, SNE575P1).

What they all have in common is, as the name suggests, their Solar caliberCaliber The caliber ('movement') is the heart and engine of a watch. It consists of a number of interconnected components that work together. Energy is transmitted through the gear train, to the escapement mechanism. The escapement mechanism releases this energy in a controlled manner. This drives the gear train, which ultimately rotates the hands of the watch and keeps time. [More Info] V147, with a 10 month 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] and an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month. In addition, they are Prospex watches so you know they aren’t afraid of a splash of water, with 200m water resistance. All watches are also armed with a nice sapphire crystal, which is always nice on a Seiko diver.

What really makes this series stand out are the overall case dimenssions. The lug to lug is a perfect-for-everyone 46.5mm, the thickness a nice 10.6mm and the diameter sits at 38.5mm. That makes this a great choice for people looking for a diver’s watch that isn’t too chunky and which can be worn for most occasions. A 38.5mm diameter paired with a 46.5mm lug to lug makes this a great all-rounder in my book. For maximum versatility you may want to grab the black bezelled SNE573. While a 38.5mm diameter may sound a bit small to some, I think it fits great on the wrist. For reference the pictured wrist in the above wristshot is approximately 16.5cm (or 6,5”).

The bracelet is nice and comfortable, and it features a three-fold clasp with secure lock and push button release with extender. While certainly not the most amazing bracelet (with folded end links), I would recommend getting this watch on the steel bracelet rather than on the strap if possible. The price difference is negligible and it is always nice to have a steel bracelet on hand to switch things up. With a 20mm lug width it should be no issue to find a plethora of straps that will look good on this.

If you’re looking for a nicely sized diver’s watch, then certainly check these out in the metal.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Caliber Number V147
• Movement Type Solar
• Accuracy ±15 seconds per month
• Duration Operating for approx. 10 months (when fully charged)

• Case Material Stainless steel
• Crystal Sapphire crystal
• LumiBrite LumiBrite on hands, index(es) and bezel
• Clasp Three-fold clasp with secure lock , push button release with extender
• Water Resistance 200m / 660ft diver’s
• Case Size Thickness: 10.6 ㎜ Diameter: 38.5 ㎜ Length: 46.5 ㎜
• Weight 149.0 g

Other Specifications and Features

• Screw case back
• Screw-down crownCrown The knob on the outside of the watch that you typically use to either wind the mainspring or set the time [Learn More]
• Three-fold clasp with secure lock
• Unidirectional rotating bezel
• Date display
• Overcharge prevention function
• Quick-start function

More info right here