There are many vintage Seiko divers popular with Seiko enthusiasts, and the 1990s Seiko V701 series – like the colorful 1992 Alba V701-6360 Aqua Gear diver here, made by Seiko – is one of the much lesser known of these divers.
1969 was one of the most spectacular years in Seiko’s storied history. That year, it released the world’s first automatic chronograph, the Calibre 6139 and, separately, the V.F.A. (Very Fine Adjusted) movement – which delivered Seiko’s highest yet level of precision for a mechanical movement.
But Seiko wasn’t finished – it would also release another first upon the world, the first quartz wristwatch. Seiko’s proprietary technology went on to change the way the world told time, and severely tested the dominance of the Swiss, bringing high technology within the reach of all.
Speaking of which, Alba - read Seiko - designed these unique dive watches here to be both colorful and highly functional. The watches feature stainless-steel cases with colorful two-tone bezels, screw-down crowns, and a highly visible dial and bezel design, all perfect for the active diver.
Alba watches continue to be primarily aimed at Asian and Middle Eastern markets in the hope of creating long-term customer loyalty, which can translate loyalty to Seiko proper as the demographic ages and purchasing power increases. Of note, Alba has often adopted Seiko's watch designs, notably those of Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.
There are many vintage Seiko divers popular with Seiko enthusiasts, and for good reason - Seiko found an original, great looking formula for its divers, and stuck with it.
This early 1990s Alba V701 diver comes with two nylon straps, spingbar tool, and rugged travel case.
JDM 1992 Alba V701-6360 Aqua Gear Womens Dive Watch
DIAL: Crisp Alba-signed white dial with orange accents, no imperfections. Correct unique handset; lume on dial and handset shines brightly.
BEZEL: Unidirectional bezel - with its unique orange and blue colors - firmly ratchets in a counter-clockwise with a satisfying click. Font is crisp and lume pip at 12 o’clock position glows.
CASE: Bead-blasted stainless-steel case measures 31mm (34mm including crown) x 34mm, with matching caseback; 16mm lug width.
CRYSTAL: Hardlex crystal, no cracks or deep scratches.
BAND: This Alba V701 diver comes with two nylon straps - one white and dark blue, the other solid dark blue.
MOVEMENT: Seiko V701 calibre hacking quartz movement, manufactured in September 1992.
CROWN: Screw-down unsigned stainless-steel crown.
