Seiko Introduce Prospex Solar Diver 41mm with Goldilocks Case Sizing

Across 2024 Seiko have been steadily updating their Prospex Diver collections with the 1968 Diver’s Reinterpretation and 1965 Revival Diver both receiving 300m water resistance ratings. A big talking point has been how those updates have led to prices around £1,200 – £2,500, far removed from Seiko’s accessible tool watch image. However, Seiko have by no means abandoned their accessible dive watches designed to be used and abused every day, as evidenced by the new Seiko Solar Diver 41mm.

Alternative editions of the Solar Diver exist at 42.79mm and 38.5mm, meaning the new 41mm diameter case sits nicely in the middle, perfectly in the Goldilocks zone of dive watch sizes. Dive watches are generally on the larger side of the spectrum by necessity as a larger diameters allow for wider displays that are easier to read. Additionally, the added bulk allows for thicker case walls improving water resistance.

Hence, 38.5mm would be considered a touch on the small side. At the same time 42.79mm is so large that it begins to be problematic for people with slimmer wrists and is quite a hefty chunk of metal to wear daily. As such, Goldilocks zone an apt description for the Solar Diver 41mm because in addition to being in the middle, it’s also the perfect size for a diver, fitting just right. The same could be said for the thickness of 11.3mm.

There are three versions of the watch being produced. The first, and my favourite of the three, is a blue dial variant with matching blue diving bezel that has the first 15-minutes of the scale in red. It’s a classic aesthetic for a dive watch – although I think in my mind I make that connection because of the Pepsi Rolex GMT-Master worn by Owen Wilson in The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou. The other two versions both have black dials, with the difference between them being that one has a bare steel case while the other has a black coating.

The name Solar Diver comes from the fact that it houses a quartz movement that’s charged by light hitting the dial of the watch. It’s admittedly not a movement that you’re going to brag about in your horological group chat but when it comes to practicality, it’s tough to beat. With a 10-month power reserve without receiving any additional charge, it will basically never need resetting and will always be ready to go. Plus, with the high frequency of a quartz heartbeat, it’s incredibly accurate as well with a deviation of +/- 15 seconds per month. The movement is specifically the V157.

In terms of price, the Seiko Solar Diver 41mm is £470 for the blue or black steel variants and £530 for the full black. For a reliable tool watch with 200m water resistance, that’s perfectly reasonable. Whether you’re looking for a companion for rugged adventures or a convenient daily wearer with a dive watch aesthetic, this watch has got you covered.

More details at Seiko Boutique.