Seiko & Citizen Watch Forum Message Archive

Perhaps "inspired by" the 300m diver's rather than a "reissue" (scans)

Author: Ryan

Date: 2001-10-18 20:55:00

ID: 1003463742 | thread

Hi John,
Nice to see you here again.
Of course, there are many differences in the design of the 300m diver's and the SKX779/81K. These include the hands, dial, and bezel shape. In many ways the SKX779/81 is a radical new design.
On the other hand, for someone with a casual interest in Seiko watches, I can see how they might notice some similarities in the two watches and think yours was a "re-issue," which clearly isn't the case.
Probably what fooled him was the bezel protector and the domed crystal. Below is the 300m Professional Quartz, which WAS re-issued this year.
The bezel itself is slightly different on the re-issue. It's stainless steel with numbers etched in as opposed to all black with silver numbers (see photo of old model below).
But the bezel protecting case, which is the matter at hand, appears to be exactly the same.
The part of the outer case which protects the bezel is "cut" from 12 o'clock to three and from six o'clock to nine. The SKX779/81K also has a similar bezel protector.
Below is a scan of a SKX781K. I think you'll note the similarities in the bezel guard. The scan of the 781 doesn't show the domed crystal so well, but they are also very similar.
By the way, did you see this old version of the 300m Pro Quartz which sold on eBay this week for $255?
I paid $315 (including tax) for my new one in August. The new one comes with one free battery change card and a one year warranty, so I was really surprised someone paid so much for an old one in the condition the photo seems to indicate.
Guess it just goes to show again, as Wayne has written, that it's a myth that Seiko watches don't maintain or increase in value over time.
Many have already read this, but those who haven't may want to read a fine review of the SKX779/81K by Greg Gossling. His scans are fantastic.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1144266&a=10316369&p=40439881
I was glad you mentioned the 300m Pro Quartz, because it is too cool and you gave me an excuse to write about it again!
Ryan

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