What to say about this amazingly unique watch, the H601, like this full-serviced 1990 Seiko H601-5480 analog-digital hybrid dive watch?
The H601 is frequently confused as the “Arnie,” after a rather similar watch, the H558, which was worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger (who noted it as his "favorite watch") in a string of action movies that set the bar for, well, action, in the 1980s, like “Predator (1987),” “Raw Deal (1986),” “Commando (1985)," (which still has the highest fatality count in an action move, I mean, if you’re into that manner of thing), "Running Man (1987)," and even, yes, "Twins (1988)." And yes, even the epic film, "Terminator 2 (1991)." In 2019, Seiko would re-release the watch under its Prospex line, and even these continue to carry the sale Arnie moniker.
The H558 was released in 1982, and the H601 followed shortly thereafter in the late 1980s (like this one here). However, the H601 featured an altogether different and less robust quartz movement. Most noticeable, the H601's LCD display was at the bottom of the dial, unlike on the H558 at the top, earning the the sobriquet, “Upside Down Arnie.”
It's worth quoting in-depth Fratello's feelings for the Seiko H558 Arnie - "Now, I feel a bit like an old geezer in saying this because I realize some of our readers might be a bit younger, but Schwarzenegger was massive in the 80’s and early 90’s. Sure, there were other action stars (Stallone, Van Damme, Lundgren, Seagal and others), but Arnie kicked the most ass. Plus, he was hard not to like and due to his often self-deprecating style of acting, there was a genuine feel about him. People liked him so much that he was elected governor of California – twice – as a Republican! ...I’ll cut to the chase, the Seiko H558 Arnie is a cool watch and certainly worthy of the collectable status that it enjoys. "
The Japanese are well known for their extreme adventures around the world, and Seiko wanted to provide a watch whose users could rely on with their lives. As such, Seiko designed its H601 with quite a few rugged characteristics – many lifesaving. Here are a few (remember, some of these were when the H601 was new, not necessarily now):
1. Water resistance to 10 atmospheric-pressure depth;
2. Shock resistance from 3 feet;
3. Abrasion resistant Hardlex was used, all the better to stand up to decompression;
4. Resistance to chemical and gas exposure, such as alcohols and cosmetic oils, and ammonia gas and carbon monoxide;
5. Bright luminescence allowing readability from 25cm in complete darkness;
The Seiko H601 comes with a Uncle Straps GL831 rubber strap (an impressive rendering of the original GL831 strap these watches came on), nylon strap, rugged travel case, H601 instructions manual, and springbar tool.
1990 Seiko H601-5480 Multi-Function "Upside Down Arnie" Diver, w/Instructions
DIAL: Seiko-signed black dial with correct hour, minute, and second hands; dial and handset lume shines.
CASE: Stainless-steel case measures 45mm (48.5mm w/crown) x 47.5mm stainless-steel case, with matching stainless-steel caseback. New high-quality aftermarket H601 shroud, surrounding a correct unidirectional bezel and black bezel insert.
CRYSTAL: Flawless Hardlex crystal.
BAND: This Upside-Down Arnie comes on a rubber Uncle Seiko strap with signed matte grey buckle; it also comes with a light blue, red, and white nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko H601 hacking quartz movement, manufactured in July 1990; movement uses a button-cell battery. All functions– including GMT, alarm, stopwatch – work; however, the light does not. All LCD segments work well and are clearly legible – LCD contrast is excellent. Movement evinces no evidence of previous battery leakage. We have performed a full service on this H601.
CROWN: Unsigned Seiko screw-down crown.
Of note, this H601 Upside-Down Arnie comes with its instructions manual.