There are many vintage Seiko divers popular with Seiko enthusiasts, and the 1980s Seiko 5H25 series – like the colorful and seldom-seen near new-old stock (NOS) 1989 Seiko 5H25-6A1B full set here, with its original inner/outer box, Seiko 5H25 instructions manual, and price hang tag – 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.
Seiko released its 5H25 beginning in late 1980s and the Japanese company would cease production in the circa late 1990s. The design of the 5H25 quartz diver, like the similarly-sized 6458 that preceded it, is classically simple and borrows heavily from the instantly recognizable earlier Seiko divers. And it features a tough and reliable movement. The full package!
Speaking of which, this Seiko designed these unique dive watches to be both colorful and highly functional – they feature matte grey bead-blasted stainless-steel cases (nicely placed in between the preceding Seiko 6458 mid-sized diver and the full-sized 7548), screw-down crowns, and a highly visible dial and bezel design, all perfect for the active diver.
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. And this seldom-seen diver here, on its original Seiko GL66A rubber strap, is a great example of this successful formula.
This late 1980s Seiko 5H25 diver comes on its original rubber Seiko dive strap, and with inner/outer Seiko boxes, Seiko 5H25 instructions manual, warranty paperwork, price hang tag, nylon strap, spingbar tool, and rugged travel case.
Near NOS 1989 Seiko 5H25-6A1B SCUBA 200 Diver, Full Set
DIAL: Crisp white Seiko-signed dial, no imperfections; date function at the 3 o'clock position works correctly as designed. Correct unique purple and black handset; lume on dial and handset shines brightly.
BEZEL: Unidirectional bezel firmly ratchets with a satisfying click; bezel features little wear, a rarity. Seiko font is crisp and lume pip at 12 o’clock position glows brightly.
CASE: Bead-blasted stainless-steel case measures 38mm (40.5mm including crown) x 41.5mm, with matching caseback; 19mm lug width. The Seiko 5H25’s case size places it nicely in between the mid-sized 6458 and full-size 7548 divers.
CRYSTAL: Hardlex crystal, no cracks or deep scratches.
BAND: This Seiko 5H25 comes on its original rubber Seiko GL66A dive strap, featuring pliable rubber and no cracks; this diver also comes with a black nylon strap.
MOVEMENT: Seiko 5H25 calibre hacking quartz movement, manufactured in June 1989.
CROWN: Screw-down unsigned stainless-steel crown.