The Citizen Signature line continues to be a great option for those looking for a watch with high end features that don’t break the bank. The Courageous Diver models were released a few years ago in 2011 in a variety of dial and movement options. They have since been reduced in selection, but price wise remain the most affordable option of the entire Signature line. There is a trade off in quality on the Diver model relative to the more expensive Signature models, however, the Divers still represent a good option for something nicer than an entry level Citizen or Seiko.
With the discontinuation of the Signature Chronograph, the Diver model (located in the Courageous line) is the only remaining sport Signature. Unlike the Chronograph model, much of the intricate work on the case and bracelet are lost on the diver, but the Diver still carries much of the Signature DNA.
SJK has posted a great article about the Seiko thermocompensated 9F quartz caliber with some great pictures too. Included are clear explanations of characteristic features of the 9F such as the twin pulse, backlash adjust, independent axis for each hand, instant date jumper as well as some cool pictures of Seiko's manufactured quartz crystals which I've never seen before.
Coupled with the celebration of 100 years of wrist watchmaking, Seiko is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the thermocompensated high accuracy quartz 9F caliber. With a normal accuracy specification of +/-10 seconds per year in standard 9F, the special release, limited edition 9F caliber will utilize specially selected quartz crystals to provide a heightened accuracy specification of +/-5 seconds per year.
Of course nobody will just buy the caliber! The special edition 9F caliber will be dropped into a Grand Seiko model SBGX103. This model will feature a beautifully embossed dial and commemorative labeling on the caseback. The SBGX103 will be limited to 2,000 production pieces to be released internationally and will be priced at 315,000 Yen.
For more information on the 9F caliber as well as the SBGX103, be sure to click HERE to view the press release.
Jikan Watch Blog is always two steps ahead of all other so called "Watch Source Information" websites and here this morning we are pleased to serve a fresh breakfast brunch of the latest watch related news coming out of Japan to our loyal readers. Today is no exception, as Seiko Japan earlier announced a very cool "Star Wars" themed collection of limited edition timepieces highlighting some of the main characters shown in all 6 releases of this world famous movie franchise. If you happen to be a Star Wars fan, read on.
I like it when the watch manufacturers give nicknames to their own products. Saves all the arguing and hurt feelings for watch forum members with nothing more important to be concerned about.
When it comes to Professional Diver's, quartz models are slim pickings so when I see something interesting I want to give it a try. I had been looking for something with a 3 o'clock crown, traditional case shape with a budget price tag for a while. I decided to give the Seiko SNE107 a spin.
Japan enjoys a very rich and varied horological history. Unfortunately, much of that past remains hidden or unknown to the western world. It is a common held belief that the Europeans (Mostly the Swiss) have an exclusive hold on the development of clocks and watches, hence, making them the true guardians of timekeeping.
The following is an excellent 27 minute documentary (Hosted by Peter Barakan) that details the history of Japanese horology prior to the 19th century until the present time. This video should further enhance your appreciation and respect for Japanese watches and the immense contributions made to horology as a whole. It also details the development of mechanical and quartz technologies. This presentation should make you see quartz watches under a very different light! They were after all, a feat of human ingenuity 50 years ago, but sadly today they are ubiquitous and gain no respect from so called "Watch enthusiasts".
Anyway, be sure to have you favorite Japanese watch strapped to your wrist, grab a nice beverage, kick back and enjoy this short but intense voyage through the history of Japanese horology!.
This summer I decided I needed to focus on finding a quartz diver. Although I liked the Citizen BN0085, the lack of a bracelet option reduced the long term satisfaction and versatility. Citizen EcoZilla is a bit much for my tastes. Then one day while surfing I managed to spot a Pepsi version of the BFK and instantly fell for it. I was familiar with the BFK models, but had no idea that there was a Pepsi model. A little research showed that not only the Pepsi model international and easily available, it was also very reasonably priced.
That's right folks. Higuchi has reported receiving what could possibly amount to be the very last shipment of brand new Seiko Prospex SBCM023 quartz divers here
He doesn't specify how many pieces he is got but all of them are up for grabs at this very moment at his usual great price. As a matter of fact, I just picked one up as this legendary 8F35 high accuracy diver with perpetual calendar and ISO rated 200m case is simply no more.
So there you have it. If you have been on the fence about this watch, the time to act on it is now. Keep in mind that existing inventories have been depleted all over Japan ever since Seiko announced the discontinuation of this model. This comes as no surprise because other JDM online retailer said that the SBCM023 was the best selling Seiko diver watch in Japan, bar none!.
Snooze and you will lose!
Edit: Higuchi says that as of 5/20/2011 he is completely sold out on this watch.
Just saw a tweet from Chino Watch that the Seiko Diver SBCM023 has been discontinued. This model was a professional diver with the venerated 8F35 caliber inside delivering 20 seconds per year accuracy, perpetual calendar and 8 year battery life. Many consider the 8F to be an example of high-end quartz and with its relatively low price it offered a good entry point for both quartz and diver fans.
The biggest news coming out of Baselworld this year for Citizen Watch Co., are the introduction of the first ever "The Citizen" high accuracy quartz watches using a yet to be specified Eco-Drive caliber with adjusted factory accuracy of -/+ 5 seconds per year!
