Author Archives: Timmy Tan

Seiko Prospex PADI Special Edition SPB071J1: a modern reinterpretation

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The Seiko Prospex PADI Special Edition SPB071J1 has a distinct graduated dial that goes from blue to black and has wave patterns. Its recommended retail price is approximately EUR910. Photo: © Seiko.

The Seiko Prospex PADI Special Edition SPB071J1 features a graduated dial from blue to black and wave patterns inspired by the deep sea. Its design is the brand’s modern reinterpretation of the first Seiko diver’s watch from 1965.

In darkness, the hour markers at 6, 9 and 12 including the minute hand emit a blue light while the others and the hour hand have a green luminescence.

The Seiko Prospex PADI Special Edition SPB071J1 will be available from February 2018 onwards and its approximate pricing is EUR910.

Seiko began its partnership with PADI in 2016 and the first Seiko PADI Special Edition timepieces were the SRPA21 Automatic Diver’s and the Seiko Prospex PADI Special Edition Kinetic GMT Diver’s SUN065.

PADI is the acronym for Professional Association of Dive Instructors and they are the world’s largest scuba diving organization with the highest number of recreational diving memberships.

Seiko has been producing diving watches since 1965 and their movements and watchcases have proven to be extremely robust.

Seiko Prospex PADI Special Edition
Automatic Diver’s SPB071J1
Technical Specifications:
• Calibre 6R15 automatic movement
• 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats)
• 23 jewels
• 50 hours power reserve
• Sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating
• Screw-down crown
• Graduated blue to black dial with wave pattern
• Lumibrite luminescence
• Uni-directional bezel
• 42.6mm diameter case in stainless steel
• Water-resistant to 200m
• Silicon band
Recommended retail price: approx. EUR910
Available from February 2018

CLVII: A Number or a Brand?

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How the CLVII skull watch works.
Source: TimeWerke Videos on YouTube.

CLVII is a high-end French streetwear brand with a distinct identity – a skull sporting sunglasses. It was founded by Julien Léonard who in June 2007 established his first shop at 157 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris.

The Roman numerals “CLVII” represent the number 157 and this explains the origin of the brand. However, do note that the CLVII store has since relocated to 93 rue de la Verriere in Paris.

Perhaps another sub-brand could be XCIII? After all, these are the Roman numerals representing 93.

The CLVII skull watch sporting sunglasses is the brand’s first watch. It is equipped with a mechanical movement that is self-winding. The automatic movement housed within its skull case is said to be from Seiko.

On the bridge of the sunglasses, take note of the three black diamonds.

On the case back, it states that CLVII is designed and made in France. The automatic movement is said to be from Seiko. Photo: © TANG Portfolio/TimeWerke.

On the case back and oscillating weight, it states that the watch is designed and made in France. That is because CLVII skull watches are assembled in Alsace, France.

The French-designed CLVII watches were introduced to Singapore in December 2017. They are available for sale at Watch Wonderland at Suntec City and at the Takashimaya Singapore’s men’s department store in Ngee Ann City.