Seiko’s dive watches are among the best — and the most affordable, relative to their specs — in watchmaking. 

From the rare-as-hen's-teeth 6159, to the film-famous 6105 and 6309 models, to the economy workhorse SKX007, Japanese watchmakers perfected incredibly well-made tool watches decades ago — and at prices that make the most diehard Swiss watch fans bristle with jealousy.

The SLA041 from the Prospex line is an enthusiast’s dream. If you’re a Seiko fan, you’re no doubt familiar with 1975’s Reference 6159-7010, aka the ‘Grandfather Tuna.’ Seiko’s first serious dive watch meant specifically for saturation diving, the first Tuna — like all Tuna models — isn’t a looker. Rather, it’s a no-holds-barred instrument meant to take a beating. The SLA041 is a tribute to said watch, and boy, did Seiko knock it out of the park!

This particular example is housed in a 52.4mm ceramic and titanium case with hidden lugs, a sapphire crystal, and a black unidirectional dive bezel. It features a luminous, matte navy blue dial with highly legible round and triangular indices, a matching ‘monster’ handset, and a date window at 3:00. Powered by the automatic Seiko Caliber 8L35, it’s water resistant to a whopping 1,000m and has a helium escape valve for decompression.

Accompanied by its factory goodies and paired to a blue rubber dive strap, this SLA041 is truly a serious diver’s dream. Though if you’re not a diver, you could do much worse in a vacation watch…and you’ll be given serious props by those ‘in the know’ along the way!