Seiko’s history-making Hybrid Diver celebrates its 40th birthday this year, and in celebration the Japanese watch manufacturer has launched a collection of Seiko Prospex Arnie Hybrid Diver’s 40th Anniversary watches. There are three watches in total, the SNJ035P1 PADI edition in black and blue, the SNJ033P1 in full steel and lastly an exclusive black and red limited edition SNJ037P1 watch paying homage to the piece worn by Arnold Schwarzenegger in Commando.
Within the extensive list of Seiko nicknames given to their highly collectible designs is the Seiko Arnie. The watch was first introduced in 1982 and was known as the H558. It made history as the first hybrid diver’s watch in the world, boasting a unique analogue display and dive specifications. The design is also distinguished by its appearance on the wrist of Arnold Schwarzenegger in films like Predator and Commando, becoming a must-have timepiece for movie watch collectors. Over the years, Seiko have launched several reissues of the Arnie watch and now as part of the design’s 40th anniversary, we’re treated to three more. The new Seiko Prospex Arnie Hybrid Diver’s 40th Anniversary watches deliver a refreshed aesthetic and several new and improved features.
Just one glance at the new Seiko Prospex Arnie Hybrid Diver’s 40th Anniversary watches and you’ll spot several important changes. For starters, the layout of the crowns is different. The crowns at 8 o’clock and 2 o’clock control the digital display and functions while the classic 3 o’clock crown continues to manipulate the classic analog hands. New to the case is a crown at 4 o’clock which controls a brand new diving mode (more on that later). Each crown is equipped with a built-in button to make controlling the start and stopping of different timing functions easier.
The case size of the new Seiko Prospex Arnie Hybrid Diver’s 40th Anniversary watches has also been adjusted slightly, with the diameter coming in 1mm smaller than previous models. The width now measures to 46.9mm while the height stays put at 14.2mm. We’re still guaranteed a 200 metre water resistance, a unidirectional rotating bezel with 60 minute scale and Hardlex crystal glass for protection of the dial. Speaking of the dial, the set up of the display has changed on the new Seiko Prospex Arnie 40th Anniversary watches. The digital screen is now placed at the bottom opposed to the top making room for a large triangle luminous marker for the 12 o’clock position. The dials still present large arrow-shaped Lumibrite hands for the hour and minutes, rounded hour markers and an LED backlight for the digital display.
The trio of Seiko Prospex Arnie Hybrid Diver’s 40th Anniversary watches continue to impress by debuting a brand new solar quartz movement named the H855 – a name we can’t help but think relates to the model number of the original divers watch from 1982. It features the usual chronograph with digital readout, alarm function, dual time and power reserve indicator. A new feature is a dive mode which allows the wearer to log up to 100 dives using the crown at 4 o’clock. The feature also offers depth reading up to 80 metres, rapid ascent notifications and you can switch between temperature and depth units.
As for the differences between the three Seiko Prospex Arnie Hybrid Diver’s 40th Anniversary watches, reference SNJ033 is arguably the most classic-looking of the trio offering a classic steel case and matching steel three-row link bracelet. This design also features several subtle touches of red and blue on the tips of the crown and is a permanent piece within the collection. The next model is reference SNJ035 which is a PADI special edition. It features the PADI logo on the dial, sky blue accents on the minutes hand and bezel and a black rubber strap. Lastly, reference SNJ037 is the only limited edition in the series, with only 4,000 pieces being made. It opts for a black coated stainless steel case, matching black coated bracelet and sporty red and blue accents on the crowns and seconds hand.
If you’d like to learn more about the new Seiko Prospex Arnie Hybrid Diver’s 40th Anniversary watches and shop the collection for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 46.9mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel with or without black hard coating
- Bezel: Unidirectional with 60 minute scale
- Glass: Hardlex crystal
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Screwed
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Movement: H866 solar quartz
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, alarm, dual time, power reserve indicator, dive mode
- Dial: Black with Lumibrite hands and markers
- Strap: Rubber or metal bracelet
- Limited Edition: Only reference SNJ037 to 4,000 pieces
- RRP: Starts from £570
