Seiko has always been known for its world class diver’s watches, purpose-built and rugged, ready to take on any challenge, above and below the water. They looked the part, however, making them not especially suitable for everyday wear.

Now, with the launch of its Prospex Street Series Diver’s watches, available exclusively on www.seikousa.com first, Seiko has broadened the appeal of its professional tool watches.

These solar (powered by light energy) watches are still the real deal, rugged and water resistant to 200 meters (all regulation diver’s watches), but the design has been softened to meet the demands of the urban market.

“When you look at the Tunas of the past, these things were built to specs strong enough you could run a tank over them,” says Eric Hofmann SVP of Seiko Watch of America LLC. “The design was all about durability and ruggedness. So, we wanted to deliver something that was in that same vein of being durable, rugged and everyday but also fashionable. And this is where we landed.”

The new Street Series is based on the design of the 1975 original, with the same iconic outer protector, but it has been streamlined and is being presented in a variety of colors, perfect for today’s fashionable lifestyle. The watches retail for $450, which is a great price for such a versatile timepiece.

Here at Revolution, we love everything about Seiko and Grand Seiko, and the diver’s watches are iconic and a signature expertise of the Japanese brand. The new Prospex Street Series is a great move for Seiko, broadening its target market without compromising its quality or reputation.

I can’t wait to get my hands on one to test. Watch this space for a complete review in the future.

Well done, Seiko!