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Wrist Check

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Today’s wrist check is a watch I just bought today, it’s the Seiko Prospex Diver Automatic SRP777K1. Last year my wife gifted me the Seiko Prospex Automatic PADI Edition SRPA21K1. It was my first Seiko with a cushion case (turtle) design. I’ve had my eye on vintage Seiko turtles for about 2 years and had settled on the Seiko 6309. But the further I dug the more confused I became with all the different versions from over the years. Then there’s the used / pre-owned market with its swapped-out hands & dials “franken-watches” or eBay faked patina “Buy It Now” deals. I decided that until I fully learn and understand the in’s & out’s of buying vintage Seiko divers I should stick to buying NEW. The SRP777 has the most straight forward style with its black dial and slightly brushed stainless steel case. Minus the sweeping seconds hand with its rear mounted “lollipop” lume ball, I think this SRP777 offers a look closest to that of the original turtles. Note: The rear mounted lollipop on the sweeping seconds hand of the SRP777 is said to offer better balance for the seconds hand as dictated by the current cal.4R36 movement. Older vintage turtles with the lollipop on the front (tip) of the seconds hand was balanced for cal.6309 movement used in those watches - so I’m told. The Elephant In The Room: The misaligned chapter ring, yep...I see it. I visited many brick & mortar stores that had the SRP777 in stock starting in October of last year (2018) and leading all the way up to today. Each SRP777 that I held in my hand had a misaligned chapter ring - god dam robots! One store clerk went through their entire stock and couldn’t find a single SRP777, 775, C44, or 773 with a correctly aligned chapter ring, how sad is that. I’ve checked out a few forums where this has been discussed thoroughly and found that some SRP777 owners have paid watch repair shops to disassemble then reassemble the watch with the chapter ring correctly aligned - I may go that route in the future. Either way, the watch looks and feels great on my wrist, the silicone strap is super soft, and the Lumibrite glows like crazy. My Seiko cushion case collection is off to a great start. Brand: Seiko Model: Prospex Diver SRP777K1 Movement: Seiko cal.4R36 24-Jewel Automatic Movement: Hacking / Hand Winding / 41hr PR Complications: Day / Date Case Material Polished / Brushed Stainless Steel  Case Size: 45mm Case Back: Screw-Down Stainless Steel Crystal: Seiko Hardlex Dial: Black w/Lumibrite markers and hands Bezel: Uni-directional Crown: Screw-down Lugs: 22mm (Drilled) Band: Black silicone w/signed buckle and keeper WR: 200 meters / 660 feet
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tararubena
0
Dec 4, 2019
Your article is very positive google street view

(Edited)
Noahoscar986
0
Mar 2, 2019
Wow amazing, Designs are so lovely and attractive. I love it, I saw lil bit same on https://www.reecoupons.com/view/shopworn, I really wanna buy it for my friend. Now after seeing your I am going to order it.
RayF
22213
Jan 19, 2019
If it's any consolation to you, the photo used on Amazon for your watch shows the exact same chapter ring misalignment as yours. Interestingly, in the photo for the SRP779, the ring is spot on. Regardless, I prefer your SRP777's looks to the bi-color bezels on a SRP779 (functionality be damned). By the way, while it's legal to use your choice of "Give, gave or given," use of the word "gifted" became illegal in the US on Jan 1st of this year. Consider this a warning.
RandyBrown
1486
Jan 20, 2019
RayFYes, I’ve seen several pics of misaligned chapter rings across various online retailers as well as social media sites like Instagram. You would think that Seiko would view this as bad press but with turtles selling so well I guess they just don’t care.
RayF
22213
Jan 20, 2019
RandyBrownI say we charter a jet full of picky MDroppers and head over to Japan to give Seiko a piece of our minds--in person!!!
Asheikm
2537
Jan 19, 2019
I guess there are 3 possible scenarios for misalignment: (1) dial indices wrt the chapter ring markings? (2) chapter ring markings wrt bezel insert? (3) dial indices wrt the bezel insert? From your pictures it seems to be (1). Construction wise, the chapter ring and dial sit in pre determined positions. The dial feet can only go into the existing holes on the movement, and the chapter ring has a tab that sits in a groove in the case. If the chapter ring tab doesn't sit in the groove, it will not be aligned at 12:00 and the crystal will not sit correctly. The only free-to-move part is the bezel insert. It is fixed using adhesive to the bezel. In your case, maybe the chapter ring markings were printed misaligned with the tab (requiring replacement), or there is a slight play between the tab and the groove. Given that the day/date sit in the middle of the window, I don't think it's a problem with the dial legs.
RandyBrown
1486
Jan 20, 2019
AsheikmAlso your analysis of my chapter ring alignment is pretty detailed. I’m going to have to make a note of your scenarios for future reference. Well played sir....well played!

Asheikm
2537
Jan 21, 2019
Nice! As long as you can enjoy it, noting else really matters. Glad to be of assistance.
(Edited)
erickong
7411
Jan 19, 2019
The buckle/clasp seems really large and extra imo. Is it designed for easy removal and grip when the diver is wearing gloves?
RandyBrown
1486
Jan 20, 2019
erickongPersonally I like the silicone strap, it’s got great elasticity and feels soft and smooth to the touch. Some say that the strap is a bit short when it comes to fitting around the wrist of a wet suit but, those folks may simply have larger wrist than I. The signed pre-v style buckle is large but still pretty nice and just like the lugs on the case....it’s drilled! The rubbery strap slides into the buckle and pulls back with ease allowing the buckles tongue to pop into an adjustment hole quickly. Of all the silicone or leather straps I’ve used, this one attaches the quickest as I head out the door. I’m betting that the tail end of the strap can be easily grabbed while wearing gloves under water and should not be a problem - but being the desk diver that I am, I may never find out for sure.

toxicavenger70
70
Jan 21, 2019
erickongYes that is why it is designed that way.
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