Watch Spotlight: The Seiko Prospex Diver

If you are looking for an attainable grail watch, you might set your sights on the Seiko Prospex Diver. Introduced as a line in 2014, Seiko chose Prospex as a name to signify "Professional Specifications." We shine the spotlight on the Seiko Prospex dive watch because it represents the best of Japanese quality in an attainable watch.

Seiko Prospex Diver (Amazon Photo)

In creating the Prospex Diver, Seiko drew inspiration from their first dive watch introduced in 1965. The modern aseiko Prospex Diver also draws upon watch design language that Seiko started in the late 1960s with its professional dive watches like the 6215-7000 and 6159.

With a Seiko Prospex Dive watch (model SRPF03), you get a watch that is ISO rated to 200-meters. It has a stainless steel case and bracelet, a unidirectional rotating bezel, Lumibrite luminous hands and markers, a Hardlex crystal, and an automatic 4R35 movement with a 41-hour power reserve. 

Seiko Prospex Diver (Amazon Photo)

Like many dive watches, the Prospex is a substantial watch with a 44mm case that is 13.4mm thick. But, it is built for adventure. 

While this Seiko is expensive, competing Swiss models like the Tissot Sea Star 1000 Powermatic and Mido Ocean Star cost over twice as much. You can find great dive watch looks with the Seiko 5 Series, but not the water resistance or overall performance. At less than $500, the Seiko Prospex delivers a dive watch best value. 

If you are interested in checking out this watch, you can help support this blog by using my Amazon associates link here.

Watch Spotlight: Invicta Men's Pro Diver Quartz Watch

If you are looking for a great deal on a nice watch, you should check out the Invicta Men's Pro Diver Quartz watch. At a regular price just over $50, it's a steal. The watch is an affordable homage to the Rolex Submariner, offers 200-meters of water resistance, and has a unidirectional rotating bezel. It looks good and gets 4.7 stars on Amazon in over 8000 ratings. In the real world, people love it.

Invicta Pro Diver Quartz Watch (Amazon Photo)

If you'd like check this watch out, you can use my affiliate link and get this Invicta Pro Diver Quartz watch here on Amazon.

Watch snobs love to malign Invicta. The brand has a lot to live down from its era of infomercial excess. They used to claim their watches were worth highly inflated prices and then offer staggering discounts. It was misleading. However, once you know how to look through all that and where to shop for Invicta watches, you'll find they offer a wide variety of fun watches at affordable prices. Read my post about why I think it's time to look at Invicta again.

TGIF: Two $50 Watches to Buy For Father's Day

Father's Day is June 15th. That's practically right around the corner. A watch is almost always an appropriate gift choice for Father's Day, too. But, kids aren't made of money. Depending on their age, they are often buying with allowance, odd job, or minimum wage money. In some cases, Dad's money is paying for Dad's gift. For most families that means a Rolex is right out. Instead, let's look at some decent watches that are priced for less than $50.

Father's Day Watch Choice: The Casio MDV-106 Series Dive Watch 

This Casio is a perennial favorite among watch collectors. Often priced at less than $50, the MDV-106 (informally called the Casio Duro or Marlin) offers dive watch features and performance. It has a stainless steel case, a Japanese quartz movement, 200-meters of water resistance, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a date window, and a fish right on the dial. It's a great choice for an active father and makes a great bang around watch.

Casio MDV-106 Duro Dive Watch

Father's Day Watch: Timex Men's Highland Street Watch

Watch collectors are gaga about simple watches like the Rolex Explorer. They go on and on about the readable dial and substantial build quality. At some point, you just want to raise your hand and say, "A Timex can do that, too." Take the Timex Men's Highland Street watch with Expansion Band. It has a 39mm diameter case.  For those counting that's 3 more millimeters than the typical 36mm Rolex Explorer I. Of course, Rolex came out with a 39 and 40mm case options at various points after 2010. But, by then, they were just trying to keep up with revered brands like Timex.

Timex Highland Street

A quartz watch like the Timex Highland Street is exactly the functional tool watch that most dad's need. As an added benefit, after buying this watch, kids will still be able to have a college fund.

Both of these watches are attractive gifts for Father's Day. They are practical, attractive, and affordable.