Sunday Rewind: The Record-Setting Sale Of Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona, One Year Later

One question that we get a lot at HODINKEE HQ is some formulation of “What did the Paul Newman auction teach us?” or “How did this change the vintage watch market?” And with a year of perspective to help us, the answers still aren’t all terribly clear, and those that are have less to do with the sale Mr. Newman’s watch and more to do with the build up to that night. Sure, Daytonas continue to go for big money at nearly every auction, but that can’t really be attributed to this sale or its sky-high result. What is clear is that this sale got the idea of cool, important, and, yes, expensive, vintage watches in front of an audience that otherwise might not have paid them any attention. The cultural impact seems to outweigh the financial impact, at least so far. 

But, rather than muse over all the possibilities here, we recommend you watch our in-depth video and full report from last year’s historic sale, published just hours after the hammer fell. And, of course, let us know what you think down in the comments below!

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Rimowa – A Travel Classic and Watch Journalist Favorite

Rimowa, the suitcase of choice for globetrotters and those who travel frequently. But what makes them so special? For this instalment of our Weekend Read, we talk about this travel classic and why it is favored by many watch journalists.

Journalists, like many other professionals, are frequently on the road. Sometimes for longer periods of time but more often than not on shorter 3 to 5-days trips. Like the title of the classic 1987 comedy with Steve Martin and John Candy; Planes, Trains, and Automobiles are all among our means of transpiration. We learned how to pack efficiently and fast. Apart from our clothes, pen, notepad, laptop, various chargers, watch rolls and other EDC are all part of our luggage’s contents.

Rimowa

But what luggage do we use? Some travel with leather holdalls, others go with duffle bags or an everyday suitcase. Some of us – and this goes for almost the whole Fratello crew – have taken our turns with legendary German luggage manufacturer; Rimowa. You know, those unmistakable aluminium suitcases you often see at airports. What makes Rimowa so special? Is it a must-have for frequent travellers or just a trendy fashion statement?

Trusted Luggage

Photo: Rimowa

To start with, Rimowa products are not cheap. As an example, a Rimowa Cabin Multi Wheel (size 55 x 40 x 23) – one of the best sellers of the brand – will set you back about €800. While the suitcase is surprisingly light at 4.3kgs, takes as much as 35L of content, made of sturdy aluminum and comes with a 5-year warranty it is still a rather pricey purchase. Surely, part of the price comes from the history and heritage of Rimowa being a trusted luggage maker for over 100 years. What is more important though, is that Rimowa products are simply of great quality. Sure, they get banged up or scratched, but that’s it. They won’t break easily. Go and search on any online market platform. You will find 10-15 years old suitcases that, while they indeed look used, function perfectly.

Photo: LVMH

Since 1898

Cologne, in the west part of Germany close to the Dutch border, is famous for many things. Large companies like Lufthansa or Ford-Europe have their headquarters here. The University of Cologne is one of the oldest universities in the continent and the Cologne Cathedral is a sight to behold. Cologne also happens to be the hometown of luxury luggage manufacturer and (now) LVMH group member, Rimowa. The company was established by Paul Morszeck and Heinrich Görtz in 1898. They specialize in travel cases, hat boxes and suitcases for cars. Made of plywood, cardboard, and leather the cases are extremely lightweight and sturdy for the times. 2 years later Görtz leaves (Görtz & Morszeck at the time) leaving Paul Morszeck as the only director. The name of the new corporation; Kofferfabrik Paul Morszeck. Business is going well for the Cologne brand, their products become known among high society.

Early Paul Morszeck advertising sign – Photo: Rimowa

Richard Morszeck, son of Paul Morszeck, who works with his father in the family business registers a new brand name in 1931. It’s an acronym of his name and business; Richard Morszeck Ware. Through the 1930’s Richard experiments with various materials to find a composition that is durable and light. He manages to produce a suitcase of aluminum as early as 1937. This would pave the way for Rimowa’s success. During the Second World War, a fire in the factory destroys all flammable materials leaving the aluminum cases intact. The disaster shows Morszeck how tough this alloy is. Rimowa would never return to their old materials. From this point on they produce aluminum suitcases exclusively marking a new era for the brand. After the war, Rimowa reinstates their damaged factory buildings and production. They would leave this location in 1986 when they move to the current HQ.

A vintage Rimowa suitcase before it received the groove pattern – Photo: Rimowa

From Junkers to suitcases

The Junkers F.13 was the world’s first all-metal commercial aircraft. Produced between 1919 and 1932 it served as a small, passenger transport plane for almost 20 years. It could accommodate 6 people (2 crew, 4 passengers)  with a 1400 km range. At its time the Junkers F.13 was an expensive flying limousine. Due to its constriction and materials used the plane was extremely lightweight and efficient. It quickly became a popular toy for the rich and famous. The Junkers F.13 was also the inspiration for the looks Rimowa luggage are known for worldwide today. The plane’s parallel folded (to stabilize the outer cover) aluminum panels were the influence for the signature groove covers of Rimowa suitcases. The year was 1950 and the recipe for Rimowa’s success was already assembled; a grey aluminum suitcase with a grooved outer side. Like the plane, Rimowa suitcases became the favorites of the upper class.

An original Junker F13 rebuilt by Rimowa – Photo:Rimowa

 

Like father like son

Just like Paul Morszeck, who brought his son, Richard into the family business, Richard also took his son Dieter to work with him. Dieter Morszeck, who was 19 at the time, joined Rimowa in 1972. Dieter was somewhat of a renaissance man. Other than being a member of the management he carried a pilot’s license and was an avid photographer. The latter inspired him to develop a waterproof and dustproof case that is able to withstand tropical heat and arctic cold equally. The Rimowa Tropicana protected expensive equipment and had the typical Rimowa suitcase look. Richard groomed Dieter into a successful leader who took over the company from his father in 1981. Dieter continued in the path of bold decisions his father and grandfather have started decades earlier. The result of his vocation; new Rimowa Polycarbonate suitcases came to the market in 2000.

Rimowa Tropicana 361 – Photo:Tictail.com

 

Polycarbonate: aluminum of the 2000’s

Polycarbonate has many positive properties Rimowa could take advantage of. To start with, the material can withstand extreme temperatures (both hot and cold). It is also very light but still durable. As a matter of fact, polycarbonate luggage is lighter than aluminum. Already 10 years ago Rimowa sold almost half a million suitcases. The majority of them being polycarbonate. These items are cheaper than the average Rimowa aluminum (Topas or Classic) cases, they come in a number of colors and sizes. Polycarbonate boosted sales for Rimowa since more and more could buy into the coveted luxury that the brand had been offering for its customers for decades. Furthermore, polycarbonate and aluminum – as well as other Rimowa cases – alike now have TSA locks for easier access for faster and more convenient security inspections during travel.

One of Rimowa’s many new collaborations. This time with streetwear brand, Supreme – Photo: Rimowa

 

Rimowa Today

As of today, Rimowa’s production spans over 2 continents in 4 countries. While the headquarters remained in Cologne Germany, three other factories were opened. The other European facility is in the Czech Republic. The two overseas are both on the American continent; in Canada and in Brazil. Rimowa arrived to another milestone in its history in 2016 when luxury conglomerate LVMH bought 80% of the company’s shares for €640 million. Dieter Morszeck remained CEO and LVMH appointed a Co-CEO for the brand in the person of Alexandre Arnault, the 25-year old son of LVMH CEO and Chairman Bernard Arnault. With the step in from Alexandre the brand broadened its focus opening towards the younger generation and street fashion aficionados. They achieved this through collaboration with popular brands such as Supreme and Off-White. Music mogul Pharrell Williams and Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio are also among Rimowa’s friends of the brand.

Alexandre Arnault (Rimowa Co-CEO), Dieter Morszeck (Rimowa Co-CEO) and Bernard Arnault (LVMH CEO) from left to right – Photo: LVMH

Design evergreen

Let’s stop for a second and play a game, shall we? Tell me if you can, what’s common between a Rolex Submariner, a pair of Adidas Stan Smith sneakers, 694 Persol shades and a Rimowa Classic suitcase? If you can answer this question you’ve probably solved the mystery. Why these items are so successful has a lot to do with their design. Particularly, that their looks –  with minor changes and alterations – stayed the same for decades eventually making them timeless. This is a common feature between all the above-listed items. A Rimowa from last year looks strikingly similar to a suitcase from 1978. Apart from the emotional connection (a son would buy the same brand of a suitcase he would see his dad travel with decades earlier) this also serves as a reassuring factor that the item stayed the same for a reason; because it worked.

Design icons; Rimowa, Rolex and Nike being sported by our very own Bert

No changes were needed to the design or the core of the product other than the apparent technical improvements that came with time such as better bearings, stronger nylon straps and so on. Of course, looks is not enough if the item is not utilitarian. Design and functionality must go hand in hand. This could be one reason Rimowa is so successful. The fact that it does not only look good but actually works as it should. Though it might be a cliché to say that we are living in a consumer society, it is very true. To prove this I asked a few of my colleagues from the watch industry to send me their Rimowa’s and tell me what they think about the brand.

Robert-Jan Broer

RJ’s Rimowa Topas Cabin

In the past, I worked as an information security consultant for one of the big auditing firms and I kept buying new suitcases (my record is at 6 in one year). I learned that Samsonite suitcases weren’t so indestructible after all. Also, I carried a weekend bag with me as cabin luggage. I hated it when people were stuffing their bags with violence in the overhead compartments in aeroplanes (I could hear my laptop and other equipment making squeaky noises and making me worried about my watch roll inside). It made me decide to buy Rimowa suitcases. I use the Salsa Air for the regular luggage (I have them in two sizes) and the aluminium Topas trolley as cabin luggage. A perfect travel companion and I wonder why it took me so long to decide to spend some money on these, they are awesome.

Michael Stockton

Mike’s Rimowa – the photo was taken literary on the other side of the world, in China

I bought my first Rimowa over 7 years ago in the USA after owning decent, but ultimately disposable luggage.  I now have 3 different sizes.  This piece is my original and I decided to place stickers on it like a Rimowa ad I saw in a magazine.  This baby has been all over the world and has done over a million miles – there’s zero reasons to replace it and I consider it a trusty companion. It’s lightweight (why I chose it over the aluminum), spacious and amazingly well-built – after a year’s worth of travel, the entry price was long forgotten.

Gerard Nijenbrinks

Globetrotter Gerard and his Topas

It must have been ages ago that I bought my Rimowa. Well, ages, at least like 20 years or so. It was the last suitcase I’ve bought, I can’t even remember what brand of a suitcase I used before this one. In my opinion, I never ever have to buy another suitcase as well.

My Rimowa has seen most corners of the world, and that slightly shows. But this is what I call character, and I don’t see that it harms its functionality. It’s the only suitcase I use. Whether for business or leisure, on worldwide or European flights, I always travel light and my cabin size Rimowa takes all I need.

Bert Buijsrogge

Bert’s travel essentials

After many trips, I finally decided to invest in a proper trolley which had to be lightweight (under 2 kilos) and classify as carry-on luggage. There aren’t many options other than Rimowa and Samsonite when you are looking for a hardshell. In the end, I went to a local shop to try them both and ended up with the Rimowa Salsa Air. In my book, it looks better and is more comfortable in use. Both sides have a compartment with a zip and in-between is a few centimeters left which is perfect for storing your jacket and the 1L bag of liquids during trips. They don’t come cheap but with the ease of use, the price tag is quickly forgotten. Should have bought one earlier.

George Cramer

George Cramer is Cartier collector & specialist and contributes to various titles.

Geo’s set with tons of character

Kristian Haagen

Kristian Haagen is freelance watch journalist, co-founder of 8past10 and author of many watch books.

If you ever met Kristian at a watch show you surely remember his annoying habit of taking this bag everywhere he goes

I have always been a fan. The rugged design goes well with a Land Rover Defender, cameras and Randolph Engineering shades. You know…stuff I Iike and wear.

I store all my photo equipment in Rimowas and had special compartments made to fit my needs. Bought some of my Rimowas at the local luggage store, some online. The vintage ones I tracked down online as well.

There seem to be a growing bashing of Rimowas since LVMH took over. At least in the airports. My suitcases more often than before come back beaten and dented like there is a “kill the Rimowa” competition with the luggage handling crews. Piss annoying! But they have yet to actually destroy one.

Wei Koh

The founder of Revolution Magazine and The Rake sent us this image of his Rimowa luggage.

Wei also sent us his gear from a few weeks ago.

Balazs Ferenczi (Yours Truly)

Still stickerless, but this is about to change

For me, the decision to finally “pull the trigger” on them was heavily influenced by what my colleagues have told me in the past. I also did my research on the subject and while the suitcase I used at the time was perfectly fine I still felt like I need to get one. Like RJ and Bert, I also have a Salsa polycarbonate that I use when I travel for longer periods of time as it’s the 63L version. I use a Topas Cabin Multi Wheel as my hand luggage. All in all, I can say that they don’t only look good but are super light, sturdy and well-made. Money well spent on that one.

If you enjoyed reading this special article you might not want to miss our previous ones. Here’s an interesting read about the pinky ring. Yes, you read it right.

Should you wish to visit Rimowa’s website, follow this link.

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Weekend Round-Up: The Nomad Games, Living Underground, And Photographing Tokyo At Night

World Nomad Games: The Most Unusual Sporting Event Of The Year – Remote Lands

This year, the remote resort town of Cholpon Ata on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan hosted the World Nomad Games – a five day event that includes seven varieties of wrestling, intelligence games, and displays of strength and pure showmanship. From horseback archery, horseback wrestling and hunting with eagles to Kok Boru (you’ll have to read the article to find out what this is), the event has garnered attention throughout the years mostly for the uniqueness and barbarism of its sports but also for the allure of the Kyrgyz people, a culture with roots in the empires of Ghengis Khan, Tamerlane, and Alexander The Great.

– David Aujero, Associate Producer

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Nite Watches Icon Automatic | Hands On Review

Nite Watches Icon Automatic

There are a few notable watch brands who use tritium tubes, the big names being Luminox and Ball Watches. For those who are fans of microbrands, Deep Blue is the first one that comes to mind. Some reading this might not be familiar with the brand I am reviewing here today, the Nite Watches Icon Automatic. Nite Watches headquarters are in England, though the watch manufacture is outsourced.  Looking through their website, I was trying to find when the brand started but did not come up with a definitive year, though I did find that in 2010 they started direct to consumer sales, meaning they can not be found in any dealers or retailers. One notable thing I read on their website is the UPGRADE feature, where if you have a Nite Watch, in any condition, you can use it to trade it in a for a new model and receive anywhere from $70-$130 off the price. That is not something many brands do and it is nice to see a brand being loyal to its previous customers like that. The Icon Automatic I will be discussing today is a great looking field watch with T-100 tritium tubes all in a stainless steel case with an H-link bracelet.

Nite Watches Icon Automatic Specifications:

• 44mm Stainless Steel Case
• 51mm Lug to Lug
• 12.1mm Thick
• 22mm Lug Width
• 6.9 Ounces
• Sapphire Crystal
• Sellita SW-200 Automatic Movement
• T-100 Tritium Tubes
• Solid Link Bracelet
• 100 Meters Water Resistant

Price $1050 USD

https://www.nitewatches.com/store/us/icon-automatic/

Right out of the gate, I do have to discuss the price. This is a determining factor for many when discussing watches, especially in the microbrand world. Yes, you can find cheaper tritium tube watches out on the market, even ones with T100 tubes. At $1050, the Nite Watches Icon Automatic is definitely at the higher end of things, and creeping into Ball Watches pricing. Now, many things are subjective and some Luminox Watches are $700  and are quartz, so it really comes down to what you are looking for in a watch. I personally would not say that the Icon is overpriced, but I do realize there are many options out there these days.

Design-wise, the Nite Watches Icon Automatic is a beautiful watch. It is a classic field-style watch and has an all brushed finish that gives it a rugged appearance and also easy upkeep. When a watch is all brushed, scratches and marks are hidden more than polished or a blasted finish and easy to remove with a 3M pad. The star of the Icon for me is the gorgeous blue dial. While I like tritium tubes, I also love a watch that has great depth to it, and the sunburst dial used here is a perfect example. It has a wonderful blue tone that slightly changes depending on the lighting.

Unforutuanly, the Nite Watches Icon Automatic has a date wheel at one of the worst locations on the dial, at least for me. This is something that is absolutely subjective and I am fully aware I am biased when it comes to the date location. I prefer it to be at the 3 o’clock or 6 o’clock position or none at all, as I feel, as shown below, this placement starts to creep into the middle of the dial and the 24 hour time and dial text start to get muddled and it looks too busy for my tastes. The reason date wheels are usually placed here is because of movement and case size and it ends up that you really can not put the date anywhere else unless you want to pay for custom date wheels. This, of course, adds extra cost. The other option is no date, though I understand wanting it on tool style watch such as this.

I found crown operation to be flawless and the SW-200 automatic movement has been keeping fantastic time at -3 seconds a day over a 4 day period, which is crazy good and within COSC standards. Of course, things such as hard vibrations or drops could impact this, but as it is now, the example I have in hand is keeping excellent time for a non-certified automatic. Obviously one of the best functions of this watch are the large flat tritium tubes which need no light source to charge and glow very bright in the dark. If you do not like the green tritium tubes, this model is also offered with the blue tubes, and I particularly like the look of the blue tubes against the white dial versions.

While there are leather strap versions for the Nite Watches Icon Automatic I find the stainless steel bracelet to be the way to go. The H-link bracelet is one of my favorites and is used by many brands, but it just works and gives watches a different look than the standard multi-link or Oyster-link offerings. Yes, it does use friction pins instead of screws, which would be my preference, but sizing was easy enough and I had to remove 3 links to fit my 7 1/2 inch wrist, as they are quite large links. A standard deployant clasp with safety lock is used to keep the bracelet secure on the wrist.

Wristshot

The Nite Watches Icon Automatic does have a lot to offer, but that comes at a price. The price, of course, being just ever so slightly over $1000. The brand states on their website that there is a 28-day return policy, a 2-year warranty and shipping is free as well. Something that I found interesting is that Nite only recently started using sapphire crystal on all their watches, as recent as 2017. The bottom line is the same as usual, if you like the design, it would be a good purchase. The Icon is very solidly built and has a lot of great features, so it will just come down to if you think it is worth the price. Since Deep Blue really doesn’t have a model that looks like this, I would say it is probably worth the coin. Of course, that’s just one person’s opinion. What do you think? Leave your comments below the gallery.

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Hands-On With The Seiko Prospex Dawn Grey Series (Long-Winded Opinion Included)

Seiko introduces two new models of their popular Turtle and Samurai collections, both part of their limited edition Dawn Grey series. And what’s more, these watches are for the European market only. That said, we are pretty sure that Seiko fans outside Europe, can source one if they want. The Dawn Grey series has a nice colour-scheme of grey and orange, according to Seiko it should remind you of the colour of dawn over the Sea. Well, there’s that, but these are also simply beautiful looking watches. They also reminded me of something we’ve seen earlier though, but about that later on.

Let’s have a closer look at this new Dawn Grey Turtle and Samuari.

Seiko Automatic Diver’s SRPD01K1 Dawn Grey

A lot of Seikos come with nicknames, whether it is the affordable “Turtle”, that is actually an “Automatic Diver’s” or the more expensive Grand Seiko SBGA211 (or “Snowflake”), they all seem to have one. Perhaps because it is easier to remember a watch by a certain name, then by the reference number, in this case, SRPD01K1. Especially when you have a lot of references per model, it easily becomes confusing or simply too much to remember. The Dawn Grey Turtle is my favourite of the two, let’s get that off my chest first. I have a weak spot for the Seiko Turtle series and own a number of them, including the original 6309 as well as the SRPC49K1 (there you go), also known as the Black Turtle (much easier eh?).

Also For Smaller Wrists

Other than the colours, little changed about this classic Seiko Turtle Dawn Grey series. It is powered by the Seiko 4R36 movement, which ticks at 21600vph and has a power reserve of 41 hours. It also has a day and date indicator, which is very easy to correct with the crown (you set each with their own turning direction of the crown). With a 45mm case diameter, this is not a small watch. However, due to the shape, it doesn’t wear as big as you would think. Above you see Gerard (who is responsible for all the images in this article) wearing the Seiko Turtle Dawn Grey series, and he doesn’t have a big wrist (but despite that he is a nice guy anyway). As you can see, the grey dial matches nicely with the steel case and bracelet. The dark grey bezel has the first 20 minutes of the diving scale in bright orange. As always, Seiko uses their Lumibrite material for the large hour markers and hands. It is no secret that Seiko watches lume like crazy during low-light conditions. I find my own “Black Turtle” often on the nightstand of my 5-year old daughter, as she seems to be using it as a ‘night light’. Probably one of the most expensive ones out there.

Silicon Preferred

The watch has a thickness of 13.4mm which fits the diameter and shape in my opinion. Seiko used their own ‘Hardlex’ material for the crystal, which is cheaper than sapphire but very resistant to scratches. According to Seiko, the little bit of extra hardness that sapphire has compared to Hardlex doesn’t justify the difference in price. Collectors might complain a bit about this, and that might be the reason that Seiko started using sapphire on certain models (like the green Prospex SLA019 ‘Marinemaster’ that Michael Stockton compared to the Rolex Submariner Hulk in this article).

The Turtle Dawn Grey series comes on a stainless steel bracelet and an addition silicon strap, which is, in my opinion, the best option. For those who prefer it on stainless steel, the bracelet is very comfortable and the finish is actually quite nice for a watch with this price tag. It is just the design that is a bit too bold for a tool watch in my opinion. The silicon strap gives the Seiko Prospex SRPD01K1 a more utilitarian look.

Availability And Price

If you like the colours of the Dawn Grey series Turtle watch and your budget allows, then this Limited Edition Seiko SRPD01K1 basically a no-brainer. With a retail price of 530 Euro, it is a lot of bang for the buck. Watches like this Turtle give Swatch Group’s entry-level brands like Certain and Tissot a tough time, as well as many of the Kickstarter microbrand watches that are introduced on a daily basis. Seiko has a good after-sales service, and I wonder how microbrands can and will deal with service, especially in years from now.

The Seiko Prospex Turtle Dawn Grey series is limited to 2018 pieces and available in November, on the European market only. This might set off Seiko collectors outside Europe, but welcome to our world for a change… But just like us getting JDM (Japan Domestic Models) watches, I assume that there will be ways to get them abroad as well.

Seiko Automatic Diver’s SRPD03K1 Dawn Grey

Next up is the Samurai. I know this watch has a quite a following among the Seiko collecting community, but I have to admit that it never made it to my own (modest) collection of Seiko watches. This might have to do with my preference for watches that have a bit more vintage inspiration, but the case shape of the Samurai is definitely interesting with its sharp corners and polished surfaces. There also lies my personal ‘against’ perhaps, as I feel the watch is a bit too polished compared to the Turtle.

Cool Elements

What I do like about the Samurai Dawn Grey series, is the dial. The hobnail dial makes it very much alive and more playful than the Turtle. Perhaps I shouldn’t look at the Samurai as a tool watch, that could actually change the entire perception of the watch I guess. There is a lot to say for this limited edition Samurai, with its unusual case shape, grey & orange colours, hobnail dial and sober (again, compared to the Turtle) designed bracelet.

On the wrist, the Samurai Dawn Grey sits very comfortable with its 43.8mm (x 13.4mm thickness), a tad bit smaller than the Turtle. As the lugs have this slope downwards, it doesn’t appear to be a large watch on the wrist as you can see. Inside is the Seiko calibre 4R35 movement. This is more or less identical to the 4R36 but without the day indicator. And I have to say, I could have done without the day indicator. The date at 3 o’clock looks a bit cleaner and – especially – in combination with the hobnail dial, I think that an additional day indicator would make this dial cluttered.

The bezel of the Samurai is also grey and orange, but apparently, the orange stops here at 15 minutes (and not at 20 minutes, like the Turtle). The colours look very nice on the watch, especially in combination with the grey hobnail dial and the stainless steel case. Compared to the Turtle, the Samurai has a bit more of a metallic look, probably due to the polished surfaces on the case.

I have to say that this watch looks good on a bracelet, which has a more sober design than the one on the Turtle. Still not a fan of the clasp, that always feels a bit cheap-ish, but the quality is definitely there, especially for the price of this Samurai Dawn Grey. There is no additional silicon strap for this watch (reflected in the price though), but I am also not sure that this would be a nice fit to the Samurai.

As you can see below, the case back has been engraved with the unique number of each limited edition (2018 pieces).

Availability and Price

Just like the Turtle version, this Samurai Dawn Grey with reference number SRPD03K1 will be available in November for the European market. With a retail price of 470 Euro, a little cheaper than the Turtle. Normally, the turtle (SRPC23K1 for example) is a little cheaper than the Samurai (SRPB51K1), so the price difference between the Dawn Grey watches is mainly caused by the additional silicon strap for the Turtle.

Both Dawn Grey Watches

Before I forget, both watches have a water resistance of 200 meters. So this makes them very suitable for actual use in the water, hence the Prospex (Professional Specifications) label. Also, both watches come in a special box that indicates you’re dealing with a limited edition here. We have no images of our own of the box, but it is a nice dark grey box with orange accents. Nothing super special, but something different from the standard Seiko boxes. They end up in the attic anyway most of the time.

Both watches are also equipped with a screw-down crown, screw-in case back and a uni-directional bezel, making it a proper diving watch.

Conclusion

That I (and Fratello in general) have a weak spot for (Grand) Seiko is not a secret. We are also (and luckily) in the position that we can write about the watches we personally like, and the Seiko Prospex collection is often one of them. Although I certainly feel the Samurai Dawn Grey is a good watch, the model itself doesn’t really appeal to me somehow. Which is a bit awkward actually, as I do love the case design a lot. The Turtle is my pick between these two, mainly due to the soberer (and classic) design. That said, you can’t go wrong with any of these and especially not when you take the price into account.

The grey and orange colour scheme is very appealing, but when Gerard Nijenbrinks and I sat down with Seiko to have a preview of these watches, we immediately both felt we’d seen this before. Well, besides Seiko we also know our Omega models quite well, so it didn’t take long to remember the Seamaster Planet Ocean in similar colours. This is only an observation and I think that it looks great on any of these watches, and interestingly enough all are diver’s watches.

Just like Omega, the variety of models is quite big in the Seiko catalogue, which is often considered a bad thing by some collectors (or criticasters). I don’t feel it that way, as it gives more options to buyers and chances are big that there will be something nice offered that will fit any of us. The only thing that often bothers me with these many variations (whether it is Seiko, Omega, Breitling, Oris or whatever brand) is that the brands feel the urge to make an association with something (an event, a location, a person, etc.). If it is a nice watch, it is just that, a nice watch. I feel there is no need to come up with an association with the colour of a leaf, tree, ocean, fruit, sky etc.

And that’s basically how I feel about the Dawn Grey series: nice looking diver watches with a very well-done colour-scheme that will probably attract many Seiko fans. The quality that Seiko offers with these watches, for these prices, is almost unbeatable. It is just a matter of taste, in the meanwhile, there are quite a number of nice executions of both the Samurai and Turtle. Go pick one.

More information via the official Seiko website.

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