Two Brilliant New Additions to Seiko Solar Watch Family

Dear Seiko lovers welcome back!

We have another exciting topic for you inspired by the individual members of the ever-expanding Seiko family. This time, our stars of the day are two additions to a great collection of Seiko solar power watches:

1. Seiko Prospex Solar Diver 200M SNE437P1
2. Seiko Prospex Solar Diver 200M SNE435P1 PADI

Left : Seiko PADI Blue Solar SNE435P1 and right : Seiko Black Solar SNE437P1 with complementing handmade leather watch straps.

Before moving on to the common and individual features of these two great Seiko solar diver watches, let’s establish why the entire Seiko Solar watch collection is so unique.
 

Seiko Solar Background

All those who are not that familiar with Seiko solar technology must have some questions. The first that usually come to mind are what solar means when watches are concerned, are solar watches any good, and how they compare to other watch mechanisms. All perfectly understandable, and fortunately, not hard to answer. Let’s go back to where it all began.

Going with different watch mechanisms is another area where Seiko was among the pioneer watchmakers. They introduced their first solar watch back in 1977, just a year after the first-ever solar watch was produced. That sums up to almost 50 years of Seiko solar watch production, impressive data by all means.
As their name suggests, these watches use the power of the light to charge their quartz mechanisms. But, how does one charge a Seiko solar watch?

It’s pretty simple. Solar watch mechanisms can use any light source to power the photovoltaic cell, which turns the light energy into electricity and charges the battery. A fully charged battery secures a 10-month watch use.

When it comes to comparing the different watch movements available, it’s safe to say that Seiko solar watches don’t fall behind other types of mechanisms in any way. Relying on quartz technology, they’re equally reliable and accurate, which is probably an essential feature for most watch owners. If you wish to learn more detail on the differences between Seiko watch mechanisms available, make sure you check this article.

Seiko SNE437P1 and SNE435P1 PADI Common Features

Both watches are of identical size, share the same mechanical characteristics, with the same materials used to make them:

• Solar-powered V157 Caliber
• 43.5mm diameter and 12mm thick Stainless Steel Case
• 20mm Stainless Steel Watch Strap with a triple-locking deployant clasp
• Screw Case Back, Screw Down Crown
• Rotating Unidirectional Bezel with 60-second markings
• Round dial with Luminous Hands and Markers
• Hardlex Crystal Glass
• Date Display
• 200M Water Resistant

However, there are some differences between the models, which may have a decisive influence on which one would be more suitable for you.

Blue PADI Seiko Prospex Solar and Black Seiko Prospex Solar both with out-of-the-box stainless steel watch bands

Seiko Prospex Solar Diver SNE437P1

• On the other hand, thanks to its solar mechanism and the fact that the battery is adequately charged in a small amount of time, the SNE437P1A is an excellent secondary watch, as well. You can keep it in a drawer and take it out just hours before you plan on taking a dive. You know it will perfectly deliver after a quick recharge, if needed.

Two Seiko Solar watches elegantly paired with handmade Grezzo leather watch straps, two colors : saddle brown and brown

Seiko Prospex Solar Diver 200M SNE435P1 PADI

This is another Seiko gem. Like the SNE437P1, its target audience is divers looking for an excellent looking, affordable, and trusty watch for the occasional dives they undertake. Only, with a slight difference.

The PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) logo on a dial, and the overall design done in PADI red and blue color combination, put this watch in the Seiko Special Edition category. PADI and Seiko are official partners, making their cooperation particularly appealing to all those with PADI certificates or preparing to get one, newbies and experienced divers alike. And, it’s an additional guarantee that the SNE437P1 meets all standards required for a diving watch of that category.

There one other important notion related to SNE435P1 PADI. Although it’s not a limited edition, all that was said makes this watch a sought-after item, a thing to bear in mind if you decide to get one.

From top Seiko Solar SNE437P1 Black and bottom Seiko Solar SNE435P1 PADI Blue, casual style combos with two Italian handcrafted leather watch straps.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a reliable diver watch that is easy to charge and suitable for regular and occasional use, these two models come highly recommended. Fully charged, they can go for up to 10 months, which is a superb feature for regular users. On the other hand, if you need to use it now and then, it will take only an hour of exposure to direct sunlight to secure enough charge to use them for days. A great feature that makes these solar quartz watches extremely practical.

In addition, these two models are both budget and eco-friendly, without jeopardizing any of the diver watch crucial features along the way. Finally, thanks to their 20mm lugs, both models can be complemented by a wide variety of auxiliary watch straps of all kinds of materials and designs.

That also makes them great watches for everyday use, whether you prefer casual or business style. To explore all auxiliary watch strap combinations, check Strapcode’s rich catalog.

Left : Seiko Solar Diver SNE437P1, right: Seiko Solar Diver SNE435P1 PADI at home with two Chaffle (Waffle) FKM Rubber watch straps

Casual style with MiLTAT RAF N7 3-D military grey tone weaved nylon watch straps, demo on Seiko Solar Diver SNE437P1 and Seiko Solar Diver SNE435P1 PADI

External Ref : 

• Seiko Solar Watch : Mechanism and Recharging
• Seiko Prospex Solar Diver SNE435 PADI Watch Review
• PADI - The world’s largest diving network