Just about 8 years ago, a junior in college, I was going to a beach trip with couple of buddies. And me being always having a watch in my wrist every since I learned how to interpret time, wanted a companion during two days at the beach so that I would never get that feeling of being naked when without a ticking piece on my left wrist. Observing from the past months, I saw that my dad had a watch, built for the seas, in which he seldom uses. And sort of a good kid I am, I tried to ask if I could borrow it for the weekend trip. “Oo” – Yes in English, with a grin on my face, sprinted off to their room and immediately grabbed the watch from the jewelry box. This was specifically the Seiko diver’s watch identified as 7002-700A. Nicknamed in the horology fan base as the Pepsi Diver.
After soaking the watch on the beach trip, it was like I could also see it smiling at me, happy that I took it to its purpose. Well not that deep as it states on the dial but nonetheless near enough. Soon, I was wearing it everywhere, it was my daily beater. The rubber strap took a beating just by being worn almost everyday. Had it replaced 3 times before replacing it with a jubilee SS bracelet. The bezel was already loose off its clicks. Its accuracy was notably a minute plus daily. But still nonetheless, wore it proud.
Seiko, having a century of experience in watch making under its belt, have every reason that should be worn with pride. They bear this rich culture and tradition of innovation, craftsmanship, ingenuity and durability. Coming from a rich Japanese pedigree, this model sprung to the market way back in ’96. Having a rugged built frame, classy looks with big hour/minute hands that boldly pointed out to those rectangular indices made it a sure bet. The design and functionality later on caught up and became popular to watch aficionados and I would say is part of the list of reputable icons when it comes to automatic scuba diver’s watches. At present, Seiko presents their new lines with their new slogan - Is it you? I asked myself. Then promptly I replied: I may not be a diver, sure hell not a Pepsi, but I do reflect the person I want to be with this watch. Someone who would carry the symbol of values that my Dad had and as what Seiko encased in this timepiece.
After 12 years of ticking an incredible precious time, I had it serviced. I had it regulated, replaced the gasket and realigned the screw down crown. The movement, upon watching it serviced was still strikingly clean and looked ready for another decade or more of time beating. This watch may not be a Patek, nor did my dad give it to me on the balcony of a mansion fronting a huge hectare of vineyard with wine in our glasses, but I made a pact to myself that I am going to keep and nurture this watch till the day I will hand it down to my next generation. It was not meant, it was not planned, but it overtook its own purpose and did something better. Kudos to Seiko, Kudos to my Dad.
