I usually look at automatic watches but this time round, I’m taking a look at a shrouded solar diver by Seiko. This is a fairly recent release that comes in three variants. As far as I know, there is a similar model known as SBDN045 but it has different dial, bezel and it is from a different series.
The first variant would be the PADI version, SNE499P1. It has a Pepsi bezel, blue shroud, stainless steel case and comes with a beautiful textured dial. It also has a nice red outline on its minute hand. The steel surfaces you see on the front of the watch (bezel, crown and lugs) have a nice non-reflective satin/brushed finishing. The steel surface on the back of the watch has polished finishing. This variant is a special edition as indicated on its caseback.
The second variant is the SNE498P1. This variant has gold accent that resembles the vintage Tunacans that are commonly known as the golden tuna. However, it does not have a golden back as it’s case is plated in black instead of gold. This is a good choice because black lugs work better on this model than gold lugs in my opinion.
For those who prefer non-gold and non-PADI model, there is third variant, SNE497P that comes in a stainless steel case and a black shroud. While the two variants mentioned above come with rubber strap, the SNE497P comes in a stainless steel bracelet.
This solar shrouded diver is powered by the Seiko V157 movement that has a power reserve of 10 months when fully charged. It uses Hardlex crystal without anti-reflective coating but is pretty legible due to its matte dial and big hour markers.
Diameter: 46.7mm excluding crown
Thickness: 12mm
Lug width: 22mm
Lug to Lug: 45mm
Movement: V157
Water resistance: 200m
Final thoughts:
This solar shrouded diver is probably the smallest among Seiko’s family of shrouded divers. However, it has most of the attributes that a shrouded diver should have such as a large screw-in crown, wide hour and minute hands, legible dial and obviously a shroud. Although it is not stated on the caseback, I believe the shroud here is made with ceramic or ceramic coated material.
As a smaller shrouded diver, it is suitable for people with smaller wrist as well as big wristed tunacan fans who want a tuna for dress use.
Seiko SNE497P, SNE498P and SNE499P featured in this post are provided by K2 Watch Co.
845 Geylang Road, Tanjong Katong Complex, #03-K1.
Singapore 400845.
Tel: 6746 0270
Photos and text by Yeoman.
Thanks for viewing.
10 thoughts on “Seiko Solar Shrouded Divers – SNE497P1, SNE498P1, SNE499P1”
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Yeoman's Watch Review 
I really like the gold accented SNE498P due to its slight resemblance to the Prospex SSBS018 1000m diver’s watch. The V157 solar caliber is somewhat related to the older V145 solar module, which powered mostly JDM 100m divers like the “Jewelfish” including the hard-to-find, Prospex SBCB009 200m titanium Solar Diver that was once the talk of the town in the old Seiko & Citizen Watch Forum. 🙂
The SNE499P with the Pepsi bezel looks a bit tacky to me, in spite of its guilloche enamel dial – it’s probably the clash of the blue and red colors plus the deep blue shroud. I think for the long term the black SNE498P or SNE499P would be better choices.
I don’t think the V157 movement is that expensive to manufacture, therefore the bulk of the selling price would be due to the construction and materials used for the case and shroud.
Great review as usual, Thomas! Oh btw, is the dot in the triangle pip of the bezel lumed or is just white enamel paint? 🙂
Zami.
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Sorry, I forgot to include a lume shot. The markings on the bezel from the triangle pip right up to the 15 minute mark, including the dots are all luned.
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Hi Quartzimodo,
Long time no hear from you. I love reading you watch blog. Stopped writing already ?
CS
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I really like the PADI version. Nice colors and unique lume. However, it’s not an automatic and asking price is pretty high….
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Anyone noticed the case back Prospex logo? It’s rotated and flipped (like a mirror image). Maybe a manufacturing issue for those batch?
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Very sharp eyes.
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I have seen newer units with 89Xxxx serial, and they already corrected the Prospex logo.
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