Seiko Diver 55th Anniversary – SBEX011 (SLA039J1) Hi-Beat

I handled the Seiko Prospex SBEX011 recently. This is another commemorative diver released to commemorate the 55th Anniversary of Seiko dive watches. It is powered by the 8L55 Hi-beat movement and is limited to 1100 pieces.

I believe this specimen is from the second shipment that the authorized distributor received. However, I’m not sure why this time it is the SBEX011, instead of the SLA039J1. I thought SBEX is for Japan while SLA is for anywhere outside Japan. The watch comes with the Japanese price tag, the local price tag with “SBEX011J” printed, as well as “SBEX011” printed on the sleeve of the presentation box. This goes to show that the difference between the SBEX and the SLA or for that matter the SBDC/SARX and their SPB equivalents is just the hang tags and stickers.

Below are some of my thoughts on the SBEX011.
Continue reading