Seiko Prospex Padi Special Edition, ref. SBDC055, sold in 2018 — view 1 of 2
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Seiko Prospex Padi Special Edition, ref. SBDC055, sold in 2018

DocumentedDocumented from an auction catalogue; attribution as stated by the auction house.
Maker / attribution
Seiko (brand / maker)
Date
sold in 2018
Country of origin
Japan
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
stainless steel
Dimensions
42.6mm
Lot
Lot 389-106
Credit line
Auction lot record: LOT 106
Catalogue title (original)
SEIKO, REF. SBDC055, PROSPEX PADI SPECIAL EDITION, STAINLESS STEEL

View the source record (auction lot) ↗

Record summary

Catalogued by Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva (lot Lot 389-106), this is a wristwatch by Seiko, made in Japan, dated sold in 2018. The Atlas places it in the Contemporary Horology period (2010 – Present) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: stainless steel. Recorded dimensions: 42.6mm. The record is illustrated with 2 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Antiquorum catalogue description

EUR 1,150 - 2,300 / CHF 1,050 - 2,100 / USD 1,300 - 2,600 / JPY 198,000 - 396,000 A fine, stainless steel, self-winding driver's wristwatch with wave-patterned dial in a vertical blue-to-black gradient, two-tone unidirectional bezel, LumiBrite coated hands and indexes, centre seconds, date and sapphire crystal caseback. Made in collaboration with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

Lot specifications (Antiquorum)

Caliber: 6R15; Case No.: 6R15-04BO / 7N0847; Bracelet: blue rubber Seiko strap with stainless steel Seiko buckle; Signature: dial, case and movement; Accessories: Seiko fitted box, guarantee card (dated 02.12.2018), instructions booklets

Historical context

Contemporary Horology (2010 – Present)

Silicon components, connected watches, optical-lattice research clocks and a thriving independent scene.

Smartwatches became the world's best-selling watches, while mechanical watchmaking focuses on craft, innovation (silicon components, new escapements) and independent makers.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Mechanical Renaissance

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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