Some years ago, on a whim I bought a NavigatorTimer at an auction; it wasn’t particularly well described so I got it for quite a bit less than I expected to. When it arrived in the post I was very pleased indeed – it looks great, fits the wrist well and even keeps good time.
Seiko have been doing a number of “reissues” or “reimaginings” in recent years, some more faithful to the original watch than others. I love the size, shape and feel of the 6117-8000 so was intrigued when Seiko came out with the modern interpretation, the SPB411J (or SBEJ015), but I hadn’t actually clapped eyes on one in the metal.
Until now. After posting the original on IG just before Christmas, someone left a comment saying where they could be picked up for a lot less than MSRP – so I bagged one for just under £900 at SPB411J1 Seiko Prospex Navigator Timer Mechanical GMT Watch
I didn’t remember seeing a side/side comparison of these two … here’s how they look in my kitchen…
(thinner 6117 is on top)
The Bracelet
Some people had wondered if the bracelet for the new watch might fit the old – after all, vintage bracelets can be a bit rattly and feel low-cost, and I’m sure there are plenty of 6117s out there who were separated from their original bracelet long ago.
The bracelet on the SPB411 is a lot heftier than the old one. I actually prefer the look and feel of the original a bit, but thought I’d try to see if they could be interchanged. It looks like it might, but the new one would need a little bit of filing. Who knows if you can buy the bracelet on its own (endlinks 113, clasp M12J B C if that helps) anyway – some brave soul might ask their Seiko dealer and decide if it’s worth an experiment.
Here’s the 6117 with the new bracelet – it’s too tight to slip in..
Trying just the end link
At least the new end link has square edges
6117 endlink:
SPB411 end link:
