In an effort to allow healthy competition to dictate innovations in both style and engineering, Seiko’s design and production teams were divided into two factions: the Suwa Division, and the Daini Division. This led to a high stakes game of “one-upmanship” that offers some of the most memorable styles to have come out of the era. In particular, light divers had taken the market by storm, and Seiko implored each division to bring their very best to satiate a market in demand. While there are plenty of sport divers from the Suwa lineup that made their way to the western market, many of the Daini designs remained available to Japan’s domestic market alone. We are constantly on the lookout for these hard to find Daini divers, and we think it’s fairly easy to see why. This example from March of ‘74 needs little in the way of an introduction. One of the few Daini sport divers made available to western markets, it is easily one of the most sought after. Getting your hands on one of your very own might seem like a simple task, but that’s due largely to the fact that it’s one of the most commonly forged models seen on the market. An original and unmolested example is a true gem, and difficult to source. For perspective, this is only the third such example we’ve ever offered, and not for a lack of trying. It’s largely considered a member of the “Rally” family of Seiko sport divers, and rightly so. The bezel feels racing inspired, and the design looks just as much at home track side as it does next to a wet suit. It was available in several color ways, but a black dial is always in style, and this one is absolutely flawless. The subtly textured matte finish is framed by a white block minute track, and topped with polished baguette markers with luminous inlay. The hour and minute hands are polished with white striping, and counting the seconds is a brick orange sweep. The knurled bezel has a conical shape that flows seamlessly from the case, and the insert is a “count up” style in black with silver and orange metallic blocking. Showing very little in the way of wear or fade, it is one of the nicest examples of this insert we’ve seen. The case is classic Daini architecture with clean transitions and sloping surfaces. It’s contoured for comfort with flared sides and great proportions. It’s unpolished and completely original including the domed acrylic. with just a few scattered blemishes, we’ve opted to leave it in place. Post service it’s keeping near perfect time, and comes attached to the original three-link bracelet with a Speed Timer style clasp. The bracelet was a little short, so we’ve installed a clasp extension that can be adjusted to ensure a proper fit for most wrist sizes. The date can be quickset via the crown, but there is some faded and missing paint on a few of the dates. The day can be semi-quickset, and is in Spanish only. A Daini “Rally” diver at the top of everyone’s list, this rare original is sure to move as fast as it looks.

Original Seiko Three-Link Bracelet in Stainless Steel (Clasp Extension Installed)

Serviced 7/8/22

Diameter- 41mm

Lugs- 18mm