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 gave us 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 branch 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 April of ‘73 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 the first 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 we landed on the sunburst silver dial variant. The matte finish and subtle graining give way to a black block minute track, and its topped with polished baguette markers with black striping. The hour and minute hands are polished and striped to match, and counting the seconds is a golden 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. It has a few blemishes, but has aged extremely well with very little fade. 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 aside from a replacement crystal, and post service is keeping near perfect time. We’ve paired it with a color coordinated RAF NATO in black, silver, and orange that appears as thought it was made for this piece specifically. A rare Daini “Rally” diver at the top of everyone’s list, this rare original example is sure to move as fast as it looks.

Clockwork Synergy Blk/Org/Slv Double Layer Two-Piece RAF NATO (clockworksynergy.com)

Serviced 8/7/19

Diameter- 41mm

Lugs- 18mm