Squale 1521vsSeiko Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition

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Measurements

Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.

Squale 1521 at true scale

1521

Seiko Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition at true scale

Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition

Diameter

42mm

43.8mm

Lug-to-Lug

n/a

48.7mm

Thickness

12.5mm

lowest

12.8mm

Water Resistance

500m

highest

200m

Power Reserve

38h

41h

highest

MSRP

$1,265

$625

lowest

Movement

Sellita SW200-1

Seiko 4R35

Case

6 specs
Diameter
42mm
43.8mm
Thickness
12.5mm
12.8mm
Lug-to-Lug
n/a
48.7mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Material
Steel
Stainless Steel
Water Resistance
500m
200m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
n/a
Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Lume
None
LumiBrite on hands, index(es) and bezel

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
Sellita SW200-1
Seiko 4R35
Power Reserve
38h
41h
Jewels
0
23

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,265
$625
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Reviews

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Squale 1521

Owners widely praise the Squale 1521 for its classic look and robust build, with specific mentions of its wearable 12.5mm thickness and refined case finishing. The 42mm case is noted by some to wear smaller, closer to 40mm, due to short lugs, feeling solid without being too large. However, opinions on the bracelet vary, with some finding it too flashy or stiff, and one owner reported moisture ingress after a shower due to a loose case back. The crown can be difficult to operate due to deep integration, and the 38-hour power reserve is considered old-school but reliable. Overall, owners rate the Squale 1521 highly for its classic design and wearability, despite some reservations about the bracelet and crown.

Seiko Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition

Owners praise the Seiko Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition for its attractive, jewel-toned teal dial with an ocean-mimicking pattern and LumiBrite for legibility. Some reviewers note the watch offers good value under $1,000 with a rich dial aesthetic and refined case. The 43.8mm case is considered a bit thick by some, and its design can make the watch wear top-heavy and feel larger than its dimensions suggest, with a lug-to-lug that might be long for smaller wrists. The 4R35 movement's stated accuracy range is broad, with some owners seeing +/- 15-25 seconds per day. Overall, owners and reviewers rate the Seiko Prospex Sea PADI Special Edition highly for its vibrant dial and solid build at its price point.