Side by side

CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue WatchvsSeiko Prospex Sea The Black Series

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
CWC1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
MSRP $2,458
Prospex Sea The Black Series
SeikoProspex Sea The Black Series
MSRP $765
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch

The CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch is widely praised for its faithful recreation of vintage details, including its dial layout with markers touching the chapter ring and pointed crown guards. Owners and reviewers note its reasonable size and the original minute hand design. However, the lume is a point of contention: some find the "faux patina" tint too gold and glossy, while others specifically criticize the mismatched lume color between hands and hour markers, with the hour marker lume described as overly shiny and convex. On balance, the CWC 1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch is highly regarded for its authentic vintage aesthetic and wearability, despite mixed opinions on the lume application.

From video reviewers

The watch's accurate movement is a notable strength. A potential weakness is its relatively high price point. Reviewers disagree on the watch's water-resistance, with one reviewer suggesting it could be improved and the other not mentioning any issues with water-resistance.

Seiko Prospex Sea The Black Series

The Seiko Prospex Sea The Black Series is widely praised for its impressive value and compelling design elements. Reviewers highlight the SLA073's cave-diving-inspired dial, high-quality bracelet, and the robust 8L35 movement, calling it a standout release. The SRPE33 and SRPE39 models are noted for their attractive price, manta ray decorated dials, and excellent LumiBrite lume, though bezel alignment can be inconsistent. The SNJ029 is celebrated for its dynamic, colorful aesthetic, solar charging, and comfortable strap, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Overall, the consensus is that Seiko Prospex Sea The Black Series models offer excellent value, with specific models lauded for their unique dials, quality finishing, and practical features like solar charging.

At a glance

12 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch41mm
Prospex Sea The Black Series45mm
Power Reserve
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch40h
Prospex Sea The Black Series41h
Water Resistance
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch300m
Prospex Sea The Black Series200m
MSRP
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch$2,458
Prospex Sea The Black Series$765

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Diameter
41mm
45mm
Thickness
12mm
13.2mm
Lug-to-Lug
47mm
47.7mm
Lug Width
20mm
22mm
Water Resistance
300m
200m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Dial Color
1980 RN Divers Automatic Re-Issue Watch
Black
Lume
Super-LumiNova
LumiBrite on hands, index(es) and bezel

Movement

3 specs
Caliber
ETA 2824-2
4R36
Power Reserve
40h
41h
Jewels
25
24

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$2,458
$765
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