I had recently received a bonus from my employer back in 2018 and I wanted a real dive watch. I can’t even swim, but I always liked the idea of a watch that could do the job even if I couldn’t. I wanted something authentic and eye catching, but also reasonably priced that wouldn’t break the bank. That’s when I came across the Seiko Prospex Solar Diver SNE435 PADI.

The PADI PROSPEX fit the bill. Seiko made this Special Edition (not to be confused with Limited Edition) in association with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors or PADI for short. That made it authentic. The striking layered blue dial with red accents made it eye catching, while the entry level price made it very affordable. This model can be found hovering around the $300 mark when on sale, which I’ve seen many times with retailers big and small.

The watch has a 44mm screw down case back with the cool Seiko wave etching proving that it’s a 200m Diver. A Seiko Caliber V157 solar powered quartz movement with a 10 month power reserve keeps the watch running and doesn’t need winding or a battery change every few years. Other features include a screw down crown with red accent, uni-directional blue diving bezel with Lumibrite on the pip, hands, indices and a Hardlex mineral crystal.

The negatives. The watch is big, but fits my 7.5 inch wrist just fine. I suppose that might be too big for someone with a small wrist. It is a toolwatch though, after all. The bracelet does have a fold over clasp and divers extension, but the horrible pin and collar link system should be outlawed. I had to buy special watch tools to size the bracelet. The PADI is a strap monster though and looks great on rubber, leather and NATOs. The date cyclops could also be bigger in my opinion.

If you want an entry level diver with style I would highly recommend this Seiko Prospex Solar Diver SNE435 PADI.