If being strapped to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s strapping wrist as he fires bazookas doesn’t make a watch badass and fun, what does? Originally issued in the 1980s, the ana-digi dive watch became famous after featuring in several Schwarzenegger action films including Predator and Commando, earning the nickname “the Arnie” from fans. Even without that association, the Seiko Prospex Solar Diver has a tough, serious look, and now it’s back for 2019 with a new SNJ028 model exclusive to Seiko USA.
Seiko first announced the Arnie’s return at Baselworld this year with a couple of colorways, but now it’s finally available on the Seiko USA site with a new version. Measuring a muscular 47.8mm wide, it’s even bigger than the one from the ’80s, and this one includes solar charging in its Seiko H851 quartz movement. The new version features a matte black case and other elements like the pushers, while the bezel and highlights on the dial are in gold.
Bold and imposing, the Seiko Prospex SNJ028 is naturally engineered to be rugged with a 200m water-resistance suitable for diving and the protective outer shroud found on many Seiko dive watches. The digital display at 12 o’clock is used for various functions controlled by multiple crowns and pushers, resulting in it looking as though its functions were barely able to be contained by the design. These include useful things like a stopwatch, dual time zones, alarms and calendar data.
The new Seiko Prospex Solar Diver SNJ028 “Arnie” comes on a silicone strap and is available exclusively online from Seiko USA for a price of $550.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Orient Mako II Diver ($124)
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver ($125)
Seiko Automatic Diver SKX007K ($269)
