Post by saul on Sept 7, 2018 13:32:55 GMT -8
The GL831 is a strap of myth and legend to some. That is partially justified as it is the first iteration of Seiko's 22mm flat vented dive strap and it is absolutely a classic. I have never had a fresh one, only a crusty one that came on my first 6309-7049. I presume it is original to that watch which makes it 35 years old right now. It is still in one piece but even if it could be made wearable I wouldn't trust it for an instant.
Larry B., "Uncle Seiko", has taken on the task of recreating the GL831. He recently loaned me one of his prototypes for evaluation and feedback. I am posting this with his full knowledge.
The strap is nothing new to the eye to be sure, it is an old familiar friend for all of us. The material is soft and supple (but not squishy) with a somewhat matte finish. It feels a little like the rubber on a BC284 but a little thinner and not so floppy. It feels much better than most iterations of modern PU Z22 straps from Seiko. The buckle is a light bead blast and in the more modern style of a squared off design. While the original rounded buckle style of yesteryear has an aesthetic appeal I have always found them to kind of suck from a functional perspective. The square buckle lays better and feels more secure. It absolutely does not need a boil treatment to be comfortable and I am not entirely sure if this compound would react to it or not. At Larry's behest I left as it was, although when it is production I expect I will try to force a curve in one.
After several days (and nights) of wear I found it exceedingly comfortable and really had no helpful observations on any changes needed. The one fundamental thing that was missing was the trademark crinkle texturing on the underside which Larry tells me will be in the production version. Beyond that being a familiar aesthetic I have always found an essential part of keeping the strap from sliding about.
So what it is the big deal about resurrecting the GL831? Beyond perennial (and justified) complaints about the comfort of the various PU compounds Seiko has used over the past 40+ years the single most oft heard lament is the length. With a 7.5" wrist this has never been a big issue to me but I know it is to many others. This GL831 incarnation is faithful to the original in that regard. Most modern 22mm Seiko straps are 80/140. This one is 78/130. The tail just peeps through the keeper in a very civilized fashion. This may not satisfy the Sasquatch wristed among us but there are plenty of long strap options. This is the first modern GL831/Z22 with original dimensions.
You will want this strap. You will need this strap.
A pair of 7s26-0040, one on a current SRP Z22, you can see the difference in length
Larry B., "Uncle Seiko", has taken on the task of recreating the GL831. He recently loaned me one of his prototypes for evaluation and feedback. I am posting this with his full knowledge.
The strap is nothing new to the eye to be sure, it is an old familiar friend for all of us. The material is soft and supple (but not squishy) with a somewhat matte finish. It feels a little like the rubber on a BC284 but a little thinner and not so floppy. It feels much better than most iterations of modern PU Z22 straps from Seiko. The buckle is a light bead blast and in the more modern style of a squared off design. While the original rounded buckle style of yesteryear has an aesthetic appeal I have always found them to kind of suck from a functional perspective. The square buckle lays better and feels more secure. It absolutely does not need a boil treatment to be comfortable and I am not entirely sure if this compound would react to it or not. At Larry's behest I left as it was, although when it is production I expect I will try to force a curve in one.
After several days (and nights) of wear I found it exceedingly comfortable and really had no helpful observations on any changes needed. The one fundamental thing that was missing was the trademark crinkle texturing on the underside which Larry tells me will be in the production version. Beyond that being a familiar aesthetic I have always found an essential part of keeping the strap from sliding about.
So what it is the big deal about resurrecting the GL831? Beyond perennial (and justified) complaints about the comfort of the various PU compounds Seiko has used over the past 40+ years the single most oft heard lament is the length. With a 7.5" wrist this has never been a big issue to me but I know it is to many others. This GL831 incarnation is faithful to the original in that regard. Most modern 22mm Seiko straps are 80/140. This one is 78/130. The tail just peeps through the keeper in a very civilized fashion. This may not satisfy the Sasquatch wristed among us but there are plenty of long strap options. This is the first modern GL831/Z22 with original dimensions.
You will want this strap. You will need this strap.
A pair of 7s26-0040, one on a current SRP Z22, you can see the difference in length
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