The Seiko H601-8020: The Arnie’s Lengthy-Misplaced Little Brother

Shifting on to the watch’s aesthetics, the dial options round, lumed indices, a minute observe, and two bins which point out the various capabilities of the H601––a singular contact not typically seen on different Seiko fashions. The daring handset is arguably extra legible than the Arnie, with the hour hand exhibiting a big arrow level on the tip. Its motion and dial are housed in a 40mm case with 18mm lugs, noticeably extra conservative in measurement than the 46mm and 22mm Arnie. The case is 15 BAR waterproof because of the screw down crown, screw down case again, and mineral crystal. Its bidirectional rotating bezel features a tachymeter scale and sports activities a scalloped edge to supply simpler use. The bracelet, case, and bezel are all chrome steel and sandblasted, making the end a gun metal-like colour.

With the assistance of one other H-8020 proprietor, we had been capable of observe down an commercial of the watch pictured subsequent to a 7a34-7019 chronograph. Marketed as a part of the “Standing Sport” assortment, this commercial was created initially by Seiko and distributed by Michael Anthony Jewelers, Holsten Jewelers, and different licensed sellers all through New York and New Jersey. Documentation was discovered solely in New York-based publications. We couldn’t conclude whether or not the ads had been used elsewhere within the nation or if different variations of it exist. 

Market Availability, Alternative Components, and Shopping for Ideas

The H-8020 is marginally cheaper than the Arnie, Upside Down Arnie, and Child Arnie—promoting for $200 or much less relying on situation, if it has the unique bracelet, and if the motion is absolutely functioning. They pop up sometimes however are extra elusive than different Seiko divers of this period, probably a consequence of their brief time available on the market (roughly 4 years in response to my findings). There may be one other variant of this mannequin, the H601-802A, which is indistinguishable from the 8020 aside from its gold handset and indices. Seiko additionally positioned a number of of their different ana-digi actions from this period, just like the H801and H461, into watches with diver-like aesthetics. Whereas much like the H-8020, these fashions characteristic totally different attributes like PVD-coated instances, pink accents, white dials, compass bezels, and dive bezels. Nonetheless, if you wish to have the closest factor to an Arnie with out its bulk and excessive price ticket, the H-820 is the best way to go.

When it comes to components, the excellent news is that the H601 was utilized in dozens of Seiko fashions throughout this period. Components and donor actions will be sourced from the cheaper, much less fascinating gown watches that used the H601on public sale web sites as we speak. NOS and Seiko-produced components particularly made for the H-8020 mannequin––like bezels, arms, crystals, and crowns––are posted from time-to-time and are often supplied for beneath $50. 

Earlier than including one in every of these to your cart, nevertheless, there are a number of elements to contemplate. First, ensure that the LCD display has adequate distinction ranges. Although it could solely be a dying battery, these ana-digi LCD screens are identified to weaken over time––not an enormous deal initially however it could proceed fading out as time goes on. Second, for those who discover one famous to be in not working situation, strive it out if the value is true. It might solely be a useless battery if the vendor by no means tried to vary it themselves, and even when the motion is useless, swapping it for a working H601 is comparatively easy if in case you have fundamental restore abilities and entry to YouTube tutorials. Lastly, the bracelet is an unbelievable piece of Seiko craftsmanship, and if yow will discover it, remember to decide it up. The uneven hyperlinks are eye-catching, and the match and end make the bracelet-to-case integration flawless. Fortunately, the 18mm lugs make it a superb candidate for straps, if want be, however maintain your eyes out for that bracelet––it’s price it. 

Last Ideas

Whereas sure, it lacks the large shroud and Hollywood enchantment of the Arnie, the H601-8020 is nothing to scoff at. It wholeheartedly embraces its Nineteen Eighties design, however modest sizing and useful performance make it an ideal modern-day timepiece. Due to its older, larger, and extra well-known brother, the H-8020 has develop into a singular and forgotten piece of Seiko historical past. I’d use “uncommon” to explain the watch, however the time period typically holds little weight within the passion due to how overused it’s. It additionally steadily implies that the piece has a better financial worth hooked up to it due to its shortage.

Nonetheless, there exists a crossroads by which some watches are each uncommon and inexpensive––the H-8020 is an ideal instance. Fairly priced and sensibly sized, the Arnie might garner extra consideration from the final hobbyist, however watches just like the H601-8020 are the underdog tales true lovers reside for.