Commanding a diver dynasty, Seiko, as a brand, has embraced its place below the surface. Since its first appearance in 1962, the Seiko “Tsunami” logo has marked the countless case backs of both short-lived and enduring references. It should come as no surprise that the discontinuation of certain models almost instantly ignites a collector fire that burns through available stock, and on occasion churns up a cult following of those may have missed out. This is one of those, and like many other Seiko releases it has earned a nickname that the community at large has accepted. The 7S36-04P0, otherwise known as a first generation “Stargate,” earned that moniker based not on an appearance in the film or television series of the same name, but for its bezel’s resemblance to the Stargate portal itself. Actually built of two separate pieces, the keystone shaped “zero” marker is attached to the bezel by fitting into a keyed section and tightening a set screw. As vintage is our first love, we can still appreciate when something a bit more modern wears that historic Seiko diver DNA proudly on its sleeve, and while it’s never been hailed as a reissue of any sort, the “Stargate” leads with some undeniable inspiration. Calling all the way back to the 6159-7000 case lines, and 6105-8000 dial elements, it’s much more of a modern build on a classic and familiar foundation. It was available in several color ways, and this example from November of 2011 was riding the wave of a pink gold revival. While I’d be the first to admit to a near strict diet of stainless steel, this 200m beast dressed in pink and PVD pulls it off. We’ve paired it with an olive drab GL-831 from Uncle Seiko that adds another layer of complementary color to a call back. Like any great tool watch, it has some wear around the edges, but the pink plate is mostly intact, and the PVD wear along the corners reads like a featured detail. It’s unpolished (aside from a cerium oxide polishing of the original hardlex crystal) and completely original, and the self-winding 7S36 is keeping time to within a few seconds per day post service. Whether this is your introduction, or you count yourself among cult, this one is sure to be a fast favorite on the other side of the portal.

Uncle Seiko Olive Drab GL-831 Composite Rubber

Serviced- 7/24

Diameter- 44.5mm

Lugs- 22mm