Birthday Watch 1994! Santo Johannes Seabrave Diver 3258-1, 18K Black / Gold Filled, 21J Automatic Watch

BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS SOMEONE'S BIRTHDAY.

Make: Santo Johannes
Type: Automatic
Model: Seabrave Diver 3258-1
Year of Production: 1994
Movement: 3258
BPH: 21,600
Number of Jewels: 21
Hand and Dial: 3D Button Indices and Mercedes / Lollipop Hands
Width: 40mm
Lug to Lug Height: 48mm
Thickness: 11.5mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Bracelet: Original Santo Johannes Signed SS Bracelet
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

Named after Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Elder, the Santo Johannes watch company was officially launched circa 1977 with the pure intention of creating small quantity customised watches that uses high quality components and selling them at affordable prices.

This company is a Japanese Company that is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Check out their website: https://www.santojoannes.com/

A high quality 20ATM casing is used for this particular Seabrave model 3258-1 with 18K gold plated crown, bezel and SS bracelet. The 18K filling is 5 microns in thickness (FYI - a young persons hair is approximately 40 micro thick). The movement used is the highly respected Citizen 8200 Miyota movement.

The Santo Johannes watch began with most of their earlier models paying homage to Rolex. Here, we have the Seabrave 3258-1 that looks akin to a Rolex Oyster Submariner. This watch had developed a cult following and the older models such as this model, are now highly sort after. Hence, beyond a doubt, this timepiece has become a Collectible due to its scarcity due to its discontinuation.

Today, Santo Johannes focuses on only 2 models that have become extremely successful within the said cult fraternity.

This beautiful watch was carefully stripped and meticulously cleaned via ultrasonic immersion, oiled, re-assembled and basic calibration done in March 2023; hence it underwent an overhaul. It should be able to operate without servicing for the next 5 to 10 years thereby providing the owner peace of mind.

This two-toned watch has a beautiful and immaculately preserved Midnight Matt Black Dial with white button markers, minute bar indicators, Mercedes model hands with white lumens, and a plain stainless steel Chapter Ring. The silver case marries well with the gold bezel, black & gold 60 minute bezel insert, and two-toned stainless steel bracelet with 18K gold plated center row of links. All said components have been given a good clean-up.

Its typical diver watch shaped silver case was buffed as best as possible but miniscule hairline scratches may be present but unnoticeable unless one is searching for them. The Hardlex crystal with date magnifier is original and is in excellent condition. It too was given a good buff.

The Dial and Hand lumens are operable.

The Diver Style crown is located at the traditional 3H position between crown guards and neatly tucked away to prevent damage and unwanted snags. The date and time quickset works flawlessly by pulling out the crown to the first and second levels for date and time adjustment respectively.

Equipped with the Citizen Miyota 8200 movement, it has 21 Jewels that operate at 21,600 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher shows excellent readings i.e. rate of -13 seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 219! Such readings are exceptional even by brand new modern automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20 to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve and longevity for such a vintage timepiece, the meticulous care provided over the years, and of course the basic calibration conducted.

The case width and height are approximately 40mm (without crown) and 48mm respectively. The lug width is 20mm and the bracelet can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket parts or modified.

Even though all gaskets and seals are intact, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested due to its age.

The pictures provided show the watch’s case is in pristine condition (no dents and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. A nice purposeful carrying case or box will be provided.

Seldom can one find a cult watch that offers this and more. Yes, there are many other same / similar models in the market, BUT none are as well-kept and maintained as what you see here, and with an attractive price to boot. So, it is a no-brainer that this one-of-a-kind watch will make an extremely beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in 1994! Another no-brainer is the fact that the value of this watch will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 180.00 to S$ 200.00 for a proper servicing, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to polish including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a truly magnificent 1994 Santo Johannes Divers cult timepiece in immaculate condition with a beautifully preserved dial, immaculate indices, hands, movement, case and SS bracelet; so, be unique and use something that is almost impossible to source.

This is a must-have for the Santo Johannes cult follower or any watch fan for that matter!