Seiko again revisits their rich history of diver’s watches with the release of three new models, now rated to 300m water resistance.
Press Release information with commentary in italics.
New: Three new Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Divers Watches
Recommended retail prices in Europe: are as follows:
- Regular edition, black and blue dial (SPB451, SPB453) is set at EUR 1,400
- Special edition, charcoal grey dial with gold accents (SPB455) is set at EUR 1,600
Commentary
Three novelties are released. The series carries the name of the original 62MAS diver’s watch as the Prospex 1965 Heritage models. Two are in the regular collection, and these are the in black and blue. And the third is a special edition to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Seiko. This special edition is the same as the black and blue dial versions, but comes with a charcoal grey dial with gold coloured accents. This special edition is also delivered with an additional strap.
The watch is very similar to the Seiko 62MAS (autoMAtic Selfdater) first released in 1965, and have been already reinterpreted as the SLA 017 in 2017 and again as the SLA065 in 2022. But the case size is now 40mm instead of 41mm. The thickness of the case is also reduced by 0.2mm. And despite the smaller dimensions, the water resistance is now increased to 300m instead of 200m. This is an interesting engineering feat. The date display has also been relocated from the 3 o’clock position in place of the hour marker, to a location between the 3 o’clock and 4 o’clock marker.
To improve comfort in wear, the bracelet pitch is also decreased by 0.8mm. The shorter links are thus more pliable and conforms to the wrist more comfortably.
The movement is also updated from the 8L35 to 6R55, now boasting of 72 hours of power reserve, up from 50 hours.
Release information
In the decades since it introduced Japan’s first diver’s watch, Seiko has created a wide range of diver’s watches that have won the favor of professionals and enthusiasts worldwide for their safety, reliability, and ease of use. One such model is the SPB143, introduced in 2020. With water resistance to 200m and a power reserve of 70 hours, this watch has received worldwide acclaim for its functionality and its vintage-style design inspired by Seiko’s original diver’s watch, the legendary 62MAS. Today, Seiko introduces into the Prospex collection a range of watches based on the fan-favorite SPB143 that feature multiple enhancements in technology, design, and construction. Black dial and blue dial versions join the main Prospex collection, while a commemorative special edition with gold-colored accents celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Seiko brand.
Each watch is powered by one of Seiko’s latest in-house movements, Caliber 6R55, which has a power reserve that extends to 72 hours, or three full days. This marks the first time that Caliber 6R55 has appeared in the Prospex collection. The new watches are further enhanced to ensure water resistance to 300m, a first for the Prospex collection’s non-saturation diver’s watches. A change in the location of the date window from the three o’clock position to the space between four and five o’clock now allows a more symmetrical design and more space to be filled with Lumibrite, ensuring high legibility even in dark conditions.
Even with the many upgrades that enhance performance, each watch has been redesigned to be more compact, with a diameter of 40mm, lug-to-lug length of 46.4mm, and thickness of 13mm, while maintaining the reliability, safety, and ease of use required of a Seiko diver’s watch. Each watch features a stainless steel bezel with an aluminum insert for a slim design that delivers a classic feel and appearance, with minute markings that now extend under the numerals of the bezel display. The bezel’s minute markings and numerals are laser-engraved to prevent their wear from long periods of use. Thanks to a new bracelet with shorter links and a smaller clasp, the watch achieves a higher level of comfort as it conforms to the wearer’s wrist.
A special edition with an additional strap
Since the beginning of Seiko in 1881, the company has continued to innovate in line with the founder’s philosophy to be “Always one step ahead of the rest.” In 1924, the company intro- duced the first wristwatch with “Seiko” on the dial, signifying the beginning of the Seiko brand. The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of this landmark event. In celebration, a third creation with a charcoal-grey-colored dial is introduced as a special edition. Its gold-col- ored accents are intended to evoke the many watchmaking advances brought forth under the Seiko name over the last century.
The special edition comes with an additional strap made entirely of recycled plastic bottles. It was created using a traditional Japanese braiding technique called Seichu, familiar in Japanese culture for its use in fabric designs. The rich texture and sheen that result from the technique can be observed in the traditional obijime, the decorative cord that holds a kimono sash in place. The strap presents a uniquely Japanese aesthetic and texture and is specially manufac- tured to have a tensile strength nearly four times that of regular Seiko fabric straps*. The strap’s strength and resistance to the degradation caused by exposure to sunlight meet the demanding standards required of Seiko diver’s watches, and it is perfect for use underwater.
*based on research conducted by Seiko.
All three watches will be available at the Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide from June 2024.
Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch: SPB451, SPB453 and Seiko Brand 100th Anniversary Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Special Edition: SPB455 Specifications
Ref. SPB451 SPB453 SPB455
Caliber 6R55
Driving system: Automatic
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second) Power reserve: 72 hours (3 days)
Number of jewels: 24
Specifications
Stainless steel case and bracelet with super-hard coating
Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push-button release, secure lock, and extender Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
Screw case back, screw-down crown
Lumibrite on hands and indexes
Diameter: 40.0mm, Thickness: 13.0mm
Water resistance: 300m diver’s
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Additional recycled polyester strap included (SPB455)
