Brands love to stake a claim to pioneer status in the world of dive watches, but Seiko certainly is a contender with its own significant contributions to celebrate. Introduced in 1965, the Seiko 6217-8001 – fondly known as the 62MAS – marked the brand’s inaugural diver. It set a precedent for innovation in the field and established the brand as a heavy-hitter in the realm of underwater timekeeping.

Seiko’s recent additions to the Prospex collection  are inspired by the brand’s 1960s roots and a testament to Seiko’s heritage and adventurous spirit. The line emphasizes professional-grade specifications and establishes a sense of Seiko’s priorities with their timepieces: ruggedness and reliability. This release offers enthusiasts marked improvements in specifications while also centering design.

The three new models mark Seiko’s second iteration of this line, with the SPB143 being well-received within the consumer market back in 2020. These 2024 references keep the basics that Seiko fans loved about their predecessors, while adding some substantial improvements to the specification sheet. Comfort, practicality, and style seem to be the focus of this release. The effect is a retro-inspired diver that doubles as a daily wearer.

There are a few notable differences between the Seiko SPB143 and this new trio. Making its Prospex debut is the in-house Caliber 6R55, which boasts a seventy-two hour power reserve. This is only a two hour difference from the SPB143, though still a helpful improvement, as well as the inspiration for the “Automatic Three Days” text on the lower half of the dial. The real bump in specs comes with the 300 meters of water resistance, a jump of 100m from earlier iterations.

SPB451, SPB453, and SPB455 also feature slight adjustments to the case diameter – 40mm instead of 40.5mm. Though a small difference, watch enthusiasts know that modest changes in size can have a large bearing on how the watch wears on the wrist. To further increase wearability, the drilled lugs have been shortened, clocking in at 46.4mm lug to lug.

The most prominent adjustment comes from the repositioning of the date window from the three o’clock position to 4:30. This move is both aesthetic and strategic. ISO standards require all indices be luminescent at the five minute intervals, and the previous three o’clock window kept the corresponding marker from its full lume potential. Though date positions between four and five seem to be divisive within parts of the community, this move allows for a more symmetrical dial while also ensuring maximum legibility underwater. The date wheel is color matched to the dial, further allowing it to blend in.

Overall, Seiko’s focus with these three models emphasize the brand’s commitment to both wearability and durability. The bracelet, which tapers to 18mm at the three-fold clasp, has shorter links, allowing for an easier time finding the right fit.

SPB451, SPB453, and SPB455 will be available at select retailers nationwide, Summer 2024. Discover the Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch, including the the Seiko Brand 100th Anniversary Special Edition here, and you can find a special page on the brand’s 100th anniversary here.

Tech Specs: Seiko SPB451, SPB453

Movement: Caliber 6R55
Functions: Minutes, Hours, Seconds, Date, Unidirectional Rotating Bezel
Case: 40mm stainless steel, water resistant to 300 meters
Dial: SPB451 (blue) and SPB453 (black) with applied luminous indices
Strap: Stainless steel
Price: USD 1,300
Availability: Unlimited

Tech Specs: Seiko SPB455

Movement: Caliber 6R55
Functions: Minutes, Hours, Seconds, Date, Unidirectional Rotating Bezel
Case: 40mm stainless steel, water resistant to 300 meters
Dial: Charcoal gray with gilt applied luminous indices
Strap: Stainless steel and additional strap made from recycled materials
Price: USD 1,400
Availability: Unlimited

Learn more on the Seiko Luxe website here