The Japanese manufacturer presents three new Prospex, including a special edition to celebrate 100 years of the first Seiko watch.
The Japanese manufacturer introduces three new timepieces in the Prospex collection, including a special edition with gold details celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first Seiko branded watch. These new models feature several refinements in terms of technique, design and construction, and are inspired by a Prospex that Seiko presented in 2020, Ref. SPB143J1.
In the decades following the introduction of the Japan's first diver's watch, presented by Seiko in 1965 and named 62MAS, the House has produced a wide range of divers that have won the favour of professionals and enthusiasts alike for their performance in terms of safety, reliability and ease of use. One of these watches is the aforementioned Prospex with Ref. SPB143J1, water-resistant to 200 metres and with a 70-hour power reserve, whose vintage style takes its cue from Seiko's and Japan's first diver's watch, the famous 62MAS.
New Seiko Prospex: higher performance, improved water resistance and readability
Just like the 2020 Ref. SPB143J1, these new Prospex reinterpret the design of Seiko's original 1965 dive watch, the 62MAS.
The new Seiko Prospex Ref. SPB451J1 (blue dial) and Ref. SPB453J1 (black dial) are driven by one of the latest movements developed in-house by the brand, the gauge 6R55 (21,600 vibrations per hour, antimagnetic), with a 72-hour power reserve. This is the first time this calibre has been included in the Prospex collection. These new timepieces are waterproof up to a good 300 metres and employ a 40 mm steel case diameter by 13 mm thick.
On the dial, protected by a domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal, hands and hour markers are luminescent thanks to the use of Lumibrite and between 4 and 5 o'clock is the date display. The unidirectional rotating bezel is fitted with an aluminium ring. The steel bracelet features a triple folding clasp with safety button and extension for wearing the watch over a diving suit.
The celebratory Prospex special edition
The special edition (Ref. SPB455J1) has the same technical features as the blue or black dial versions, but uses an anthracite grey dial with gold details.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Seiko watch, the company is also offering a third Special edition Prospex with an anthracite grey dial distinguished by golden details. Details that are also found on the aluminium disc of the unidirectional rotating bezel. In addition, this special edition is equipped with a additional strap made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, and made with a traditional Japanese weaving technique called 'Seichu', known in Japanese culture for its use in textiles.
Worth mentioning is the fact that this strap is characterised by a tensile strength almost four times higher than that of the classical Seiko textile straps. For the rest, the characteristics of this special edition Prospex are the same as those of the two models described above, namely 40 mm steel case, guaranteed water-resistance to 30 atmospheres and use of IWC-manufactured calibre 6R55, mechanical with automatic winding. All three of these new Prospex will be available from June in Seiko boutiques and selected sales outlets worldwide.
Recommended retail prices in Europe1,400 euros (Ref. SPB451J1 and SPB453J1), 1,600 euros (special edition, Ref. SPB455J1).
