Seiko Unveils New Prospex Models Inspired by Its First-Ever 1965 Dive Watches
These special editions of iconic divers boast stylishly modern upgrades.
Japanese watchmaker Seiko first issued a dive watch 55 years ago. The 62MAS quickly became a classic. So naturally, the company is bringing it back for an anniversary run as part of the Prospex line.
To be clear, the retro-style diver—now model number SPB149—is a re-creation of the original with some modern timekeeping tweaks under the lid.
These reboots are part of a larger line, all automatics, announced in March 2020.
The Seiko SPB149 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation was specifically designed to replicate the 1965 model, but it comes equipped with 200 meters of water resistance, an updated caliber 6R35 movement, 24 jewels, and a power reserve of 70 hours. It’s got a classic-looking stainless steel case and bracelet, both hardened with extra coating. The sapphire crystal is curved and protected with an anti-reflective coating, and Lumibrite coats the hands and indexes for easy reading in the dark.
This classic is a limited edition run of 5,500 and will retail for $1,350. It’s available for purchase beginning in July 2020.
The chunky 52.4mm SLA041 is a recreation of Seiko’s 1975 Professional Diver’s watch and it has 1000 meters of water resistance. With 26 jewels it also has 50 hours of power reserve, a “super-hard” coated titanium inner case and steel bezel. Like the 1965 reboot it bears a sapphire crystal and Lumibrite but comes with a practical silicone strap.
The SLA041 is a limited edition run of 1,100, will cost $4,500 USD and is available beginning in August 2020.
The SLA039 is a recreation of the 1968 Seiko Professional Diver’s 300m. watch. It runs on an 8L55 caliber with 37 jewels. The case is what the Japanese watchmaker calls “Ever-Brilliant Steel” with anti-reflective sapphire crystal. It comes equipped with a textured silicone strap and is a little smaller than the ’75, with a 44mm case.
This is also a limited edition of 1,100 pieces, retails for $6,800, and will be available in July 2020.
The SLA037 is a variation on the 1965 diver, with a silicone strap and caliber 8L55 movement. It has a 55-hour power reserve and 37 jewels. It’s a modestly-sized 39.9mm and water-resistant to 200 meters.
Like the preceding models, only 1,100 pieces will be available when it is available to purchase for $6,300 in June 2020.
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