July 3 2026

A Familiar Face Returns: The New Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver’s GMT HBC001 And HBC002

Ricardo Amaral NEW RELEASES, SEIKO 2026, Diver, GMT 0

Seiko expands its Prospex collection with two new additions to the 1968 Heritage Diver’s GMT family, the references HBC001 and HBC002. The new models build on the platform introduced in 2023, preserving the design inspired by the brand’s historic 1968 diver while incorporating practical upgrades aimed at both professional use and everyday wear.

The new HBC001 arrives with a green dial and matching green ceramic bezel insert, while the HBC002 opts for a classic black dial and black bezel combination. Both watches retain the distinctive case architecture that pays tribute to Seiko’s iconic 1968 diver, featuring sharp lines, prominent chamfers and polished case flanks.

Familiar Design, Improved Capability

The stainless steel case measures 42 mm in diameter and maintains a thickness of 12.90 mm despite one of the most notable upgrades introduced on these new references: water resistance has increased from 200 meters to 300 meters.

This enhancement further strengthens the professional diving credentials of the collection without altering the overall proportions of the watch, making the new GMT diver even more versatile for underwater adventures.

Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, while both the case and bracelet receive Seiko’s Super-Hard Coating treatment to improve resistance against scratches and daily wear.

Ceramic Bezel and High Legibility

The unidirectional rotating bezel continues to feature a glossy ceramic insert designed to provide improved durability and color stability over time.

Large applied indexes and hands are generously filled with Lumibrite to ensure excellent legibility in low-light environments, an essential feature for diving watches and travel companions alike.

Powered by the Calibre 6R54 GMT Movement

At the heart of both models is the automatic Calibre 6R54 manufacture movement, developed to combine diving functionality with GMT capability.

The movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour, uses 24 jewels and delivers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, allowing the watch to continue running for an entire weekend off the wrist.

The calibre features an “office GMT” architecture, allowing the wearer to independently adjust the 24-hour hand to track a second time zone while maintaining uninterrupted timekeeping. The additional central hand indicates home or reference time against the 24-hour scale.

New Micro-Adjustable Clasp

One of the most practical upgrades arrives on the bracelet.

The previous diver’s extension system has been replaced by a new micro-adjustment clasp designed for easier everyday use. The push-button mechanism offers up to 15 mm of adjustment across six positions with 2.50 mm increments, allowing wearers to quickly adapt the fit to temperature changes or wrist expansion throughout the day without the need for tools.

The watches continue to be delivered on a three-link stainless steel bracelet that integrates seamlessly with the angular case profile while enhancing overall comfort on the wrist.

Price and Availability

The Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver’s GMT HBC001 and HBC002 join the permanent collection and are positioned above the original SPB381 and SPB383 references, reflecting the upgraded clasp system and increased water resistance. The new models are priced at GBP 1,600.

Final Thoughts

With these updates, the HBC001 and HBC002 further refine one of the most capable travel-oriented dive watches in the Prospex collection, combining professional diving specifications with practical GMT functionality for frequent travelers and enthusiasts alike.