Category: SEIKO

Seiko has just unveiled a trio of new dive watches under its Prospex line, sparking excitement and debate in the world of watch enthusiasts. Known for its tool watches, Seiko’s latest releases are notable not only for their bold design but also for their technical features, with the asymmetrical octagonal bezel grabbing attention. If this design reminds you of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer, you’re not alone—similar thoughts have surfaced across our minds.

The new Seiko dive watches feature a completely redesigned stainless steel case, measuring 41.30mm in diameter, 12.50mm thick, and 48.20mm in length. This case boasts a mix of polished and brushed finishes, creating a balance between elegance and ruggedness. The unidirectional metallic bezel is highlighted by a polished diving scale and a lumed pip at the 12 o’clock position, ensuring readability in low-light conditions. Other notable features include drilled lugs, a sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown flanked by protective guards at the 3 o’clock position, and a solid screw-down case back adorned with the iconic Tsunami medallion. With 300 meters of water resistance, these watches are built for serious underwater exploration.

The dial of each watch showcases a wave groove pattern, with applied hour markers and hands coated in Seiko’s signature Lumibrite for optimal legibility. A subtle date window is positioned at 4:30, while the minute and second tracks run along the edges, extending to the flange. Seiko’s logo is embossed at noon, followed by the Prospex emblem and the text “Automatic 3 Days” and “Divers 300m” at 6 o’clock, clearly signalling the watch’s robust technical specs.

Three dial variations are available: the SPB481 features an ivory beige dial with a black bezel insert, the SPB483 sports a blue dial with a matching blue bezel, and the SPB485 offers a sleek black dial accented with gilt tones and a copper bezel insert. Powering these timepieces is Seiko’s reliable 6R55 automatic movement, which operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and provides a power reserve of up to three days.

Completing the package is a sturdy 3-link steel bracelet, featuring polished central links and brushed side links, paired with a folding clasp equipped with a dive extension for convenience during underwater adventures. With a price tag of €1,200, these watches are set to hit the market in December, just in time for the holiday season, offering a perfect gift for diving enthusiasts or Seiko collectors alike.

Read more here.

General Specifications:

Brand: Seiko

Model: Prospex Diver 41mm

Reference: SPB481 (beige dial), SPB483 (blue dial), SPB485 (brown dial)

Dial: Beige, blue, brown

Case Material: Stainless steel

Case Dimensions: 41.30 mm Diameter, 12.50 mm thickness, 48.20 mm lug-to-lug

Crystal: Sapphire glass

Case Back: Stainless steel

Water Resistance: 300 Meters

Strap: 20mm stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp and diver extension

Calibre: 6R55

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Winding: Automatic

Frequency: 3 Hz (21,600 Vph)

Jewels: 24

Power Reserve: 72 Hours

Price: € 1,200

Limited Edition: No

Availability: December 2024

Seiko has expanded its Prospex Diver line, introducing three new dive watches that offer a more accessible price point while maintaining high-performance features. Unlike previous models priced over GBP 1,500, these new additions are much more affordable, with prices starting at GBP 470.

These latest releases showcase a new 41mm case size, offering an alternative to the existing 38.50mm and 42.79mm options within the Prospex Diver Solar collection. Despite the smaller price tag, Seiko hasn’t compromised on quality or durability. Each watch is constructed with a stainless steel case that measures 41mm in diameter, 11.30mm in thickness, and 48.80mm in length, with a lug width of 20mm for versatility in strap options. The inclusion of drilled lugs further enhances the ease of switching straps, a feature highly valued by dive watch enthusiasts.

The design includes a brushed finish, a 60-minute unidirectional bezel, and sapphire crystal for scratch resistance. The 3 o’clock position hosts a screw-down crown, flanked by guards, providing secure operation. With a solid screw-down case back and water resistance up to 200 meters, these watches continue to meet the rigorous demands of divers and adventurers.

The dial is designed for optimal readability, featuring raised hour markers and generously LumiBrite-filled hands to ensure visibility underwater. A date window positioned next to the crown features a white background for easy reading. Branding details such as the Seiko name, the Prospex logo, and “Diver’s 200m” are displayed at 12 and 6 o’clock, respectively.

The new models include the SNE595, featuring a navy blue dial with a blue and red bi-colour bezel, the SNE597 with a black dial and bezel, and the SNE599, which mirrors the SNE597 but with a black-coated case. Inside, the watches are powered by Seiko’s solar-powered Quartz V157 movement, known for its accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month. This movement offers up to 10 months of power when fully charged, making it highly reliable for those who require both precision and low maintenance.

Each watch comes paired with a matching 3-link steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp. The SNE595 and SNE597 are priced at GBP 470, while the black-coated SNE599 is slightly higher at GBP 530, making these models a competitive offering in the dive watch market.

Read more here.

General Specifications:

Brand: Seiko

Model: Prospex Solar Diver 41mm

Reference: SNE595 (blue dial), SNE597 (black dial), SNE599 (black dial on a black-coated case)

Dial: Blue, black

Case Material: Stainless steel

Case Dimensions: 41 mm Diameter, 11.30 mm thickness, 48.80 mm lug-to-lug

Crystal: Sapphire glass

Case Back: Stainless steel

Water Resistance: 200 Meters

Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp

Calibre: V157

Dimensions: 28.60 mm Diameter, 3.50 mm thickness

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date

Winding: Quartz – Solar powered

Frequency: 32,768 Hz

Jewels: 2

Power Reserve: 10 Months (when fully charged)

Price: GBP 470 (blue, black dial on a steel case), GBP 530 (black dial on black-coated case)

Limited Edition: No