To mark the 60th anniversary of its iconic dive watches, Seiko has introduced three limited edition Prospex models: the Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch- Seiko Diver’s Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition (SPB511), the Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver’s GMT Watch- Seiko Diver’s Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition (SPB509), and the Prospex Marinemaster Professional- Seiko Diver’s Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition (SLA081). Note that in some markets SLA reference numbers are used for all three watches.
Each of these timepieces is a tribute to the brand’s deep-rooted legacy of pioneering dive watches while incorporating modern upgrades. We have already featured the Limited Edition watch and today we focus on the other two.
Inspired by first diver’s watch
In 1965, Seiko was informed by a professional diver that watches used at great depths frequently sustained damage. In response, the brand developed Japan’s first-ever diver’s watch, which featured automatic movement and 150 metres of water resistance.
The Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s 60th Anniversary is inspired by Seiko’s very first diver’s watch, the “62MAS” 1965 Diver. Designed under the theme of “The Great Wave,” it pays homage to the iconic woodblock print by Hokusai. This timepiece features an in-house 6R55 automatic calibre, with a three-day power reserve and up to 300 metres of water resistance.
The same inspiration continues in the Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver’s GMT 60th Anniversary edition, which features a unique dial pattern and caseback adorned with the iconic wave. It specifically pays tribute to the 1968 Diver, which was Seiko’s first one-piece case hi-beat Diver’s watch with 300 metres of water resistance. A first for the model, these references are paired with a short-pitch length bracelet with micro-adjustable clasps. All dials have horizontal grooves, with “Marinemaster” printed at 12 o’clock. A circular date window sits at 4:30.
The original Seiko Marinemaster was released to the world in 2000. It was complete with a 44mm monobloc case, 300 metres of water resistance, and helium-proof construction (no valve required). Seiko has released additional versions of the Marinemaster since, the last of which was the SBDX017, discontinued in 2018.
Inside the Marinemaster line-up is the Seiko calibre 6L37. The automatic movement has a 45-hour power reserve and beats at 4 Hz. It’s a movement Seiko first introduced in the Prospex SJE093 Limited Edition earlier this year.
The bracelet for the Marinemaster is also new. It has three rounded links, with the middle links having mirror-polished and brushed surfaces. There’s a push-button clasp and diver’s extension. The watches will be available from July.
