New Seiko Prospex Collection with GMT Function

Seiko’s Prospex Divers collection is a favourite among professional and recreational divers all over the world. The first Seiko diver’s watch was released back in 1965, and ever since then, the Japanese brand has continuously strived to add new technologies, designs, features as well innovation. Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with the diver’s timepieces while also making them aesthetically pleasing and practical to be worn as everyday wear.

This new Prospex collection is a testament to Seiko’s stride in constantly moving forward. The new collection comes with three timepieces, one of which is a limited edition, with all the models featuring Seiko’s new movement with GMT function.

Seiko’s three new Prospex models come with a 42mm stainless steel case and bracelet with a unidirectional bezel. For the two of these timepieces, the ceramic insert is nicely colour matched to the dial. The first two variants (ref. SP381 & SP383) are non-limited editions and are a modern re-interpretation of a Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s model.

The green model (ref. SPB381) has been created with reference to the waters of Antarctica, one of the polar regions which the original Seiko divers took inspiration from. The dial has a sunburst effect and is slightly lighter than the bezel, which gives the timepiece a great look overall, thanks to the two different green tones. Like all three models, the hour indices are crisp and clear. Easily readable regardless of the situation, thanks to the large size, the indices and hands have also been filled with SuperlumiNova to help readability further in low light conditions (deep diving). This will certainly help with the timepieces being rated to a depth of 200m.

The black model (ref. SPB383) carries the same design cues as the green edition. However, the ceramic glossy black bezel insert is closely colour matched to the matte dial while at the same time showing the visuals of the different textures. This black model takes inspiration from the sea when seen at night. The gold GMT hand (which is also gold on the green edition) is more prominent in this timepiece and is a reference to the golden hues displayed by the moon during pitch-black skies.

Seiko’s third model for this Prospex collection is a limited edition timepiece (ref. SPB 385). This limited edition model (limited to 4000 pieces) was created to celebrate the 110th anniversary of Seiko’s and Japan’s first-ever wristwatch. Among the three models, this timepiece does stand out the best, thanks to its intricately textured ice-blue dial. The dial design takes inspiration from the polar glaciers that shape the landscapes and seascapes of the Artic and Antarctic. This was where Seiko’s reputation for creating durable and reliable watches first started back in the 1960s and ’70s when explorers wore the brand’s timepieces on expeditions to the North and South Poles.

All three timepieces come with the calibre 6R54 automatic movement. The GMT hand on this movement can be set independently in one-hour increments without interrupting the hour and minute hands. With stark contrasting colours, the GMT hand can easily be seen on the dial, showing the wearer at a glance the second time zone. The 6R54 movement operates at a frequency of 21 600 VpH and gives out a power reserve of 72 hours.

The limited edition timepiece (ice-blue dial) is also a part of the Save the Ocean series, which is made in support of the Seiko Prospex mission that helps people gain a better understanding of the world’s oceans and their preservation. Now with GMT function, this new Prospex collection by Seiko takes design cues from the old to make modern, aesthetically pleasing timepieces. All three models will be available from Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide from June 2023.

Reference: SPB381, SPB383 & SPB385 (limited edition)

Specification:

• Case: 42mm
• Case Material: Stainless steel case
• Dial: Sunray green (ref. SPB381), Matte black (ref. SPB383) & Ice-blue (ref. SPB 385)
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 20 Bar (200m)
• Movement: Automatic Calibre 6R54
• Power reserve: 72 hours
• Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp. Additional recycled polyester strap included for (ref. SPB 385)

Australian Recommended Retail Price: $2,500 (ref. SPB381, SPB383) & $2,800 (ref. SPB385)

Availability:  Seiko Boutiques and select retail stores worldwide from June 2023.