In 1965, Seiko introduced its, and Japan’s, first diver’s watch, the 62MAS. In the years since, Seiko diver’s watches have earned the trust of professional divers and diving enthusiasts around the world thanks to innovations in durability, water resistance, and precision. Seiko continues the spirit of exploration paved by its first diver’s watch with three re-interpretations of the classic mid-century design, each with a dial inspired by some of the most demanding American cold-water diving locations.
The first re-interpretation, SPB419, features an icy-blue gradation dial inspired by Michigan blue ice. Occurring along the coastline of the northern Great Lakes, Michigan’s breathtaking blue ice is a rarely seen phenomenon that happens when ice forms slowly and evenly, taking the shape of large crystals and allowing light to penetrate deeply, causing the frozen water to take on a vivid blue color.
The other two re-interpretations look to Alaska and the state’s remote glacial moulins for inspiration. Taking their name from the French word for “mill,” the Alaska moulins are glacial water tunnels that only the most daring and skilled divers have explored. Formed when a meltstream penetrates the surface of a glacier, these breathtaking natural phenomena can reach all the way down to the bottom of a glacier, up to hundreds of meters in depth. The dial of SPB421 has a dark blue hue with a subtle gradation, evoking the colors viewed at the depths of the moulin, while SPB423 highlights the light gray tones of glacial ice with its gradated dial.
All three timepieces feature an intricate 3-dimensional pressed pattern dial that vividly recalls the colors one might encounter exploring some of the world’s most challenging diving environments. While the case design is an instantly recognizable Seiko classic that will transport the wearer back in time to the birth of the legendary first Seiko diver’s watch, it has been updated for today with a sleeker more streamlined construction that fits comfortably on the wrist.
Each model in the trio has a diameter of 40.5mm and is powered by the modern Caliber 6R35 self-winding 24-jewel mechanical movement, which has a frequency of 21,600 vph, and maintains a power reserve of 70 hours when fully wound. Water resistant to 200 meters and engineered for compliance with the relevant ISO for diving, each has a screw-down crown and features a uni-directional bezel in a color that complements its patterned dial. Comfort and security are ensured thanks to a three-link stainless steel bracelet with a tri-fold push button release clasp with secure lock and diving suit extension.
The 2023 Prospex U.S. Special Editions are being launched exclusively in the United States and will be available at select Seiko retailers in September 2023, each with a suggested retail price of $1,250.
Seiko Prospex U.S. Special Editions: SPB419, SPB421, SPB423
Caliber 6R35
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: approximately 70 hours
Number of jewels: 24
Specifications
Stainless steel case with super-hard coating
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
Screw-down crown, screw case back
Lumibrite on hands and markers
Water resistance: 200m diver’s
Diameter: 40.5mm, Thickness: 13.2mm
Stainless steel bracelet with super-hard coating
Recommended retail price in USD: $1,250
