Seiko, a pioneer in dive watch technology, is marking the 60th anniversary of its inaugural diver’s watch from 1965 with the introduction of three new Prospex timepieces. Over six decades, Seiko has consistently pushed the boundaries of diver’s watchmaking, catering to the rigorous demands of professional divers. This legacy of innovation, focused on enhancing safety, reliability, legibility, and user-friendliness, continues today with the Prospex collection.
The 2025 anniversary will be celebrated with three distinct new models. The first, powered by the brand-new Caliber 8L45, joins Seiko’s esteemed Marinemaster series, blending exceptional performance with refined design and meticulous craftsmanship. Its design subtly nods to an early and iconic 1968 Seiko diver, while its construction draws inspiration from another innovative Seiko diver launched in 1975.
The new Caliber 8L45 represents the zenith of Seiko’s mechanical movements. It incorporates Spron, Seiko’s proprietary alloy known for its durability against breakage, rust, and wear, crucial for harsh underwater environments. A thinner, longer mainspring now provides an extended 72-hour power reserve, and an improved method of securing the movement enhances overall durability. In addition to its extended power, Caliber 8L45 boasts an accuracy of +10 to -5 seconds per day.
The SLA081 model features a captivating blue gradient dial, deepening towards the edge to evoke the mysteries of the deep sea. The dial showcases a new textured pattern reminiscent of the deep ocean. For enhanced reliability, the indexes are molded directly into the dial, ensuring they remain secure even under impact. A thick, clear coating adds a lustrous finish and an unprecedented sense of depth to the dial.
The watch’s one-piece titanium case construction ensures water resistance up to 600 meters, making it suitable for saturation diving. As a mark of its professional capabilities, “PROFESSIONAL” is inscribed on the dial. Mirroring Seiko’s 1975 innovation, it features a specially designed L-shaped gasket to prevent helium infiltration, negating the need for a helium escape valve.
The stainless-steel bezel insert is treated with a diamond-like carbon coating, increasing its surface hardness approximately sixfold for superior scratch resistance. A newly developed bracelet features rounded links designed for a flexible and comfortable fit.
The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Professional Seiko Diver’s Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition (SLA081) will be available as a limited edition of 600 pieces at Seiko Boutiques and select retailers worldwide from July 2025, with a European recommended retail price of €5,200. Notably, this watch is slated to support JAMSTEC’s Arctic research program in 2025, continuing Seiko Prospex’s history of supporting marine conservation initiatives. Seiko and JAMSTEC have a long-standing relationship, including successful deep-sea testing of Seiko divers’ watches on JAMSTEC submersibles.
Joining the anniversary celebration are two additional Prospex creations (SPB511 and SPB509), both featuring a new dial design in silver and blue, inspired by the wave mark found on Prospex diver’s watch case backs. The silver-dialed model pays tribute to Seiko’s original 1965 diver, while the blue-dialed version echoes the design of the 1968 diver.
The silver-dialed Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch Seiko Diver’s Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition (SPB511) is powered by Caliber 6R55, while the blue-dialed Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver’s GMT Watch Seiko Diver’s Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition (SPB509) features the GMT Caliber 6R54, allowing for independent adjustment of the 24-hour GMT hand. Both movements offer a 72-hour power reserve and 300-meter water resistance. The watches feature Lumibrite on the hands and all indexes, along with a unidirectional bezel with a luminous pip.
Both 6R-powered models also boast an updated clasp with a 15mm adjustment range, easily adjustable in 2.5mm increments via side buttons for optimal comfort.
The Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch (SPB511) will be available as a limited edition of 6,000 from June 2025, with a European recommended retail price of €1,500. The Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver’s GMT Watch (SPB509) will also be available as a limited edition of 6,000 from June 2025, with a European recommended retail price of €1,900.
The original 1965 diver’s watch (62MAS) was Japan’s first, featuring an automatic mechanical movement and 150m water resistance, proving its reliability in Antarctic expeditions. The 1968 diver’s watch, a groundbreaking professional model with a high-beat automatic movement and 300m water resistance, set new standards in dive watch innovation with its distinctive design.
Seiko’s 60th-anniversary Prospex collection celebrates this rich heritage with advanced technology and design, promising to continue the brand’s legacy in the world of divers’ watches.
