Seiko Prospex 2020 Vintage 1968 Reinterpretation Diver's Watch

The 1968 diver has recently been a major source of inspiration for Seiko. While not the very first dive watch of the brand (that the 62MAS), the 6159-7001 could be considered as the one that laid the foundation for the brand’s design codes, which are still in use today. It indeed already featured all elements that made modern Seiko diving instruments easily recognizable – the angular lugs, the crown at 4 o’clock, the typical applied indexes and hands

So here we are, face to dial with these new SPB185J1 and SPB187J1 and the first thing to note is indeed the “downsizing” effect. When the SPB077 had a 44mm x 13.1mm case, these new models are 42mm in diameter with a height of 12.5mm. Yes, these are not small watches, objectively, but two comments. First of all, we can only applause this move from Seiko, which is reducing the size of the watches. 2mm less is not neglectable and can properly be felt on the wrist. Second, the inspiration, the 1968 Hi-Beat diver, was a fairly massive watch too and these new SPBs somehow had to follow suit

Finally, the new Seiko SPB185J1 and SPB187J1 are both worn on a traditional 3-link brushed stainless steel bracelet. As you can see in the image above, the clasp is fairly complex, since it features security pushers and a clever diving extension. A nice touch for a watch in this price range.

Model Number: SPB185J1

• Sapphire Crystal Glass
• Stainless steel Case (Super Hard Coating)
• Three-fold clasp with secure lock , push button release with extender
• 200-meter water resistance
• Japan Made Automatic 6R35 Movement with manual winding capacity
• Unidirectional rotating bezel
• Screw case back
• Screw-down crown
• 24 jewels
• Date display
• Stop second-hand function

Release: Year 2020