Seiko - Prospex Diver’s Watch 55th Anniversary Limited Editions

Three landmark models models from Seiko’s first decade as a maker of diver’s watches are now re-created as part of the Prospex collection in celebration of the 55th anniversary of that their first diver's watch introduced in 1965. Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver’s Re-creation ref. SLA037, Euro 6,500 Seiko Prospex 1968 Professional Diver’s 300m Re-creation ref. SLA039, Euro 7,000 Seiko Prospex 1975 Professional Diver’s 600m Re-creation ref. SLA041, Euro 4,500

Seiko introduced its first ever diver’s watch in 1965. With an automatic movement and water resistance to 150 metres, this diver’s watch found favour with professional divers and adventurers, becoming the first of a long series.

In 1968, Seiko’s first diver’s watch with 300 metres water resistance and a 10-beat automatic movement was created.

Seven years later, in 1975, Seiko produced a 600 metres diver’s watch characterized by a titanium one-piece case and an outer case protector. It used a specially developed L-shaped gasket to make it impervious to helium without the need for an escape valve. It also featured an accordion-style strap that made the watch secure on the wrist whatever the ambient pressure. The watch became known as “Tuna” for its unique construction.

These three models from Seiko’s first decade as a maker of diver’s watches are now re-created as part of the Prospex collection in celebration of the 55th anniversary of that milestone.

While faithful to the original designs, the Prospex Diver’s Watch 55th Anniversary Limited Editions offer updated specifications.

The new 1965 Diver’s Re-creation model and the original 1965 62MAS 150m

The new 1968 Professional Diver’s 300m Re-creation model and the original 1968 Hi-beat Diver’s 300m

The 1975 Professional Diver’s 600m Re-creation model and the original 1975 Professional Diver’s 600m

They are made of a special stainless steel, known as Seiko’s Ever-Brilliant Steel, that is particularly brilliant and more corrosion resistant than the stainless steel generally used in most high-end watches today.

It is used for the cases of the 1965 and 1968 re-creations as well as for the bezel of the 1975 re-creation whose case is, like the original, in titanium. Sizes are as follows:
- The 1965 Diver’s Re-creation, diameter 39.9 mm, thickness 14.7 mm
- The 1968 Professional Diver’s 300m Re-creation, diameter 44.8 mm, thickness 15.7 mm
- The 1975 Professional Diver’s 600m Re-creation, diameter 52.4 mm, thickness 17.2 mm

The 1965 and 1968 re-creations are powered by the high beat 8L55 movement beating at 36,000 vibrations per hour with a power reserve of 55 hours while the 1975 re-creation carries the 4 Hz (28,800 vph) Caliber 8L35 offering an autonomy of 50 hours.

The blue-gray dial are protected by sapphire crystals with anti-reflective coating. The 1975 re-creation has an increased anti-magnetic resistance of 40,000 a/m thanks to the dial made of pure iron.

The blue straps are also faithful to the originals but instead of rubber, Seiko used silicone for greater strength and comfort.

Prices:
Seiko Prospex 1965 Diver’s Re-creation ref. SLA037, Euro 6,500
Seiko Prospex 1968 Professional Diver’s 300m Re-creation ref. SLA039, Euro 7,000
Seiko Prospex 1975 Professional Diver’s 600m Re-creation ref. SLA041, Euro 4,500

All three watches will be made available as limited editions of 1,100 at Seiko boutiques and selected retailers worldwide. The 1965, 1968, and 1975 re-creations will be introduced in June, July, and August 2020 respectively.

100 special commemorative boxes with all three re-creations with additional black straps will be available in May 2020. seikowatches.com