![]() ![]() Regarding the dimensions, Seiko has recently made an effort to introduce more compact models. No debate regarding the overall quality it’s nicely done, feels very solid, and all parts are well adjusted. The case is made of stainless steel, and all parts are coated with Seiko’s hardening process – a.k.a Super Hard coating – making the case more resistant to action. No surprises regarding the design of the Prospex 1968 Diver GMT: large and solid shoulders, a crown at 4 o’clock, a bold bezel framing a legible dial and a combination of brushed surfaces and polished accents. And this is the base that Seiko has used to create its first collection of automatic GMT dive watches. Still inspired by the 1968 Diver, these were more compact and more usable. In 2020, Seiko revised its concept again with the SPB185 and SPB187. Additionally, Seiko presented the SPB077 and SPB079, more accessible and modernized recreation of the 1968 Ref. ![]() This 1968 Hi-Beat Diver was first re-issued in 2018 in a faithful, high-end way with the SLA025. The diving-only Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s SPB185J1 and SPB187J1, part of the same family as the GMT watches we’re checking out today It is an equally if not even more important watch since it was the first Hi-Beat diver’s watch on the market and a watch that was instrumental for the design language of most future Seiko dive watches. Following its first professional diver, the 62MAS of 1965, Seiko revised its copy and introduced an impressive and innovative professional dive watch, the Automatic Diver 300m Reference 6159-7001. As indicated by its name – Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation GMT, a mouthful as often with Seiko – this collection is a modern take on a dive watch released by the brand in 1968, the reference 6159-7001. Looking at the SPB385, or for that matter, the two other editions, there is a clear connection with previous watches from the Prospex range and with one specific historical watch. In fact, a trio of watches, the SPB381 with a green dial and bezel, the SPB383 with a black dial and bezel (both part of the permanent collection) and a limited edition under the Save the Ocean banner, the SPB385 that we’ll check out today.įirst of all, let’s talk about the basics and the design of this new GMT dive watch. Nicely designed, well priced, well equipped (a real “flyer” or “traveller” GMT function), but yes… solar-powered.Ī press conference in early March brought us some good news announcing Seiko’s first-ever use of a mechanical GMT movement in a Prospex diver’s watch. Your only option within the more capable Prospex collection were solar-powered Sumo watches, the SFK001 and SFK003. But both were well above the 5k euros mark. There were also some rather expensive, high-end watches from the LX line, powered by Spring Drive movements, the SNR033/35 or the SNR049. And in fact, these are not real dive watches but rather sports watches that can withstand some underwater activity. As for mechanical watches, the only existing option was the trio of (very cool, but rather low-end) Seiko 5 Sports Style GMT, the SSK001, SSK003 and SSK005. ![]() And the few models available only appeared recently. The very cool trio of accessible Seiko 5 Sports Style GMT watchesĪs for Seiko, the brand is no stranger to the concept of a GMT Dive watch, except that the offer was quite limited. And when you combine that function with dive watch credentials, you obtain one of the most useful timepieces available. Think chronographs or, for today’s matters, a traveller’s function, most of the time materialised under the GMT complication. There are some complications, however, that bring a lot to the wearer of a mechanical watch, functions that are instruments for a job. They are fascinating and add immensely to the charm of an elegant watch but serve almost no daily purpose. ![]() There are tons of additional functions you can add to a watch, but let’s be honest, in the real world, a moon phase or an equation of time are of very limited functionality. The state of the GMT dive watch at SeikoĬomplications are what make mechanical watches fun. But how good it really is? Let’s find out. But last month, Seiko unveiled its first mechanical Prospex Diver GMT, a collection of three watches, which includes the very appealing Prospex 1968 Diver GMT Save The Ocean Limited Edition SPB385. Surprisingly, this specific combo, at least in mechanical formats, has never been done in the Seiko Prospex range – and knowing how many dive watches there are, this absence was always a mystery. And not only for summer but for any time you want to be a bit adventurous. In short, it’s your go-anywhere, do-anything kind of watch. Together with the chronograph, I do believe that the combination of a dive watch with a traveller’s function, a.k.a a GMT complication, makes for some of the most attractive and practical watches. ![]()
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