Seiko usually surprises us with new restricted editions. Usually, they’re variations of current fashions that introduce new dials and attention-grabbing colours. However typically, a restricted collection is greater than that. With the introduction of at present’s new trio of watches, Seiko treats us to a couple firsts that followers will definitely love. Crucial information is the discharge of the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SLA081. It’s a brand new high-end titanium Marinemaster mannequin primarily based on the model’s 1968 Diver. On prime of that, we get the brand new SPB511, a variation of the favored fashionable tackle the 62MAS, in addition to the SPB509, one other model of the Prospex GMT diver. Let’s discover out extra!
Earlier than we get into the specifics of every of the three fashions, the overarching theme right here is gorgeous wave dials. Seiko has knocked it out of the park with these. The darkish blue dials for the SLA081 and the SPB509 are particularly good. They add depth and texture to those restricted editions, making them stand out instantly. Everyone knows that Seiko and Grand Seiko introduce a large number of new dials yearly, so for these to make such an affect is particular. Let’s talk about them by zooming in on the three new fashions.
Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SLA081
Let’s kick issues off with the large kahuna. The brand new Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SLA081 instantly stands out from the opposite two watches. However when you decide it up, you can be shocked as a result of it’s lighter than you might have initially thought. The watch includes a 45.4mm titanium case with a 16mm thickness and a comparatively cheap 50mm lug-to-lug.
It’s a monobloc case with an L-shaped gasket to forestall helium infiltration, eliminating the necessity for an escape valve and making this watch appropriate for saturation diving. This development is a nod to the first-generation skilled “Tuna” divers launched in 1975 and the rationale Seiko added the phrase “Skilled” to the dial. General, it’s a powerful case modeled after that of the model’s 1968 diver, so it additionally appears just like the Marinemaster 300 SBDX001 that our readers know and love.
Based mostly on its dimensions, it’s honest to state that this can be a huge watch. Nonetheless, due to the light-weight titanium, it actually doesn’t really feel prefer it. The case includes a titanium bezel with a chrome steel insert handled with a DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating and bearing engraved numerals and markers in white.
Seiko mixed the case with a fantastic darkish blue gradient dial with an intricate wave sample mimicking the nice depths of the ocean. I like the blue shade that Seiko selected as a result of it oozes type and additional emphasizes the watch’s aquatic inspiration. The dial options contrasting indexes handled with Seiko’s Lumibrite for nice readability at nighttime.
A brand new bracelet and black DLC bumpers for the SLA081
Finishing the look is the brand new five-row titanium bracelet. That’s additionally the place it will get attention-grabbing. As you possibly can see, between the tip hyperlinks and the case are two black DLC-coated stainless-steel components that affix the bezel and maintain it in place. These bumpers are mounted on the case again and make servicing the watch with its monobloc case lots simpler.
It’s an attention-grabbing selection that works properly for its supposed function. If I had designed this watch, I wouldn’t have made the bumpers black, nevertheless it is smart for the reason that shade of stainless-steel is completely different from that of titanium. The brand new bracelet itself has extra rounded hyperlinks and likewise includes a re-engineered clasp with a dive extension and an additional fold-over lock.
Contained in the case, Seiko equips the SLA081 with its brand-new in-house caliber 8L45. It operates at 28,800vph, has 35 jewels, and provides 72 hours of energy reserve. The caliber incorporates Seiko’s proprietary Spron alloy. This materials was designed for sturdiness in opposition to breakage, rust, and put on, guaranteeing resilience in harsh underwater situations. Because of a thinner, longer mainspring, the ability reserve has elevated over that of the earlier 8L35. The brand new 8L45 motion additionally has an formally said accuracy of -5/+10 seconds per day.
This new Seiko Prospex SLA081 is a powerful skilled dive watch that’s surprisingly straightforward to put on due to its lightness. Seiko will produce 600 items of this restricted version, which might be accessible worldwide beginning July 2025 for €4,900.
SPB511 (left) and SPB509 (proper)
The brand new Seiko Prospex SPB509 GMT diver
Along with the brand new high-end Prospex Marinemaster, Seiko introduced two extra Sixtieth-anniversary fashions which can be variations of standard Prospex dive watches. The primary is the SPB509, a GMT model of the 1968 Diver’s Trendy Re-interpretation.
As such, it’s associated to the SPB381, SPB383, and SPB385 GMT dive watches that Seiko launched in 2023. The SPB509 has a 42mm case with a 13.3mm thickness and a 48.8mm lug-to-lug. This stainless-steel case includes a super-hard coating and a 300m depth ranking (a 100m enchancment in comparison with the earlier fashions).
Topping the case is a fantastic darkish blue bezel insert that matches the gorgeous blue wave dial. You’ll have seen that this motif is completely different from that of the SLA081 and options far more distinguished waves. I’ve to offer Seiko an enormous praise for selecting two shades of blue that work extremely properly with these dials. They echo the depths of the ocean and provides them immediate function.
Contrasting the blue dial are 12 giant hour markers crammed with Lumibrite. The silver-colored arms indicating the native time are mixed with a brief gold-colored GMT hand that signifies the time in one other time zone. This hand’s corresponding 24-hour scale is on the rehaut of the dial, serving to it match properly into the design with out interfering with the watch’s diving function.
As with earlier releases, the crown is on the precise aspect of the case, simply above the 4 o’clock marker. Seiko subtly built-in the date window between 4 and 5 o’clock, so it doesn’t stand out until you give attention to it. To me, that’s precisely how a date window needs to be on a purposeful software watch like this one.
A brand new clasp that Seiko followers will love
Final up for the outside, the brand new bracelet finishes the look properly. This three-row bracelet comes outfitted with a brand new clasp that needs to be successful with followers. Lastly, Seiko answered the decision for a brand new clasp with a toolless micro-adjustment system. However the model has carried out extra than simply combine that for faster sizing. The brand new milled clasp is good and skinny and appears tremendous smooth. Because of this, many followers will welcome this transformation with open arms.
Hiding behind the metal case again is Seiko’s in-house caliber 6R54. This automated GMT motion operates at 21,600vph and provides 72 hours of energy reserve. The caller-style GMT motion means that you can independently alter the 24-hour hand. No, it’s not a much-desired flyer-style motion, however until you journey throughout time zones typically, there are not any main downsides to a caller-style GMT caliber. Seiko will produce 6,000 items of this second Sixtieth-anniversary mannequin, which is able to retail for €1,900 beginning in June 2025.
The brand new Seiko Prospex SPB511
The final of the three new fashions is the Seiko Prospex SPB511. This watch relies on Seiko’s fashionable interpretation of its well-known 62MAS. As a few of you’ll know, the most recent iteration of that collection debuted a few yr in the past, and Thomas wrote about it right here. Earlier than that was the primary collection of contemporary 62MAS-style divers, which included the extremely standard SPB143.
This new Seiko Prospex SPB511 includes a 40mm stainless-steel case with a 13mm thickness and a 46.3mm lug-to-lug. Identical to the SPB509 GMT, the case and bracelet have acquired a super-hard coating, and the watch has a 300m depth ranking.
The case includes a unidirectional stainless-steel bezel holding a grey insert with white numerals and markers. It enhances the silver wave dial so properly. This one has the identical sample because the blue dial within the SPB509. For these questioning, Seiko took inspiration for this from the wave picture discovered on the again of lots of the model’s dive watches.
A brand new sleeker clasp for a greater general look
The mix of the silver dial and darkish grey bezel instantly makes this SPB511 stand out. The hour markers mix in considerably with the dial shade, however the barely completely different hue of the Lumibrite brings a slight shade distinction. Ending the watch’s look is a three-row bracelet that additionally options the brand new clasp.
This new clasp particularly works miracles for this new mannequin. As that is the sleekest of the three, it additionally advantages probably the most by way of general profile. It makes the watch look higher, and followers will love the improved performance.
Powering this watch is the in-house Seiko caliber 6R55. This automated motion operates at 21,600vph and supplies 72 hours of energy reserve, similar to the 6R54 GMT motion. Its indicated accuracy is -15/+25 seconds per day.
Identical to the SPB509, the brand new SPB511 might be accessible beginning in June 2025. The watch is a restricted version of 6,000 items and can retail for €1,500. It’s the first variant within the present 62MAS-based line that includes a light-colored dial. In fact, that’s nothing new, nevertheless it’s nice to see how good it appears. It reveals the ability of the unique 62MAS design and the way Seiko managed to show that into a contemporary day by day wearer.
Last ideas on the brand new Seiko Prospex Sixtieth-anniversary divers
Seiko did an incredible job with this new trio of Sixtieth-anniversary dive watches. My favourite is the SLA081 as a result of it’s critically spectacular. Regardless of its grandiose presence, the SLA081 is light-weight, and it brings again the nice look of probably the most well-known Marinemaster fashions. Because of this, it hits exactly the precise notice. Plus, the monobloc development is nothing in need of sensible. A part of the newly constructed case is the L-shaped gasket to forestall helium infiltration. It’s a delicate nod to the legendary “Tuna” that additionally celebrates its anniversary this yr. That’s why we hope Seiko may also reveal a Fiftieth-anniversary Tuna mannequin within the coming months. For now, the SLA081, SPB509, and SPB511 are an incredible begin to this yr of anniversaries for Seiko dive watches!
