When it involves historic Seiko dive watches, there’s no scarcity of iconic fashions to select from, starting from the very first 62MAS diver all the way in which as much as the ever present and lately discontinued SKX007. Nevertheless, maybe none of those are as iconic or as immediately recognizable because the cushion cased 6105. First launched in 1970, the 6105 rapidly grew to become successful with skilled divers and servicemen in Vietnam earlier than a star activate the wrist of Martin Sheen in “Apocalypse Now” cemented its legacy within the public consciousness. Now, Seiko has returned to the hardworking reasonably priced dive roots of the 6105 for a pair of recent 6105-inspired fashions – the Seiko Prospex SPB151 and Prospex SPB153.
Unusually for a contemporary reissue of a classic watch, the Prospex SPB151 and SPB153 are literally smaller general than the ‘70s unique. Whereas the unique 6105-8110 was an imposing 44 mm, the chrome steel circumstances of those new fashions clock in at 42.7 mm in diameter. This, coupled with the brief lugs and dramatic curving inward taper of the case sides towards the wrist, ought to assist these new interpretations to put on surprisingly compact for quite a lot of wrist sizes. Whereas no official quantity has been introduced, Seiko additionally guarantees the SPB151 and SPB153 are considerably slimmer than the unique as properly. One other important enchancment comes with the four o’clock crown, which now screws down slightly than the unique’s difficult and unwieldy pin-lock system. Additionally improved is general water resistance, with the SPB151 and SPB153 rated at 200 meters versus the unique’s 150 meter score.
The dials of the Seiko Prospex SPB151 and SPB153 are solidly trustworthy of their reinterpretation of the 6105 components. The utilized sq. indices and pointed baton palms are kind of equivalent to their ‘70s counterparts, whereas most different parts are solely barely altered. The stoplight tip on the second hand has been moved barely in from the very finish, the steel body for the date window has been eliminated in favor of a easy cutout, and like so many fashionable Seiko divers, there’s the Prospex emblem at 6 o’clock. General, nevertheless, the spirit of the 6105 is really intact on this design. The true substantive change comes with the SPB153, which swaps out the easy black dial and bezel for a deep olive drab shade. It’s a becoming connection for a design with each actual and Hollywood navy historical past, and the colour provides a recent edge to the 50 yr previous kind.
Each the Seiko Prospex SPB151 and the SPB153 are powered by Seiko’s in home 6R35 computerized motion. This sturdy caliber provides 70 hours of energy reserve, together with a 21,600 bph beat fee.
Seiko equips each the SPB151 and SPB153 with distinctive strap choices. For the black dial SBP151, Seiko opts for a 3 hyperlink oyster model bracelet with a push button butterfly clasp and diver’s extension. It’s a traditional and versatile mixture, however maybe the extra engaging possibility is fitted to the SPB153. The olive dial SPB153 comes with a black silicone rubber strap, patterned as a contemporary interpretation of the unique rubber “tire observe” strap fitted to the 6105. This new interpretation is thicker and extra dynamically textured than the unique, whereas sustaining a number of the ‘70s throwback taste.
Whereas this isn’t the primary time Seiko has reimagined the traditional 6105 design (that honor goes to final yr’s restricted version SLA033), these new fashions seize the spirit and dependability of the originals whereas refining the design past the template of the ‘70s. Each the Seiko Prospex SPB151 and SPB153 can be accessible by means of Seiko approved sellers beginning in July 2020, at an MSRP of $1,300 for the SPB151 and $1,100 for the SPB153. For extra info, please go to seikoluxe.com.
