Seiko has wholeheartedly embraced the concept of reviving traditional fashions from its again catalog lately, particularly its traditional dive watches, however as a normal rule these releases observe a sample. First, the model will launch an especially trustworthy restricted version reissue of a given traditional timepiece, priced close to the highest of the mannequin vary. A few yr afterwards, the model will unveil a extra modestly priced normal manufacturing “re-imagining” of the identical watch, with some dramatic alteration that disrupts the circulation of the unique design, be it a totally totally different handset, new markers, a modified bezel design, or one other stylistic change. 2020 appears to be the yr when Seiko has acknowledged and damaged that cycle for good. As a part of this yr’s novelties, the Japanese big introduced a collection of 4 trendy re-imaginings of its first ever dive watch, the 1965 62MAS. Whereas the model has produced high-end reissues and even a collection of dramatically restyled variations of the core 62MAS design, this new collection of 4 fashions could be the primary (with the potential exception of the Turtle collection) to interrupt the mould of Seiko’s reissue construction and ship a trustworthy and reasonably priced recreation for the lots. These 4 new watches, the gilt dial Seiko Prospex SPB147, the grey dial Seiko Prospex SPB143, the boutique particular version Seiko Prospex SPB145, and the restricted version Seiko Prospex SPB149, symbolize among the handsomest additions to the present Prospex dive watch lineup.
Right off the bat, the stainless-steel instances of those new 62MAS fashion fashions really feel like a departure from earlier interpretations on this design. At a 40.5 mm diameter and 48 mm lug to lug, on paper this watch looks as if a fairly normal midsize diver. As with so many trendy Seiko instances, nevertheless, these numbers may be deceiving as intelligent case geometry helps this one to really feel old-school compact on the wrist and much slimmer than the 15 mm thickness would indicate. Whereas the straightforward pores and skin diver case fashion and outsized unguarded screwdown crown may really feel straight from the ’60s, Seiko units these fashions aside with completely trendy consideration to element. The graceful micro-brushing of the case sides is much finer than something the model was producing 50 or extra years in the past, whereas the black of the bezel inserts is given depth of its personal due to a sexy radial brushing remedy. Talking of bezels, like most greater tier Prospex divers the texture on these rotating bezels is exceptionally easy, nearly gliding between the 120 clicks however staying sturdy with just about no again play. Like most trendy Prospex divers, every of those additionally will get a stable 200 meter depth ranking.
The dials of the brand new Prospex 62MAS interpretations experience a high quality line between exacting recreation and trendy homage, discovering a center floor which may genuinely enhance on the unique. The general dial design is close to similar to the 1965 model, with each the utilized rectangular indices and baton fingers made noticeably wider. This helps get rid of among the delicate look of the unique 62MAS, permitting it to really feel sportier and extra like a real dive watch within the course of. As soon as once more, Seiko units itself aside within the little particulars, just like the crisp beveling down the middle of the hour and minute fingers and the sleek subtlety of the sunburst dial textures. Every of the 4 fashions takes this fundamental method in a brand new route. Essentially the most versatile of the bunch is the Prospex SPB143, with a cool slate grey sunburst dial that fills the position of the normal black dial. The restricted version Prospex SPB149 takes a summery ocean blue method, punched up with an orange seconds hand and dial textual content. The boutique unique Prospex SPB145 is a extra unorthodox alternative, with a brown, nearly coppery sunburst accented with heat cream coloured lume. Essentially the most hanging of the bunch, nevertheless, is the Prospex SPB147, which takes on a tropical dial look with out false patina due to a “root beer” mixture of a heat brown sunburst with gilt fingers, indices, dial textual content, and bezel markers, completed off with the identical cream lume. An added attention-grabbing contact right here is that Seiko has used two totally different lume varieties on these 4 fashions. The pure white lume of the SPB143 and SPB149 glows inexperienced, whereas the cream toned lume of the SPB145 and SPB147 provides off a blue gentle.
All 4 fashions are powered by the in-house 6R15 computerized motion, coupling a hefty 70 hour energy reserve with a gradual and regular 21,600 bph beat charge.
By way of strap alternative, the Prospex SPB143, Prospex SPB145, and Prospex SPB149 are all outfitted with Seiko’s three hyperlink oyster fashion bracelet that includes a two button butterfly clasp. Whereas these bracelets may look similar to earlier choices from Seiko, the elements are all new, with all elements individually machined fairly than the earlier stamped steel. The tip result’s palpable on the wrist, resulting in a extra stable and cozy really feel. The Prospex SPB147, in the meantime, receives a modernized silicone interpretation of the ’60s Seiko “tire observe” rubber strap. This supple and cozy choice goes far so as to add to the laid again classic really feel of this explicit model, and can also be included as a part of the acquisition bundle with the Prospex SPB149.
All 4 of those new Seiko Prospex 62MAS interpretations are among the handsomest common manufacturing fashions within the present Prospex line, and present an actual step ahead for the model by way of the standard of its trendy reinterpretation design work. Whereas Seiko costs have begun to climb steadily of late, the improved ending proven right here is certainly consummate with the transfer upmarket. All 4 fashions might be obtainable in July 2020, with the Prospex SPB149 restricted to five,500 items and the Prospex SPB145 solely obtainable by means of Seiko boutiques. MSRP for the Seiko Prospex SPB147 sits at $1,000, whereas the bracelet outfitted Seiko Prospex SPB143 and Seiko Prospex SPB145 are each priced at $1,200, and the restricted version Seiko Prospex SPB149 will retail for $1,350. To study extra, please go to Seiko’s web site.
