Seiko Prospex Diver’s Watch 60th Anniversary: A Legacy of Excellence

In celebration of 60 years of Seiko’s pioneering dive watch heritage, three new Prospex models emerge, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. Since Seiko introduced Japan’s first dive watch in 1965, the brand has been a leader in underwater timekeeping, continuously innovating for enhanced durability, precision, and reliability. This anniversary collection marks a new milestone, paying tribute to the brand’s legacy while offering advanced performance.

One of the standout models, joining the Marinemaster series, is powered by the high-performance Caliber 8L45. Drawing inspiration from Seiko’s iconic 1968 dive watch, the robust design echoes the bold aesthetics of early professional diving instruments. The case construction, made from Seiko’s ultra-durable titanium alloy with a super-hard coating, ensures exceptional resistance against corrosion and impact. Measuring 45.4mm in diameter and 16.0mm in height, the watch is engineered for extreme underwater conditions, offering 600m water resistance for saturation diving.

The dial, inspired by the depths of the ocean, features a unique gradient that darkens towards the outer edges, reminiscent of deep-sea exploration. Large, molded indices and thick Lumibrite-coated hands enhance legibility in dark conditions, while the sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating ensures clarity at all angles. The unidirectional rotating bezel, treated with a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating, significantly increases scratch resistance, further reinforcing the watch’s rugged construction.

At the core of this limited-edition model is the Caliber 8L45 automatic movement, oscillating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivering a 72-hour power reserve. This movement, renowned for its high precision (+10 to -5 seconds per day), features Seiko’s proprietary Spron alloy, offering superior durability and efficiency. The airtight case construction eliminates the need for a helium escape valve, enhancing its long-term reliability in deep-sea environments.

Accompanying the Marinemaster model, two additional anniversary editions take inspiration from Seiko’s legendary 1965 and 1968 dive watches. The first model features a silver dial, reminiscent of the original 1965 diver, while the second showcases a deep blue dial with a GMT function, evoking the bold aesthetics of the 1968 high-beat diver. Both models house movements from Seiko’s 6R family—the silver dial version with Caliber 6R55 and the GMT model with Caliber 6R54, each providing a 72-hour power reserve and 300m water resistance.

Limited to 600 pieces, the Marinemaster SLA081 will be available in Seiko Boutiques worldwide starting July 2025. The 6R-powered models, each limited to 6,000 pieces, will be released in June 2025, continuing Seiko’s legacy of pioneering dive watches for the modern adventurer.