After the release of the Prospex Diver SLA017, a truly faithful re-edition of the brand’s first dive watch Ref.62Mas, Seiko introduced a new Retro-Inspired collection as a part of their Baselworld 2018 novelties. Here we are with the SEIKO Prospex Diver 200M SPB077 from the recently released collection.
The history of Seiko’s diving watches is quite old. With the Dive Watch Department, established in 1965, the Far East giant brand that started its activities in this area, officially entered the league with its first dive watch Ref. 62Mas in the same year. Seiko, who has signed hundreds of successful models at different price levels till today, continues to be the name behind very successful dive watches especially in terms of price / performance.
The brand, which made its loyal fans by introducing a new Retro-Inspired dive watch collection this year as well, is the guest of our pages with the SEIKO Prospex Diver 200M SPB077 model.
Inspired by the Ref. 6159-7001 model that was introduced in 1968 and attracted a great deal of interest with it’s Hi-Beat movement and 300 meters water resistance rating, SEIKO Prospex Diver 200M SPB077 offers brilliantly arranged Vintage details without sacrificing modern technology.
The new model is offered in a super-hard coating stainless steel case measuring 44mm in diameter and 13.1mm in height. The 200 meters water resistance case is equipped with an anti-glare treated scratch resistant sapphire crystal and a coin-edge style uni-directional dive bezel. The large Seiko signed winding crown is located at 4 o’clock. The case offers a quite faithful look to the original with its strong lugs and mostly matt brushed surfaces.
The dial design of the new model also offers details inspired by the original 1968 version. Black color is preferred for the matt and lightly textured dial surface. The Super LumiNOVA phosphor material applied wide indexes and thick hands offers optimum legibility in almost any environment. The hands are also finished in matt black like the dial supporting the dial’s simple but functional design. The date display is located at 3 o’clock where the logo and text usage are minimal.
The new model is powered by the Caliber 6R15 movement that we are familiar with from the different product groups of the brand. The 23-jewels automatic movement beats at a frequency of 3Hz and offers a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound. Despite being an entry-level caliber, the movement hacks and can be manually wound.
The SEIKO Prospex Diver 200M SPB077 model we selected for review comes with a stainless-steel bracelet designed to match the case. Three-link bracelet successfully supports the overall Retro-Inspired design of the model as well as being in line with the Tool Watch image. The bracelet is secured by a Seiko signed push button release folding clasp.
The SEIKO Prospex Diver 200M Collection features a blue bezel insert and an accordion-style rubber strap version Ref. SPB079 as well.
