Any watch enthusiast whose tastes gravitate towards dive or tool watches will be familiar with the Seiko Prospex collection. It’s the bulletproof, no-nonsense collection that Seiko produce with the professional outdoors person in mind, hence the name Prospex – contracted from Professional Specifications. The Prospex line is now bolstered with the all-new Seiko SPB207, SLA047 and SSC807 – three new references to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Japanese watchmaker.
These are the first of what we anticipate will be another interesting collection of releases this year as Seiko mark 140 years since founder Kintaro Hattori established the company in 1881, at the precocious age of 21. This collection of three dive watches was specifically inspired by the island of Iriomote in Okinawa Prefecture, a popular diving spot surrounded by diverse flora. This lush, green environment is expressed in the green dials of all three watches, the verdant shade making them very easy to read. All three of the new references feature stark black bezels that nicely frame the green dials, and gold seconds hands that attract just the right amount of attention.
The island of Iriomote. Image: japanvisitor.com
Seiko SPB207
First up we have the Seiko SPB207, which follows the design of a contemporary re-interpretation of a 1968 Automatic Diver that was produced by Seiko. The stainless-steel case and bracelet both feature a super-hard coating and the case measures a thoroughly wearable 42mm in diameter. At 12.5mm thick, it makes for a compellingly compact package on the wrist, that arrives with a silicone strap in addition to the steel bracelet. The screw-down caseback guarantees 200m of water resistance and the caliber 6R35 housed within is one of Seiko’s go-to movements thanks to its sturdy build and 70 hours of power reserve.
Seiko SLA047
The second reference is the Seiko SLA047, which has a classic look that can trace its design lineage back to the cult classic Seiko Marinemaster 300 SBDX017. As you might have guessed from the name of its ancestor, the SLA047 is water resistant to 300m, and features a boldly angular 44.3mm case that will sit a full 15.4mm off your wrist. It too has a stainless-steel case and bracelet that have a super-hard coating, and also arrives with an additional silicone strap for when you want to mix things up. Powering this relative of the MM300 is the Seiko caliber 8L35, which is based on the Grand Seiko caliber 9S55, and is said to be hand-assembled in the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Morioka.
Seiko SSC807
Last, but not least is the Seiko SSC807, and the only chronograph of the 140th anniversary collection. Measuring a sizeable 44.5mm in diameter, this reference is kept at a relatively slim 13.7mm thick thanks to the solar quartz movement within. The caliber V192 is accurate to within 15 seconds per month, features a 60-minute chronograph, a date display and a power reserve indicator. With a screw-down caseback, crown and pushers, it is guaranteed to 200m of water resistance.
Seiko SPB207, SLA047 and SSC807 price and availability:
The Seiko SPB207 is $2100AUD and is limited to 6000 pieces worldwide.
The Seiko SLA047 is $4995AUD and is limited to 3000 pieces worldwide.
The Seiko SSC807 is $1250AUD and is limited to 4000 pieces worldwide.
For more details, visit Seiko right here.
