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INTRODUCING: The Seiko Prospex SPB183J 55th Anniversary Limited Edition is back in blue INTRODUCING: The Seiko Prospex SPB183J 55th Anniversary Limited Edition is back in blue

INTRODUCING: The Seiko Prospex SPB183J 55th Anniversary Limited Edition is back in blue

Zach Blass

A proven trend within the world of watches is for brands to reinterpret historic models within their archives for modern-day release. Seiko has revived and renewed one of their classic ’70s divers with the new Seiko Prospex SPB183J 55th Anniversary Limited Edition. ⁣

Seiko Prospex SBP183J

The case

Seiko Prospex SBP183J

While slightly larger than the original, the Seiko Prospex SPB183J is faithful in almost every other aspect of its design. The 42.7mm stainless steel case has a super-hard coating, making this a great candidate for daily wear. The case is mostly satin finished, with hairline bevels and polish on the outer flanks of the case. Its saucer-like profile makes the watch wear compact for its size (46.6mm lug-to-lug) and, with a thickness of 13.2mm, is only about a 0.5mm taller than a Rolex Submariner. As a reinterpretation of a classic diver, it is not only faithful to the original design, but also to its original purpose and utility with its screw-down crown, diver’s timing bezel, and 200m water-resistant case.

The dial

Seiko Prospex SBP183J

The gradient blue dial is displayed beneath a dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating. The blue of the dial is on the darker side in lower lit settings, but when the sun or light really hits this dial the blue will reveal itself in gorgeous form. Seiko has always provided great dial quality for the dollar, and the SPB183J is no exception to this rule. The dial is super legible, with thick baton hours and minutes hands and large square markers filled with an ample amount of luminescent coating. For a nice pop of contrast, the central seconds hand is rendered in gold tone, with a luminescent pentagon at its tip (above a red circle) – creating a very eye-catching running seconds. Those who love a calendar complication will be satiated with a date window placed at the 3 position.

The bracelet (and strap)

Seiko Prospex SBP183J

To bracelet, or not to bracelet – that is the question Seiko raises by providing the perfect combo of a stainless steel bracelet and matching blue rubber strap. The bracelet is rendered entirely in a satin finish, matching the case it integrates flush to. The blue silicone rubber strap matches the tone of the dial, and is easily secured with its steel pin buckle. This is a great move by Seiko, sure to please fans of both styles of bands.

The movement

Seiko Prospex SBP183J

The Seiko Prospex SPB183J is powered by the automatic Seiko Calibre 6R35, accurate to +25/-15 seconds per day, and boasts a power reserve of 70 hours. While not the pinnacle of chronometric accuracy, the movement is as robust as the case and should keep ticking as you put the watch through its paces during daily activity and wear. ⠀

Seiko Prospex SPB183J 55th Anniversary Limited Edition pricing and availability:

Seiko Prospex SPB183J

The watch is offered in a special box, with an additional blue silicone strap. Limited to 5500 pieces worldwide, SPB183J will be available in November 2020 for $2200 AUD.

Any purchase made through Seiko Boutiques, as well as the Seiko Boutique Online Store will have a 5-year limited guarantee.