Seiko Prospex Diver 1968 Two-Tone Brown Dial SPB240J1

The idea behind the Prospex Diver’s 1968 Reinterpretation is a reasonably traditional one for Seiko. The thought of watches impressed by the traditional Hello-Beat 1968 diver reference 6159-7001 has been round for some years already, since 2018 to be exact with the ultra-faithful SLA025 (or its blue version, the SLA039) and, extra accessible watches just like the SPB077 and SPB079. The diver’s mannequin that some named the MM200 (MarineMaster 200, following the traditional and costlier MM300) has been revamped a few 12 months in the past with the SPB185J1 and SPB187J1, together with a slightly deep overhaul of the design and specs. Now, there’s a 3rd mannequin within the line, and this one not solely has an unique distribution, however principally, it seems to be slightly beautiful. Right here’s the Seiko Prospex Diver 1968 Two-Tone Brown Dial SPB240J1.

As we defined already, the 1968 diver has just lately been a serious supply of inspiration for Seiko. Whereas not the very first dive watch of the model (that the 62MAS), the 6159-7001 could possibly be thought-about because the one which laid the muse for the model’s design codes, that are nonetheless in use at this time. It certainly already featured all parts that made fashionable Seiko diving devices simply recognizable – the angular lugs, the crown at 4 o’clock, the standard utilized indexes and palms. The Automated Diver 300m Ref. 6159-7001 was not simply an replace of its predecessor. In simply three years, Seiko had doubled the water-resistance, improved the performance and legibility of the watch and gained drastically in precision. The Automated Diver 300m was the primary hi-beat diver’s watch in the marketplace. Its large dimension, its signature design, its iconic gilded accents; all of that fostered the legend behind the watch that may be a scorching merchandise on collector’s lists. And this has been the supply of a number of re-editions just lately.

Following the discharge of the vintage-inspired SLA025, Seiko additionally created a reasonably priced mannequin, with a modernized design, the SPB077. This watch was definitely properly designed, but additionally slightly giant with a 44mm case. Following the pattern for smaller watches, Seiko revamped this assortment in late 2020, launching the SPB185J1 and SPB187J1 you may see above, with lowered diameter, enhanced supplies and higher proportions for the dial. And now, along with these two traditional metal fashions with black or blue dials, the model provides a 3rd iteration that’s in all probability essentially the most engaging of the lot… however one which gained’t be extensively obtainable.

The bottom of this new SPB240J1 is nothing completely different from the opposite two fashions of the everlasting assortment. As such, it advantages from the identical downsizing impact, with its case now 42mm in diameter with a top of 12.5mm (the earlier fashions have been 44mm). If this definitely can’t be named small, it stays a reasonably acceptable diameter for a strong dive watch, particularly since Seiko Prospex watches usually put on smaller as a consequence of quick lugs. The case of the form itself has additionally been reworked, being extra dynamic and imposing than earlier than.

The traditional 1968-inspired lugs have good polished aspects (additionally internally) and as such feels now nearer to its ancestor. The ending of the case, which is made from stainless-steel with scratch-resistant Tremendous-Arduous Coating, may be very nice. It encompasses a screw-down crown classically positioned at 4 o’clock and a screwed caseback, each guaranteeing a 200m water-resistance. On prime is a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective.

However what actually makes this SPB240J1 version completely different is the usage of gold and brown throughout… Not your classical theme for a Seiko Prospex, admittedly, however one which provides one thing contemporary and new to the gathering. The 120-click bezel with its raised profile is right here coated in rose gold and encompasses a brown-coloured shiny aluminium insert with gilt numerals. With out being traditionally correct, it provides heat and classic coolness to this in any other case technical-looking piece.

To match with this bezel, the Seiko Prospex Diver’s 1968 Reinterpretation SPB240J1 opts for a brown dial with sunray-brushed sample. The utilized numeral and the palms are gold-coloured and largely crammed with LumiBrite, which has been given a beige color too. The shovel-shaped central seconds hand can be gold-coloured, however right here with a matte end that stands out from the remainder of the indications. For the remainder, the dial of this re-creation follows the identical design because the traditional editions, with bolder markers and palms which might be additionally extra trustworthy to the unique 1968 idea.

Contained in the case, no shock as we discover the in-house automated calibre 6R35, the model’s traditional mid-range motion. Beating at 3Hz, this time-and-date calibre shops a snug quantity of power, boasting a 70h energy reserve when totally wound.

Like different watches from the gathering, the Seiko Prospex Diver 1968 Two-Tone Brown Dial SPB240J1 is worn on a 3-link brushed stainless-steel bracelet with a posh clasp, because it options safety pushers and a intelligent diving extension – which is entirely visible in this article. A pleasant contact for a watch on this value vary.

Availability & Worth

The Seiko Prospex Diver’s 1968 Reinterpretation SPB240J1 with two-tone look and brown dial is a Seiko boutique unique version – additionally obtainable on the model’s official on-line boutiques. It retails for EUR 1,250, GBP 1,130 or USD 1,200 (excl. taxes).

For extra particulars, please go to seikowatches.com.