Seiko Celebrates 100 Years with the Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch Collection

Japanese watchmaker Seiko is celebrating its centennial year by paying homage to its diver’s watch made popular in the 1960s. The Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watches is a nod to the watchmaker’s rich heritage while embracing modern advancements in watchmaking technology to make even better timepieces. 

Seiko Brand 100th Anniversary Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Special Edition SPB455

Photo by Seiko.

We take a deep dive into the significance of the Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watches—SPB451, SPB453, and the special edition SPB455—within the context of Seiko’s remarkable century-long journey.

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The decades after Seiko introduced Japan’s first diver’s watch, it offered a wide range of diver’s watches including the SPB143, which was introduced in 2020. With water resistance to 200 meters and a power reserve of 70 hours, this watch has received worldwide acclaim for its functionality and its vintage-style design inspired by Seiko’s original diver’s watch, the legendary 62MAS.

Fast forward to today, the Prospex collection is a range of watches based on the fan-favorite SPB143 that features multiple enhancements in technology, design, and construction. It comes in black and blue dial variants and a commemorative special edition with gold-colored accents that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Seiko brand. 

Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch SPB451

Photo by Seiko.

The Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watches serve as a tribute to Seiko’s iconic diver’s timepieces from the mid-1960s. These watches are inspired by the brand’s pioneering spirit in the realm of dive watches, which began with the introduction of its first diver’s watch in 1965. With the SPB451 and SPB453 models, Seiko encapsulates the essence of vintage aesthetics combined with modern craftsmanship. Both models feature a classic design reminiscent of the original 1965 diver’s watch, characterized by their robust stainless steel cases, bold dial designs, and luminescent markers for enhanced legibility underwater.

These watches are powered by the Caliber 6R55, one of Seiko’s latest in-house movements with a power reserve up to 72 hours. It is also the first time that Caliber 6R55 is used for the Prospex collection. With a water resistance to 300 meters, it is considered a first for the Prospex collection’s non-saturation diver’s watches. Some subtle changes include a change in the location of the date window from the three o’clock position to the space between four and five o’clock, which now allows a more symmetrical design and more space to be filled with Lumibrite, ensuring high legibility even in dark conditions. 

100 years of craftsmanship

In 1924, 100 years ago, the company introduced the first wristwatch with “Seiko” on the dial, signifying the beginning of the Seiko brand. As part of the 100th anniversary celebrations, Seiko is introducing the Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Special Edition: SPB455. The limited-edition timepiece embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and exclusivity. With only a select number of pieces available worldwide, the SPB455 is a collector’s dream. It retains the same design elements as the SPB451 and SPB453 but distinguishes itself with unique aesthetic touches, such as a distinctive dial color or special commemorative markings, making it a standout piece within the Prospex collection.

The watch that comes with a charcoal-grey-colored dial is introduced as a special edition. It was given gold-colored accents and the special edition comes with an additional strap made entirely of recycled plastic bottles.

Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch SPB453

Photo by Seiko.

Seiko says that it was created using a traditional Japanese braiding technique called Seichu, familiar in Japanese culture for its use in fabric designs. The rich texture and sheen that result from the technique can be observed in the traditional obijime, or the decorative cord that holds a kimono sash in place. The strap presents a uniquely Japanese aesthetic and texture and is specially manufactured to possess tensile strength nearly four times that of regular Seiko fabric straps. The strap’s strength and resistance to the degradation caused by exposure to sunlight meet the demanding standards required of Seiko diver’s watches, and it is perfect for use underwater.

As Seiko celebrates its 100th anniversary, the Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s watches stand as a testament to the brand’s storied legacy and commitment to excellence. With their fusion of vintage-inspired design and contemporary functionality, these timepieces pay homage to Seiko’s heritage while embracing the spirit of innovation that has defined the brand for a century. Whether worn by seasoned divers or collectors seeking a piece of horological history, the Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watches exemplify Seiko’s unwavering pursuit of perfection.