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Last summer, Seiko offered a GMT version of its Seiko Sports 5 for the first time; This year, a GMT version of its mechanical divers from the Prospex range is available for sale. With the Prospex SPB381, SPB383 and SPB385, three models of GMT divers are more specifically announced, the first two in the regular collection with a green or black dial, the third in a limited edition as part of the “Save the Ocean” program. (blue dial).
A modern reinterpretation of the Seiko divers from 1968
If the Prospex SPB381, SPB383 and SPB385 are presented as the worthy heirs of the Seiko divers released more than 55 years ago, they are rather modern reinterpretations of the latter, in particular thanks to their GMT hand which makes it possible to read the time in the blink of an eye on a second time zone.
Let’s first look at the Prospex SPB381 and SPB383 with their respectively green and black dial. There is a golden GMT hand and a design similar to that of the other Prospex models with all the same customizations at the level of the unidirectional rotating bezel and the flange.
The Prospex SPB385 was created to commemorate the 110th anniversary of Seiko’s first wristwatch, the famous Laurel. To achieve this, a glacier blue dial was designed, inspired by the polar glaciers of the Arctic and Antarctica, where famous explorers like Naomi Uemura already wore Seiko watches. Interesting detail, the watch is sold with a second bracelet, no longer in steel like the first, but NATO, made from recycled plastic bottles.
Common technical characteristics
The three new Prospex GMTs from Seiko have common characteristics with a steel case 42 mm in diameter, 12.9 mm thick (i.e. only 0.4 mm more than the “non-GMT” models), water resistance to 200 meters, a ceramic bezel, a steel bracelet (with extension to wear with a diving outfit), logically luminescent indexes and hands and even a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock in addition to an off-centered crown located at 4 o’clock.
The Prospex GMTs are powered by a new Seiko 6R54 caliber which operates at 21,600 vph and offers a comfortable 72-hour power reserve.
Excellent value for money
On the price side, the Prospex SPB381 and SPB383 will be marketed in June for 1,700 €. The limited edition of 4,000 pieces of the “Save the Ocean” SPB384 will be offered at €1,900. A quality/price ratio that is just exceptional given the finishes, the in-house caliber and of course the design.
