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WATCH NEWS
March 1, 2022
Seiko Divers Get Even More Glamorous! Heritage Models Updated with a "Night Diving" Theme | SEIKO
SEIKO | Seiko
Four new models, featuring modern design updates to milestone models in the history of Seiko dive watches, are released as limited editions.
Seiko will launch four new models in its Prospex "The Black Series," based on a black color scheme and themed around "night diving," on March 11, 2022. All will be available as limited editions worldwide, ranging from 1,000 to 5,500 units.
Evoking the dramatic and mysterious world of night diving
Seiko manufactured Japan's first dive watch in 1965 and has since introduced a succession of watches equipped with its proprietary technologies. These watches have been used by numerous adventurers and explorers in all of Earth's harsh environments and have earned high acclaim, including being donated four times for use by the "Antarctic Research Expedition" from 1966 onwards.
In 1968, the company released a model featuring a one-piece case without a separate case back, equipped with a high-beat movement oscillating at 10 beats per second—the highest in the world at the time—achieving a high level of waterproof performance and accuracy. The model released in 1970, characterized by its crown protector at the 4 o'clock position, was carried by adventurer Naomi Uemura on his 12,000-kilometer dog sled journey across the Arctic from 1974 to 1976, proving its high reliability and safety in extreme conditions.
Four new models have been added to the lineup: one "Prospex "The Black Series" 1970 Mechanical Divers Modern Re-interpretation Limited Edition" and three "Prospex "The Black Series" 1965 / 1968 / 1970 Mechanical Divers Modern Re-interpretation Limited Edition" models. These incorporate modern design updates to these milestone timepieces while expressing the unique world of "The Black Series." Each model features a black case representing the darkness and silence of the deep sea at night, with orange accents inspired by the light of a diving torch, evoking the dramatic and mysterious world of night diving.
The "Prospex "The Black Series" 1970 Mechanical Divers Modern Re-interpretation Limited Edition" is the first bracelet model in the series to be equipped with a movement made at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio. Based on the "1970 Mechanical Divers," this model retains the original's distinctive form while achieving significant functional upgrades. It features a curved sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface and enhanced water resistance to 200 meters for air diving. The mechanical Caliber 8L35 movement used in this watch is specifically designed for dive watches and manufactured at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio, offering greatly improved durability and performance.
Its appearance is also modern and sharp, with a case bordered by a mirror-polished finish and a five-row metal bracelet. The dial features a delicate pattern inspired by sandy ripples, evoking the seabed scenery illuminated by faint light during a night dive. In addition to the metal bracelet, a first for "The Black Series," it comes with a black reinforced silicone strap, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions.
Prospex "The Black Series" 1965 / 1968 / 1970 Mechanical Divers Modern Re-interpretation Limited Edition
The "Prospex "The Black Series" 1965 / 1968 / 1970 Mechanical Divers Modern Re-interpretation Limited Edition" comprises three models that combine design elements inherited from the original timepieces with supple fabric straps. While preserving the distinctive features of the 1965, 1968, and 1970 milestone Seiko Divers models, these watches are equipped with the Caliber 6R35, offering a long power reserve of 70 hours and high practicality.
The fabric straps are woven using "Seichu," a traditional Japanese braiding technique, marking their first appearance in "The Black Series." These straps are not only highly durable but also offer a comfortable fit against the skin and an elegant finish, combining aesthetic appeal with functionality. A black reinforced silicone strap is also included, allowing for wear in various settings. In darkness, Seiko's proprietary Lumibrite ensures excellent visibility with its three-color luminescence.
Prospex "The Black Series" 1970 Mechanical Divers Modern Re-interpretation Limited Edition
- Ref. | SBDX051
- Movement | Automatic with manual winding (Caliber 8L35)
- Power reserve | Approx. 50 hours
- Case material | Stainless steel (black hard coating)
- Case diameter | 44mm
- Bracelet material | Stainless steel (black hard coating)
- Water resistance | 200m air diving
- Suggested retail price | ¥363,000 (incl. tax)
- Quantity | 1,000 units worldwide, 100 units in Japan
- Release date | March 11, 2022 (Fri)
Prospex "The Black Series" 1965 / 1968 / 1970 Mechanical Divers Modern Re-interpretation Limited Edition
- Ref. | SBDC153, SBDC155, SBDC157
- Movement | Automatic with manual winding (Caliber 6R35)
- Power reserve | Approx. 70 hours
- Case material | Stainless steel (black hard coating)
- Case diameter | 40.5mm (SBDC153), 42mm (SBDC155), 42.7mm (SBDC157)
- Strap material | Fabric (reinforced silicone strap included for replacement)
- Water resistance | 200m air diving
- Suggested retail price | ¥143,000 (SBDC153, SBDC155), ¥154,000 (SBDC157) (all incl. tax)
- Quantity | 5,500 units worldwide, 500 units in Japan (SBDC153); 5,500 units worldwide, 300 units in Japan (SBDC155, SBDC157)
