The iconic Seiko Prospex is given an icy white, blue and silver makeover in celebration of the brand’s 140th Anniversary. Continuing to take inspiration from the brand’s first diver’s watch from 1965, the Seiko Prospex 140th Anniversary SPB213 sticks to its legendary format but with a gorgeous white dial and blue bezel as part as a not-so-limited run of 6,000 units.
Watch connoisseurs well-versed with the Seiko brand will have already heard of the story of Seiko’s first ever divers watch, but for those of you new to the Japanese watch manufacturer deserve a quick trip back into the brand’s history. Seiko produced their first diver’s model back in 1965, which of course was not only a huge feat for Seiko but also for Japan as it was also the country’s first home-produced diving instrument. Known as reference 62MAS, the watch featured an automatic movement and a 150 metre water resistant case and although not the first of its kind, it completely revolutionised the rules of future dive watches to come and signalled the beginning of Seiko as professionals in the field.
The new Seiko Prospex 140th Anniversary SPB213 takes inspiration from its historic predecessor delivering a robust utilitarian aesthetic comprising of a 40.5mm stainless steel case, drilled lugs, a stainless steel bracelet and curved sapphire crystal glass treated with an anti-reflective coating. The steel case is also engineered using a “super hard coating” which ultimately means the surface has a higher level of durability and scratch resistance than standard stainless steel. The SPB213 also delivers a screw in crown and screw down case back capable of withstanding water pressures of up to 100 metres.
The Seiko Prospex 140th Anniversary SPB213 has been released alongside several other models as part of their anniversary celebrations including a Presage, Astron and 5 Sports model all similarly dressed in the blue and white colourway. The SPB213 model looks particular handsome in this outfit with its crisp white dial and blue coloured Lumibrite indexes and hands pleasantly suiting to the overall diver’s aesthetic. The blue bezel with unidirectional functionality also brings a nice bold touch as it contrasts effortlessly against the rest of the white and steel design ensuring optimal functionality on both land and in the water. The bezel is also decorated in a white 60 minute diving scale and a luminous triangle marker at 12 o’clock.
Housed within the Seiko Prospex 140th Anniversary SPB213 watch is the Calibre 6R35 automatic winding movement. It’s a 24-jewelled calibre we have seen plenty of times before in other Seiko Prospex models and rightly so, as its reliable construction delivers an accuracy of -15/+25 seconds per day, classic central hands for hours, minutes and seconds, date window at 3 o’clock and a power reserve of 70 hours. It also promises a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
For those interested in the Seiko Prospex 140th Anniversary SPB213 watch, it is expected to retail at an affordable £1,130 on its release in May. As a limited edition of 6,000 pieces, it’s not likely to sell out super-fast but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a popular model. If you’d like to learn more about this watch and other new Seiko watch releases, head over to the Jura Watches website here or get in touch with the team on 01335 453453.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 40.5mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel with super-hard coating
- Bezel: Unidirectional
- Glass: Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Screw down
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Movement: Calibre 6R35 automatic
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21,600bph
- Dial: White with Lumibrite hands
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with super-hard coating
- Buckle: Three-fold clasp with push button release, secure lock and extender
- Limited Edition: 6,000
- RRP: £1,130
- Release Date: May 2021
