With 2021 being its 140th anniversary, Seiko is going all out to commemorate the milestone. Getting an early start with the first anniversary edition announced last year, the Japanese watchmaker kicked off the series with a Grand Seiko in rose gold, followed by a revival of the King Seiko. Now it has just announced a trio of Prospex dive watches, made up of a pair of automatics (SLA047 and SPB207), and a solar-powered chronograph (SSC807).

Inspired by Iriomote Island – a popular spot for recreational diving – the new Prospex watches feature vibrant, metallic green dials meant to evoke the lush landscape of the island in Okinawa.

Initial thoughts

The anniversary divers are good value for money, as most Seiko watches are, and also have the bonus of an appealing dial colour. But as is often the case with newer Seiko limited edition models, each of the new divers is merely one of many similar editions, which makes them less special individually.

The priciest model is the Prospex Automatic Diver’s SLA047, a Marinemaster 300 m diver based on the Hi-Beat diver of 1968. A top-of-the-line dive watch, the SLA047 is powered by the 8L35, essentially a simpler version of the 9S55 Grand Seiko movement. And like Seiko’s other high-end mechanical watches, it is produced in the Shizukuishi facility, which is also home to the workshop for mechanical Grand Seiko watches.

Other highlights include a 300 m water-resistance rating thanks in part to an unusual monocoque case, and a ceramic bezel insert. Measuring 44.3 mm wide and 15.4 mm thick, the SLA047 has a sizeable presence on the wrist. Limited to 3000 pieces, the SLA047 is essentially the Marinemaster 300 SLA021 with a green dial – plus an additional “lume” plot beside the date window that will undoubtedly divide enthusiasts.

The second dive watch in the anniversary line up is the Prospex Automatic Diver’s SPB207, described as “a contemporary re-invention of the 1968 original”. While inspired by the same vintage dive watch as the SLA047 above, the SPB207 is a simpler and more affordable watch. Instead of a movement derived from a Grand Seiko calibre, the SPB207 is powered by the 6R35 that is a newer calibre, resulting in a longish power reserve of 70 hours.

At 42 mm by 12.5 mm, the SPB207 is a more svelte offering, but with a reduced water-resistance of 200 m. As with the other anniversary editions, the SPB207 is based on a previously released model, in this case the SPB185 and SPB187. If the earlier releases were a tad too muted, the SPB207 is a great alternative.

Rounding out the collection is the Prospex Solar Chronograph SSC807. Inside sits the V192, a solar-powered movement that’ll run within 15 seconds a month, and features both a date and a power reserve indicator that’s cleverly integrated into the minute counter at six o’clock.

Aesthetically, the 44.5 mm case of the SSC807 is derived from the popular Seiko “Sumo” diver. Both share sculpted, “twisted” lugs and a similar bezel design. Though not mechanical, the SSC807 is a fuss-free choice that’s the lowest priced amongst the anniversary divers.

Key facts and price

Seiko Prospex Automatic Diver’s
Ref. SLA047

Diameter: 44.3 mm
Height: 15.4 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 300 m

Movement: 8L35
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Self-winding
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 50 hours

Strap: Steel bracelet, with additional silicone strap

Limited edition: 3000 pieces
Availability: At Seiko Boutiques and selected retailers
Price: US$3,200

Seiko Prospex Automatic Diver’s
Ref. SPB207

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 12.5 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200 m

Movement: 6R35
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Winding: Self-winding
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 70 hours

Strap: Steel bracelet, with additional silicone strap

Limited edition: 6000 pieces
Availability: At Seiko Boutiques and selected retailers
Price: US$1,350

Seiko Prospex Solar Chronograph
Ref. SSC807

Diameter: 44.5 mm
Height: 13.7 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200 m

Movement: V192
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph, power reserve
Winding: Solar

Strap: Steel bracelet, with additional silicone strap

Limited edition: 4000 pieces
Availability: At Seiko Boutiques and selected retailers
Price: US$780

For more, visit Seikowatches.com