The concept behind the Prospex Diver’s 1968 Reinterpretation is quite classic for Seiko. The idea of a watch inspired by the classic Hi-Beat Diver of 1968 with reference 6159-7001 has existed for several years, specifically since 2018, with the ultra-faithful model SLA025 (or its blue version SLA039) and more accessible watches like the SPB077 and SPB079. The diver model, which some called the MM200 (MarineMaster 200, after the classic and more expensive MM300), was updated about a year ago with models SPB185J1 and SPB187J1, including quite a deep redesign of the design and technical specifications. Now, a third model has appeared in the lineup, and this model not only has exclusive distribution but also looks simply stunning. Here is the Seiko Prospex Diver 1968 Two-Tone Brown Dial SPB240J1.
As we have explained, the 1968 diver has recently become a major source of inspiration for Seiko. Although the model 6159-7001 was not the first diver's watch of the brand (that was the 62MAS), it can be considered the one that laid the foundation for the brand's design codes still used today. It indeed already featured all the elements that made modern Seiko diving tools easily recognizable – angular lugs, a crown at the 4 o'clock position, typical applied indices, and hands.
The Automatic Diver 300m Ref. 6159-7001 was not just an update of its predecessor. In just three years, Seiko doubled the water resistance, improved the functionality and legibility of the watch, and significantly increased its timekeeping precision. The Automatic Diver 300m was the first market diver's watch with high precision. The massive size, signature design, and iconic gold accents created the legend of a watch that became a collectible item. And this became the source of numerous reissues recently.
Following the release of the vintage-inspired SLA025, Seiko also created a more affordable model with a modernized design – the SPB077. These watches certainly had a great design but were quite large with a 44mm case. Following the trend of reducing watch sizes, Seiko updated this collection at the end of 2020, releasing models SPB185J1 and SPB187J1, which you see above, with reduced diameter, improved materials, and better dial proportions. And now, in addition to these two classic steel models with black or blue dials, the brand adds a third iteration, which is probably the most attractive of all… but will not be widely available.
The base of this new model SPB240J1 is no different from the other two models in the permanent collection. As such, it benefits from the same size reduction effect: its case diameter now measures 42mm with a height of 12.5mm (previous models were 44mm). While this cannot be called small, it remains a quite acceptable diameter for solid diver's watches, especially since Seiko Prospex watches often wear smaller due to short lugs. The shape of the case itself has also been redesigned, becoming more dynamic and impressive than before.
The classic 1968-style lugs have beautiful polished edges (also inside), and in this sense, the watch is closer to its ancestor. The finish of the case, made of stainless steel with a scratch-resistant Super-Hard Coating, is very pleasant. It is equipped with a screw-down crown, classically located at the 4 o'clock position, and a screw-down back, guaranteeing water resistance of 200 meters. On top is a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
But what really sets this model SPB240J1 apart is the use of gold and brown colors… Of course, this is not a classic theme for Seiko Prospex, but it brings something fresh and new to the collection. The 120-click bezel with an embossed profile here is coated in rose gold and has an insert of shiny brown aluminum with gold-plated numbers. While not historically accurate, it adds warmth and vintage coolness to this otherwise technically appealing model.
To match this bezel, the Seiko Prospex Diver’s 1968 Reinterpretation SPB240J1 features a brown dial with a matte sunburst pattern. The applied numbers and hands are in gold color and largely filled with LumiBrite, which is also given a beige hue. The shovel-shaped central second hand is also in gold color but with a matte finish, which stands out against the rest of the indicators. Otherwise, the dial of the new edition repeats the design of classic releases, with bolder markers and hands that also more accurately match the original concept of 1968.
Inside the case is the automatic caliber 6R35, a classic mid-range movement. This caliber with time and date functions, operating at a frequency of 3 Hz, has a comfortable power reserve and boasts a 70-hour power reserve when fully wound.
Like other watches in the collection, the Seiko Prospex Diver 1968 Two-Tone Brown Dial SPB240J1 is worn on a matte stainless steel bracelet with a complex three-link clasp, as it is equipped with safety buttons and a smart diving extension, which is fully visible in this article. A pleasant touch for watches in this price range.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
The Seiko Prospex Diver’s 1968 Reinterpretation SPB240J1 with a two-tone appearance and brown dial is an exclusive edition for Seiko boutiques - also available in the brand's official online boutiques. Its retail price is 1,250 euros, 1,130 pounds sterling, or 1,200 US dollars (excluding taxes).
For more detailed information, visit seikowatches.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – SEIKO PROSPEX DIVER’S 1968 REINTERPRETATION SPB240J1
Case: 42mm diameter x 12.5mm height – stainless steel case with Super-Hard coating, polished and matte – unidirectional rose gold bezel with 60-minute brown aluminum insert – sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating – screw-down crown and case back – water resistance 200m.
Dial: black dial with brown sunburst – applied markers and hands filled with cream-colored LumiBrite
Movement: Seiko Caliber 6R35, in-house – automatic – 24 jewels – 21,600 vibrations/hour – 70-hour power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Bracelet: 3-link matte stainless steel bracelet – folding clasp with lock and diving extension
Reference: SPB240J1
Availability: Now available, exclusive to Seiko boutiques
Price: 1,250 EUR
USD 1,200
GBP 1,130