Judging from yesterday’s news, it’s looking like several releases initially planned for Seiko’s* Tokyo summit were simultaneously dropped. From a new hi-beat GS caliber to a trio of vintage reissue dive watches, Seiko fans everywhere got a good look at what the brand would be pushing throughout 2020. Unfortunately, most of these fall well into the four-figure price range, but a couple of them do stand out as interesting. Among those is the Seiko Prospex SPB149 200m dive watch – yet another modern recreation of Seiko’s very first diver released in 1965, the 62MAS.
Unlike the first batch of modern re-interpretation 62MAS models like the SBDC051, the new Seiko Prospex SPB149 comes to the market with a cool, blue-grey dial, a smaller 40mm case, and the updated in-house 6R35 automatic movement. The smaller case size is something I think we can all appreciate – especially since the more faithful dimensions were previously reserved for the $4k+ SLA017 62MAS reissue.
Another thing that stands out to me is the vintage-y handset – something modders usually look to swap out in the newer, lower-priced reissues. (sorry, big arrow Monster hand). Finally, we get a cool hint of yellow in the text and the second’s hand. Hmm… almost has a bit of that Raven Trekker vibe, eh?
Seiko Prospex SPB149 Specs
- Case Diameter: 40.5mm
- Thickness: 13.2mm
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Movement: Seiko 6R35 with 70-hour power reserve
- Crystal: Domed sapphire
- Strap: 3-link stainless steel & an included silicone option
- Price: EUR 1,350
Other touches include a brushed ceramic 60-minute bezel insert that is coated in sapphire. While impossible to tell from press photos alone, I bet this will make for some pretty dynamic visuals in varying natural light. Here’s the kicker: this thing is apparently “limited” to 5,500 pieces. But I’m also hearing rumors of a non-limited black dial version that we haven’t found any info on just yet.
If true, that model could possibly come in at a lower price and be a real hit with collectors seeking that SLA017 vibe at a much lower price. For now, this watch, along with some sexy Willard reissues, seems to be the most attractive out of the bunch. We’ll keep on top of these new releases as best as we can and chat through them in upcoming TBWS podcast episodes.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.
Hi Michael. Beautiful watch, thanks for the review. It most likely will be my first watch in this price range. There is some talk on forums about the bezel on the SPB149 not being ceramic, and a Seiko representative would have confirmed that it’s hardened steel. However this review states it’s ceramic with sapphire coating. Is it maybe only ceramic on the LE 149?