The Europe-Exclusive Seiko Prospex 1965 Divers “Zakynthos” SPB473

Usually, when it comes to Seiko Prospex dive watches, and specifically with an emblematic design as the 62Mas, it’s all about black or dark blue. But there are exceptions to the rule and the Japanese watchmaker has shown greater creativity in recent years – take a look at the Save the Ocean series, for instance. For its latest iteration of the all-time classic Prospex 1965 Divers, Seiko goes summery with a dial inspired by the superb waters of Greek island Zakynthos. Reserved for the European market, the new SPB473 is there for the show.

Importantly, before going into what makes this Zakynthos-inspired version unique, it’s important to point out that we’re here looking at a watch based on the Prospex 1965 Divers, but not the newest generation that was released earlier this year. This limited edition SPB473 relies on the previous generation case and movement, meaning the 2020-launched references SPB143, SPB147 and SPB149. Yet, some will surely appreciate it as it retains a classic date at 3 o’clock…

What we’re looking at is a classic dive watch by Seiko, with a design inspired by the famous 62Mas, the first dive watch of the brand and Japan. Sleeker than most subsequent watches, it retains a fairly straightforward shape with symmetrical case, unprotected crown and straight lugs. The case here measures a fairly compact 40.5mm diameter, with a height of 13.2mm and a decent length of 47.6mm. Classic for the brand, the case is water-resistant to 200m, with a screwed back, a screw-down crown and a domed sapphire crystal on top.

Let’s move to the specificities of this “Zakynthos” SPB473 edition. First, while the bezel is traditionally unidirectional, with 120 clicks, it features a new insert with a glossy effect – it’s not ceramic, even though it looks like it – and a very dark blue colour. Also, in addition to the 3-link, brushed stainless steel bracelet, Seiko adds here a white silicon strap that will surely look the part on a white sand beach somewhere in Greece.

Now on to the dial, which is the main attraction here. While keeping the classic design codes of the 1965 Divers collection and the 62Mas lineage, the base has been given an original treatment, which is meant to remind the spectacular waters surrounding the island of Zakynthos in Greece. As such, the base is embossed with a fine wave pattern, combined with a gradient effect ranging from white on top to turquoise blue at the bottom. As said, being part of the previous generation of 1965 Divers, it comes with a date at 3 o’clock with the addition of a small lume plot next to it (which was absent when the watches were released in 2020).

Inside the case is the mid-range calibre 6R35, an automatic movement running at a 3Hz frequency and boasting a generous 70h power reserve.

A model that will be reserved for the European market, the Seiko Prospex 1965 Divers “Zakynthos” SPB473 is limited to 1,000 pieces and will be available as of September 1st, 2024. It will be priced at EUR 1,500. For more details, please visit seikowatches.com.