Seiko's Prospex GMT Diver Enhances Core Collection with 300m Durability and Everyday Ease
Seiko's on a roll, dropping some top-notch models to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its first dive watch (62MAS). We've seen the 600m Marinemaster in titanium and a spiffy limited-edition take on the 1968 Heritage Diver's GMT, boosting its water resistance from 200m to a mighty 300m.
For its latest release, this 60th anniversary model (SPB509) found a permanent home in Seiko's collection, keeping the 300m depth rating and adding a fresh new colorway.
A Quick History Lesson
Seiko's dive watch lineage stretches all the way back to 1965, but it wasn't until 1968 they created their first 300m timepiece, dubbed the Diver's 300M. This bad boy served as the spiritual predecessor for this new Prospex GMT, sporting those signature angular shoulders and raised bezel profile.
Jump ahead to 2023, and Seiko merged dive watch expertise with GMT functionality for the first time, launching the SPB381, SPB383, and SPB385 series. Yet, these models offered just 200m of water resistance and lacked the micro-adjustable clasp that dive watch aficionados covet.
Earlier this year, they addressed those shortcomings with the SPB509, doubling the water resistance to 300m and introducing that coveted six-position micro-adjust clasp. The SPB519 we're talking about today essentially brings those premium improvements to the masses, just with a different aesthetic approach.
Clean Aesthetics with a Pop of Color
Swapping the blue wave-stamped dial of its limited-edition predecessor for a sunray-brushed white one sans waves, the SPB519 takes a cleaner, more restrained approach. The silvery dial provides a sharp, legible canvas that practically screams "professional tool watch." For balance, Seiko added vibrant red accents on the GMT hand, seconds hand, and "GMT" text. Paired with a blue ceramic bezel, the overall effect balances utilitarian appeal with visual pop.
The oversized markers and chunky hands remain, all filled generously with Lumibrite for exceptional nighttime legibility. The brand's signature 4:30 date window makes a return to round out the dial.
Technological Improvements Matter
Aside from looks, the real story here is about how Seiko is finally giving their standard-production GMT divers the same technological upgrades previously reserved for limited editions. The move from 200m to 300m water resistance is welcome, even if most punters will never dive deeper than their hotel pool. What truly rocks, though, is that six-position micro-adjustable clasp. This bad boy is a game-changer for daily comfort, letting you easily accommodate wrist swelling during hot days or diving conditions, then quickly tighten it back up when needed.
This badass tool is powered by Seiko's in-house 6R54 caliber, which might not boast a true traveler's GMT function but offers a respectable 72-hour power reserve.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 42mmLug-to-Lug: 48.6mmCase Thickness: 13.3mmCase Material: Stainless SteelWater Resistance: 300mMovement: Seiko 6R54 automatic (office GMT)Power Reserve: 72 hoursBand: Stainless steel bracelet with six-position micro-adjust claspCrystal: AR-coated sapphireLimited Edition?: No
Pricing & Availability
Unlimited in edition size, the Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver's GMT SPB519 will be available starting June 2025, with pre-orders opening through Seiko Boutiques. It's priced at €1,900 (approximately $2,136), placing it comfortably in Seiko's mid-tier luxury offerings.
The SPB519, with its cleaner aesthetic yet vibrant red accents and blue ceramic bezel, stands as a testament to Seiko's marriage of style and functionality in their wearables, solidifying its position as a gadget of choice within the realm of technology. With technological improvements such as increased water resistance to 300m and the coveted six-position micro-adjustable clasp, this Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver's GMT model exemplifies Seiko's commitment to enhancing the user experience in their standard-production GMT dive watches.
