How good was Seiko's first mechanical Prospex GMT diver's Luxury replica watch, specifically the Save the Ocean SPB385?
Some really cool stuff, but also some disappointments.
Along with the chronograph, I believe the combination of a diver's watch with a traveler's function, aka the GMT complication, makes for some of the most attractive and functional watches around. In short, this is a watch that can do anything, anywhere. Not just for summer, but anytime you're up for a little adventure. Surprisingly, this particular combination, at least in mechanical form, has never been seen in the Seiko Prospex collection – and knowing how many dive watches there are, this absence has been a mystery. But last month, Seiko unveiled its first mechanical Prospex Diver GMT, a collection of three watches, including the very attractive Prospex 1968 Diver GMT Save The Ocean limited edition SPB385. But how good is it really? Let's find out.
The Current State of Seiko GMT Diver's Watches
Complications make mechanical watches fun. You can add a ton of extras to your Popular replica watches, but honestly, moon phases or time differences have very limited functionality in the real world. They are attractive and greatly add to the charm of an elegant watch, but have little everyday use. However, there are some complications that offer many benefits to the wearer of a mechanical watch, and these functions are tools for the job. Think of a chronograph, or in today's case, a traveler's function, most of the time under the GMT complication. When you combine this feature with a dive watch certificate, you get one of the most useful timepieces around. It does anything, anywhere.
As for Seiko, the brand is no stranger to the concept of a GMT diver's watch, though the offer is very limited. And a handful of models that have only appeared recently. As for mechanical watches, the only existing options are the (very cool, but rather low-end) trio of Seiko 5 Sports Style GMT, SSK001, SSK003 and SSK005. In fact, these are not really diving watches, but sports watches that can withstand certain underwater activities. There are also some rather expensive high end watches from the LX series with Spring Drive movements, SNR033/35 or SNR049. But both are well above the 5000 Euro mark. In the more powerful Prospex range, your only options are the solar-powered Sumo watches SFK001 and SFK003. Beautifully designed, reasonably priced, well equipped (true "flyer" or "traveller" GMT function), but yes... solar power.
PROSPEX 1968 Diver GMT SPB385
A press conference in early March brought us some good news, announcing that Seiko was using a mechanical GMT movement for the first time in a Prospex dive watch. In fact, three Wholesale watches replica, the SPB381 with a green dial and bezel, the SPB383 with a black dial and bezel (both part of the permanent collection) and a limited edition under the Save the Oceans flag, we'll be checking out today.
First, let’s talk about the basics and design of this new GMT diver’s watch. Looking at the SPB385, or for that matter, the other two versions, has an obvious link to the previous watches in the Prospex line, as well as to a specific historical watch. True to its name – Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver's Modern Re-interpretation GMT, which comes up as often as Seiko – the collection is a modern take on the brand's dive watch released in 1968, reference 6159-7001. Following the introduction of the first professional diver's watch, the 62MAS, in 1965, Seiko revamped its copy to introduce an impressively innovative professional diver's watch, the Automatic Diver's 300m Model 6159-7001. It is a watch as important, if not more important, as it was the first Hi-Beat diver's watch on the market, and a watch that was instrumental in the design language of most future Seiko diver's watches.
This 1968 Hi-Beat Diver was first reissued in 2018 in faithful, high-end fashion with the SLA025. In addition, Seiko also introduced SPB077 and SPB079, which are 1968 Ref. 6159-7001. But also quite large. For 2020, Seiko revises its concept again with the SPB185 and SPB187. Still inspired by the 1968 Diver, they're more compact and functional. This is the basis that Seiko used to create its first line of automatic GMT diver's replica watches Review.
The design of the Prospex 1968 Diver GMT comes as no surprise: large, sturdy shoulders, a crown at 4 o'clock, a striking bezel and a highly legible dial with a mix of brushed and polished finishes. The case is made of stainless steel, and all parts are coated with Seiko's hardening process - aka super hard coating - to make the case more resistant to handling. No arguments about overall quality; it's well made, feels solid, and all parts are well tuned. Typical SPB series.
Regarding size, Seiko has made an effort lately to introduce more compact models. Of course, at 42mm in diameter and 48.6mm lug-to-lug, the SPB385 isn't what you'd call a compact watch. But it's still enjoyable and comfortable, at least for a sporty watch. Thickness is also well controlled. Despite the addition of the GMT function, the case is barely thicker than the dive model and remains under 13mm. Of course, with the woven fabric strap that comes with this watch (in addition to the steel bracelet), the watch sits higher on the wrist.
Regarding the specs, the collection is clearly first and foremost a dive watch with the addition of a GMT function. There are actually two ways to make a GMT dive watch. First, you can opt for a 24-hour bezel, which means you can't time your dive sessions. Then, you have the option reserved by Seiko, which is to add a 24-hour scale to the dial while maintaining a 60-minute bezel. I'd say it's by far the best option - especially the type of GMT function that Seiko has chosen, but more on that later. This means that the SPB385 is equipped with a unidirectional bezel with a ceramic insert and a 60-minute diving scale. To our surprise, the insert is actually dark blue, whereas the first renderings of the watch gave the impression of a black insert. I'm not complaining, it actually looks more consistent with the dial. The rest is classic: 200m water resistance, sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating, screw-down caseback and crown.
The reason we chose this Save The Ocean limited edition SPB385 replica watches for sale over the classic black or green versions is all about the dial. With its ice-blue color and texture, it somehow brings a little Grand Seiko vibe at a more affordable price point. The dial is inspired by the polar glaciers that shape the landscapes and seascapes of the Arctic and Antarctic – a theme we’ve seen on previous Save the Ocean editions. This ice blue complements the dark blue hue on the GMT hand and 24-hour scale. All elements are generously coated with LumiBrite, and the result is a simple and lovely dial...and a nice contrast too.
This Save the Ocean limited edition features a steel bracelet with a superhard coating and is closed by a folding clasp with diving extension. Also included is the strap you can see in our photos, a NATO-like strap made from recycled plastic bottles using a traditional Japanese weaving technique called Seichu. Not only does it look great, but it's also super comfortable to wear.
Inside the case is the new self-winding caliber 6R54, which, like all 6Rxx series calibers, benefits from a comfortable power reserve. It beats at a frequency of 3 Hz and can store energy for up to 72 hours when fully wound. It displays the date in addition to time and GMT. On paper, it's much debated, but one important thing to remember is that this movement is what's known as caller or office GMT. This means that it is the GMT hand that can be adjusted independently in one-hour increments, rather than the local hour hand—a feature reserved for so-called flyer or traveler GMT watches. (more on this difference here).replica bubba watson watches
thoughts
Which brings me to the annoying part...an office GMT watch can be very useful in certain situations, mainly when you need to keep track of timezones at home. But let me make two comments. First and foremost, the whole concept of a GMT dive watch is to be your ultimate outdoor companion, a watch to accompany you on vacation or adventure travel. As such, it's not a watch for staying at home. This means that the Leaflet or Traveler GMT functions are more than relevant here. Second, more and more GMT watches are using the Traveler typology, and the price points at which you can find them have dropped significantly over the past few years. Think Mido Ocean Star GMT or Decompression Worldtimer, or all watches with Powermatic 80 GMT.
This Save The Ocean limited edition SPB385 in particular is really attractive and well priced - I know, we'll hear some comments again, but today's Seiko watches have nothing in common with the old SKX . The Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver GMT could be a home run... I know I'm a bit of a snob here, some people won't care about the caller/flyer distinction. But I do, and think brands should too.Richard Mille RM 27 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – SEIKO PROSPEX 1968 DIVER GMT SAVE THE OCEAN LIMITED EDITION SPB385
Case: 42mm diameter x 12.9mm thickness - 48.6mm lug to lug - Seiko super hard coated stainless steel case, brushed and polished - Unidirectional bezel with dark blue ceramic insert, engraved 60 minute scale and Luminous Pearl - Domed Sapphire Crystal With Anti-Reflective Coating - Screw-Down Solid Steel Case Back - Screw-Down Crown - 200M Water Resistance
Dial: Hour-markers and hands, filled with LumiBrite - date at 4:30 - ice blue polar texture, dark blue GMT hand, ice blue 24-hour lug
Movement: Caliber 6R54 - Manufacture - Automatic - 24 jewels - 27.4mm x 5.3mm - 21,600 vibrations/hour - 72 hours power reserve - Hours, minutes, seconds, independent (calling or similar office) 24 hour GMT hand, date
Bracelet: Stainless Steel Bracelet with Super Hard Coating - Tri-Fold Clasp with Push Buttons, Safety Lock and Dive Extension - Includes Extra Recycled Polyester Strap Made According to Seichu, a Japanese Weaving Technique
