Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Black Ref. SBDC197

Look forward to the coming of spring with Seiko's exceptional annual model releases. Recently, this Japanese powerhouse has launched a fantastic array of reissues for both its Presage and Prospex lines. The spotlight shines on its relaunch of the famed 60s dive watches, the Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Black Ref. SBDC197, JDM equivalent of the international Ref. SBP453. This remake of Seiko's classic design is fitted with upgrades that will be sure to impress.

Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Black Ref. SBDC197

Short for "Professional Specification", Prospex timepieces are built with the highest standards for professionals. Seiko presents the 2017 reissues of its coveted Ref. 6217-8001, also known as the 62MAS launched back in 1965: the limited-edition Ref. SLA017 as well as the Seiko Prospex Diver SBDC051 and SBDC053. With enhanced functionality, these watches take after the 1965 62MAS design.
 
Always seeking to improve, Seiko unveils its latest engine, the 6R55 caliber, an upgrade from the workhorse 6R15 and 2019's 6R35. This movement is totally new in 2023, making this timepiece the first few to feature Seiko's new automatic caliber. Maintaining operation at 21,600 BPH (3 Hertz) with hacking and hand winding capabilities, this engine has 24 jewels and a longer power reserve of 72 hours (3 days), a whopping 22 hours more than the 7R and 6S.

New Seiko Calibre 6R55

This dive watch is a well-received favourite in the Seiko community. The Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Black Ref. SBDC197 has a diameter of 40mm, lug to lug length of only 46.4mm, a lug width of 20mm and a height of 13mm. A throwback to the original 62MAS, this watch fits comfortably on any wrist size and is the most petite timepiece within the Prospex range.
 
The Prospex has a stainless-steel case and a steel bracelet both treated with Seiko's Dia-Shield coatings that ensure scratch-protection and greater corrosion resistance. Additionally, the bezel of this watch has minimal free play in its smooth 120-click unidirectional rotations. Admire the mixture of satin brush and Seiko high polishing on the sides of the entire timepiece and the Zaratsu polished line on its case side that adds a modern twist to this vintage diver. Its dainty case allows for a more intricate and refined finishing as well.

Seiko's Zaratsu polished line

Satin-brushed, the screw-down case back allows for a 300m water resistance, deeming this timepiece your trusty diving partner with its sterile screw-down crown at the 3 o'clock position. Branded with the signature tsunami emblem that sets Seiko dive watches apart from others, the case of the back is fixed with lug holes on its sides that allow for easy strap changes. The new case is upgraded with a double domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal instead of the usual Hardlex mineral crystal.
 
Sporting a sunburst grey dial and a shiny black bezel with silver highlights, the Prospex elevates it's design with symmetrical applied markers. Furthermore, painted with long-lasting Lumibrite, its watch hands point time clearly in the dark. Bringing back the original 1965 handset design, this diver shows off a classy second hand with gleaming silver accents.

Seiko's LumiBrite luminous

 Compared to the regular flat bracelet design, the metal links on its steel bracelet grace this watch with an angular design and a more solid feel. Word has it that this bracelet is a cut above the other Prospex collection such as Sumo and Shogun.
 
Overall, the Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Black Ref. SBDC197 is a much-anticipated addition to the Prospex collection. It is a well fabricated Seiko diver that has a slim and gently tapered profile with better specs and an upgraded movement. This is testament to Seiko's high standards and customer-centric ethos as this esteemed watchmaker goes the extra mile to study its market by observing what appeals to its audience. And the result is Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Black Ref. SBDC197, an elegant timepiece carrying 55 years of history that will find its way into the collections of many dive watch enthusiasts.

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