Posted by Joshua Yanow on 19th Mar 2015
Baselworld Release: Seiko 50th Anniversary Divers - SBDX014, SBBN029, SBDX016, SBEX001
In 1965, 50 Years ago, Seiko released their first professional specification, authentic divers watch for professional saturation divers. Seiko created this new collection of pro-grade watches and dubbed them Marine Master ProSpex.
Over the last half century, Seiko's ProSpex series has developed a cult-like following in the divers watch category and for good reason. The quality, reliability, and durability of their divers watches are second to none. For their 50th Anniversary, Seiko has launched several new models featuring their iconic "Tuna Can" design.
The outer body structure of these new 50th Anniversary models feature titanium cases with shrouds to ensure optimum impact resistance and striking aesthetics. Seiko's proprietary high-intensity silicon is used for the straps, and Sapphire glass with an anti-fog coating is used across the board.In 1965, Seiko Watch Corporation released their first automatic sports watch brand, the PROSPEX, designed for saturation divers. To commemorate their 50th Anniversary, Seiko is releasing a new series of Marine Master ProSpex models featuring a 1000m waterproof design.
| MODEL # | CASE MATERIAL | SHROUD | BAND MATERIAL | DIAL COLOR | MOVEMENT | RELEASE DATE |
| SBDX014 | Titanium | Zirconia Ceramics | Black Silicon | Black | Automatic Caliber 8L35 | 7/10/15 |
| SBDX016 | Titanium | Pink Gold Cermet | Mocha Brown Silicon | Dark Brown | Automatic Caliber 8L35 | 7/10/15 |
| SBBN029 | Titanium | Silver Colored Cermet | Cool Grey Silicon | Black | Quartz Caliber 7C46 | 7/10/15 |
THE SBDX014 appears to be a regular production model while the SBDX016 and SBBN029 models are limited to 700 pieces worldwide.
Nest up is Seiko Marine Master Prospex SBEX001 that is the piece that truly celebrates the historical release of Seiko's first pro-saturation diver watch.
The Case on the new, 50th Anniversary Seiko SBEX001 is constructed from a single piece of titanium that gives is a dominant presence. The Titanium case is finished with the beautiful Zaratsu polishing technique and Seiko's diamond shield coating is applied for optimum protection. The rotating bezel uses a new, finer saw-tooth style edge. This bezel is easy to grasp and turn. The bezel also features an anodized diver scale for enhanced longevity with no fading. A new luminescent material is used on the hands and indexes that achieves a 60% improvement in glow time. Maintaining the professional grade of these pieces, the SBEX001 has a 1000m water proof rating.
What's really fascinating about the SBEX001 is the use of the new in-house developed 8L55 High-beat caliber. This new caliber was developed and selected for this model for it's impact resistance and durability under demanding conditions. The 8L55 is a self-winding caliber with 37 jewels and 55 hours of power reserve. The accuracy of this new movement is rated to be within +15 to -10 seconds per day while maintaining a 10 vibration per second frequency.
| MODEL # | CASE MATERIAL | BAND MATERIAL | DIAL COLOR | MOVEMENT | RELEASE DATE |
| SBEX001 | Titanium with Diamond Shield | Titanium with Diamond Shield | Black | High-Beat Caliber 8L55 | 6/6/2015 |