The new Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver SPB511 Limited Edition with Wave Dial

Last year, Seiko updated one of its best-selling models, the classic, rather compact and vintage-inspired Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver, releasing a new collection with improved mechanics, reduced dimensions, upgraded water-resistance and a new bracelet – all the evolutions can be explored in this in-depth video. As you know, this watch is a modern recreation of the brand’s first-ever dive watch, the 62MAS created in 1965. And as this watch is celebrating this year its 60th anniversary, the brand is treating us with several new models, including a high-end titanium Marinemaster, an upgraded GMT Diver and this new wave-inspired Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver SPB511 Limited Edition. 

On most levels, we’re looking here at a variation around the existing standard collection watches, only with a new dial (texture and colour), a slightly different bezel and an upgraded clasp (more on that at the end). In short, this watch retains all the upgrades that we saw last year when Seiko revamped the Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver – and knowing how good these watches are, I have no complaints whatsoever.

What it means is a classically shaped dive watch with a case inspired by the 1965 62MAS, one of the rare dive watches of Seiko to still carry a crown at 3 o’clock. In these recently updated models, Seiko shaved a few millimeters here and there, with a watch that’s now 40mm in diameter (minus 0.5mm), 13mm in thickness (minus 0.2mm) and 46.4mm in length (vs. 47.6mm in the past). That said, the watch is water-resistant to 300m compared to 200m before. The screw-down crown was slightly recessed for better ergonomics, and it had more pronounced polished bevels on the side. Nothing has changed with this SPB511 Limited Edition, which shares the same specifications as the 2024 models.

What’s new isn’t the case made of stainless steel case with super-hard coating, but the bezel’s insert has been updated here in a new grey colour. It is still metallic with a matte surface and a white 60-minute scale with a luminous pearl. Of course, this bezel is unidirectional. The back is still solid steel and screwed, the crown screws down and the dial is protected by a curved sapphire crystal with AR coating on the inner surface.

The other evolution specific to this limited edition – and shared with the GMT Diver – is the dial with a new wave pattern, embossed together with the hour markers, and drawing inspiration from the wave mark, a symbol visible on the case back of Prospex diver’s watches. The silvery-white colour is paired with white LumiBrite, resulting in a fresh look but also a decent amount of contrast. The date at 4h30 is still present, something its detractors will appreciate (not…)

Inside the case is the 3-day power reserve Calibre 6R55, beating at 3Hz with 24 jewels. And while this new 1965 Heritage Diver SPB511 retains the bracelet with rounded links found in last year’s standard models, the clasp has been updated with a new diving suit extension system – it allows a 15mm adjustment range, easily extended or shortened in six 2.5mm increments by pressing side buttons.

A limited edition of 6,000 pieces, this new Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch SPB511 60th Anniversary will be priced at EUR 1,500. For more, please consult www.seikowatches.com.