Prospex 200M Diver Scuba Automatic “Black Series” - Ltd Ed 4500pcs Ref. SBDC183

Seiko’s heritage is replete with significant watches including the 1965 62MAS (the brand's pioneer dive watch) as well as the 1968 Hi-Beat Automatic Diver 300m. With Seiko downsizing many of its dive watches over the past couple of years into more ergonomic proportions for everyday wearing, the brand has used these two historical models as vintage benchmarks to create contemporary re-editions.

Based on the 1968 reference 6105-8000, the new SBDC183 with vintage design cues that we are introducing today comes with a modern black-out aesthetic. The Black Series sub-collection is part of a long-lasting range of watches all sharing a common theme. The blackened watches in this series provides a very cool theme which watch collectors can enjoy more from some yesteryears design.  Indeed, it feels very fitting to coat a dive watch in stealthy black, and this 4500 pieces limited edition today is just that.

Seiko Prospex 200M Diver Scuba Automatic “Black Series” - Ltd Ed 4500pcs Ref. SBDC183 / SPB335

This retro-inspired model is illuminated by the design of the 1968 6105-8000 Automatic Diver but has its proportions significantly reduced for greater comfort. The SBDC183 measures 41mm in diameter, with a compact lug-to-lug measurement just below 47mm. At just 12.3mm in height, the Black Series Diver belongs to the thinnest Prospex models in the market. Yet the compactness of the watch does not compromise on its specifications and quality.

Covered in full black, the stainless steel case of the SBDC183 is reminiscent of the late-1960s, with its “Turtle” cushion shape, straight and sharp casebands, as well as circular brushed surfaces on top. Moreover the crown is positioned at 4 o’clock in the signature Seiko style. The remainder of the case emits a classic vibe, with a screw-down crown and a robust steel screwed caseback, assuring a solid 200-meter water-resistance. A sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective coating protects the top of the watch  that is also framed by a unidirectional rotating bezel. Showcasing an aluminum black and anthracite two-tone insert entirely graduated with a 60-minute scale, this bezel also rotates on 120-clicks and prevents reverse rotation. The watch is worn on a flexible silicon rubber strap with a matching black Seiko clasp.

Seiko's Caliber 6R35 automatic

Additionally, the grainy matte dial and dark-coated hands and markers of the SBDC183 shares a tried-and-tested design with various other watches from the Prospex range, entailing the applied markers and oversized luminous hands. That being said, Seiko has selected the retro “shovel” shaped hand with luminous and red tip for the watch.

To adhere to the latest requirements of ISO standards, the date has been placed at 4:30 so all markers can be luminous and readable. Inside the compact case is the in-house caliber 6R35 movement that runs at 3Hz and that is part of the brand’s mid-range portfolio of movements. This movement is concealed behind a closed caseback and is purported to have an accuracy of -15/+25 seconds daily as well as a prolonged power reserve of 70 hours.

Seiko's LumiBrite at its best

For those of you watch collectors out there  who are tired of watches in its generic form, the Seiko Black Series dive watch would surely be a sleek winner on your wrist. To snag this modish and compact SBDC183 while it stocks last, grab it now at Gnomon Watches.