Seiko Prospex Sea 1968 Heritage Diver's GMT Watch SPB519 (similar to SPB509, HBC001 & HBC002) - Fantastic Sweet Spot, Capturing the Luxury Presence and Technical Capability, A Review (plus Video)

It has been more than a year since the Seiko Prospex Sea 1968 Heritage Diver's GMT Watch SPB519 was launched. This particular model is the poster child for this series which currently consists of four models (more about this later in the review). I always wanted to get one but never had the opportunity until now.

To be honest, I do own a re-crafted 1968 diver by Seiko when I got the SLA025 back in 2018. Powered by the Hi-Beat 8L55 movement which operates at 36,000 BPH, that watch was at a price point three (3x) times that of the SPB519.  

The GMT complication and the fact that it comes with a ceramic insert for the bezel as well as 300 meter water rating caught my interest. Furthermore, the placement of the date aperture to a position without the need to replace an hour marker makes the dial look symmetrical which appeals to me. The final nail-in-the-coffin is the new bracelet design with the exceptionally modern clasp with a tool-free ratcheting extension. 

 

Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT Limited Edition SPB409J1 (similar to SPB377J1 & SPB379J1) - A Great Candidate for the ‘Best General Purpose Watch’, A Review (plus Video)

The sub-series Alpinist has been one of my favourites. In the collection, I have the first modern Alpinist, the SARB017, the digital model SBEB013, the modernized SPB117 and a special re-creation, SJE085. 

For the 110th anniversary of Seiko's first wristwatch, the company launched limited edition timepieces in a number of sub-lines. One of the sub-lines is the Alpinist. This new variant comes with an added twist - a GMT movement while still retaining the DNA that makes the Alpinist famous.

Seiko has been vary prolific in 2023 when it comes to GMT functionality. A number of new models with their new GMT movement was launched throughout the year with a lot of positive feedback. The Alpinist was also given the GMT option.

I decided to get the silver dialed version which is a limited edition design withhas a total circulation limit of 3,000 units. I got it from AWG Mid Valley