To celebrate 145 years since Seiko's founding, Prospex expands its collection with two new limited editions that reinterpret two of the most iconic divers from the Japanese manufacture. The protagonists are the new HBC005 and HBB001, united by a distinctive element: the use of the famous Seiko Blue, the color that has represented the brand's visual identity for over half a century.
Although belonging to different families, both watches share the same philosophy: to celebrate the tradition of Seiko dive watches through quality materials, reliable automatic movements, and an aesthetic that recalls the Maison's history without sacrificing a contemporary imprint.
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Two divers, two personalities
Seiko has chosen to tell its anniversary story through two very different interpretations of the dive watch concept.
The Prospex HBC005 draws on the lines of the renowned 1965 Heritage Diver collection, inspired by Seiko's first diver from 1965. The result is an elegant, balanced timepiece strongly linked to the manufacture's tradition.
The Prospex HBB001, on the other hand, offers a more modern and decisive aesthetic, with a sculpted case, prominent lugs, and a sportier presence on the wrist. Two different approaches that demonstrate Prospex's ability to satisfy diverse tastes and needs while maintaining a common identity.
The protagonist is Seiko Blue
The element that unites both limited editions is the color.
The blue chosen by Seiko is no coincidence: it is the famous Seiko Blue, a shade developed in the 1960s and which over time became one of the Maison's most recognizable symbols.
On both models, this color appears on the bezel and the seconds hand, creating a refined contrast with the silver dial. The final effect is luminous, elegant, and immediately recognizable, offering a modern interpretation of the classic Prospex diver.
HBC005: the legacy of the first Seiko diver
The HBC005 model interprets the tradition of the Heritage collection through a 40 mm case with super-hard coating, domed sapphire crystal with internal anti-reflective treatment, and water resistance up to 300 meters.
Inside, the proven 6R55 automatic caliber works, capable of offering a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, a characteristic that makes it one of the most appreciated movements in modern Seiko production.
The edition is limited to 4,000 units distributed worldwide.
HBB001: sporty character and everyday soul
The second protagonist of the collection is the Prospex HBB001.
Here, Seiko opts for a more robust and contemporary design, characterized by a 41.7 mm case, a two-tone aluminum unidirectional bezel, and Hardlex glass.
The 4R35 automatic movement, now a certainty within the Prospex range, guarantees approximately 41 hours of autonomy, while water resistance up to 200 meters confirms the watch's diving vocation.
This version is produced in a limited series of 9,999 units, making it the most accessible of the two commemorative editions.
An anniversary that looks to the future
The new HBC005 and HBB001 references demonstrate how Seiko can enhance its historical heritage without simply re-proposing the past.
The use of Seiko Blue, the attention to construction details, and the choice of two platforms much loved by enthusiasts allow for the celebration of the 145th anniversary with two divers capable of combining tradition, innovation, and reliability.
Two watches different in style, but united by the same philosophy: to continue representing the Prospex spirit through timepieces designed to accompany every adventure, both in and out of the water.
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