Seiko Marks 145 Years with Two Limited Prospex Divers in Anniversary Blue and Silver

Originally reported by Time and Tide. This article is a curated summary of their original coverage.

1,881 pieces each: Seiko is marking 145 years with two limited-run Prospex divers — HBC005 in sunburst blue and HBB001 in textured silver — aimed squarely at collectors who prefer subtle, usable anniversary pieces.

Two new Prospex divers for Seiko’s 145th anniversary

Seiko’s anniversary programme takes a restrained tack: two refined, purpose-built Prospex divers. Both clearly read as tool watches. They carry period cues without tipping into nostalgia.

Design and case dimensions

The watches share the same stainless-steel case: 42.5 mm diameter, 49 mm lug-to-lug and 13.7 mm thick. Tops are brushed with polished bevels on the lugs. Each has a unidirectional bezel — a deep blue ceramic insert for the HBC005 and a muted silver-grey ceramic for the HBB001 — both fitted with a luminous pip at 12 o’clock.

Dial, crystal and lume

Where they differ is the dial. The HBC005 shows a sunburst blue that shifts from bright to near-navy. The HBB001 uses a grained silver that responds to light more quietly. Both use large applied hour markers, a broad handset loaded with Seiko’s LumiBrite, and sapphire crystals with an internal anti-reflective coating for clear legibility above and below water.

Movement and technical specs

Through a screwed exhibition caseback you’ll find Caliber 6R35. It offers a 70-hour power reserve, 23 jewels, manual winding and hacking, and runs at 21,600 vph. The caseback is engraved with the anniversary crest and each watch carries a unique limited-edition number tied to the 1,881-piece run per colourway.

Bracelet, strap and water resistance

Both references ship on a solid three-link stainless bracelet with a diver’s extension and secure clasp. Seiko also includes an interchangeable silicone strap for warmer days. Water resistance is rated to 200 metres, consistent with Prospex’s sport-first brief.

These models don’t reinvent the Prospex formula — they refine it, giving collectors a commemorative option that retains everyday utility.

Market placement and significance

Positioned in the enthusiast-friendly segment, the HBC005 and HBB001 are sold through Seiko boutiques and select authorised retailers. With only 1,881 examples of each, expect steady collector interest. The mix of attractive dials, a long-power-reserve movement and Seiko’s value proposition makes them likelier to become steady sellers than fast flips. If you want one, target boutique stock drops and authorised dealers early — they’ll be the obvious first stop.

Originally reported by Time and Tide. This article is a curated summary of their original coverage.

Tags: Seiko, Prospex, Diver, Automatic