Seiko Prospex

The Prospex sports watch collection (the name stands for “professional specifications”) is one of the most popular series from the Japanese watch giant Seiko. Watch fans the world over have come to know the typical Seiko quality, reliability, and outstanding value for money this series delivers.

The wide selection of diving watches are particularly popular among the Seiko fan community, who have given these timepieces amusing nicknames like the “Sumo,” “Tuna,” “Samurai,” or “Turtle.” Along with their unique designs, these watches also deliver professional-level features like high water resistance. Top models can be worn to depths of 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,280 ft).

The Prospex line, however, offers more than just diving watches. One example includes watches from the Alpinist series, whose designs are inspired by timepieces Seiko specifically developed in the 1960s for mountaineers. The collection also includes a selection of pilot's watches, chronographs, and watches with a GMT function, which, according to Seiko, are the perfect companions on an “urban safari.”

The Japanese watchmaker primarily uses automatic in-house calibers for these timepieces. You’ll find solar and quartz-powered movements as well. The premium Prospex LX line is equipped with Seiko’s high-tech Spring Drive technology.

Watches from the Prospex collection are available on Chrono24 starting at around 340 USD. Timepieces in this price range are powered by Seiko's quartz or solar calibers, some of which even have a chronograph or GMT function.

Most Prospex models with automatic calibers, however, cost somewhere between 450 and 1,100 USD. In some cases, limited edition models can go for around 3,400 USD or more.

You’ll find the most expensive models in the Prospex LX line. Be sure to have between 4,500 and 5,600 USD for a Prospex with a Spring Drive.

Prospex diving watches have enjoyed an enormous fan base for years. The unique designs of these watches are based on classic Seiko models from the 1960s and 70s.

The Tuna models in the current Prospex collection date back to reference 6159-7010, which was introduced in 1975. Probably the most eye-catching feature of every Seiko Tuna is its round titanium case, which itself is seated within an additional ceramic-coated outer case to protect the watch and diving bezel against impacts. This gives the Tuna its unmistakable appearance reminiscent of a can of tuna fish.

One example of the modern successors to the original Tuna is the Marinemaster ref. SBDX014G, which is water-resistant up to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft). This watch changes hands for roughly 3,800 USD.

Ref. S23631J1 with quartz drive is an inexpensive alternative. This model is water-resistant to 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,280 ft). The watch demands an investment of approximately 2,500 USD.

A close relative of the Tuna is the Prospex “Arnie.” The watch got its nickname from the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger wore this timepiece in the action films “Commando” and “Predator.” This quartz timepiece is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft). The “Arnie” ref. SNJ025P1 changes hands on Chrono24 for roughly 425 USD.

The Seiko Prospex Turtle – A Popular and Unmistakable Diver

When Seiko fans hear the name “Turtle,” they immediately think of the legendary diving watch with the rounded case that resembles a turtle's shell. Martin Sheen also did his part to make the timepiece famous, donning a Seiko ref. 6105 in his role as Captain Willard in the legendary film “Apocalypse Now.” The 6105 was produced from the late 1960s well into the 1970s, and was water-resistant to 150 m (15 bar, 492 ft) at the time. You can find well-maintained vintage specimens on Chrono24 from around 1,800 USD.

The 1970 Diver's Modern Re-Interpretation ref. SPB237J1 released in 2021 is particularly close to the original. Unlike its historical model, however, this model is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft). You can call this retro diving watch your own for around 1,100 USD.

Other models in the Turtle family include the references SRPF77K1, SPB153J1, and SLA051J1. Prices on Chrono24 range from 560 USD for the entry-level model SRPF77K1 to 1,100 USD for ref. SPB153J1 and 2,700 USD for ref. SLA051J1 in unworn condition.

The Prospex collection also includes a number of watches inspired by Seiko's first diving watch, the 62MAS reference 6217-8000/1 from the year 1965. One of these is the Prospex Automatik First Diver’s Limited Edition ref. SLA017. The watch is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft), which surpasses that of the first Japanese diving watch, which was only water-resistant to 150 m (15 bar, 492 ft). As a limited edition of just 2,000 pieces, the SLA017 is a very sought-after collectible, and costs around 6,200 USD on the secondary market.

Seiko has expanded this collection to include an entire line of additional 62MAS-style models. Depending on the specific model, prices range from between 1,100 USD for standard models like the ref. SPB239J1 to 4,700 USD for the 55th Anniversary ref. SLA043J1, which has a more exclusive caliber technology.

In spring 2024, Seiko presented three new models as a tribute to the 62MAS from 1965. These watches bear the reference numbers SPB451SPB451, SPB453, and SPB455. All three variants have a 40-mm stainless steel case in common. While the SPB451 has with a blue dial, the dial of the SPB453 is black. The latter model features a gilt dial with gold-colored hands and indices. Each version will set you back about 1,300 USD new.

Although it’s only been on the market since 2000, the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 300 has become a Seiko classic. The timepiece is distinguished by its “monobloc” case, forged from a single piece of stainless steel. The Marinemaster 300 is water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft) and is available in three versions that differ only in minor ways.

The reference SBDX001 was the first version of this model and was produced until around 2015. Mint-condition examples demand an investment of approximately 2,700 USD. You can buy the successor ref. SBDX017 unworn for around 3,600 USD. Since 2018, the Marinemaster 300 has borne the reference number SLA021J1. Expect to pay around 2,900 USD for one of these models.

As the name implies, the Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver's GMT refs. SPB381J1 and SPB383J1 have a GMT function. While the dial and bezel of the former reference are green, these elements are black on the latter. The two models are reminiscent of a diving watch that Seiko released back in 1968. The 42-mm watches are water-resistant up to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) and are available in two dial and bezel colors. Both variants change hands for roughly 1,600 USD.

Seiko presented the Prospex 1968 Diver’s GMT “Save the Ocean” ref. SPB385J1 on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of Seiko’s first wristwatch. Along with the metal bracelet, a polyester strap made from recycled plastic bottles is also included. This watch has a blue dial, is limited to 4,000 pieces, and will set you back about 1,800 USD in mint condition.

The Sumo, Monster, and Samurai are three more popular Seiko Prospex diving watches. The Sumo and Samurai stand out with their large, beefy cases and angular lugs. The Monster is instantly recognizable due to its wide, jagged diving bezel. Prices for these timepieces tend to be moderate. Inexpensive models are available from around 450 USD. Special editions with extra features can cost upwards of 1,600 USD.

The refs. SRPL11K1, SRPL13K1, and SRPL15K1 presented in 2024 are variants of the Prospex Samurai. Ref. SRPL11K1 has a dark red dial with a matching bezel. These same elements are black on the SRPL13K1. In addition to the black dial and bezel, the SRPL15K1 also has a black-coated case. Expect to pay between around 470 and 580 USD for these models.

The Highly-Coveted PADI Special Editions

Since 2016, Seiko has included special editions in its Prospex collection. These watches were the product of a cooperation with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, or PADI. Seiko PADI watches are easy to recognize with their "PADI" logo above 6 o’clock. Watches with red and blue accents are particularly popular. These include the Sumo ref. SPB181J11, the Monster ref. SRPE27K1, and the Arnie ref. SNJ027P, each of which features a combination of blue and red on their bezels.

Plan to spend anywhere between 360 USD and 780 USD, depending on the particular Prospex PADI.

The watches in the Prospex Speedtimer collection pay homage to Seiko's legendary Speedtimer chronographs from the year 1964. These were powered by the 6139 caliber, one of the world's first automatic chronograph calibers. The new editions, such as thereference SRQ037J1 from 2021, now feature the modern 8R46 caliber. The price for a mint specimen is around 2,800 USD.

The Prospex Speedtimer Solar is a more affordable alternative. This model was inspired by a Speedtimer from 1969. The solar caliber V192 ensures that this timepiece keeps very accurate time, and can go for up to six months without a charge. You can purchase the Speedtimer Solar with a white, black, blue, or beige dial for approximately 670 USD.

As you might guess from the name, the Prospex Land collection features watches designed for activity on land. Thanks to their 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) of water resistance, they're also more than equipped for use on and in the water.

The inspiration for these watches were timepieces that Seiko developed for mountaineers in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The 1959 Alpinist Modern Re-Interpretation ref. SBDC147 is a reissue of the Seiko Laurel Alpinist from 1959. This watch changes hands on Chrono24 for roughly 580 USD.

In 2021, Seiko also presented the 1959 Alpinist Re-Creation ref. SJE085J1, limited to just 1,959 pieces. Like the original, this watch comes on a leather cuff band, and features a glossy black dial. Have around 2,500 USD on hand if you'd like to call this collectible timepiece your own.

Other Alpinist Models

The Prospex Land collection also contains a number of other models inspired by Alpinists from the 1960s. One example is the Alpinist ref. SPB119J1. This 39.5-mm stainless steel watch costs just under 840 USD new.

The Seiko “Baby Alpinist” is an interesting alternative. The Baby Alpinist measures just 38 mm in diameter but has the same classic dial design as its larger counterparts. Color options include variants in blue, green, brown, and anthracite. The price for the variant with a green dial – reference SPB119J1 – is around 700 USD.

The Tortoise – A Turtle for Landlubbers

In 2021, Seiko expanded the Land line to include a number of models with a Turtle design; fans quickly gave them the nickname “Tortoise.” The most noticeable difference between the Turtle and Tortoise is found on the bezel: while the Turtle has a dive time scale, the rotating bezel on the Tortoise has a compass ring. On Chrono24, the Tortoise will set you back about 500 USD in unworn condition.

The Prospex LX collection features top-notch titanium sports watches. Here, Seiko brings together the look of popular Prospex diving watches with the brand’s high-tech Spring Drive calibers, not to mention a finishing quality that is on par with high-end Grand Seiko timepieces.

The collection essentially offers three variants. Sea models, such as the reference SNR029, come with a diving bezel. Air models have a GMT function and a 24-hour bezel. Ref. SNR033J1 is one example. Watches in the Land line, like reference SNR025J1, also feature a second time zone. The time in another time zone is read from a 24-hour scale on the watch's rehaut. The bezel on these timepieces serves as a compass.

Expend to spend between 4,500 and 5,000 USD on a model in the Prospex LX range.

What does the name “Prospex” mean?

“Prospex” is an abbreviation of “professional specifications.” The name refers specifically to the watches’ scope of professional applications and to their robustness, water resistance, and functionality.

Is the Seiko Prospex water-resistant?

All watches in the Seiko Prospex collection are water-resistant. Water resistance ranges from 100 m (10 bar, 984 ft) to 1,000 m (100 bar, 3,937 ft), depending on the model line.