Seiko Prospex SPB451
1965 Heritage Diver's Watch. Designed for those who treat life as the ultimate adventure, the Seiko Prospex collection meets every challenge with technological excellence and style. Part of a rich legacy of innovation in high-intensity timekeeping, Prospex continues to celebrate a long history of sports watch excellence with re-creations and re-interpretations of landmark achievements. Updated with more power, greater water resistance, enhanced legibility and a compact construction designed for maximum comfort, this rugged yet sleek timepiece reimagines Seiko's 1965 first diver's watch, the beginning of the company’s legacy of setting the standards in dive watch technology and design. Framed by a coordinating unidirectional rotating elapsed timing bezel, the rich black dial offers a date calendar between 4 and 5 o’clock allowing for LumiBrite coating on the hands and all 12 markers, improving symmetry and legibility. With an upgraded power reserve of approximately 72 hours, 3 full days, the 24-jewel automatic movement beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and includes manual winding capability. Crafted of stainless steel with super-hard coating, this superbly functional diver’s watch features a curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, as well as a screwdown crown and caseback. The bracelet is designed to incorporate links with a short pitch and a smaller clasp to match the sophisticated case design, which despite its slim profile, follows ISO standards for scuba diving to depths of up to 300 meters. 300m Water Resistant
Information:
New: Seiko Prospex SPB451
Reference: SPB451
MSRP: $1300
Bezel Aligns
Strap: Stainless Steel Bracelet
Case Size: 40mm x 13mm x 46.4mm lug to lug
Lug Width: 20mm
Case Metal: Stainless Steel
Movement: 6R55 - Automatic
Functions: Time, Power Reserve, Date
Box and Papers: Both
Crystal: Sapphire
Bracelet size: 7.75”
Condition: New Unworn
History of Seiko Watches
Seiko's history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori opened a watch shop in Tokyo. In 1892, he established Seikosha, a factory for producing wall clocks. The company quickly progressed, creating Japan's first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913. Despite setbacks like the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, Seiko persevered, launching its first watch under the Seiko brand name in 1924.
The post-World War II era saw Seiko's rapid growth and innovation. They introduced Japan's first automatic wristwatch in 1956 and launched the prestigious Grand Seiko line in 1960. Seiko achieved international recognition for accuracy in 1968, winning a Geneva Observatory competition.
The company made a name for its divers in 1965 with the introduction of their first professional dive watch, the 62MAS. This was followed by the iconic 6159-7001 in 1968, which was water-resistant to 300 meters. Seiko gained international recognition in 1975 with the release of the 6159-7010, nicknamed the "Tuna Can" due to its distinctive case shape. In 1969, they revolutionized the industry with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, ushering a new era of watchmaking that would send waves across the industry through the 70s and 80s. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global watchmaking giant, Seiko's history is characterized by resilience, technological advancement, and a commitment to precision.
