Seiko Circles Back On A Classic Design With Another Killer Prospex Re-Interpretation (SPB313, SPB315, and SPB317)

June 23, 2022

Here we go again. Earlier this month, alongside the announcement of the new Seiko 5 Sports GMT, Seiko also announced a new trio of vintage-themed Prospex divers as part of their ongoing "Diver's Watch Re-Interpretation" series. You know, the same series that brought us the SPB143 C which remains lovely, though I've likely mentioned it enough at this point. Well, now we have the brand-new SPB313 with a white dial, the SPB315 with a black/gilt dial, and the SPB317 with a classic black dial C?and oh boy do they look good.? Based on a re-interpretation of Seiko's vintage reference 6105-8000, these new Prospex models are all built upon the same 41mm steel cushion case (featuring Seiko's Super-Hard coating) with an inset crown at four and a closed steel caseback. Thankfully, alongside the easy-wearing sizing, we find a reported thickness of 12.3mm and a lug-to-lug of 46.9. Compare that to the SPB143 (40.5 x 13.7 x 46.5 mm) and you have the thinnest Prospex re-interpretation to date.? Speaking of dates, all four are powered by Seiko's 6R35 movement, which runs at 21,600 vph and offers a power reserve of 70 hours. The movement does offer a date display and all three have the aperture tucked between the markers at 4:30. While far (far) from my fav placement, I am willing to reserve any nitpicking until I get a chance to have one on my wrist. Pricing for the SPB313 and 315, both of which include a bracelet, is $1,100. If you opt for the SPB317 and its black rubber strap, that price drops to $900.?Not bad at all.? What We Think I simply cannot wait to try one of these on, specifically the white-dialed SPB313 version. I think the sizing makes so much sense and is further evidence of Seiko listening to feedback from their fan base and just how seriously Seiko is taking the ~$1,000 price point. Prospex has seen a major push over the past several years, but lately, it feels like they've really hit their stride. For $900, the SPB317 is going to be very hard to beat, especially if it wears like a smaller SRP777 Turtle. Swoon.? Just as with the original SPB143 launch, I do wish that each reference could be had with a rubber strap as I'm not crazy about the bracelet and would leap at a 313 on the rubber and $200 in my pocket to go diving. After all, it's going right on a NATO anyways. While the timekeeping on the 6R35 often doesn't rival that of an entry-level Swiss movement, my experience has been very positive with the 143 and I can't imagine that I have the self-control to not snap one of these up for a closer look. On paper, the value proposition looks very good indeed.? All three references are expected to hit Seiko Luxe retailers sometime in July, so there will be plenty of summer left for swimming around with a nicely proportioned Seiko diver on your wrist.Seiko, if you're reading this, just go ahead and run my card for the SPB313. Something tells me you have it on file.? The Basics Brand: SeikoModel: Prospex Automatic Diver's Watch Re-Interpretation Reference Number: SPB313 (white), SPB315 (faux gilt), SPB317 (black)Diameter: 41mmThickness: 12.3mmCase Material: SteelDial Color: White, gold accent on black, blackIndexes: AppliedLume: YesWater Resistance: 200 metersStrap/Bracelet: Steel multilink for SPB313 and 315, rubber for SPB317 The Movement Caliber: Seiko 6R35Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, daPower Reserve: 70 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 21,600 vphJewels: 24 Pricing & Availability Price: $1,100 (SPB313 and 315), $900 (SPB317)Availability: Seiko Luxe retailers from July 2022Limited Edition: No Shop this story HODINKEE is an Authorized Retailer of Seiko watches. You can check out our collection?here. For more information about these new diver's from Seiko, click here.