In 1965, Seiko made a splash in the world of watchmaking with the introduction of its first diver’s watch, the legendary 62MAS. This marked the beginning of a legacy that would evolve into the renowned Seiko Prospex diver’s watch collection. Over the decades, Seiko has continued to push the boundaries of technology, design, and functionality, earning the admiration of both professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.
Today, at the forefront of Seiko’s modern dive watch offerings is the Marinemaster series, with the collection characterized by a robust and high-performance movement designed exclusively for diver’s watches, ensuring stable accuracy in challenging underwater conditions.
Originally launched in the Japanese domestic market, the Prospex Marinemaster series is now making its global debut with three new executions, including a limited edition that pays homage to Seiko’s rich heritage and two mainline introductions. Representing the official global launch of the Marinemaster line, each new watch takes its design inspiration from the iconic 62MAS (below). They are equipped with 39.5mm stainless steel cases that are water-resistant to 200 meters and feature box-shaped sapphire crystals.
A textured horizontal stripe pattern expresses lapping waves on the dials while adding a stylish touch to the new design, which features “Marinemaster” printed just below the Seiko logo at the 12 o’clock position.
A silvery-white dial graces a limited-edition version commemorating the 100th anniversary of the registration of the Seiko name as a brand (ref. SJE097), while light blue (ref. SJE099) and black (ref. SJE101) dials join the Prospex collection as standard watches.
The hour, minute, and seconds hands of each timepiece borrow their design cues from the 1965 diver’s watch, ensuring a seamless homage to the classic aesthetic. To guarantee legibility in all light conditions, Lumibrite-filled indexes and a luminous dot on the unidirectional bezel are incorporated, enhancing visibility in the dark.
Powering the new diver’s trio is the automatic Seiko Caliber 6L37, a new movement based on the slimline Caliber 6L series created to meet the demanding standards of diving. Derived from the earlier Caliber 6L35, the 6L37 has undergone adaptations to enhance shock resistance, maintaining the signature slim profile that defines the 6L movement family. In true Seiko fashion, it is protected against magnetic interference, with resistance extended up to 4,800 A/m. This ensures that the watches maintain their accuracy and reliability even in environments where magnetic fields might pose a challenge.
For the first time in a Seiko diver’s watch, the new Marinemaster line-up features an exhibition case back, allowing a view of this finely finished, high-performance mechanical movement which offers a power reserve of 45 hours. The development of a diver’s watch with a see-through case back, a feature that tends to add thickness, presented its own engineering challenges. The new watch needed to maintain the high level of water and shock resistance that Prospex usually achieves with a closed case back while also keeping the profile thin. By reconsidering the case structure and using the slimline Caliber 6L37, Seiko succeeded in creating its thinnest mechanical diver’s watch with a height of just 12.3mm.
The Prospex Marinemaster models are attached to a new bracelet that features ellipse-shaped links with mirror-finished, dual-curved surfaces. Like the cases they are distinguished by hairline and mirror finishes.
All three watches will be available at select retail partners in 2024 with pricing marked at $2,800.
To learn more, visit Seiko, here.
