Using the Seiko Prospex "SBEJ009"! A stylish and cost-effective diver's watch

We will be reviewing the Seiko Prospex 1968 Mechanical Divers Modern Design GMT Ref. SBEJ009 diver's watch, released in 2023. The SBEJ009, which combines diver and GMT functions, is a cost-effective model that combines fashion and practicality at a high level.

The SBEJ009 is perfect for casual styles. The unique green dial and bezel

　This time, I will be reviewing the Seiko "1968 Mechanical Divers Modern Design GMT" diver's watch, Ref. SBEJ009. At 209,000 yen (including tax), it is a relatively affordable model for a mechanical wristwatch.

　Now, the editorial staff handed me this Seiko diver's watch. The staff had adjusted the bracelet to fit my wrist based on past data, but when I actually wore it, it was a little tight. So when I took it home, the first thing I did was adjust the bracelet.

　As a watch expert, I do own Bergeon's special tools and have plenty of experience adjusting bracelets, so I went about adding links with ease. The bracelet on this model has a thin pipe with a slit inserted into the hole in the central link, and the links are secured in place by friction.

　I inserted the bracelet into the bracelet replacement stand and used a hammer to remove the pin, which was a perfect fit for the hole diameter, but the center pipe fell out and I lost track of it. Fortunately, I found it quickly, inserted it, added the link, and successfully completed the bracelet adjustment, but I don't recommend that the average person do this themselves. Having actually done it, I realized that it's best to have the work done at a store when you buy the watch.

　So, the Seiko Prospex Diver Scuba SBEJ009 is finally ready to wear, and the craftsmanship of the bracelet and the weight of the entire watch are so luxurious that it's hard to believe it's a model costing around 20 yen, and the satisfaction of putting it on is all the more impressive.

　Well, I don't really want to talk about my age, but at my age I often find that a lighter watch would be better, but I still think that a watch with a certain weight gives me a greater sense of satisfaction when I wear it.

　As for its appearance on the wrist, it is the standard Seiko diver's style, and since it is based on the legendary 10-beat high-beat 300m air diver watch that was released in 1968, there is no need to worry about its use in everyday life or outdoor activities.

　The most distinctive feature of this model is the green dial and matching glossy green ceramic bezel ring.

　Green is considered to be the most difficult color to pull off in men's fashion. In recent years, however, green has become a trend in the watch industry, with many brands adopting it. As a green lover, I'm happy about this, but at the same time, I'm worried about whether everyone can really pull off green.

　However, green is a common color in the outdoor world, and all shades of green, from bright fresh green to dull army green, are incorporated into clothing and gear, so these green divers' watches will surely blend in seamlessly with that style.

　The problem is with everyday use and business attire. As far as I know, the trend of wearing diver's watches on a daily basis began in the early 1980s, but it's hard to shake the feeling that a relatively bulky diver's watch would look out of place with a business suit. It's even more difficult when the dial is green.

　Therefore, I would not recommend wearing this model for business purposes, but for everyday use I would recommend a well-balanced outfit that matches it with contrasting colors such as yellow, red, or orange.

A genuine diver's watch with a GMT hand and a long power reserve for practicality.

　This is the impression it gives from a fashion perspective, but what about its practicality as a watch? In fact, this is the greatest selling point of this model.

　First of all, the time display function is impeccable. The hands and indices are thick and large, so you can clearly see the time in any situation. Since I didn't dive in the ocean this time, I don't know how well it performs as a diver's watch, but I'm sure it will be fine.

　The date display is located between the 4 and 5 o'clock indexes, which is different from the original 68 diver's model (the date was at 3 o'clock on that model). For me, who believes that a date window disrupts the harmony of the design, the date at 4 or 5 o'clock is ideal, as I only need to check it when I want to know the date.

　This model also features a so-called GMT hand, which allows you to display the time in a different region than the hour and minute hands.

　The operation is extremely simple. Simply loosen the screw-down crown, pull it out one notch, and turn it clockwise to set the GMT hand to the time of another region in the 24-hour system, jumping one hour at a time. Turning the crown counterclockwise while still pulled out one notch advances the date.

　I've said this before, but while there are many models on the market that feature elaborate GMT displays and world time functions, my impression is that in the end, the most convenient watches for overseas travel or reporting are those with a simple GMT hand like this model. In that sense, the Prospex Diver Scuba SBEJ009 is a model that is extremely practical even as a travel watch.

　What's more, this model has a long power reserve of approximately three days (approximately 72 hours). Before I got a model with a long power reserve, I thought, "It doesn't really matter whether the power reserve is long or short," but when I actually use it, I find it extremely convenient. I wear it once, leave it, put on another watch, and then when I try to wear the old watch again, it's still running and there's no need to adjust the time. This is much more convenient than I imagined.

　Taking this into consideration, we can confidently say that the Prospex Diver Scuba SBEJ009 is a genuine diver's watch suitable for everyday use, and we can confidently recommend it as a model that combines fashion and practicality at a high level, offering excellent cost performance.