Seiko has added a new color, Ref. SBEJ029, to its Prospex Divers 1968 Heritage GMT. This marine-inspired watch features a silver-white dial and a navy blue bezel that create a refreshing contrast. Based on the classic 1968 Divers model, this modern update includes a GMT function, making it a high-performance diver's watch perfect for the season of travel and adventure.
Automatic movement (Cal. 6R54). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (42mm diameter, 13.3mm thick). Water resistant to 300mm. June 6, 2025. Price: 247,500 yen (tax included).
Text by Sabine Zwettler
[Article published on January 29, 2025]
Long-awaited new color for the Prospex Divers 1968 Heritage GMT
Seiko has announced a new colorway for the Prospex Divers 1968 Heritage GMT, the Ref. SBEJ029. This marine-colored model features a silver-white dial and a navy blue bezel. It's a modern take on the legendary diver's watch from the 1960s, with the addition of a GMT function. It's water resistant to 300m and boasts a sporty yet attractive design. Its design, evocative of the sun and sea, is sure to inspire your wanderlust.
A rich history
The fact that great design continues to fascinate people even decades later is a remarkable characteristic of the world of watches. Retro-style models that retain their original appeal are now more popular than ever. This applies to everything from elegant dress watches to functional chronographs and sporty pilot's and diver's watches.
Seiko's Prospex Divers 1968 Heritage GMT is one example, with its roots in the diver's watch that the company released in 1968. Like the classic models of yesteryear, it pursues clear lines and practicality while also boasting the durability of a robust sports watch.
All elements meet modern standards, including improved water resistance, a luminous dial, and high precision thanks to the automatic movement. Furthermore, the addition of the Cal. 6R54 movement and GMT function further enhances functionality. This will be the ideal companion for the travel season.
A GMT diver with a variety of looks
Even if your travel plans are still a long way off, picking up this watch will already have you feeling like heading to the sea. The color scheme of the Ref. SBEJ029, combining a silver and white dial with a unidirectional rotating bezel with a navy blue ceramic insert, is sure to evoke nautical adventures.
The large indexes and hands are coated with Seiko's proprietary luminous material, Lumibrite, ensuring excellent visibility in any lighting environment. The red-rimmed GMT hand allows for the display of a second time zone, and its scale is located on the chapter ring. A date window is located between 4 and 5 o'clock. This is the perfect watch for businessmen who are constantly traveling around the world.
Comfortable to wear
The 42mm case is made of hard-coated stainless steel and boasts water resistance to 300m. While retaining the look of the original model, the case sides are mirror-finished to add a modern touch. The bracelet has a three-link structure and features a folding clasp, safety push button, and lock bar. A newly designed slide adjuster allows for six positions of fine adjustment in approximately 2.5mm increments, flexibly adapting to changes in temperature or wrist size during exercise.
Seiko movement with GMT function
The movement is Seiko's in-house Cal. 6R54. It is equipped with a GMT hand to display a second time zone. In addition to bidirectional automatic winding, it also features a stop-seconds function for convenient time setting. The power reserve is approximately 72 hours, and the daily rate is -15 to +25 seconds.
Release information
The new colorway of the Prospex Mechanical Divers 1968 Heritage GMT, Ref. SBEJ029, is scheduled to be released on June 6, 2025, priced at 247,500 yen (tax included).
Shohei Ohtani wears it in the commercial
This model has been featured in the Japanese TV commercial "SHO-TIME: A Time for Challenges Together." It is also featured in the Prospex posters you see around town.
