Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch HBC011: A fan-selected limited edition

Seiko’s Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver has a fan-selected blue dial, 300-mt WR, a 72-hour power reserve and Calibre 6R55; 4,500 pieces. Price €1,550

Seiko introduced a new limited-edition Prospex diver’s watch whose dial design was selected by the brand’s international community of enthusiasts. 

Created to mark the 60th anniversary of Seiko’s first diver’s watch, the model takes inspiration from the changing colours of the sea under daylight and combines this distinctive light blue dial with the design of the original 1965 diver.

The project began in 2025, when Seiko invited fans to vote for the dial of a new Prospex diver through a global campaign held online and in person from 1 to 31 July. 

Four designs represented different seascapes and the changing light from dawn to sunset. The winning proposal was the one inspired by the ocean in daylight, characterised by a vivid blue shade described as “Daytime Blue”.

The resulting Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch Fan-selected Limited Edition, reference HBC011, features a blue dial and matching blue aluminium bezel insert. 

The dial’s wave motif recalls a symbol associated with Seiko’s diving-watch heritage. The wave symbol first appeared on the case back of Seiko’s 1975 diver’s watch, the world’s first diving watch with a titanium case and water resistance to 600 metres, developed for saturation diving. 

It has since remained a recurring feature on the case backs of Seiko dive watches. On the new limited edition, the case back is engraved with the words “LIMITED EDITION” and an individual serial number, identifying each of the 4,500 watches produced.

The watch draws on the design of Seiko’s original diver, introduced in 1965 and known among enthusiasts as the 62MAS. 

Equipped with an automatic movement and water-resistant to 150 metres, the original model was designed to provide reliable timekeeping and clear legibility in demanding conditions. 

Its capabilities were demonstrated when Japanese researchers used it during Antarctic expeditions in the 1960s, helping establish the foundations for Seiko’s subsequent range of professional diving watches.

The new model retains the functional approach of that early design while incorporating specifications suited to contemporary diving. 

Its stainless steel case measures 40 mm in diameter and 13 mm thick, and is fitted with a curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface. 

A unidirectional rotating stainless steel bezel carries an aluminium insert, while LumiBrite is applied to the hands, hour markers and bezel for visibility in low-light conditions. 

The screw-down crown and case back contribute to water resistance rated to 300 metres / 1,000 feet, in accordance with the watch’s diver specification. Magnetic resistance is rated at 4,800 A/m.

Power comes from the automatic Seiko Calibre 6R55, which operates at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and contains 24 jewels. It provides a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, or three days. 

The stainless steel bracelet features Seiko’s super-hard coating and a triple-folding clasp with a secure locking mechanism and push-button release. 

Its sliding adjustment system allows the bracelet length to be extended by up to 15 mm in increments of 2.5 mm. 

The adjustment can be operated while the clasp is closed, making it easier to accommodate changes in fit during wear. A high-strength silicone strap is also supplied.

The Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch Fan-selected Limited Edition is available worldwide through Seiko Boutiques and selected authorised retailers. 

Production is limited to 4,500 pieces, and the recommended retail price is €1,550 / US$1,400. seikowatches.com