Seiko Dives Deep Into Its Catalog To Resurface a Stunning Tool Watch

This gorgeous travel-friendly timepiece, a permanent addition to the brand’s catalog, pays homage to its 1968 Hi-Beat 300m diver.

Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Divers GMT 60th Anniversary SPB519J1 watch closeup above ocean and sailboat

By Sean Tirman

Published April 30, 2025

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Lauded Japanese watch brand Seiko is celebrating a major milestone this year: 60 years of the brand’s dive watches. In honor of that mark, the brand launched the SPB509, a magnificent limited edition GMT diver that pays homage to the brand’s 1968 Hi-Beat 300m diver.

In a surprising move, the brand has returned to this design — albeit in a different, refreshing colorway — as a permanent addition to its catalog. Called the Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver’s GMT 60th Anniversary, this watch’s name is a mouthful but can be pared down to a single word: stunning.

Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Divers GMT 60th Anniversary SPB519J1 watch above ocean — Essentially an alternate colorway of the SPB509, the SPB519 is a permanent addition to Seiko’s catalog.

Heir apparent

Only a couple of years ago did Seiko launch mechanical dive watches with GMT functionality. This watch continues that trend and may suggest a larger brand focus.

As mentioned, unlike its predecessor, this one has been permanently added to Seiko’s catalog. Its availability isn’t its only distinction, however. While the watches share much in common, there are some significant differences.

Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Divers GMT 60th Anniversary SPB519J1 watch — Unlike its sibling, this GMT diver has a more subtle red-on-silver-white dial scheme.

It begins with the dial. Instead of a faceted, ocean-inspired blue dial, this one has a much more subtle silver-white dial. The watch also sees a change in its hand highlights.

Whereas the original had a blue dot on its second hand and a gold GMT hand, this one gets a more striking red in both spots. That red extends to its GMT lettering on the dial.

Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Divers GMT 60th Anniversary SPB519J1 clasp — This six-step adjustable band makes this Seiko extremely easy-wearing and accommodating for daily use.

Retaining excellence

While there are some distinct differences between the aforementioned watches, they have far more in common. For instance, they share the same blue ceramic rotating diver bezel and silver stainless steel case (and matching band).

The SPB519 also retains the Caliber 6R54 automatic movement with its GMT functionality (obviously). As such, that case and movement combo are both still good for 300m depths.

Like its limited-edition sibling, this watch also has a handy six-step adjustable clasp, making it one of the most comfortable, accommodating, customizable link bands Seiko offers. In fact, this is the first time ever that this clasp has been applied to a non-limited-edition model.

Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Divers GMT 60th Anniversary SPB519J1 watch on wrist — The silver-white dial has the benefits of easy readability and a more refined overall style.

Pricing and availability

The Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver’s GMT 60th Anniversary is scheduled for a June 2025 release. It will be available for pre-order through the Seiko Boutique site and retails for £1,600 GBP (about $2,136 USD).