Seiko announced three Prospex 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretation GMT watches on March 8, 2023: the green-dial SPB381, black-dial SPB383 and limited ice-blue SPB385. All three use the automatic Caliber 6R54, whose independently adjustable GMT hand tracks a second time zone, and Seiko lists a 72-hour power reserve and 200 m diver’s water resistance for the family.
What are the Seiko Prospex 1968 GMT models?
Seiko presents the watches as modern reinterpretations of its 1968 diver. The company described the series at launch as the first Prospex diver’s watch series to use a mechanical GMT movement. The three references share the same movement and core water-resistance rating; their main distinctions are dial color and, for SPB385, limited-edition status and an extra strap.
![SEIKO SBEJ009 [PROSPEX Diver Scuba 1968 Mechanical Divers Modern Design GMT Men's Metal Band] Watch Japan Import June 2023 Model](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ginP2O42L._SL160_.jpg)
| Reference | Dial and edition | Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| SPB381 | Green; standard collection | Standard GMT diver variant |
| SPB383 | Black; standard collection | Standard GMT diver variant |
| SPB385 | Textured ice blue; Save the Ocean limited edition | Limited to 4,000 pieces; includes an additional strap made from recycled plastic bottles |
Seiko says the additional SPB385 strap is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles using the Seichu braiding technique. The company’s product page describes the collection’s design and features.
How does the 6R54 GMT hand work?
The automatic Caliber 6R54 has a GMT hand that can be adjusted independently in one-hour increments without stopping the time-of-day hands. This lets the wearer display a second time zone while leaving the local hour and minute hands running. Seiko describes that operation in its March 8, 2023 launch announcement.
#1 Best Overall
- RELIABLE GMT MOVEMENT: Automatic GMT movement delivers accurate timekeeping and easy dual-time tracking for travel.
- PROFESSIONAL DIVE WATCH: 300M water resistance makes it suitable for diving, swimming, and everyday adventures.
- DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: Premium stainless steel case and bracelet offer lasting durability and a comfortable fit.
- SCRATCH-RESISTANT CRYSTAL: Sapphire crystal provides excellent clarity while helping protect the dial from scratches.
- CLASSIC & VERSATILE DESIGN: Black dial with a timeless Prospex heritage design, ideal for business, casual, and outdoor wear.
Seiko’s published movement specifications are a 72-hour power reserve, 21,600 vibrations per hour (six beats per second) and 24 jewels. The release also lists a movement diameter of 27.4 mm and thickness of 5.3 mm. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent accuracy or endurance test results.
What are the case and diver specifications?
Seiko’s 2023 press release lists the following specifications for the trio:
- 42.0 mm case diameter and 12.9 mm thickness
- 200 m diver’s water resistance
- Stainless-steel case and bracelet with super-hard coating
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Scratch-resistant ceramic bezel insert with a unidirectional rotating bezel
- Screw-down crown and case back
- Lumibrite on the hands and indexes
- Magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m
- Three-link steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp, push-button release, secure lock and extender
Those figures and features are stated by Seiko in its launch release; they should not be read as an independent assessment of fit, legibility, accuracy or real-world diving performance.
When did they launch, and what were the original prices?
Seiko said the watches would reach its boutiques and selected retail stores worldwide from June 2023. Its recommended European launch prices were €1,700 for SPB381 and SPB383 and €1,900 for SPB385. Seiko cautioned that price and specifications were subject to change. These are historical launch prices, not current 2026 prices; check local retailers for present pricing and availability.
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- ELEGANT DESIGN: Round stainless steel case with blue rotating bezel, white dial and steel bracelet for a professional and refined look
- GMT function: Automatic movement with GMT function for monitoring two time zones, ideal for international travelers
- TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: Diver watch with water resistance up to 300 m, sapphire crystal and date indicator
- SPECIAL EDITION: Prospex Collection 60th Anniversary commemorative model, representing Seiko excellence in the sports watch industry
- BRACELET: Solid stainless steel bracelet with safety clasp, perfect for everyday wear and sports activities
Which reference should you compare?
- Choose by dial: SPB381 is green, SPB383 is black and SPB385 is ice blue.
- Consider the limited edition: SPB385 is the 4,000-piece Save the Ocean version and includes the extra recycled-plastic-bottle strap.
- Compare live local listings: Launch-era European prices do not establish current prices in other markets or today’s stock.
Seiko’s specifications give all three models the same Caliber 6R54 and 200 m diver’s water resistance, so neither is a movement or stated water-resistance upgrade over the others.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- SOLAR: this rugged diver's watch features Seiko's first ever solar GMT movement, powered by any light source for a 9-month power reserve
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable stainless steel watch case, bracelet, and rotating elapsed timing bezel
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- 5K65 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 5K65 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
Rank #4
![SEIKO SBEJ011 [PROSPEX Diver Scuba 1968 Mechanical Divers Modern Design GMT Men's Metal Band] Watch Japan Import June 2023 Model](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41NQ5CX6YrL._SL160_.jpg)
- Item Shape: Round
- View the movement: Mechanical automatic (with hand winding)
- Waterproof depth: 200.0 meters
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
