Key Takeaways
1. Model Updates: The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster HBF001 features the new 8L45 movement, improving from the older 8L35 movement used in the SLA079.
2. Enhanced Performance: The HBF001 offers a power reserve of 72 hours and improved timekeeping accuracy, with a daily deviation of +10 to -5 seconds.
3. Innovative Clasp: The new one-push diver adjuster clasp allows for easy extension and retraction, providing better fit and comfort compared to older designs.
4. Limited Edition HBF002: The JAMSTEC Limited Edition features a unique blue gradient dial and is limited to 1,000 units, celebrating Arctic research.
5. Specifications: Both models are water-resistant up to 300m, have dual-curved sapphire glass, and are made with a sturdy 42.6mm stainless steel case with DiaShield coating.
Three years after bringing back the Marinemaster brand, Seiko is updating its main dive watch by introducing the new Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Heritage Diver’s Watch HBF001 along with the HBF002 JAMSTEC Limited Edition.
Similar Looks, Different Features
At first glance, you might confuse the Marinemaster HBF001 with the SLA079 due to their similar appearance. However, if you take a closer look, you will notice a few differences, like the placement of the date window and the “3 days” text on the HBF001’s dial. The main difference is the transition to the new 8L45 movement, which is a significant upgrade from the older 8L35 movement that the SLA079 uses.
Improved Performance
With the new caliber 8L45, the Marinemaster HBF001 has a power reserve of 72 hours when fully wound, a notable improvement over the 50 hours offered by the 8L35. The timekeeping accuracy is also enhanced, with the new model showing a daily time deviation of just +10 seconds to -5 seconds, which Seiko claims to be the best accuracy among its current mechanical movements.
Innovative Clasp Design
Another standout feature of the new watch is Seiko’s one-push diver adjuster clasp system. This newly designed clasp allows for an extension of up to 16mm, with eight fine adjustment steps of 2mm each, simply by sliding it. Seiko notes that you can also retract the extension even when the clasp is closed. This is a major upgrade from the older stamped clasps that were used before.
The HBF002 JAMSTEC Limited Edition, developed in partnership with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, takes a more artistic route. It celebrates future Arctic research and is limited to just 1,000 units worldwide. This exclusive model features a three-dimensional blue gradient dial that resembles an icebreaker moving through sea ice, along with a matching blue ceramic bezel.
Specifications
Both 1968 Heritage models offer 300m of diving water resistance, unidirectional rotating bezels, dual-curved sapphire glass, and a sturdy 42.6mm stainless steel case protected by DiaShield coating. They also have bright LumiBrite details for excellent visibility even in dark underwater conditions and magnetic resistance up to 4800 A/m.
The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Heritage HBF001 is priced at $3,600 / £3,300 / €3,800, while the JAMSTEC Limited Edition HBF002 costs $3,900 / £3,550 / €4,100. These watches will be available for purchase in the US, UK, Europe, and Japan starting in July.
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