– Seiko marks its 145th anniversary with two limited-edition dive watches: Prospex HBB001 and HBC005.
– Seiko Blue dominates the design, with a dual-tone bezel on the HBB001 and blue accents on the HBC005’s unidirectional bezel and seconds hand against a silver-white dial.
– HBC005 is the premium model: Caliber 6R55, 72-hour power reserve, 40mm case, 300 m WR, inspired by Seiko’s 1965 first diver’s watch.
– HBB001 is slightly larger at 41.7mm, Caliber 4R35, ~41-hour PR, 200 m WR, and about $800 cheaper than the HBC005.
– Both watches go on sale in June across the US, Japan, UK, Australia, and Europe.
Seiko is turning 145 this year, and the company is celebrating this milestone by launching a slew of special edition watches across its Prospex, Astron, and Presage lineups. We have already seen the Astron HAB004 Anniversary edition and the likes of Prospex Speedtimer SRQ059 and King Seiko SJE121. Now, the Japanese watchmaker has announced two new limited edition dive watches: the Prospex HBB001 and Prospex HBC005.
Seiko milestone anniversaries
Both of these models are incredibly clean, but the real star of the show here is Seiko Blue. It’s a signature, deep blue hue that’s been baked into the brand’s identity since the 1960s. On the HBB001, it makes for a super fun dual-tone rotating bezel. On the HBC005, that same blue hits the unidirectional bezel and seconds hand, creating a brilliant contrast against a crisp, silver-white dial.
Blue allure and bezel details
The Seiko HBC005 is the more premium and powerfull of the duo, featuring a Caliber 6R55 automatic movement that delivers an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Its 40mm stainless steel case draws inspiration from Japan’s very first diver’s watch released in 1965, embodying an iconic yet compact style. Being a dive watch, the HBC005 also offers 300 meters of water resistance.
Mechanical powerhouses
The Prospex HBB001, on the other hand, features a slightly larger 41.7mm stainless steel case. It’s powered by the Caliber 4R35 automatic movement, boasting an approximate 41-hour power reserve. Its 200 meters of water resistance is a step down from the HBC005, but then again, the HBB001 is also roughly $800 cheaper.
Pricing and market release
The Seiko Prospex HBC005 and HBB001 are scheduled to go on sale in the US, Japan, the UK, Australia, and Europe in June. The pricing in various markets is as follows: Seiko (1) (2)
