Seiko Introduces Two Emerald-Green Prospex PADI Editions With The SPB501 And SRPL53
Seiko has given us a multitude of PADI Editions over the past decade or so. I am the proud owner of the Seiko Turtle SRPA21 PADI Edition that came out in 2016. I don’t wear it often these days, but I used to wear it a lot after buying it. That watch is why I always follow the new PADI Editions with interest. Seiko graces us with two PADI Editions in vibrant green this year. The first is the Prospex SPB501 Diver’s Watch 1965 Heritage, and the second is the Prospex “Samurai” SRPL53. The Japanese brand also introduces a second “Samurai” model, the blue Prospex SRPL51. The last is a regular addition to the brand’s catalog. Let’s find out more.
I’m thinking back to that Seiko Turtle SRPA21 PADI Edition that I own. It spent years in its box, but recently, I decided to wear it again. Doing so reminded me how well it wears for such a big watch and how much I love the blue and red aesthetic. I don’t have many colorful watches because black is my go-to for most, making my PADI Turtle an immediate standout in my collection. Since that watch came out nine years ago, Seiko has changed. The brand’s collection has had a complete overhaul with tons of new models. The special PADI Editions have always remained, though. So when we had a chance to check out the latest collaborative efforts with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, I was curious to learn more.
The Seiko Prospex SPB501 Diver’s Watch 1965 Heritage PADI Special Edition
Let’s begin with the Seiko Prospex SPB501 Diver’s Watch 1965 Heritage PADI Special Edition. It’s a long name for a member of the latest generation of watches modeled after the famous 62MAS from 1965. As with most PADI Editions, we get not only a special color but also a special dial.
For this special edition, the brand equips the stainless steel watch with a vibrant green aluminum bezel insert and an emerald-green dial. This dial has an intricate pattern mimicking the open water of the seas and gets continuously darker towards the bottom, as you would also experience in the water.
In line with the regular models, the SPB501 features a 40 × 46.4 × 13mm stainless steel case with a 300m depth rating. The bezel insert features laser-engraved numerals to stop them from fading. Additionally, the dial is graced by a series of oversized applied indexes and a familiar handset filled with white LumiBrite for great readability in the dark. The date window is neatly tucked away between 4 and 5 o’clock, creating an easy-to-read dial.
The Seiko 6R55 movement inside
Underneath the all-steel case back beats Seiko’s in-house caliber 6R55. This automatic movement operates at 21,600vph, has 24 jewels, and offers a healthy 72-hour power reserve. Seiko has specified a daily accuracy of +25/-15 seconds. As most of you know, that is a safe margin, and Seiko owners often report greater accuracy.
The same three-row bracelet from the regular models finishes the look. The case and the bracelet feature Seiko’s proprietary hard coating to prevent small scratches. Additionally, the bracelet comes with the new slimmer clasp. It’s a welcome upgrade, as the clasp features a wetsuit extension and a toolless micro-adjustment system in one. The new clasp can be adjusted in six steps, each measuring about 2.5mm, for a total range of 15mm.
Seiko also includes a sturdy green Seichu-weave fabric strap upcycled from discarded fishing nets. The Prospex SPB501 Diver’s Watch 1965 Heritage PADI Special Edition is available now for €1,700.
Wearing the Seiko Prospex SPB501
On the wrist, the watch feels familiar yet refreshingly different. The new colorway and special dial give this version a unique presence. While Seiko has green Prospex models in the collection, this new SPB501 stands out.
If you zoom in on the dial, your eyes immediately go to the characteristic PADI logo that dominates its lower half. It’s a great visual element that lets you know that Seiko takes its dive watches seriously. As a result of the addition of the PADI logo, the Prospex logo has moved to the upper half of the dial underneath the Seiko logo.
The green color has a certain aquatic feel, giving it a depth and richness that I like quite a bit. The watch’s dimensions are also perfect for various wrist sizes, and the bracelet with the new clasp adds tremendous comfort. There is a lot to like about the Seiko Prospex SPB501, so if you want something different from the standard models, check out this new PADI Edition.
The Seiko Prospex SRPL53 Diver’s Watch Mechanical PADI Special Edition
The second PADI Edition is a special version of Seiko’s current “Samurai” model. The Seiko Prospex SRPL53 Diver’s Watch Mechanical PADI Special Edition follows the same aesthetic as the 1965 Diver. I must say, it’s an aesthetic that fits the Samurai well. I reviewed the first models of the current Samurai series and was happy to see a smaller case size along with some clever design updates.
The SRPL53 features the same combination of a green bezel insert and an emerald-green gradient dial. On top of that, the dial features the same ocean-like pattern as the previously discussed 1965 Diver. However, the overall aesthetic is completely different because the Samurai is a modern creation that doesn’t take direct cues from any historical Seiko divers from the 1960s. The sharp, angular lines of the case, the modern font used for the bezel numerals, and the dial design completely differ from the 1965 Diver, which is why this is a great duo of PADI Editions.
The Seiko Prospex SRPL51 Diver’s Watch Mechanical
But as Seiko is adding another Samurai model to the collection, let’s discuss that as well. The Seiko Prospex SRPL51 shares the specs and overall aesthetic with the PADI Edition. The difference from the PADI version is a change to a vibrant matte blue dial and bezel insert. Other than that, the model offers the same case and specs as the SRPL53, so let’s go over them to get an idea.
The two new models feature a 41.7 × 49.5 × 12.3mm case with a 20mm lug spacing. Both watches are water resistant to 200 meters. Despite the difference in dial surface, both feature the characteristic long, pentagonal indexes and a date window at 4:30. As you can see, the logo placement on the dials is slightly different. As with the 1965 Diver PADI Edition, the Prospex logo has moved to the upper half of the SRPL53’s dial, making room for the PADI logo. The regular blue Samurai SRPL51 keeps the Prospex logo on the lower half of the dial.
The new Samurai still feels fresh
Seiko has paired the oversized indexes with a distinctive handset. The hour hand has a spearhead-like design, while the minute hand has a sword-style design that complements the hour hand well. Finishing the handset is a slim seconds hand with a luminous arrow and a long, thin tip. The hands and indexes all feature an application of Seiko’s LumiBrite for good legibility in the dark.
Overall, I feel the Seiko designers did a great job updating the design of the Samurai. Compared to its predecessor, the case feels less angular and, therefore, flows more nicely. On top of that, the dial design feels balanced, and the different elements go well together.
Inside the case of both watches, Seiko uses its Seiko caliber 4R35. This 23-jewel in-house automatic movement operates at 21,600vph and offers 41 hours of power reserve. As Seiko’s standard movement for affordable models, it is a reliable power train. The brand indicates that the standard accuracy is between +45 and -35 seconds per day. Finally, rounding off the look of both models is a three-row stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp.
The Seiko Prospex SRPL51 and SRPL53
Thanks to the smaller cases compared to their predecessors and the updated designs, the two new Samurai watches are a joy to wear. On top of that, they fit a larger variety of wrist sizes. Each watch has a distinct style and attractiveness that will undoubtedly win people over. I preferred the SRPL53 PADI Edition because I like the special color with the ocean-like pattern over the standard blue version.
Having said that, the blue version is a smart addition to the lineup because we hadn’t seen a blue version of the updated Samurai. As blue is a very popular color with fans of dive watches, I do not doubt that it will find its way to them quickly. Both watches are available now at Seiko boutiques and selected retailers worldwide. The green SRPL53 PADI Edition costs €670, while the blue SRPL53 is available for €650.
Final thoughts on the new Seiko Prospex PADI Editions
Seiko’s PADI Editions have become a series to look forward to, as the brand always does something special with the designs of these watches. While not every edition might be for you, it is a fun, interesting series to keep track of. I like these two new green PADI Editions because of their lovely aquatic-looking dials. The combination of the dial pattern and rich color makes for a nice duo of new collaborative efforts with PADI. Because of this, I’m sure they will appeal to Seiko fans, particularly those who love diving in the world’s seas or oceans.
