Our top picks for the best Seiko Prospex model you ought to get this year

You might know Seiko as the name behind that stunning watch you've always wanted, but the Seiko watch brand is more than just beautiful timepieces. The Seiko Prospex is a name often synonymous with professional tool watches, and for a good reason. They are also the best Seiko watches of all time.

A reputation like that isn't coined up overnight. It was earned through years of technical expertise and manufacturing some iconic and fantastic watches. Of course, with a reputation like this, it can be incredibly tempting to get yourself a Prospex watch. After all, you can hardly go wrong with whichever one you'd end up having. 

If you’re fretting over the options available in the Prospex line, don’t worry because we’ve narrowed down the five best Seiko watches to collect that we think you ought to love.

Seiko Prospex SRPD27K1

The Seiko Prospex SRPD27K1 “Monster” watch is a best-selling Seiko watch. The funky design elements have been simplified compared to their old model, which has resulted in a more refined and approachable design. The dial is straightforward, with blocky indices, an arrow-shaped hour hand, and a sword-shaped minute hand cutting across. It’s a very functional and handsome brute. 

Moreover, the unconventional outer case shroud remains along with the circa 4-O’clock crown placement. The Monster is rated to a water resistance of 200M no less and is powered by Seiko’s in-house caliber 4R36 with 40 hours of power reserve and a modest beat rate of 21,600VPH (3Hz). The watch also features a day-date function, magnified by a “cyclops” lens attached to the Hardlex crystal.

For more details about this Seiko Prospex watch, click this link.

Seiko Prospex SLA021J1 Men’s watch

We are introducing the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster SLA021J1, a commemorative limited edition of the first model from 1968, Seiko's reference 6159. Powered by Seiko Caliber 8L35 and beating at 28,800 VPH (4Hz), this special edition pays proper tribute to the original 1968 hi-beat drive Ref. 6159-7001 and more. Though not equipped with the higher-beat 36,000 VPH (5Hz) 8L55 caliber, the 8L35 is still a force to be reckoned with, with a good frequency of 28,800 VPH (4Hz).

The Seiko 8L35 is an undecorated version of the Grand Seiko's 9S55 caliber, with 26 jewels, 50 hours of power reserve, and accuracy of -10 to +15 seconds per day, a proper demonstration of Japanese watchmaking prowess. Coming with a 44.3mm mono-bloc case, it is protected to a water resistance level of 300m and has been hardened with a super-hard DLC coating. It comes sturdily built with a sapphire crystal with a dual-sided anti-reflective to protect the proud blue dial and features a knurled crown at 4 O'clock – all signature traits of Seiko's divers.

This piece is considered one of the best Seiko to collect in the Prospex department. With a little over $7000, you get more than you paid. If you’re interested, click this link. 

Seiko Prospex SPB083J1

Next on the list is the special edition release from the Seiko Prospex SPB083J1, or what some may call the Great Blue Hole-MM200. This piece is excellent for first impressions of this watch, just like many other Seiko models. This is also one of the best Seiko watch ever.

Right off the bat, you’ll first notice the unique blue dial after strapping this watch on. The stunning unburst blue has a multi-directional gradient, catching and reflecting the light at different angles. Speaking of the dial, it is undoubtedly inspired by the 6159-7001 and the MM300 SBDX017. The round markers and the distinctive indices at 12 O clock are lifted from their predecessors.

The overall case diameter of the Seiko Prospex SPB083J1 sits at a relatively large 44mm with a 20mm lug width. An anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects it, and its case is treated with Seiko’s Diashield coating, ensuring improved scratch and corrosion resistance. Power comes from Seiko’s trusty Caliber 6R15 automatic, a step up from the 4R Caliber. The movement comes with hacking, hand winding, a modestly beefy 50 hours of power reserve, and a respectable 21,600 VPH (3HZ) frequency.

Find more details at this link.

SEIKO PROSPEX SPB121J1 MEN'S WATCH

The original Seiko Alpinist was classic, reliable, robust, attractive, and affordable. It’s the perfect fit and is one of the best Seiko watches of all time. One could call it the Goldilocks of watches. This has made it hugely popular on its hay day. There were three released then, but one stood out in particular with a sunburst green dial and gold markers. But it is all out of production, driving high re-sale prices when stocks run out on the second-hand market. Until now, Seiko announced a reissue of the Alpinist with three new models that sit nicely in the Seiko Prospex line. What they’ve done essentially is to take everything that made the Alpinist tremendous and make them better.

The new Seiko Alpinist is powered by the caliber 6R35, giving it a whopping 70 hours of power reserve. On top of that, there is an exhibition case back for you to enjoy the 6R35 caliber in greater detail. However, not much has changed visually on the new Alpinist SPB121J1 besides the dial's Seiko Prospex "X" branding. It's a slight touch that shows everyone that this watch is more than just a pretty face; it means serious business and will get the job done right. The watch hailed from a line initially intended for Japanese mountaineers back in 1961-64, called the Laurel Alpinist. It wasn't until 2006 that Seiko unveiled the horological phenomenon, the Alpinist we all know and love today. And now they're back once again, and the wait was certainly worth it.

The Alpinist is a modern classic that strikes a chord with both divers and tool watch collectors. This Seiko Prospex watch is a serious tool yet versatile enough to be worn daily. That’s why it’s the best Seiko watch to collect. Click here for more details.

Seiko Prospex Automatic SRPC33K1 Men’s Green Nylon Strap Watch

The Seiko Prospex SRPC33K1 may be a field watch with a compass, but it has all the hallmarks of an actual sports watch – for most of us, the vast majority of our time is spent not on the water but on land. The large case diameter, 4 O’clock crown for the movement, and extensive crown/bridge for the compass show that its primary purpose is to be a field watch. The dial design follows the classic pilot’s watch layout from World War 2, with large readable Arabic numerals and a white minute track scale.

The Seiko SRPC33K1 is straight to the point and features large luminous plots, Arabic numerals, and oversized hour and minute hands. Powered by a 4R36A caliber with 40 hours of power reserve, a 21,600VPH (3Hz) frequency, and a day-date complication, this watch is likely to become a daily beater for its owner than to be used as proper equipment. This makes sense since it can survive the crushing depths of the ocean at 300 meters below the surface but only ever bring it as deep as your desk file cabinet.

This is another best-selling Seiko watch and if you’re keen on owning this specific piece, click this link.

Final Thoughts

As I've said before, Prospex watches are one of the best Seiko watches to collect and are also best-selling pieces. The suggested pieces above may resonate with you or not. It depends on your personal needs.

All in all, the Seiko Prospex range represents a lot to enthusiasts and collectors as it represents much of what is excellent about Japanese watchmaking today, but mainly because it combines quality and value exceptionally well. If you're still on a quest on where to buy your Seiko Prospex Singapore - H2 Hub has you covered.

You may also want to check out our top 10 best Seiko Prospex watches of all time under $5000 article for more options.