Introducing: The Seiko Prospex SPB473 European-Exclusive Limited Edition
Today, Seiko introduces a limited edition of a recently updated watch. This is the new Prospex SPB473, which has the specifications of the old, beloved SPB143. This version dials up the summer vibes with a bright faded dial inspired by the Greek island of Zakynthos. There is plenty to unpack, so let’s dive in!
The new Seiko Prospex SPB473(J1) is limited to 1,000 pieces for the European market only. It has a price of €1,500.
Seiko SPB473 — A farewell edition?
Last March, Seiko announced the SPB453. This new diver took the very popular SPB143 and refined it with a new caliber, subtler proportions, greater water resistance, and a less conspicuous date. Although Seiko didn’t tout it as an official replacement for the SPB143, we regarded it as its spiritual successor. Well, it looks like we were wrong! Five months on, the 143 is still available, and today’s new release is built on its platform. Is the 143 still very much alive and kicking, or could this be a farewell edition? Time will tell!
In any case, if you felt disappointed by the updated SPB453, this could be for you. I know the 4:30 date window, for instance, isn’t everyone’s favorite element. I prefer it over the bigger window at 3 o’clock, but this is purely subjective. Equally, the subtle downsizing may not be for you, in which case, you will love to hear that this new version has the old proportions.
Long story short, this limited edition offers a distinct new dial in what is otherwise a classic SPB143. And since that is a watch we all love at Fratello, this new limited edition has our attention.
SPB473 specifications
In case you have deleted the SPB143 from your working memory in favor of the 453, let’s do a quick recap for this new SPB473. You get a stainless steel dive watch with a 40.5mm diameter, a 47.6mm length, and a 13.2mm thickness. Up top, we find a curved sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating on the inside. On the bottom, you will find a steel screw-in case back. The crown, naturally, is of the screw-down variety, and the entire package is rated for safe use down to 200 meters underwater.
Inside ticks Seiko’s caliber 6R35. This is one of the brand’s mid-tier automatic movements, specified to run within +25 to -15 seconds per day. The power reserve is a modern 70 hours. Manual winding and hacking are possible, and the caliber offers a quick-set date.
The 120-click unidirectional bezel features a dark blue steel bezel insert with a lumed pip at the 60-minute marker. Additionally, the SPB473 comes on a three-row stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp featuring a safety lock and a wetsuit extension. However, to dial up the summer vibes, a white silicone strap with a steel keeper and pin buckle is also part of the package.
The Zakynthos-inspired dial
Up to this point, this entire article could have been about the basic SPB143, except for the blue bezel insert. However, this changes once we take a look at the dial. Inspired by the transition of the white sands into the azure waters around Zakynthos, this is something of an eye-catcher!
The dial features a fine wave-like texture. It’s quite a beautiful and refined pattern that’s somewhat reminiscent of coarse-fiber paper. The color gradient is strong, going from almost white at 12 to a vibrant mid-blue at 6 o’clock. It is not hard to spot the Greek-island vibes in this dial. I am sure it will be quite mesmerizing under bright sunlight.
Initial impressions of the SPB473
If you like simple, functional dials, this isn’t your golden age of watchmaking. It seems every other new dial is embellished with either a vignette or a gradient. Admittedly, this isn’t my jam. That said, this is nothing more than a personal preference, so don’t let me spoil your party if you like a good color fade.
I do like the texture of this limited-edition dial. The paper-like waves look refined and classy, and they keep the overall appearance matte and legible. After all, a dive watch has to be extremely legible to be worthy of the name.
Beyond the dial, this is still a very capable Seiko diver. I like the muscular skin-diver case. Even though I prefer the new proportions of the SPB453, this is still an extremely wearable watch. It isn’t overpowering like some bigger Seiko divers, making it quite versatile. Granted, some of the versatility is lost if you go for a bright-dial version like this, but hey, you only live once!
Pricing and availability
As mentioned, the new Seiko Prospex SPB473 is priced at €1,500. Seiko will produce 1,000 units, all of which will be for sale on the European market. The watch comes in a nice blue gift box, which, again, includes a white silicone strap. Sales for this model will start on September 1st, 2024.
What do you think of the new Seiko Prospex SPB473 and its Zakynthos-inspired dial? Let us know in the comments below!
