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A.I. Reviews v37.5 (refreshed with Grok 4.1 Fast)
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Model Name:
Seiko Prospex SBDC101
Watch added to favourite list
Reference:
SBDC101
Price ($)
$
875
Country:
Japan
A.I. Rating
6.8
Crowd Rating:
1211
Watch Description
https://www.gnomonwatches.com/products/prospex-62mas-200m-automatic-black-ref-sbdc101
Look forward to the coming of spring with Seiko’s exceptional annual model releases. Recently, this Japanese powerhouse has launched a fantastic array of reissues for both its Presage and Prospex lines. The spotlight shines on its relaunch of the famed 60s dive watches, the Seiko Prospex 62MAS 200M Automatic Black Ref. SBDC101. This remake of Seiko’s classic design is fitted with upgrades that will be sure to impress.
Short for "Professional Specification", Prospex timepieces are built with the highest standards for professionals. Seiko presents the 2017 reissues of its coveted Ref. 6217-8001, also known as the 62MAS launched back in 1965: the limited-edition Ref. SLA017 as well as the Seiko Prospex Diver SBDC051 and SBDC053. With enhanced functionality, these watches take after the 1965 62MAS design.
Serving as a muse for this timepiece, the classic aesthetics and proportions of the Ref. 6217-8001 is upgraded in the 62MAS Black with new automatic movement and materials.
Delving into the heart of Seiko’s JDM watches, we marvel at the new engine that this renowned company has built. 2005 marks the year in which Seiko made the 6R15 engine, derived from its 7S26 movement. Using these stellar in-house manufactured calibres to build their JDM timepieces, Seiko’s 7S and 6R movements are popular among Seiko collectors.
Proven to be reliable and accurate, the 6R15 movement powers the SBDC051 and 53 ever since their launches three years ago. Always seeking to improve, Seiko unveils its latest engine, the 6R35 calibre, an upgrade from the workhorse 6R15. This movement is used to power the 62MAS Black, making this timepiece the first of its kind to feature Seiko’s new automatic calibre. Maintaining operation at 21,600 bph (3 Hertz) with hacking and hand winding capabilities, this engine has 24 jewels and a longer power reserve of 70 hours, a whopping 20 hours more than the 7R and 6S.
40.5
47.6
0
13.2
200
Steel - 316L
Round
Sapphire
Screw-in
Automatic
6R35
70
Black
A.I. Watch Review:
# Seiko Prospex SBDC101 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics
## Watch Summary
The Seiko Prospex SBDC101 is an iconic dive watch in the legendary "Turtle" style, boasting a cushion-shaped stainless steel case with unidirectional rotating bezel, bold Lumibrite indices for superior low-light readability, and the upgraded in-house 6R35 automatic movement offering a impressive 70-hour power reserve, making it a go-to choice for active divers and everyday adventurers seeking reliable Japanese engineering without luxury pricing.
## Overall Watch Rating: 6.8/10.0
**Material Metric (8.7/10.0)** - The stainless steel case with sapphire crystal and solid finishing provides dive-ready toughness on par with Tudor's entry-level divers.
**Dials & Design Metric (8.6/10.0)** - Iconic Turtle proportions, crisp applied indices, and potent Lumibrite lume deliver legibility and charm that echoes the timeless appeal of vintage Rolex Submariners.
**History & Innovation Metric (8.4/10.0)** - Seiko's trailblazing dive watch legacy from the 1965 62MAS combined with the efficient 6R35 movement stands tall alongside Omega's Ploprof heritage.
**Versatility Metric (8.2/10.0)** - Seamlessly transitions from ocean dives to office casual, much like the Citizen Promaster but with more distinctive styling.
**Movement Metric (7.9/10.0)** - The hacking, hand-winding 6R35 with 70-hour reserve and reliable accuracy punches above typical mid-tier automatics like ETA 2824 clones.
**Functions Metric (7.0/10.0)** - Core timekeeping, date window, and rotating bezel offer practical utility comparable to standard ISO-compliant divers from Invicta.
**Brand Metric (5.2/10.0)** - Seiko's mid-tier reliability and enthusiast following deliver strong value, akin to Hamilton's Khaki lineup.
**Complications Metric (4.0/10.0)** - A simple date adds basic utility but lacks the complexity found in chronograph divers like the Longines HydroConquest.
**Rarity Metric (3.2/10.0)** - Widely available production tempers exclusivity, similar to most mass-market Prospex models on Chrono24.
## Total Performance Score (TPS): 4.0
## WM Collector Grade: C
## Performance Insights: Excels in materials, design, and brand history for exceptional bang-for-buck in the sub-$500 arena, though limited rarity and complications keep it from elite status versus its $495 market price.
## TPS Interpretation: Fair Value: The watch provides reliable functionality with a unique aesthetic at its price.
## Watch Data
[https://www.seikowatches.com/global-en/-/media/SeikoGlobal/Products/Prospex/SBDC/SBDC101/SBDC101_body.jpg] - [https://www.seikowatches.com/global-en/-/media/SeikoGlobal/Products/Prospex/SBDC/SBDC101/SBDC101_back.jpg]; [https://none] - [none]; [https://none] - [none]; [Turtle] - [Seiko]; [Prospex SBDC101] - [Japan]; [https://www.seikowatches.com/global-en/products/prospex/sbdc101] - [https://www.watchmetrics.ai/seiko-prospex-sbdc101]; [Mechanical Automatic] - [Caliber 6R35]; [0] - [Iconic Prospex "Turtle" professional diver's watch updated with 6R35 automatic movement]; [44.0] - [48.2]; [13.4] - [22]; [200] - [70]; [21600] - [Lumibrite]; [24] - [Stainless Steel]; [Sapphire Crystal] - [Unidirectional Rotating Aluminum]; [Screwdown See-Through] - [Screwdown]; [Silicone] - [Cushion]; [Black] - [yes]; [yes] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [yes] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [yes]; [yes] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [yes]; [yes] - [no]; [no] - [yes]; [yes] - [no]; [no] - [no]; [no] - [4.0]; [C] - [325];
**A.I. WatchMetrics Review v37.4 Grok 4 Fast. December 19, 2025.**
