Like most watch people, Seiko has been a staple part of my wristwatch experience for many years. For me, Seiko divers have come and gone. The most recent Seiko void in my rotation, just happened to coincide with the release of the new Prospex line up of the 62 MAS inspired divers, the SPB/SBDC series, including the Seiko SPB147. There are plenty of high-quality detailed reviews on the Prospex SPB line up.

Suffice to say that I was immediately drawn to the gilt dial iteration, the Seiko SPB147. I was never one for gilt dials, until I saw this one. The dynamic nature of the brown/copper tones with the gilt markers and baton hands is mesmerising. The blue lumi brite is both gorgeous and potent.The dial text is unobtrusive, however the white date wheel whilst clearly not a deal breaker, is annoying if I stare long enough. Why couldn’t Seiko just make a black or brown date wheel!

The rehaut is sterile and in my piece the bezel aligns at 12. I’m pretty sure the bezel insert is aluminium; the bezel action is slick. There is a single lume pip at 12. A red painted diamond marker at 12 would look pretty cool I think.

The case design at 40.5mm, 13.2mm thick, 47.6mm L to L, is adorned with a double domed sapphire crystal and large crown. The case appears brushed with polished chamfered edges. The drilled lugs are a killer feature. The watch has a screw down case back. The Seiko SPB147 comes on a black rubber strap, which I promptly removed in favour of a grey NATO or Erika’s Original MN strap.

With the 6R35 movement, you’re getting 70hrs PR, I don’t have a timegrapher however mine seems to be keeping pretty good time. Wearability is fantastic and with 200m water resistance this piece is up there as one of my favourite Seikos to date.