Seiko's new SLA035J1 and SPB125J1 are stealthy black limited edition versions of classic Prospex divers. These new "Black Series" references have a touch of color on their dials – a red seconds hand on the SLA035, a watch that channels the high-end Marinemaster 300, and an orange minute hand on the SPB125J1, which is a limited-edition version of the ever-popular and affordable Sumo. In the case of the SLA035J1, there are only 600 examples, while SPB125J1 is being offered in a limited edition of 7,000. Both follow in the footsteps of the Seiko Black Series "Turtle" ref. SRPC49, a blacked-out version of an oversized classic that came out in 2018. One thing is for sure, these new references are aimed right at the die-hard Seiko diver fanbase.

First up, we have the watch pictured above and below, the SLA035J1. Like the SLA021J1 and SLA019 that preceded it, SLA035J1 features a large 44.3mm x 15.4 case and a ceramic bezel. The case is finished with Zaratsu polishing, a high-end feature more commonly applied to Grand Seiko watches, and the movement inside is Seiko's high-quality 8L35, which is essentially a less highly decorated version of Grand Seiko's cal. 9S55. Whereas previous executions of this 300 meter diver, such as the aforementioned SLA021J1 and the green SLA019, have tended to come on stainless steel bracelets, SLA035J1 comes on a black silicone strap that really ties the all-black look together. This watch will be available in April of this year and will cost $2,900. 

Just prior to writing up these two introductions, I checked in with a friend who had been thinking about having his Marinemaster 300 PVD-coated, so naturally, his interest was piqued by this limited edition with its hard-black coating. If his reaction is any barometer, I think that this a watch that people are going to love, and come to think of it, both of these new references can be viewed as Seiko acknowledging the mod community that has grown up around its dive watches.

The other new Seiko Prospex diver is the SPB125J1 above, which offers an all-black take on the popular Sumo, with cream colored markers and an orange minute hand providing a flash of color to this watch's otherwise stealth look. Inspired by the popular Sumo diver, SPB125J1 is water resistant to 200 meters and features Seiko's 6R35 automatic movement with time, date, and stop seconds. Like the SLA035J1, it also comes on a black silicone strap. According to a Seiko spokesperson, the SPB125J1 will be available in March of 2020 and will cost $850. 

There is also a solar chronograph, the ref. SSC761J1, but Seiko informed me that this third reference is not going to be made available in the United States.

The Seiko Prospex Black Series Limited Edition SLA035J1: Hard black coated, Zaratsu-polished stainless steel case with sapphire crystal, 43mm x 15.4mm, 300 meters water resistance. Movement: Automatic Seiko cal. 8L35 running at 28,800 vph in 26 jewels rated to +15 to -10 seconds per day, 50 hours power reserve. Silicone strap.

The Seiko Prospex Black Series Limited Edition SPB125J1: Hard black coated stainless steel case measuring 45mm x 12.9mm, sapphire crystal, 200 meters water resistance. Movement: Automatic Seiko cal. 6R35 running at 21,600 vph in 24 jewels rated to +25 to -15 seconds per day, 70 hours power reserve. Silicone strap.

For more information, visit Seiko.