Each marker on the ring is one counted review, coloured by its verdict.

Seiko

Prospex SPB453

SPB45340mmautomatic$1,300 list priceAnnounced April 2024

The 2024 successor to the SPB143 family: a steel dive watch based on Seiko's first 1965 professional diver (62MAS), now 40mm with shorter lugs, 300m water resistance, a date window moved to 4:30 and the 72-hour 6R55 automatic. The SPB453 is the black-dial reference.

Seiko product page

Creator Consensus

Positive

4 reviews: 4 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative. 4 of 4 recommend it.

Every reviewer rates the design and dial positively. Most single out the clean black monochrome look and a case profile that appears slimmer than its dimensions, and all recommend it. Some credit tighter proportions over its predecessor, stable real-world timekeeping and scratch-resistant coating. Reservations centre on a modest official accuracy rating and a clasp without fine adjustment.

Where they differ. The bracelet divides opinion: some find the shorter links more refined, while others fault the clasp for lacking finer or on-the-fly adjustment. On value, some call it competitive in its class, while others point to similarly positioned rivals with better accuracy.

Most praised

Monochrome black look is clean and classic3 of 4
- Welcome Wrist Likes the clean, classic black-on-black look as a reset from colourful trends.It offers a clean and classic composition, something that I missWatch from 0:57
- Bowl Of Salmon Calls the black version a perfectly executed monochrome design.a perfectly executed monochromatic design that I'm sure will sell like hot cakeWatch from 2:32
- YoureTerrific Expected a simple black diver to be boring but finds it charming.I really find this watch CharmingWatch from 8:26
Among the best-looking dive watches3 of 4
- YoureTerrific Calls it a super handsome watch that scores highly on looks.I think this is a super handsome watchWatch from 5:04
- Welcome Wrist Rates it among the best-looking watches in Seiko's current lineup.one of Seikko's best looking watches from their current collectionWatch from 1:54
- Bowl Of Salmon Still rates it among the best-looking dive watches on the market.this is still one of the best looking dive watches on the market todayWatch from 6:51
Case profile looks slimmer than its specs3 of 4
- YoureTerrific Considers 13mm slim for a 300m diver, with the mid-case looking slimmer still.13 mm is kind of slim for a dive watch with this depth ratingWatch from 3:08
- Welcome Wrist Says the thin midcase hides the thickness on the wrist.a thin midcase that hides that thickness when wornWatch from 2:52
- Bowl Of Salmon Finds the reworked case profile makes it look much thinner than the numbers suggest.it even appears a lot thinner than the 0.3 mm would suggestWatch from 1:34
- Bowl Of Salmon Notes the reduced thickness is noticeable in hand and on the wrist.in hand or even better on the wrist you can really notice itWatch from 1:34
Angled 4:30 date keeps dial clean2 of 4
- Worn & Wound Calls the 4:30 date placement excellent, perhaps the best on this kind of watch.this is a great window placementRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Moving the date frees space for a full lumed marker at 3, improving symmetry.chunky and lume filled hour marker that brings a sense of symmetryRead it in context
- YoureTerrific Defends the 4:30 date, which keeps big 62MAS-style markers at every hour and looks cleaner.I like this date placementWatch from 5:32
- YoureTerrific Finds the angled date still visible and legible.the date at 430 is visible it's legibleWatch from 6:29
Subtle sunburst finish adds character2 of 4
- Welcome Wrist Finds the subtle brown sunburst under bright light adds character.is a nice touch that adds a bit of characterWatch from 1:26
- Bowl Of Salmon Favours the blue dial for its subtle sunray finish.the Blue version is my favorite though with a subtle enough Sunray finishWatch from 2:32
Tighter proportions improve on predecessor2 of 4
- Worn & Wound Notices slightly tighter proportions compared with the prior generation.notice the slightly tighter proportionsRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Still chunky on the wrist but a little airier than before.a pleasantly chunky thing on the wrist just a little airierRead it in context
- Bowl Of Salmon Says the fine-tuned dimensions make the watch even more wearable.making this watch even more wearableWatch from 1:34

Show 21 more

Compact size suits a wide range of wrists2 of 4
- Welcome Wrist Values its compact size compared with many other Seiko divers, calling it a sweet-spot size.this one is in that sweet spot size for a lot of peopleWatch from 3:21
- YoureTerrific Expects the 40mm by 46mm size to suit wrists from about 6 to 8 inches.from 6 in to 8 in you're going to like how this wearsWatch from 3:08
Polished bevels on case and bezel stand out2 of 4
- YoureTerrific Really likes the large polished chamfer along the case and lugs.big polished chamfer running along the top edge of the caseWatch from 5:04
- Welcome Wrist Likes how the matte bezel insert shows off the polished bezel edge and case bevels.its matte nature helps to show off the polished edge of the bezelWatch from 7:08
Sits comfortably on the wrist2 of 4
- YoureTerrific Rates it good for comfort on the wrist.I'd say this is good in the comfort columnWatch from 5:04
- Welcome Wrist Feels it sits very comfortably on the wrist.really does feel like it just melts onto your wristWatch from 2:52
- Welcome Wrist Ranks it among the best-wearing watches in the collection.it's one of the better wearing watches in my collectionWatch from 3:50
Shorter links make bracelet more refined2 of 4
- Worn & Wound Considers the bracelet nicer than previous versions.The bracelet is nicerRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Shorter links articulate better on the wrist.a bracelet that has shorter links and articulates a bit betterRead it in context
- Bowl Of Salmon Finds the bracelet looks more refined thanks to shorter links.the bracelet looks a little more refined the shorter logs definitely helpWatch from 4:27
Real-world timekeeping proves stable2 of 4
- Worn & Wound Saw no timekeeping problems during a short test period of under a week.In my brief time testing the SPB451 I didn’t notice any issues with timekeepingRead it in context
- Welcome Wrist Reports stable accuracy of around +4 s/day with little drift over the year.it hasn't deviated much at all from when I first purchased itWatch from 5:43
Competitive value within its class2 of 4
- Worn & Wound Believes it has an edge over rivals in the $1,000–$1,500 range.have an edge on the competition in the $1,000-$1,500 categoryRead it in context
- Bowl Of Salmon Feels the price won't break the bank.these watches won't break the bankWatch from 6:51
Hard coating genuinely resists scratches2 of 4
- Welcome Wrist Initially saw DiaShield as a gimmick, but found it limited scratching after a year of wear.after a year of regular wear, there aren't as many scratches as I would have thoughtWatch from 5:14
- Bowl Of Salmon Says, from ownership experience, that the ultra-hard coating genuinely resists scratches.this Ultra hard coating isn't just marketing talkWatch from 5:24
300m water resistance in a slim case2 of 4
- Welcome Wrist Considers the 300m rating a major positive that removes worry around water.is a major positive for meWatch from 6:12
- Welcome Wrist Values the combination of compact size and 300m rating, which drove the purchase.It's a great size with great water resistance.Watch from 6:40
- Bowl Of Salmon Impressed that water resistance rose to 300m while the case got thinner.increasing the water resistance while making the whole package just a little thinnerWatch from 2:04
Easy everyday grab-and-go watch2 of 4
- Welcome Wrist Finds the neutral palette easy to pair with any outfit.makes it easy to pair with whatever I wearWatch from 0:29
- Welcome Wrist Uses it as a default grab-and-go watch that is rugged enough for anything.rugged enough to take on almost anything that could pop up during my dayWatch from 0:57
- Bowl Of Salmon Believes owners can enjoy it every day.you will be able to enjoy these watches day in and day outWatch from 6:51
Colour-matched date blends into dial1 of 4
- Worn & Wound Colour-matched date disappears unless needed.It is completely unobtrusive and easy to ignore if you choose toRead it in context
Rich, vibrant blue dial and bezel1 of 4
- Worn & Wound Finds the blue tone on the dial and bezel rich and vibrant.the tone of blue on the dial and bezel is lush and vibrantRead it in context
Solid evolution of an already great design1 of 4
- Bowl Of Salmon Considers it a solid iteration of an already great design.it's a solid iteration of an already great designWatch from 6:22
- Bowl Of Salmon Sees the case as a nice evolution of an already great-looking design.a nice evolution of an already great looking caseWatch from 2:04
Most refined package of comparable Seikos1 of 4
- Worn & Wound Finds it more refined as a package than any comparable Seiko recalled.feels more refined and generally better than any similar Seiko in its categoryRead it in context
Vintage-modern blend gives timeless appeal1 of 4
- Welcome Wrist Feels the mix of vintage and modern styling gives it timeless appeal.It has both vintage and modern aesthetics that give it a timeless appealWatch from 1:54
Fitting heritage-linked core Seiko diver1 of 4
- Worn & Wound Thinks it fittingly serves as Seiko's core diver given its heritage ties.given its ties to the brand’s historic referencesRead it in context
Subtly distinct from other divers1 of 4
- Welcome Wrist Sees a familiar yet subtle uniqueness versus other divers, including Seiko's own.afford it a familiar yet subtle uniqueness in comparison to other diversWatch from 2:24
Domed sapphire adds vintage character1 of 4
- YoureTerrific Likes the domed sapphire crystal and its slight vintage distortion.the sapphire crystal has a really nice DomeWatch from 6:29
Drilled lugs ease strap changes1 of 4
- Bowl Of Salmon Appreciates that drilled lug holes keep strap changes easy.the drilled luck holes in the case are still there making strap changes super easyWatch from 4:54
6R calibre family is reliable1 of 4
- Worn & Wound Has no issue with Seiko using the 6R family, seen as very reliable.they tend to be ultra reliable in that they’ll run nearly foreverRead it in context
Long power reserve1 of 4
- YoureTerrific Considers the long power reserve really good.72 hours of power Reserve is really goodWatch from 7:28
Bezel offers good grip1 of 4
- Bowl Of Salmon Finds the bezel grip good, like on the SPB143.the bezzel still feels like the bezzel on my spb good gripWatch from 5:24

Most criticised

Clasp lacks finer or on-the-fly adjustment2 of 4
- YoureTerrific Wants more fine adjustment than the clasp's two micro-adjust positions.the original Seiko clasp has only two micro adjustment spotsWatch from 4:06
- Welcome Wrist Would like an on-the-fly adjustment mechanism.it would be an on the-fly mechanism to make things easierWatch from 4:46
Modest official accuracy specification2 of 4
- Worn & Wound Warns buyers who care about precision that the accuracy spec will disappoint.Seiko seems prepared to disappoint youRead it in context
- YoureTerrific Criticises the modest official accuracy rating typical of Seiko.it's not rated for really good accuracyWatch from 7:28
Similarly priced rivals offer better accuracy2 of 4
- Worn & Wound Accuracy spec falls short of many watches costing the same or less.A 15 to 25 second spread in expected rate stability is not generally in lineRead it in context
- YoureTerrific Points out cheaper watches offer COSC-certified movements.there are watches for less than this that have cost certified movementsWatch from 7:28
No-date version would be preferable1 of 4
- Bowl Of Salmon Would strongly prefer a no-date version, though not a deal breaker.what I would like to see a no date version oh hell yesWatch from 6:51
Lume fades faster than hoped1 of 4
- YoureTerrific Finds the bright lume fades faster than desired.it tends to fade a bit quicker than I would preferWatch from 6:58
Familiar design now feels generic1 of 4
- Worn & Wound Seeing the design repeatedly over the years has dulled its appeal.seeing this design so many times over the years has had a numbing effectRead it in context
- Worn & Wound Now finds the design somewhat generic.It’s become kind of generic for meRead it in context

Show 8 more

Domed crystal causes unwanted reflections1 of 4
- YoureTerrific Notes the domed crystal can produce unwanted reflections.it can mean that you get a lot of unwanted reflectionWatch from 6:58
Caseback protrudes considerably1 of 4
- Welcome Wrist Notes the caseback protrudes considerably.the case back does protrude quite a bitWatch from 2:52
Hefty weight may deter some1 of 4
- YoureTerrific Sees the roughly 160g weight as hefty and the main issue for some.the main issue for some people is going to be the weightWatch from 3:37
Clasp remains bulky three-part design1 of 4
- Bowl Of Salmon The clasp is shorter but remains a bulky three-part design.it still has has this bulky three-part designWatch from 4:27
Diver extension feels pointless1 of 4
- YoureTerrific Considers the diver extension pointless and confusing, preferring it be sold separately.Seiko continues to put this dumb divers extension thingy on its dive watchesWatch from 4:34
Bracelet uses pins rather than screws1 of 4
- YoureTerrific Wants screws instead of pins in the bracelet.also please screws instead of pinsWatch from 4:34
Aluminium bezel insert nicks easily1 of 4
- Welcome Wrist Finds the aluminium bezel insert prone to nicks; a current mark stands out.this one little nick does stick out like a sore thumbWatch from 7:38
Bezel action too smooth and loose1 of 4
- Bowl Of Salmon Wants a clickier bezel action; finds it too smooth and too easy to turn.I would like to see them revisit the bezel actionWatch from 5:53

Open a point to see who said it and jump to that moment in their review.

By aspect

PositiveMixedNegative

How reviewers judged each aspect; one square per reviewer who discussed it
Design		Praised
Dial		Praised
Wearability		Praised
Bracelet & strap		Mixed
Case & proportions		Praised
Movement		Mostly liked
Value		Mostly liked
Finishing & build		Mostly liked
Functionality		Mostly liked
Versatility		Praised
Originality		Mostly liked

Was this consensus useful?

The reviews

4 counted, 2 more for context

Remontoir summarises; the reviewers did the work. Watch and read the originals for the full picture.

Welcome Wrist

A Year With The Seiko SPB453 62MAS - Long Term Review

Video, 9 minOwner's reviewAug 2025

Very positiveRecommends

After a year of ownership, the reviewer considers the SPB453 one of Seiko's best-looking current watches. It is a compact, comfortable, understated diver with reliable accuracy and durable DiaShield coating. The main gripe is the scratch-prone aluminium bezel insert.

Suits: Those wanting a compact, understated grab-and-go diver with 300m water resistance

Disclosure: Reviewer owns it

What they said, point by point

Designpositive: Rates it among the best-looking watches in Seiko's current lineup. 1:54
Feels the mix of vintage and modern styling gives it timeless appeal. 1:54
Likes the clean, classic black-on-black look as a reset from colourful trends. 0:57
Dialpositive: Finds the subtle brown sunburst under bright light adds character. 1:26
Sometimes wishes the dial were plain black for greater simplicity. 1:26
Is untroubled by the much-criticised date window placement and has grown used to it. 4:46
Case & proportionspositive: Notes the caseback protrudes considerably. 2:52
Says the thin midcase hides the thickness on the wrist. 2:52
Values its compact size compared with many other Seiko divers, calling it a sweet-spot size. 3:21
Wearabilitypositive: Feels it sits very comfortably on the wrist. 2:52
Ranks it among the best-wearing watches in the collection. 3:50
Finds it heavy for its size but still comfortable, which suits a dive watch. 4:17
Bracelet & strappositive: Finds two micro-adjustment points adequate for personal needs. 4:17
Would like an on-the-fly adjustment mechanism. 4:46
Movementpositive: Reports stable accuracy of around +4 s/day with little drift over the year. 5:43
Finishing & buildmixed: Initially saw DiaShield as a gimmick, but found it limited scratching after a year of wear. 5:14
Likes how the matte bezel insert shows off the polished bezel edge and case bevels. 7:08
Finds the aluminium bezel insert prone to nicks; a current mark stands out. 7:38
Functionalitypositive: Considers the 300m rating a major positive that removes worry around water. 6:12
Values the combination of compact size and 300m rating, which drove the purchase. 6:40
Versatilitypositive: Finds the neutral palette easy to pair with any outfit. 0:29
Uses it as a default grab-and-go watch that is rugged enough for anything. 0:57
Originalitypositive: Sees a familiar yet subtle uniqueness versus other divers, including Seiko's own. 2:24
Believes it appeals to both Seiko fans and general watch enthusiasts. 2:24
Compared with: Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra: SPB453 wears better than the reviewer's Aqua Terra.
Rolex GMT-Master: SPB453 wears better than the reviewer's Rolex GMT.
Sinn 356: SPB453 wears better than the reviewer's Sinn 356.
Hamilton Khaki Field: SPB453 wears better than the reviewer's Khaki Field.

Watch on YouTube

YoureTerrific

The new Seiko SPB453 62mas 1965 Dive Watch

Video, 9 minHands-on reviewDec 2024

PositiveRecommends, with caveats

Finds the SPB453 a handsome, charming, well-sized 62MAS-inspired diver. Likes the 4:30 date for dial symmetry and praises the slim-looking case. Criticises the clasp's limited adjustment, the diver extension, the weight, faster-fading lume and the modest accuracy spec for $1,300.

Suits: Seiko fans who like the look and are comfortable spending on a want

What they said, point by point

Designpositive: Calls it a super handsome watch that scores highly on looks. 5:04
Expected a simple black diver to be boring but finds it charming. 8:26
Case & proportionspositive: Really likes the large polished chamfer along the case and lugs. 5:04
Considers 13mm slim for a 300m diver, with the mid-case looking slimmer still. 3:08
Likes the domed sapphire crystal and its slight vintage distortion. 6:29
Notes the domed crystal can produce unwanted reflections. 6:58
Wearabilitymixed: Expects the 40mm by 46mm size to suit wrists from about 6 to 8 inches. 3:08
Rates it good for comfort on the wrist. 5:04
Sees the roughly 160g weight as hefty and the main issue for some. 3:37
Bracelet & strapnegative: Wants more fine adjustment than the clasp's two micro-adjust positions. 4:06
Considers the diver extension pointless and confusing, preferring it be sold separately. 4:34
Wants screws instead of pins in the bracelet. 4:34
Dialpositive: Defends the 4:30 date, which keeps big 62MAS-style markers at every hour and looks cleaner. 5:32
Finds the angled date still visible and legible. 6:29
Finds the bright lume fades faster than desired. 6:58
Would still prefer a no-date version. 6:29
Movementmixed: Considers the long power reserve really good. 7:28
Criticises the modest official accuracy rating typical of Seiko. 7:28
Notes Seiko watches are often more accurate in practice than promised. 7:28
Valuemixed: Points out cheaper watches offer COSC-certified movements. 7:28
Gives an ambivalent answer on whether $1,300 is justified, hinging on personal taste. 7:58
Compared with: Seiko Prospex SPB previous-generation 62MAS divers (date at 3): Prefers the new 4:30 date layout; older date looked unbalanced.
Seiko 62MAS (1965 original): Dial symmetry is even stronger than on the original.

Watch on YouTube

Worn & Wound

[Video] Review: the Seiko Prospex SPB451 And SPB453 Divers

ArticleHands-on reviewAug 2024Words By Zach Kazan

PositiveRecommends, with caveats

Considers the new SPB the most refined affordable 62MAS-derived Seiko diver yet, with a better bracelet, a lovely dial and a smart 4:30 date. However, the movement's loose accuracy spec is a caveat, and the familiar design now leaves the reviewer personally cold.

Suits: Seiko diver enthusiasts wanting the best version of the classic 62MAS-style diver

What the review says, point by point

Dialpositive: Finds the blue tone on the dial and bezel rich and vibrant.
Calls the 4:30 date placement excellent, perhaps the best on this kind of watch.
Colour-matched date disappears unless needed.
Moving the date frees space for a full lumed marker at 3, improving symmetry.
Wearabilitypositive: Notices slightly tighter proportions compared with the prior generation.
Still chunky on the wrist but a little airier than before.
Character remains that of a chunky tool watch, just leaner.
Bracelet & strappositive: Considers the bracelet nicer than previous versions.
Shorter links articulate better on the wrist.
Movementmixed: Saw no timekeeping problems during a short test period of under a week.
Has no issue with Seiko using the 6R family, seen as very reliable.
Warns buyers who care about precision that the accuracy spec will disappoint.
Designpositive: Finds it more refined as a package than any comparable Seiko recalled.
Originalitymixed: Thinks it fittingly serves as Seiko's core diver given its heritage ties.
Seeing the design repeatedly over the years has dulled its appeal.
Now finds the design somewhat generic.
Valuemixed: Believes it has an edge over rivals in the $1,000–$1,500 range.
Accuracy spec falls short of many watches costing the same or less.
Compared with: Seiko Prospex SPB143: New model has a nicer bracelet, tighter proportions and feels more refined.

Read on wornandwound.com

Bowl Of Salmon

Hands on with the new Seiko Prospex 62MAS, improving on the SPB143 with the SPB451, SPB453 & SPB455

Video, 8 minComparisonApr 2024

PositiveRecommends

A solid, subtle refinement of the SPB143: a slimmer-looking case, better water resistance and one of the best-looking divers around. The reviewer has minor gripes about the overly smooth bezel action, a modest bracelet upgrade and the lack of a no-date option.

Suits: Anyone wanting a no-nonsense, pure dive watch for daily wear

What they said, point by point

Designpositive: Considers it a solid iteration of an already great design. 6:22
Still rates it among the best-looking dive watches on the market. 6:51
Feels it meets expectations but doesn't go beyond them. 6:22
Dialpositive: Calls the black version a perfectly executed monochrome design. 2:32
Favours the blue dial for its subtle sunray finish. 2:32
Disliked the 4:30 date in press photos but finds it unobtrusive in person. 6:22
Would strongly prefer a no-date version, though not a deal breaker. 6:51
Case & proportionspositive: Finds the reworked case profile makes it look much thinner than the numbers suggest. 1:34
Sees the case as a nice evolution of an already great-looking design. 2:04
Wearabilitypositive: Says the fine-tuned dimensions make the watch even more wearable. 1:34
Notes the reduced thickness is noticeable in hand and on the wrist. 1:34
Bracelet & strapmixed: Finds the bracelet looks more refined thanks to shorter links. 4:27
The clasp is shorter but remains a bulky three-part design. 4:27
More comfortable overall, though not a big step up. 4:27
Appreciates that drilled lug holes keep strap changes easy. 4:54
Functionalitymixed: Impressed that water resistance rose to 300m while the case got thinner. 2:04
Finds the bezel grip good, like on the SPB143. 5:24
Wants a clickier bezel action; finds it too smooth and too easy to turn. 5:53
Finishing & buildpositive: Says, from ownership experience, that the ultra-hard coating genuinely resists scratches. 5:24
Notes the aluminium bezel inserts are matte, lacking the SPB143's brushed finish. 5:53
Valuepositive: Feels the price won't break the bank. 6:51
Versatilitypositive: Believes owners can enjoy it every day. 6:51
Compared with: Seiko Prospex SPB143: Subtle refinements: slimmer-looking case, 300m WR, better movement, more comfortable bracelet.

Watch on YouTube

Also covered by

WatchChris

The New Updated Seiko 20MAS in 40mm, Upgraded Movement and case design SPB453, SPB451 & SPB455 62MAS

Video, 5 minReactionMay 2024

PositiveRecommends, with caveats

Reacting to the announcement, the reviewer welcomes the new 40mm 62MAS reinterpretation's size, 72-hour movement and 300m rating, calls it a good-looking tool watch at reasonable pricing, but criticises the lack of on-the-fly micro-adjustment on the bracelet.

Suits: Buyers wanting an affordable alternative to the Tudor Black Bay

Not a review of the watch in hand (news, a guide or a reaction), so it isn't counted.

What they said, point by point

Designpositive: Calls the range very good-looking, a straightforward tool watch. 4:11
Dialpositive: Notes Seiko's Lumibrite on the indices and hands is typically very bright. 1:53
Case & proportionspositive: Thinks the dimensions make for a very nicely sized watch that many will like. 2:47
Movementpositive: Considers the 72-hour power reserve a welcome improvement. 1:53
Functionalitypositive: Views 300m water resistance on a non-saturation Prospex as a notable plus. 2:20
Bracelet & strapnegative: Says the bracelet still lacks on-the-fly micro-adjustment. 4:11
Argues too many competitors offer it at this price for Seiko to omit it. 4:11
Valuepositive: Considers the price not excessive for the power reserve, water resistance and brand. 3:43
Compared with: Tudor Black Bay: Sees it as an affordable alternative in a similar size range.

Watch on YouTube

Time+Tide

Seiko make a microbrand move by tweaking the 20MAS

ArticleReactionMay 2024Buffy Acacia

PositiveRecommends, with caveats

The reviewer sees the new line as a refined, microbrand-style V2 of the 20MAS. Shorter lugs, a well-integrated 4:30 date, a more legible bezel and a slimmer bracelet justify the US$100 price rise, though the reviewer cannot decide which version they prefer.

Suits: People with smaller wrists; strap changers

Not a review of the watch in hand (news, a guide or a reaction), so it isn't counted.

What the review says, point by point

Case & proportionspositive: Keeps the 62MAS character while feeling more refined.
Deeper brushing makes the polished lug facets stand out more.
The shorter lug-to-lug is a modest change that small-wristed wearers will appreciate.
The reduced diameter and thickness are unlikely to be noticeable without a side-by-side comparison.
Dialpositive: Despite generally disliking 4:30 dates, the reviewer finds this one well integrated.
The circular date cutout is far less intrusive than an angled rectangle.
Colour-matched date wheels avoid distracting contrast.
Functionalitypositive: Smaller bezel numerals let the minute markers continue beneath them, improving the accuracy of elapsed-time readings.
The 300m water resistance probably won't matter to daily wearers but suits the watch's diving reputation.
Movementmixed: Considers the 6R55 only slightly more impressive than the calibre it replaces.
The extra hours won't change daily wear, but reaching a three-day reserve has psychological appeal.
Bracelet & strappositive: Smaller links should drape more easily across most wrists.
Drilled 20mm lugs keep it well suited to strap swapping.
Valuepositive: Believes the upgrades warrant the higher price.
Originalitypositive: Finds the update surprising, feeling more like a microbrand's second version than a big-brand release.
Subtle tweaks retain the design's character while improving performance.
Compared with: Seiko Prospex SPB143: The new model is a refined successor, yet the reviewer is unsure which to prefer.

Read on timeandtidewatches.com

Specifications

Reference: SPB453
Case: 40mm, stainless steel
Thickness: 13mm
Lug to lug: 46.4mm
Movement: Seiko 6R55 (automatic)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Water resistance: 300m
Crystal: curved sapphire (inner AR coating)
Bracelet or strap: stainless steel bracelet, three-fold clasp with push-button release and extender (20mm lugs)
Announced: April 2024
List price (US): $1,300US$1,300 on bracelet at launch (Time+Tide, Worn & Wound, 2024)

Creator Consensus is built only from what reviewers said. Prices, retailers and any commercial relationship never affect it. How consensus works