2023 is already shaping up to be a great year of new watch releases, after just a month and a half. It seems our release radar is going off every day, but few timepieces have caught our eye quite like this new line of Seiko Prospex watches. Introducing the incredibly unique Seiko Prospex Seascape "Sumo" Solar Powered GMT, with two fresh models in the green SFK003J and blue SFK001J.
Both watches come in an ocean-wave-inspired dial, and bulky Sumo-styled case. Set with a solar-powered battery — and even stranger, a GMT hand — this watch duo is something completely new. These are some interesting diving watches, and we're all for them.
Overview:
- Seiko Prospex SFK003J Seascape "Sumo" Solar GMT
- Seiko Prospex SFK001J Solar GMT
- Seiko Prospex SFK003J & SFK001J Specifications
- Final Thoughts
Seiko Prospex SFK003J Seascape "Sumo" Solar GMT
Along with the SFK001J, the Seiko Prospex SFK003J is the very first Seiko watch to feature both solar and GMT functions. It's an interesting combo, made even more of a head-scratcher when you consider that both Sumo models are established divers.
The GMT hand won't be much use for swimming or diving, but it does offer some excellent versatility on land. You'll be able to adjust your GMT hand to another city's timezone, which is great for travelling, or for communication with someone far away. Paired with solar power charging, this Prospex is a very reliable dual-timekeeper, and something we haven't seen before.
Aesthetics
On this model, we get a lovely colour palette reminiscent of the green hues you can find in the ocean. Even the textured dial looks like a group of waves over in the distance. It's easy to fall in love with how the bright orange GMT hand pops over the relatively dark-coloured dial, and the GMT logo is there to match.
A two-tone insert dial offers a lighter green colour to complement and break up the colour palette. This is an engaging choice by Seiko, and a little eccentric in the way the colours clash. I'm a fan of this design.
I’m also coming around to the Sumo style of Seiko’s; the thick hands create a good sense of strength and the case shape does the same. This Seiko Solar GMT is somewhere between a turtle and a samurai case, and I quite like that.
Seiko SFK003J Sumo Solar GMT Mens Watch
$816.00
$1,200.00
Seiko SFK003J Prospex Solar G.M.T Divers Watch • 45mm Case Size • Lumibrite Hands and Markers • Solar - Powered by any light source • Analogue - 3 Hand G.M.T • 9 Month Power Reserve • Calibre 5K65 • Stainless… read more
Seiko Prospex SFK001J Solar GMT
Before delving into the spec, let’s look at the companion watch in the SFK001J. This piece is functionally the same as the green Seascape, with a blue recolour.
Now, just calling this a blue watch is a bit of an understatement because plain blue isn’t really found here. Around the matte bezel is more of a lavender colour and the dial takes on a shimmering bright blue tone that jumps between that same lavender tone and really bright turquoise. The dial is absolutely lovely if you ask me, and that two-tone part looks amazing.
The orange GMT hand is also really punchy and a more traditional contrast to the dark blue dial, I just can't help but love the orange and green on the other model. Regardless, the hand adds a lot of character to this design.
Seiko Prospex SFK003J & SFK001J Specifications
As you might know, the word Prospex is a combination of the words professional and specifications. These Seiko watches are meant for professional dive use, so a 200m water resistance is ensured by a screw-down crown. The dial is durable and scratch-resistant with sapphire glass, anti-reflective coating, and some strong 'lume' covers the hands, markers and pearl.
These are pretty big watches, with a diameter of 45mm and a thickness of 13.1mm. That's to be expected with the Sumo frame, and Seiko Prospex in general.
With Seiko's solar-powered 5K65 calibre, you can have up to 9 months of power reserve. The watches also feature a handy date window sitting at 3, and no cyclops sits above them, which I prefer.
Final Thoughts
With an oddball mix of colour and a new solar-GMT combination, these Seiko Prospex Seascape watches are something to get excited about. Even in a forest of new releases, this duo stands out as something you need to see.
With both the green SFK003J and blue SFK001J now available, you have the opportunity to grab one of these unique watches right now.
