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Old vs. New Seiko Prospex 62MAS - SPB453 vs. SPB143

July 14, 2024 Nick Lehner

I recently reviewed the Seiko Prospex 62MAS SPB453. This is the updated version of the SPB143, one of my favorite watches for the price. The changes are subtle, so I thought I'd put together a comparison using photos from the original review, as well as the Save the Oceans Variant, SPB297. The old version is on the left or top, and the new on the right/bottom. The end of this article will also feature photos of replacement straps for SPB453. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.

Click here to read all other 62MAS reviews, and stay tuned for a comparison to the new Marinemaster SJE099.

Details of the old SBP143 vs. new SPB453 Seiko 62MAS

Visually, the watches are very similar, but there are a few updates. One of the first things that I noticed, is that the black-coated machined stainless steel bezel is gone, and replaced by a more traditional aluminum bezel with a satin finish. Unlike other aluminum bezels, however, this does retail the recess and paint-filled markings. This was one of my favorite features of the old model, but the new bezel gives it a more traditional look.

The dial color is also different. The SPB143 was the "standard" version of the old model but had a gray sunburst dial. The new one is black. Again, less interesting, but might have more mass appeal. I'm sure, as with the old model, Seiko will release plenty of new colors and limited edition versions (similar to the Black Series Limited Edition, SPB253).

SPB143 had a large, rectangular date aperture at 3, with the date in white. Later models had a lume plot crammed in to allow Seiko to meet updated standards for dive watches. New Seiko divers like SPB453 move the date window to 4:30 with a black disc. I think that this is a good way to incorporate the date. It's oriented correctly, and I like that it's black. This allows it to mostly hide away in the dial.

Despite a slimmer, case, Water resistance goes from 200m to 300m. Unlikely to make a difference to most, but a nice feather in the cap of the new model.

Wearing the old SBP143 vs. new SPB453 Seiko 62MAS

As mentioned, the new model is slimmer in all dimensions, but only by tenths of a millimeter. It does give it a slightly different feel and profile.

Besides that, wearing it is very similar. Comparing these specific variants, legibility is better on the new model, but only because the dial is darker. Otherwise, the hands and markers are very similar.

While I didn't have them side by side to compare, I believe that the lume is the same between both.

The bezel clicks also feel slightly nicer on the new model. This one lines up perfectly too (YMMV)!

Old SBP143 vs. new SPB453 Seiko 62MAS bracelets and replacement straps

The bracelet is an oyster-style design on both models. The top surface is fully brushed with polished sides (plus Seiko's super hard coating on the whole thing).

The clasps are also similar on both, a machined clasp with polished sides and a stamped dive extension. The clasp on the new model is shorter than the old 62MAS, but it also goes from four to two micro-adjust holes. Both use pins and collars to secure the links.

20mm lug widths on both mean that there are lots of great strap options. I've been wearing it on our new Ribbed Rubber Pass-Through.

Here is a list of some of the straps that would fit and we think look great with this watch. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of our favorite combinations.
-Deployant FKM Rubber strap
-Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth and Sailcloth Colorway Collection
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Pro Diver
-Vented Rubber
-Slim Ridge Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Epsom Leather
-Elastic
-Seatbelt

Like most Seiko Prospex divers, SPB453 features larger-than-standard lug holes and thicker spring bars. While all StrapHabit straps are compatible with it, many other straps aren't. Some people also don't prefer the slight bit of play that is present when installing one of our straps. That's where StrapHabit's Thin Spring Bars for Seiko Fat Lug Holes come in. These can be installed in some StrapHabit straps as well as most straps with standard spring bars. They have 1.1mm tips, but are 1.8mm thick at the center, fitting Seiko divers perfectly.

Old SBP143 vs. new SPB453 Seiko 62MAS Movements

Earlier 62MAS models used the 6R35 movement. The new 6R55 adds two hours of power reserve, providing SPB453 with a full three days.

Otherwise, the specs are very similar. Both have 24 jewels, hack and hand wind, and are rated to +25/-15 seconds per day.

Old SBP143 vs. new SPB453 Seiko 62MAS Conclusion

We've already established that I loved SPB143 (and SPB153 and SPB297). While I miss the machined bezel, I see all of the other changes made to the new models as slight improvements. Does this mean that you should sell your previous generation 62MAS and get the new one? I would say while the new one is better, the changes alone don't warrant a purchase.

That being said, the outgoing model was not available with a traditional black dial and gloss black bezel. Additionally, the blue model was limited and very hard to get outside of Japan. So if you like the color options of these new models, that might be reason enough. You can learn more about it at the Seiko US Website.

Specifications

	New 62MAS	Old 62MAS
Reference Number	SPB453	SPB143
MSRP	$1,300	$1,200
Case Material	Stainless steel (super hard coating)	Stainless steel (super hard coating)
Bezel	Unidirectional, 120 click with aluminum insert	Unidirectional, 120 click with stainless steel insert
Width (mm)	40.0mm	40.5mm
Height (mm)	46.4mm	47.6
Thickness (mm)	13.0mm	13.2
Lug Width	20mm	20mm
Bracelet Functions	Flip lock, 2-position micro adjust, folded dive extension	Flip lock, 3-position micro adjust, folded dive extension
Movement Caliber	Seiko 6R55	Seiko 6R35
Accuracy Rating (s/day)	+25/-15	+25/-15
Power Reserve (hr)	72	70
Beat Rate (vph)	21,600	21,600
Water Resistance (m)	300	200
Crystal	Domed sapphire with clear AR coating on the inner side	Domed sapphire with clear AR coating on the inner side
Weight with bracelet (g)	168g	180g