Before the film debuted on June 20, 1975, few could’ve predicted just how revolutionary Jaws would be. Helmed by up-and-coming director Steven Spielberg (based on the Peter Benchley novel), the troubled production turned into a massive success, to say the least. Unfathomable for anyone who didn’t live through the release, this movie about a killer shark would go on to invent the summer blockbuster and change how Hollywood studios approached greenlighting and marketing projects, still to this day.
It’s been 50 years now since Jaws reinvented the industry, and to mark the anniversary, Seiko has collaborated with Universal on a special-edition of its Prospex diver, serving as both tribute and contradiction by honoring a film that’s made an entire generation afraid of the ocean, yet encouraging them to dive 200m below the surface.
A Shell Game Worth Playing
First introduced in 1976 as the reference 6306 (only one year after Jaws terrorized audiences), Seiko’s “Turtle” earned its nickname from that distinctive cushion case that resembled, well, a turtle shell. More importantly, it established the watchmaker’s reputation in the dive watch space during the brand’s golden era of the ’70s, when Japanese engineering was doing its part in revolutionizing affordable tool watches.
This commemorative interpretation maintains the Turtle’s fundamental DNA while incorporating dial graphics to honor the film. Built on the modern-day versions of the watch, this special-edition Prospex (ref. SRPL81) features a 45mm stainless steel case with 47.7mm lug-to-lug and 13.2mm thickness.
When Subtlety Meets Spectacle
Within its toothy bezel featuring a blue ceramic insert, the dial is decidedly bold for such an esteemed brand. Going from silver-to-blue, the gradient effect represents the ocean’s surface, while an embossed shark silhouette lurks beneath, visible at certain angles but not immediately obvious. Just like Spielberg’s approach, the diver suggests the threat rather than showing it outright.
The blood-red Jaws logo at 6 o’clock (matching the red second hand tip) provides the only on-the-nose movie reference on the dial face, positioned where it won’t interfere with the watch’s legibility. Keeping its status as a functional tool watch, it’s complemented with chunky indices and hands coated in LumiBrite, while the day-date display at 3 o’clock (magnified by Seiko’s signature cyclops lens) completes the look.
The Reliable Workhorse Within
Powering this commemorative piece is Seiko’s 4R36 caliber, an automatic movement (with hand-winding capability) that’s become something of a fan-favorite in the enthusiast community. With its 24 jewels, 41-hour power reserve, and hacking seconds function, it represents solid middle-tier Japanese engineering without catapulting these watches into luxury territory.
The real treat here is hidden on the caseback, where a laser-engraved image of Quint’s boat, the Orca, pays homage to one of cinema’s most memorable characters, portrayed by the illustrious Robert Shaw. Meanwhile, the bottom of the caseback features the specific edition number for each watch out of 5,000.
Lastly, the watch is adorned with a dark blue silicone strap and placed inside of a commemorative collector’s box, featuring the movie’s poster over the pillow.
Spec Sheet
Model: SRPL81 Prospex Jaws 50th Anniversary Limited Edition
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 45mm
Case Thickness: 13.2mm
Lug-to-Lug: 47.7mm
Movement: Seiko Caliber 4R36 automatic with manual winding
Power Reserve: 41 hours
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: AR-coated sapphire
Lume: LumiBrite on hands, indices, and bezel
Strap: Blue silicone
Limited Edition?: Yes, 5,000
Pricing & Availability
Available this July, the Seiko Prospex Jaws Special Edition will be priced at a reasonable $795 with only 5,000 pieces sold globally.
Recap
Seiko Prospex Jaws 50th Anniversary Limited Edition
Seiko celebrates the 50th anniversary of Jaws with this special-edition Prospex Turtle diver, featuring the titular shark embossed on the dial with a gradient effect.
