Seiko SPB317 vs SPB453 (and SPB143)
Three mid-price Prospex divers with sapphire crystals and 20 mm lugs. The differences are thickness, movement, depth rating and price.
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The short answer
The SPB317 is the slim, lighter-priced option at 12.3 mm thick and $900 (US list). The SPB453 is the upgrade: 6R55 movement (72 h), 300 m rating and the shortest lug-to-lug here (46.4 mm), for $1,300 (US list). The SPB143 is the discontinued predecessor of the SPB453 and mainly makes sense pre-owned.
Side-by-side specs
| Spec | Seiko SPB317 | Seiko SPB453 | Seiko SPB143 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case diameter | 41 mm | 40 mm | 40.5 mm |
| Thickness | 12.3 mm | 13 mm | 13.2 mm |
| Lug-to-lug | 46.9 mm | 46.4 mm | 47.6 mm |
| Lug width | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
| Calibre | 6R35 | 6R55 | 6R35 |
| Movement | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power reserve | 70 h | 72 h | 70 h |
| Hacking seconds | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | 200 m | 300 m | 200 m |
| ISO 6425 diver | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Sapphire | Sapphire |
| Case material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Ships on | Silicone | Bracelet | Bracelet |
| Weight | 100 g | 168 g | Not published by Seiko |
| US list price | $900 (US list) | $1,300 (US list) | $1,200 (last US list) |
| Status | In production | In production | Discontinued (succeeded by SPB451/SPB453, 2024) |
| Suits wrists of about our sizing guide | 16.4–18.3 cm | 16.0–17.9 cm | 16.2–18.1 cm |
Specs summarised in our own words from the brand's product pages: SPB317 source (checked 23 Oct 2026) SPB453 source (checked 23 Oct 2026) SPB143 source (checked 23 Oct 2026). "Not published" means the brand page we checked doesn't list it, so we leave it blank rather than guess.
Wrist fit
Lug-to-lug (tip of the top lugs to tip of the bottom lugs) decides whether a watch overhangs your wrist more than the diameter does. Enter your wrist to see how each one should wear.
- Seiko SPB317 –
- Seiko SPB453 –
- Seiko SPB143 –
Same rule of thumb as Watch Finder: case diameter of about 23.5% of your wrist circumference (−2 mm to +2.5 mm), and lug-to-lug no longer than about 29% of it plus 1 mm. A guide, not a rule; flat or round wrists differ.
Strap and lug-width fit
- Seiko SPB317: 20 mm lugs, ships on silicone
- Seiko SPB453: 20 mm lugs, ships on bracelet
- Seiko SPB143: 20 mm lugs, ships on bracelet
All of these share the same lug width, so straps move between them freely. Seiko does not publish spring-bar diameter or a strap code, so check the hole size on any aftermarket strap. More in our Seiko lug width chart and the Seiko lug width chart.
Which should you buy?
12.3 mm vs 13 mm for the SPB453; it also ships on a lighter silicone strap (100 g per Seiko).
6R55 with 72 h and 300 m.
46.4 mm, against 46.9 mm (SPB317) and 47.6 mm (SPB143).
$900 (US list) vs $1,300 (US list).
Prices and where to buy
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Questions
Do the SPB317 and SPB453 take the same strap?
Yes. All three watches on this page have 20 mm lugs according to Seiko.
Which is thinner?
The SPB317, at 12.3 mm. The SPB453 is 13 mm and the SPB143 13.2 mm.
Which has the better movement?
The SPB453 uses the newer 6R55 (72 h power reserve). The SPB317 and SPB143 use the 6R35 (70 h).
Are they all ISO 6425 divers?
Yes, per Seiko's product pages.
Watch.co is independent and not affiliated with any brand. We haven't handled these watches for this page: everything here comes from brand-published specs and our own analysis. Brand names are used only to identify products.