What do we make of the latest Seiko Prospex editions? Well they capture the retro spirit perfectly, and those ice blue and white dials have a touch of Grand Seiko about them, which is a good thing.
The Uemura model, with its chunky case extension to protect the crown has got us in two minds. In some ways it’s a retro stand-out touch, but in practical terms we imagine it might dig into the back of your hand when worn? It’s just the oddness of its truncated line, it doesn’t flow. Seiko watches should have flowing lines, harmony, balance – yes?
Prices are approx 1300 euro for the two blue dial models and 1400 for the white dial Uemura.
Here’s the info from Seiko;
Seiko’s reputation for reliable and durable diver’s watches was forged in the 1960s and 1970s when they were chosen by adventurers and researchers on expeditions to the north and south poles.
Today, Seiko introduces into the Prospex collection modern re-interpretations of three legendary diver’s watches from this period that draw their design inspiration from the glaciers that these pioneers saw and that shape the landscapes and seascapes of the Arctic and Antarctic. Each one has a dial that evokes a different shade of glacial ice, from deep blue to white.
Inspired by the first Seiko diver’s watch, created in 1965
The power and beauty of polar glaciers are captured perfectly in the intricately patterned dials. The deep-blue dial watch is based on Seiko’s first diver’s watch from 1965 which proved its reliability when used by members of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from 1966 to 1969.
1968 re-visited, in two tones of ice blue
A light blue dial and a darker blue bezel grace a new re-interpretation of the landmark 1968 diver’s watch which was the first Seiko watch with 300m water resistance and a 10-beat automatic movement.
A re-interpretation of the watch worn by Naomi Uemura in the 1970s
A white dial is encased in the same distinctive shaped case as the 1970 classic which proved its strength and endurance when worn by the Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura in the years 1974 to 1976 when he completed a 12,500km solo dog-sled run from Greenland to Alaska.
All three watches are powered by the tried and trusted Caliber 6R35 which delivers a power reserve of 70 hours. They are 200 meter water resistant and are presented on steel bracelets with secure clasps and extenders. The cases have a super-hard coating and the crystals are of sapphire with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface to ensure high legibility from every angle. All twelve indexes have a generous coating of Lumibrite, as do the hands, to maximize legibility in the dark.
These three watches join the Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean series. This program delivers financial and other support to Seiko’s chosen marine charities. All three watches will be available at the Seiko Boutiques and selected retail stores worldwide from June 2022.
To learn more about the various projects of the Save the Ocean initiative, click here: https://www.seikowatches.com/global-en/products/prospex/special/keepgoingforward/savetheocean/