Seiko’s reputation for reliable and durable diver’s watches was forged in the 1960’s and 1970’s when they were chosen by adventurers and researchers on expeditions to the north and south poles. 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.
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.
Seiko Prospex SPB297 – $1,250
1965 Original Model
The 1965 diver’s watch incorporated an automatic mechanical caliber and delivered 150m water resistance. The watch was designed for maximum reliability and legibility in the harshest conditions. It proved its reliability when used in the Antarctic during the 60s and laid the path to the development of future landmark watches.
Seiko Prospex SPB299 – $1,250
1968 Original Model
The landmark 1968 divers was Seiko’s first watch with 300m water resistance and a 10-beat automatic movement. With a one-piece structure, a mono-directional rotating bezel, and screw-down protection crown, this timepiece pushed back the frontiers of precision, durability, and ease of use in watches for professional and recreational divers.
Seiko Prospex SPB301 – $1,350
1970 Original Model
In 1970, Seiko introduced a diver’s watch whose asymmetrical extension protected the crown at the four o’clock position. Its solid construction, luminous hands and indexes and 150-meter water resistance were perfect for those who required a timepiece with exceptional strength and visibility. The watch proved its reliability in extreme conditions when it was 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.