Introducing | The Seiko Prospex Glacier 'Save the Ocean' Collection

 

Seiko recently announced a new Prospex Glacier Special Edition ‘Save the Ocean’ series. This time creating colourful dials that hark back to their Artic and Antarctic expedition roots.

Seiko’s unbeatable reputation for providing reliable and durable diver’s watches has been unmatched since their first release in the 1960’s. They further forged their reputation over the years by being the go-to watches for adventurers, explorers, and researchers over the subsequent decades. These new models have been designed to honour special missions and key dates from the rich history of exploration that Seiko continue to be involved in today.

These new models which have been added to the Prospex collection are modern re-interpretations of legendary diver’s watches from the 1960’s and 70’s. The designs are drawn from the glaciers and pioneers of this period, with each dial evoking a different shade of glacial ice from deep blue to white.

 

SPB297J1 1965 Re-Interpretation

The first of this series is the SPB297J1. This modern re-interpretation of the first dive watch that Seiko created back in 1965, was used by members of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition from 1966 to 1969. The original model incorporated an automatic mechanical caliber and delivered 150m water resistance. Designed for maximum reliability and legibility in the harshest conditions, it is unsurprising that they have chosen this model to re-interpret for the modern audience. The original proved its reliability when first used on Antarctic expeditions in the 60’s, which led the way to further develop more future landmark watches.

This model features a stunning deep blue dial, designed to capture the power and beauty of polar glaciers. With its intricately textured dial it is pure unadulterated Seiko design which wonderfully captures the rich heritage attached to this model.

The super hard coated 40.5mm stainless steel case houses the automatic caliber 6R35 movement with its massive 70-hour power reserve. The indices and hands are generously coated with Seiko’s patented LumiBrite technology, as is the bezel, meaning this watch will be legible even in the harshest conditions. The re-interpretation model comes with and upgraded 200m water resistance, curved sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface to further enhance its legibility.

 

SPB299J1 1968 Re-Interpretation

The second of this Save the Ocean series is the SPB299J1. This modern-reinterpretation of the landmark divers made in 1968 was the first Seiko created with a 300m water resistance and a 10-beat automatic movement. This light blue dial with darker blue bezel is designed to evoke the colours featured in the magnificent landscape of Antarctica. The SPB299J1’s dial pattern and colour express the natural formations and pressure the glacier underwent during its long cooling period. Glaciers formed during the ice age, approximately 150 - 3 million years ago.

This super hard coated, 42mm stainless steel case houses Seiko’s 6R35 automatic movement with manual wind and approximate 70-hour power reserve. It is water resistant to 200m with sapphire crystal glass complete with anti-reflective coating.

 

SPB301J1 1970 Re-Interpretation

The last of this new Save the Ocean series is the SPB301, a 1970’s re-interpretation of the watch worn by Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura. Which was worn by Naomi from 1974-1976 whilst completing a 12,500km solo dogsled run from Greenland to Alaska. The original 1970’s model introduced a watch whose asymmetrical extension protected the crown at the four o’clock position. The original also boasted 150m water resistance, with the re-interpretation now 200m water resistant.

The SPB301J1 1970 re-interpretation draws its inspiration from the ice of the North Pole, expressing the accumulation of time - linking the Antarctic history of Seiko’s diver’s watches with the time it takes for a glacier to form into its beautiful structure. Its beautifully textured white dial and contrasting blue bezel perfectly demonstrate this.

 

Save the Ocean

These new watches join the Seiko Prospex 'Save the Ocean' series. This programme delivers financial and other support to Seiko’s chosen marine charities. Their passion for the sea and feeling of gratitude for providing the experience and adventures that the oceans have to offer, drive the need to preserve the ocean. Although specialising in dive watches, Prospex want to protect the ocean through marine conservation.  The Prospex mission is to help protect the oceans now and for future generations and to secure the legacy for divers everywhere, because they love the ocean.

The Seiko Prospex Glacier Special Edition ‘Save the Ocean’ collection is available to pre-order now with delivery expected June 2022. You can learn more about the various projects linked to the Save the Ocean initiative here.

 

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The Specifications

Case: Stainless steel (super hard coating) on all models

Glass: Sapphire crystal on all models

Diameter: SPB297J1 - 40.5mm, SPB299J1 -  42mm, SPB301J1 - 42.5mm

Length: SPB297J1 - 47.6mm,  SPB299J1 - 48.7mm, SPB301J1 - 46.3mm

Thickness: SPB297J1 - 13.5mm, SPB299J1 - 12.5mm, SPB301J1 - 13.5mm

Width: 20mm on all models

Water Resistance: 200m on all models

Dial: SPB297J1 / SPB299J1 - Blue, SPB301J1 - White

Hands: Lumibrite on all models

Strap: Stainless steel bracelet on all models

 

The Movement

Calibre: 6R35

Height: 5.25mm

Diameter: 27.4mm

Power Reserve: 70 hours

 

Pricing and Availability

Price: SPB301J1 - £1,200 | SPB297J1 / SPB299J1 - £1,110

Availability: Available to pre-order. Delivery June 2022.