All the way back in 1965, Seiko created the first ever Japanese diver's watch. Built for Antarctic expedition and research, this watch could delve to depths of 150m. The Seiko Prospex diver was born, and so too was the Japanese watchmaker's connection to the ocean.
This year, Seiko Prospex has continued their range of 'Save The Ocean' diving watches with a new collection of icy watches. This series has dedicated part of its profits to the Professional Association of Diving Instructs, who have made a mission to clean debris from the sea floor.
The collection embraces the origins of Artic and Antartic research that Seiko has supported over the years, with icy white and blue finishes. The SPB301J, SPB299J & SPB297J are here to stay.
These luxury timepieces are seriously good divers, but they have an air of importance as well. Choosing one of these watches is also choosing to help save our oceans.
Overview:
- Icy White Seiko SPB301J
- Ice Blue Seiko SPB299J
- Deep Blue Seiko SPB297J
- Seiko Prospex Save The Ocean Collection
Icy White Seiko SPB301Js
The Seiko SPB301J features the classic 'turtle' case, with a 42.5mm diameter. This look is a re-interpretation of Seiko's initial diving designs, and continues to be hugely popular to this day.
One of the most captivating details is the dial of this automatic watch, painted in frosty white and textured like an iceberg. This icy theme continues to the bezel, which displays an oceanic deep blue.
In order to maximise visibility when diving, the watch face features square hour markers and luminescent LumiBrite hands. The watch's crown rests snugly near the bottom right of the case, clicked-in airtight to resist water damage.
The iceberg colour of this watch is definitely a cooler tone than the next two, and makes it perhaps the most unique of the three. This timepiece has some satisfying bulk, and delves deep with 200m water resistance ' as you'd expect.
Ice Blue Seiko SPB299J
With a slightly smaller case (42mm diameter) and a narrower look than its frosty cousin, this Seiko SPB299J blue watch will become a quick favourite for a lot of watch lovers.
The iceberg texture returns, just as it does among all three SPB watches, this time in a light blue colour. This light tone looks much like a piece of ice reflecting a surface of water, which is a nice piece of imagery by Seiko.
Encasing the bright dial is a unidirectional bezel, useful for timekeeping when diving. A subtle deep blue can be seen on the surface of this section, mimicking the dark water of the arctic or antarctic.
Presented in a sleek stainless steel bracelet, this dressy automatic diver is going to get some serious use after purchase. Good things it's as durable as they come thanks to high water resistance and sapphire glass.
Deep Blue Seiko SPB297J
More angular and sleek in design, the Seiko SPB297J shows the variety in style that this new Save The Ocean collection offers. The dial of this piece is the darkest of the three, but has a pleasant mix of teal and dark blue tones in its texture.
The rotating bezel has a finalising black tone that expertly ties the steel case and oceanic dial together. The case itself has some strong edges and lets the watch face look most of the talking.
Unlike the others in the line, the SPB297 has its crown on the middle right side of the case rather than the bottom right. This is convenient for winding, but the automatic movement should keep the watch going regardless.
Expect the same features as the other Save The Ocean watches. Sapphire glass, 200m water resistance, a date window, and a powerful automatic movement are all here. This piece has the smallest case of the three, at a stylish 40.5mm diameter.
Seiko Prospex Save The Ocean Collection
Seiko has done an excellent job in creating a trio of watches that can appeal to everyone. From the larger white SPB301J to the smallest deep blue SPB297J, this range has a watch that fits you perfectly.
These divers come backed with mechanically excellent automatic movements, along with strong water resistance and anti-glare sapphire glasses. You can be sure that you are getting quality with any of the three Seiko prospex watches. As we've mentioned, part of the profits go towards the Padi Aware Foundation. This is a great cause to follow, especially if you are concerned about the welfare of our amazing reefs and wildlife underwater.
