Prospex: Build For The Ice Diver
U.S. Special Edition Automatic Diver’s Watch Inspired by Glacial Ice
Seiko Watch of America has introduced a Special Edition Prospex timepiece built for the ice diver. Exclusively available in the U.S. market, this exceptional design celebrates the brand’s tested performance in the harshest conditions.
Built from the start for superior operation in the most hostile environments, Seiko diver’s watches were an immediate favorite for high-intensity exploration, becoming essential equipment for the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) within a year of their 1965 introduction. As an active supporter of JARE, Seiko donated diver’s watches for four of the group’s winter research projects during the 1960s – and it was in these frigid waters that these remarkable timepieces became legendary for reliability in extreme conditions.
Unsurprisingly, Seiko’s diver’s watches were soon adopted as the watch of choice for generations of polar explorers and mountaineers, such as Naomi Uemura, the first person to complete a solo dog-sled run to the North Pole, and Yuichiro Miura, the oldest man to scale Mt. Everest.
Paying tribute to this unparalleled legacy, this year’s Prospex U.S. Special Edition highlights both the exceptional durability and functionality of Prospex and the dangerous beauty of glacial ice.
Inspired by the ever changing colors of polar ice, transformed as it catches the light in different ways throughout the day, the patterned dials will be offered in gray (SPB175), green (SPB177) and light blue (SPB179), each tone inspired by the colors cast from natural light reflecting off the glacial ice.
The polished and brushed stainless steel case, reminiscent of iconic Seiko diver’s watch styles, features broader lines and thick printed bezel numerals, as well as Seiko’s signature four o’clock crown, for reliability and clarity in the toughest conditions. Following ISO standards for scuba diving at depths up to 200 meters, the watch includes a unidirectional rotating elapsed timing bezel, toned to match each dial, as well as a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and secure screwdown crown and caseback. The durable bracelet, engineered for extreme activity, features a tri-fold push button release clasp with secure lock and extender.
Inside, a 24-jewel automatic movement, caliber 6R35, beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, and both manual and automatic winding capabilities. And, on the surface, the subtly evocative dials offer enhanced legibility with simple LumiBrite hands and markers, as well as magnified date windows.
Renowned since 1881 for its precision Japanese craftsmanship, Seiko remains dedicated to enhancing its technology and design to meet every challenge. Starting in 1965, with its – and Japan’s – first diver’s watch, Seiko continues to support exploration in the most demanding settings, trusted by the world’s most daring adventurers they brave the limits on land and sea.
The U.S. Special Edition is now available at Seiko Luxe retailers, each with a suggested retail price of $900. For a limited time, this unique design will be offered in a special edition presentation box with a Prospex flashlight as a gift with purchase. For more information, please visit seikoluxe.com.