Introducing Seiko Prospex “Save the Ocean” SLA055 and SLA057

If the historical past of dive watches at Seiko is pretty well-known by now and has been initiated by the legendary 62MAS of 1965, there’s one other watch of significance – if not much more necessary for the model – that has been an awesome supply of inspiration for each historic and trendy assortment; the 1968 Seiko Computerized Diver 300m Hello-Beat 6159-7001. These dive watches had been made for professionals and adventurers, and had been designed to fulfill the problem of essentially the most excessive situations. Based mostly on this idea, the model now introduces the Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s “Save the Ocean” SLA055 and SLA057, two watches that may profit marine conservation initiatives however may even be worn by members of the 63rd Japanese Antarctic Analysis Expedition’s mission to Antarctica. 

Background

The 1965 Seiko 62MAS is taken into account necessary largely as a result of it was Seiko’s, and Japan’s, first dive watch. This 150m rated watch with automated motion proved its top quality and reliability when worn by members of the eighth Japanese Antarctic Analysis Expedition in 1966. And it additionally was the start line of an immense lineage of watches designed for particular aquatic functions. The successor of this watch, though typically relegated to the second place (and never solely chronologically) is likely to be much more necessary, this time concerning its specs and its design.

Conceived within the second half of the Sixties and launched in 1968, the Seiko Computerized Diver 300m Hello-Beat 6159-7001 was an spectacular and revolutionary skilled dive watch. This watch was not simply an replace of its predecessor. In simply three years, Seiko had doubled the water-resistance, improved the performance and legibility of the watch and gained drastically in precision. The Computerized Diver 300m was the primary hi-beat diver’s watch in the marketplace. But it surely’s the design itself that may make historical past, as this watch feels totally acquainted… it’s really the watch that may outline over 50 years of dive watches at Seiko.

The 6159-7001 (and the 6215-7000, a visually virtually similar watch with equal specs however no hi-beat motion) was giant (44m), large (14mm thick), much more protected than its predecessor (it has a monobloc case). It featured outsized shoulders with giant polished aspects, a raised rotating bezel and a crown at 4 o’clock, all of which is able to turn into related to Seiko’s dive watches.

If it has been an awesome supply of inspiration for many Seiko dive watches prior to now, the design of this watch has been re-issued on a number of events just lately. It goes for fairly accessible fashions, corresponding to the SPB077 & SPB079 and the brand new SPB185 & SPB187. The identical inspiration has been utilized in mid-range fashions, such because the SLA019. And eventually, we’ve seen devoted re-creations with the Hello-Beat SLA025 (a traditionally related mannequin) and the Hello-Beat SLA039 (a extra trendy take with a blue dial).

The brand new SLA055 and SLA057

There are 4 necessary issues to notice within the title of those watches (sorry prematurely…), the Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Trendy Re-interpretation Save the Ocean Restricted Version SLA055 and SLA057. To start with, these are watches based mostly on the 1968 Diver’s, which ought to offer you a fairly clear concept of what was the inspiration behind their design. Second, these are “Trendy Re-interpretation” which means that we received’t be speaking about “Re-Creation” fashions because it was the case with the SLA025 or SLA039. This implies watches which can be impressed by a historic mannequin however not one-to-one reproductions, main Seiko to take some liberties within the design, the proportions or the specs.

Third, these watches are from the “SLA” vary, a nomenclature used for high-end dive watches at Seiko, comprising extra superior supplies and positive actions. Lastly, these watches are a part of the “Save the Ocean” assortment, which goals at supporting a number of marine conservation initiatives – because it was the case with this trilogy of fashions or this duo.

Each watches we’re taking a look at at present are similar in all factors, apart from their colors. As stated, these are impressed by the 1968 Hello-Beat Diver, which is clearly seen within the general form of the case. Angular and muscular, we discover again the identical common design with pronounced shoulders with a extremely polished lateral aspect, the raised bezel and the crown at 4 o’clock. However, some issues have modified, together with the proportions. Notably, these SLA055 and SLA057 watches are barely extra compact than the historic mannequin or its re-editions, with a 42.6mm diameter and a 13.1mm peak – that’s 2.2mm much less in diameter and a whopping 2.6mm much less in peak. And on the wrist, that is removed from neglectable!

To attain this discount of dimension, some concessions had been made, corresponding to a water-resistance lowered to now 200 metres. However notice {that a} new crown has been developed, which is not screwed straight into the case however locked right into a separate element that’s constructed into the case and so will be extra simply changed. In the identical vein, the unidirectional bezel, though nonetheless protruding from the case fairly massively, is now slimmer and has a brand new notched profile benefiting grip. It additionally incorporates a ceramic insert with an engraved 60-minute scale. The metal caseback is screwed and the watch is protected by a dual-curved sapphire crystal with AR coating.

In the identical vein, supplies have advanced on these Prospex 1968 Diver’s “Save the Ocean” SLA055 and SLA057. The case, bezel and crown are all made from Seiko’s Ever-Good Metal, a particular grade of metal that is extra corrosion resistant than that which is usually utilized in watches at present (it’s similar to 904L metal). As well as, the case could be very properly completed with Zaratsu polished (distortion-free) surfaces, leading to a really satisfying watch.

As stated, Seiko is releasing at present a pair of watches, each similar to the exception of their colors. Essentially the most basic of the 2 is the SLA057, which has a matte black dial with gold-coloured utilized indexes and fingers, all largely crammed with Lumibrite. The dimensions on the bezel additionally has a heat, golden color and the dial exhibits no particular texture. On this regard, it’s near the unique 1968 idea and makes for a really interesting, basic dive watch.

The second mannequin, the SLA055, is each extra authentic and extra trendy. It incorporates a gradient dial, starting from mild to darkish blue, mixed with an icy texture. The concept was to breed the sensation of the Antarctic panorama in addition to the colors of polar ice. The bezel follows swimsuit with ice-blue numerals and markers. Right here, the fingers and markers are silver-coloured and crammed with mild cream Lumibrite. On each fashions, the show is basic with central hours, minutes and seconds, and a date window at 4:30.

Powering this watch is a higher-end motion, however not the earlier Hello-Beat calibre used within the SLA025 or SLA039. Seiko right here went for the Calibre 8L35, a motion developed particularly for diver’s watches and is hand-assembled on the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan – which means the identical place the place Grand Seiko actions are made. Truly, this very motion relies on the Grand Seiko calibre 9S55 (which has now been changed by the 9S65, with an prolonged energy reserve). This motion runs at 4Hz and might retailer as much as 50 hours of energy reserve. It is usually recognized to run inside chronometric requirements.

Each the Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s “Save the Ocean” SLA055 and SLA057 are delivered with two straps. First is a basic diving strap in black with a texture that pays homage to the 1968 mannequin, but it’s now made from silicone for better power and luxury. This strap is closed by a metal pin buckle. These watches are additionally provided with a cloth strap that includes a standard braiding method from Japan known as Seichu. The SLA055 comes with a blue strap whereas the SLA057 comes with a black extra strap.

Being a part of the Seiko Save the Ocean program, these watches will contribute to the Nationwide Institute of Polar Analysis, which relies in Tokyo. Additionally, Seiko just lately donated watches to be worn by members of the 63rd Japanese Antarctic Analysis Expedition’s mission to Antarctica.

Availability & Worth

The Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver’s Trendy Re-interpretation Save the Ocean Restricted Version fashions will probably be obtainable from Seiko Boutiques and chosen retail companions worldwide in January 2022. The blue SLA055 is restricted to 1,300 items and the black SLA057 is restricted to 600 items. Each will retail for EUR 4,600.

For extra particulars, please go to www.seikowatches.com.