This text was initially printed within the March/April 2022 concern of WatchTime print journal.
When Seiko When the primary Japanese diving watch got here onto the market in 1965, not solely underwater professionals shortly turned to the model’s strong fashions, but additionally explorers and, within the coming years, members of the Japanese Antarctic Analysis Groups (JARE). As we speak, Seiko dedicates its newest interpretation of its first high-beat diving watch from 1968 to polar analysis, equipping members of the 63rd Japanese Antarctic Analysis Expedition with this watch.
The case, bezel and crown of the “Prospex 1968 Divers Fashionable interpretation Save the Ocean“are all constituted of Seiko’s Ever-Good Metal, a kind of chrome steel that Seiko says is “extra proof against corrosion than what is often utilized in watches as we speak.” To additional make sure the longevity of the 42.6 mm watch, the crown just isn’t screwed instantly into the case, however quite anchored in a separate element that’s built-in into the case and might due to this fact get replaced extra simply.
The watch is powered by the Seiko Caliber 8L35 and hand-assembled by the artisans on the Skizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan. The ability reserve is 50 hours, the case is provided with a screw-down case again and the water resistance is 200 meters.
The SLA055’s patterned “Dégradé” dial is impressed by the Antarctic panorama; The bezel options ice blue numerals and markers. The design and texture of the Chocolate Bar bracelet pays homage to the 1968 unique, however it isn’t made from silicone for better sturdiness, energy and luxury. The SLA055 can also be supplied with a material strap that includes a standard braiding approach from Japan referred to as seichu.
The Prospex diving watch SLA055 and the black dial model (SLA057) with the identical specs will likely be a part of the Save the Ocean collection as restricted editions: 1,300 items for the blue dial and 600 items for the black dial model. Each value $4,600.
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