Seiko Prospex has released a limited edition of the ” 1968 Mechanical Divers ” watch with a modern design using the latest technology. The limited edition will be sold in 1,300 pieces worldwide and will go on sale on January 14, 2022 (Friday).
Suponsered by
The 63rd Antarctic Research Expedition and the first expedition to Antarctica in nearly half a century!
The updated version of Seiko’s “1968 Mechanical Divers” was designed with the hope that the beautiful nature of Antarctica, which is being lost due to global warming, will last forever. In addition to being a new addition to the Save the Ocean series, which supports marine conservation activities, the watch will be donated to the 63rd Antarctic Research Expedition, and will be the first Seiko diver’s to visit the Antarctic in almost half a century.
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Seiko Divers, a partner for adventurers in the harshest of environments
From 1966 to 1969, as part of Japan’s academic development and international cooperation projects, SEIKO sent the “Antarctic Research Expedition” to observe the Antarctic region, and in 1969, the 63rd Antarctic Research Expedition was established as the first Seiko diver’s watch in Japan in half a century. The Seiko Divers were donated four times between 1966 and 1969 as equipment for the Antarctic Research Expedition, which was dispatched to observe the Antarctic region as part of Japan’s academic development and international cooperation projects, and the performance of Seiko Divers, which pursues reliability and safety first, was highly evaluated and proven. Since then, Seiko Divers watches have been used by many adventurers and explorers in all kinds of harsh environments on the earth, and have earned a high level of trust. Among them, the Mechanical Divers released in 1968 is indispensable in the history of Seiko diver’s watches, as it was a groundbreaking model equipped with the world’s highest standard 10 vibrating high-beat movement in a one-piece 300m waterproof case without a back cover. The photo below shows the model at that time. (The photo below shows the model at that time.)
This milestone model was given a modern design twist, and by using the latest technology in exterior materials and movement, a new model was born that inherited the innovativeness of the original model while further evolving it.
Exterior materials with the world’s highest level of corrosion resistance and a dedicated diver’s movement
This model inherits the streamlined form of the 1968 Mechanical Divers, with the upper and lower bridges connected by beautiful mirror surfaces, but its specifications have evolved significantly over the past 50 years. The case and bezel, as well as the crown, are made of “Ever Brilliant Steel,” a stainless steel material with the world’s highest level of corrosion resistance and a beautiful white luster. As a premium sports watch, the watch is made of an exterior material that can withstand long-term use, and at the same time, a ” detachable winding pipe structure ” is used for the internal structure of the screw-lock crown. The crown is not directly fixed to the case, but is secured via a special part with a threaded groove, which dramatically improves the life of the case. The movement is a mechanical caliber 8L35 manufactured at the Shizukuishi Fine Watch Workshop, which is exclusively designed for divers’ watches, and its basic performance as a wristwatch has been greatly improved.
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A dial inspired by the magnificent world of Antarctica
The dial depicts the magnificent Antarctic ice sheet. The Antarctic ice sheet is the largest mass of ice on earth, with a volume of approximately 30 million cubic kilometers. The magnificent view of the ice sheet covering the land of Antarctica is reproduced with a blue gradation stamped dial. In addition to the dual-curved sapphire glass with internal anti-reflective coating, lumibrite applied to the indexes, hour, minute and seconds hands ensure high legibility in all environments.
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The strap reproduces the characteristic uneven texture used on the original model in 1968, but the material has been changed to reinforced silicon, which is less susceptible to deterioration due to ultraviolet rays, perspiration, and sebum, and offers high strength. A blue replacement fabric strap, woven using a traditional Japanese technique called “seichu,” is also included. The strap is not only durable enough to withstand prolonged use in tough environments, but is also aesthetically pleasing with a bag-like weave structure and diagonally woven threads for a comfortable fit against the skin and an elegant finish.
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Donated to the 63rd Antarctic Research Expedition
Seiko Prospex has been contributing to ocean protection by donating a portion of the sales of its Save the Ocean series as a token of gratitude to divers who have been loyal to Seiko Divers and to the great ocean. This time, as part of this activity, the company provided support to the National Institute of Polar Research, which dispatches observation teams to the Antarctic region. At the same time, the company donated this model to the 63rd Antarctic Research Expedition.
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In the past, Seiko has donated a number of products, including divers’ watches, to the Antarctic Research Expedition on four occasions since 1966. The upper left photo below shows a marine crystal watch installed on the Antarctic research vessel “Fuji” in 1966. The upper right photo shows the captain and crew testing a Seiko diver’s watch in 1967. Below are various clocks donated to the wintering party of the Antarctic Research Expedition in 1967. This donation marked the first time in almost half a century that the two companies have worked together. Seiko plans to continue its activities in the future, keeping in mind Goal 14 (protect the richness of the oceans) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations.
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Seiko Prospex ” 1968 Mechanical Divers Modern Design Save the Ocean Limited Edition
Price: 506,000 yen (including tax)
Case: Everbrilliant steel
Strap: Reinforced silicon (with polyester strap for replacement)
Glass: Dual-curve sapphire glass (anti-reflective coating on inner surface)
Water resistance: 200m air diving water resistance
Case size: [Outside diameter] 42.6mm ( thickness] 13.1 mm
Limited edition: 1,300 pieces worldwide (300 pieces in Japan)
Movement Specifications
– Mechanical movement Caliber 8L35
– Winding: Automatic (with manual winding)
– Time accuracy: +15 seconds to -10 seconds per day on average (at 5°C to 35°C) Time accuracy: +15 sec. to -10 sec. per day on average (when worn at temperatures between 5°C and 35°C)
・Power reserve: approx. 50 hours
・Number of jewels: 26
・Vibration: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 vibrations per second)
Contact: 0120-061-012 ( Seiko Watch Corporation Customer Service Center)
Save the Ocean Limited Model Special page
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