Seiko has introduced three new dive watches into the Prospex Save the Ocean lineup, the Seiko Prospex SPB297, SPB299 & SPB301. Each iteration is a modern re-interpretation of already massively popular dive watch styles from the 60s and ’70s. These pieces are fully upgraded with 6R35 movements, sapphire crystals and 200m water resistance.
What really sets the SPB297, SPB299, and SPB301 apart are their unique, textured dials, based on the colors and textures of ice glaciers. Each watch’s dial features its own unique shade of “ice glacier” blue, and varied bezel colors to match. Let’s take a look at each of these models a bit more closely.
Seiko Prospex SPB297 – 1965 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation
The Seiko SPB297 is inspired by Seiko’s first-ever professional dive watch, created in 1965, nicknamed the ’62MAS’. In late 2020, this model has been reinterpreted through 4 new dive watches featuring unique stainless steel bezel inserts that fight the popularized trend of a more flashy ceramic, or arguably lesser aluminum.
The SPB297 features a traditional skin diver design with a mesmerizing royal blue textured dial. The hour marker sare applied and bordered in all-white for extra contrast, and are LumeBrite filled, as is the handset, a staple of the Prospex series. The SPB297 features a diameter of 40.5mm, with a thickness of 13.2mm, making this the smallest wearing piece of this trio, and arguably the most versatile.
The bezel is unidirectional with a black stainless insert that has LumiBrite applied to the markers. Housed inside of the SPB297 is the Seiko Calibre 6R35 automatic movement which provides a healthy 70-hour power reserve.
The SPB297 comes on a 20mm stainless steel bracelet with a diving extension built into the clasp to allow quick fitting over a diving suit and will retail for $1,250.
Seiko Prospex SPB297 Specifications
- Dimensions: Diameter 40.5mm, Thickness: 13.2mm
- Case: Stainless steel case
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with underside anti-reflective coating
- Bezel: Stainless Steel
- Caseback: Stainless steel
- Crown: Screw-down
- Water resistance: 200m
- Lumibrite on hands and indexes
- Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release, secure lock and extender.
- Movement: Seiko Caliber 6R35
- Retail Price: $1,250
Seiko Prospex SPB299 – 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation
Just three years after the initial release of the 1965 Seiko diver came a new innovative diver, this time with 300m water resistance and a 10-beat automatic movement. The Seiko Prospex SPB299 is the newest modern re-interpretation of that dive watch featuring a unique light blue, glacier-textured dial, with a darker ceramic bezel insert that frames the dial beautifully.
The white hour markers and handset once again really give the beautifully textured and colored dial room to breathe. The contrast of different blues on the dial and bezel insert creates a wonderful complimentary combination that is extremely legible and functional when used for its original intention of arctic exploration but also would look right at home when paired with shorts and flip flops on vacation.
The SPB299 has possibly one of the most striking combinations of brushed and polished finishes. With polished angled bevels on the edges of the case that frame the brushed surfaces on the lugs beautifully, this is a watch that will continue to catch and reflect light from any angle.
The SPB299 comes in at 42mm in diameter, with a thickness of 12.5mm, and features Seiko caliber 6R35 movement with a 70-hour power reserve. The watch comes on a 20mm brushed stainless steel bracelet with a diver’s adjustment clasp and retails for $1,250.
Seiko Prospex SPB299 Specifications
- Dimensions: 42.0mm, Thickness: 12.5mm
- Case: Stainless steel
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with underside anti-reflective coating
- Bezel: Ceramic
- Caseback: Stainless steel
- Crown: Screw-down
- Water resistance: 200m
- Lumibrite on hands and indexes
- Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release, secure lock and extender.
- Movement: Seiko Caliber 6R35
- Retail Price: $1,250
Seiko Prospex SPB301 – 1970 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation
Last, but not least, is the Seiko SPB301, the newest ‘Seiko Turtle’ styled Save the Ocean Prospex Diver. The SPB301 is a modern re-interpretation of the Seiko 1970 diver worn by explorer Naomi Uemura during a 12,000km one-man dog-sled.
The SPB301 has the lightest design of the bunch, featuring an icy white textured dial with a royal blue ceramic bezel insert. The SPB301 is also the largest of the trio, featuring a diameter of 42.7mm and a thickness of 13.2mm, however, its ingenuous downward sloping case that tapers toward the wrist allows more wrist movement than one would expect with such dimensions.
Like the rest of the trio, the SPB301 features the Seiko caliber 6R35 movement and a stainless steel bracelet with a diver’s adjustment clasp, Lumi Brite on the hands and indices, and a sapphire crystal with underside anti-reflective coating. The SPB301 has the highest retail price of the trio of $1,350.
Seiko Prospex SPB301 Specifications
- Dimensions: 42.7mm, Thickness: 13.2mm
- Case: Stainless steel
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with underside anti-reflective coating
- Bezel: Ceramic
- Caseback: Stainless steel
- Crown: Screw-down
- Water resistance: 200m
- Lumibrite on hands and indexes
- Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release, secure lock and extender.
- Movement: Seiko Caliber 6R35
- Retail Price: $1,350
These three watches join the Prospex Save the Ocean series; a program designed to deliver a portion of proceeds to various marine-conserving initiatives
These three pieces will be available at Seiko boutiques and select retailers as of June 2022.
