Showing at WatchTime Live 2020: A Trio of U.S.-Exclusive Seiko Prospex Ice Divers


Seiko, particularly its sporty Prospex collection, has drawn significant attention among American watch lovers in recent years, and for good reason: they’re built tough, accessibly priced, intriguingly designed, and present an impressive value proposition overall. Capitalizing upon this modern success, Seiko has unveiled a trio of special-edition, U.S.-exclusive Prospex dive watches, each inspired by the brand’s tested performance in the harshest of icy conditions.

The three watches, which take their inspiration from ice-cold expeditions, will be showcased by Seiko, one of 24 sponsoring watch brands, at this year’s WatchTime Live 2020 virtual event taking place on October 22 to 24. You can learn more about the event and purchase tickets, here.

The new ice-diving trio includes a model with a gray dial (Ref. SPB175), a green dial (Ref. SPB177) and a light blue dial (Ref. SPB179), all of which take their aesthetic cues from the changing colors of natural light reflecting off of glacial ice. Seiko dive watches have a long history in harsh, cold-weather adventures, used as the watch of choice by  the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) on multiple excursions in the 1960s. Their wearers include Yuichiro Miura, the oldest man to scale Mt. Everest in 1970; Naomi Uemura, the first person to complete a solo dog-sled run to the North Pole in 1978; and many others. Recalling this legacy, each of the three models highlight both the exceptional durability and functionality of Seiko’s Prospex line and the dangerous beauty of glacial climates.

Taking a closer look at the models, we find a familiar modern “Sumo” Prospex case design, with some added features that help identify the watches as special in their own right. The 44-mm case is constructed of polished and brushed steel, with slightly rounded lugs. It has a thick screw-down crown at 4 o’clock and straps to the wrist via a matching steel triple-link bracelet equipped with a folding clasp and diver’s extension. Surrounding the dial is a hardy, unidirectional bezel, with slightly oversized Arabic numerals on its 60-minute scale, and the uncommon addition of a minute ring on its innermost edge. Underneath the sapphire crystal is a waffle textured dial with a curved outer minute ring. At each hour mark is an applied, lume-filled index, while a date window, highlighted via a magnifying “Cyclops” lens on the crystal, occupies the 3 o’clock position. Sweeping over the dial are two sword-style, lume-filled hands, while a Prospex Sumo-style hand counts the seconds.

All three of the watches are powered by the Seiko Caliber Number 6R35, an automatic movement with an impressive 70-hour power reserve, which is protected behind a solid caseback. Each model boasts a 200-meter water resistance and has earned an ISO 6425 dive watch certification for its ability to endure grueling torture tests for overpressure — all in all, features any ice diver would want in their watch.

The new U.S.-exclusive models are set to retail for $900 each at authorized dealers around the United States, with the first public debut set for the WatchTime Live show later this month, so be sure to get your tickets now to check them out!

To learn more about the new watches, you can visit Seiko’s website, here.

No Responses to “Showing at WatchTime Live 2020: A Trio of U.S.-Exclusive Seiko Prospex Ice Divers”

Show all responses
  1. Lesley Edmonds

    Just emailed..forgot to say its a lively Seiko..my husband just retired..a great gift I think..regards Lesley

    Reply
  2. Lesley Edmonds

    Very first watch with powder blue face and darker blue surround..absolutely magnificent…price please australian dollars if you can…regards Lesley

    Reply
  3. Gerry Dimatos

    I have the green Sumo that this watch is based on. I love the waffle dial and especially the ice blue one and the grey dial…
    Seiko and it’s big brother Grand Seiko have been hitting home runs with every new release…
    They are smashing it out of the park….
    From a proud Seiko/ Grand Seiko phile..

    Reply
  4. Alexandre Lima Farias

    how do i buy this model in brazil? what is the model reference? wanted green.

    Reply
Leave a Reply to ביתן יואל

Click here to cancel reply.