Seiko is widely recognized as a producer of some of the best diving watches, offering a vast collection that spans nearly the entire market range, from affordable models to high-tech watches with impressive specifications. In addition to this expertise, which began in 1965, the brand is also committed to protecting the environment for which these watches are intended - the oceans. Through special “Save The Ocean” editions, which trace back to Seiko’s partnership with Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s grandson in 2018, the brand releases cool models and donates proceeds to marine and environmental conservation organizations. Following several series, the Japanese manufacturer releases new models focused on icy waters - Seiko Prospex Baby Tuna & Monster “Save The Ocean Antarctica” SRPG57K1 and SRPG59K1.
New “Save The Ocean - Save The Ocean” Ice Editions
In this new series of special edition watches, Seiko once again targets ocean conservation and, as always in such cases, will donate part of the proceeds from these “Save the Ocean” models to organizations involved in marine and environmental protection. All previous editions have been clearly ocean-oriented not just in spirit but also in design, with textured dials featuring wave patterns and gradient colors inspired by the ocean.
For its new “Antarctica” series of watches, Seiko plays on a different theme… Icy waters. Although introduced just before summer and featuring a cold color scheme, they will look very refreshing on the beach in August. These new special series watches, models SRPG57K1 and SRPG59K1, are inspired by the landscape of the world’s largest marine sanctuary: Antarctica. The graduated colors and textures mimic the breathtaking views of Antarctic landscapes created by light reflected off the ice, while penguin tracks symbolize the dwindling number of their inhabitants.
Previous “Save the Ocean” models were based on the Turtle, Samurai, or later “King” models. This time, Seiko relies on other icons in its dive watch portfolio - the Baby Tuna and Monster watches.
BABY TUNA “ANTARCTICA” SRPG59K1
First in line for the 2021 “Save the Ocean Antarctica” collection are new watches based on the very well-known Seiko design, Baby Tuna. It is a direct descendant of one of Seiko’s most iconic models, the 6159-7010 from 1975. Thanks to its highly protected case, intended for professional environments and built around a titanium protective shroud, the watch earned the nickname Tuna Can. However, the model we have today is much simpler and more wearable while retaining most of the design elements of the vintage Tuna watches.
The Baby Tuna “Antarctica” SRPG59K1 model has a more reasonable diameter of 43.2 mm. Most importantly, the case design with very short, low-set lugs makes these watches extremely comfortable to wear and compact - from lug to lug just 44 mm. Weighing 104 grams, the watch is even relatively light. The watch case features the typical protective cover made of matte stainless steel, which partially covers the bezel. The crown, located at the “4 o’clock” position, screws down, and the watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters. As expected for entry-level watches, they are equipped with Hardlex glass.
Now these watches have many updates compared to other similar models of the standard collection (for example, SRPF81K1). First, the non-directional bezel is equipped with a new silver-colored metallic insert with a concentric texture and a black engraved 60-minute scale. Second, of course, there’s the new Antarctica-style dial with a gradient blue color, ice-like texture, and penguin tracks. Additionally, this model features dot markers, larger at the “3,” “6,” and “9 o’clock” positions, and a triangle at “12 o’clock.” Bold hands indicate the time, and there is a date window at 4:30.
The Baby Tuna “Antarctica” SRPG59K1 is powered by Seiko’s classic 4R35 caliber, an accessible automatic movement with 3 Hz frequency and a 41-hour power reserve. The watch is worn on a light gray-blue silicone strap, closed with a steel pin buckle. This will be a special, non-limited series priced at 570 euros.
Quick facts: 43.2 mm x 12.6 mm - 44 mm lug-to-lug - stainless steel case, Hardlex crystal - unidirectional bezel - 200 m water resistance, screw-down crown and case back - automatic caliber 4R35, 3 Hz frequency, 23 jewels, 41-hour power reserve, stop-seconds - silicone strap with steel buckle - special, non-limited edition - 570 euros
MONSTER “ANTARCTICA” SRPG57K1
The second model in the “Save the Ocean Antarctica” series is based on another signature model of the brand - Monster. Introduced in 2001 - with models SKX779 (black monster) and SKX781 (orange monster) - the watches were named for their sharp, unusual, almost integrated shape with bold and aggressive design, 42 mm diameter, oversized crown, and a lot of exposed metal with a steel bezel over a steel case and bracelet. At the end of 2012, Seiko updated its dive watches by releasing a new generation of Monster models with slight visual changes and the integration of the more modern 4R36 caliber. In 2015, Seiko introduced a new series of watches, the third generation, which was first consolidated under the “Prospex” umbrella. Finally, in 2019, Seiko released the fourth generation of Monster, now available worldwide, marking a strong evolution of the model, with a contrasting bezel, a return to the more accessible 4R36 caliber, and the day-date complication.
Following the release of the Padi in 2020 with reference SRPE27K1, the brand now presents the Monster “Antarctica” SRPG57K1. Essentially, these are the same watches, at least in terms of proportions and technical content, but they have been updated with a new color scheme. They have the same integrated, ultra-robust case and bracelet with typical lug modules that extend to the bezel and serve to protect between 10:30-1:30 and 3:30-7:30. The bezel and bracelet feature deep notches with a complex profile, hence the name Monster. The case diameter is 42.4 mm, height is 13.4 mm, and the lug-to-lug distance is 49.4 mm, which, however, is a nuance as the case is well-designed and provides quite a comfortable fit.
Like the Baby Tuna model, the new Antarctica Monster SRPG57K1 features a specific dial with a gradient blue color, ice-like texture, and penguin tracks. The markers and hands are identical to the classic Monster watches, as is the day-date indicator at the “3 o’clock” position. The unidirectional bezel is fully metallic, with an engraved 60-minute scale. The crown screws down, the glass is Hardlex with a magnifier over the date indicator, and the watch is water-resistant to 200 meters.
Inside the case is the automatic 4R36 caliber, a version of the 4R35 model with a day-date, with a frequency of 3 Hz and a 41-hour power reserve. The watch is worn on a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and diving extension, making it relatively heavy - 187 grams. Again, this will be a special, non-limited series. Its price will be 550 euros.
Quick facts: 42.4 mm x 13.4 mm - 49.4 mm lug-to-lug - stainless steel case, Hardlex crystal with magnifier - unidirectional bezel - 200 m water resistance, screw-down crown and case back - automatic caliber 4R36, 3 Hz frequency, 24 jewels, 41-hour power reserve, stop-seconds - stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp and diving extension - special, non-limited series - 550 euros
For more detailed information, visit www.seikowatches.com.