BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
The worldwide broadcast of the BBC’s Blue Planet II, presented by legendary wildlife expert Sir David Attenborough, was a shock to all. Undoubtedly, the most harrowing part of this otherwise quite colourful program was showing the destruction humanity has caused to the Earth’s delicate ecosystem. More specifically, the effects that plastic has on the oceans. Plastic is artificial and, without special treatment, does not biodegrade. It also breaks down into microscopic plastics that still end up in the ecosystem, poisoning wildlife and contributing to the destruction of coral reefs, among other things.
Recently we’ve seen numerous watch brands work on this problem by raising awareness through special edition models, funding research projects and making parts out of recycled plastics. Seiko is providing financial support to various organisations, and its new trio of special edition watches will aid in spreading the knowledge that plastics, and other environmentally destructive materials, need to be gone from our oceans.
The first model is based on the Seiko Prospex 1965 Modern Reinterpretation, the name is about twice as long as that, but we’ll use its reference number of SPB297. It features the same skin-diver design as the standard Modern Reinterpretation watch but features a blue dial with a watery pattern effect. Seiko says the look is meant to be ice, but I think a gently flowing stream seems more appropriate. The watch measures 42mm x 12.5mm and is made of stainless steel. It’s water-resistant to 200m and is fitted with the calibre 6R35, which is automatic and has a power reserve of 70 hours. The price is $1,250.
The next watch is the Prospex 1968 Modern Reinterpretation model SPB299. The first thing you’ll note is the radical case redesign in only three years. The more curvaceous style with the crown offset to 4 O’clock is perhaps the diver style Seiko is most known for today. Luckily, if you were sold by the size of the SPB297 but not the design, you’ll be pleased to know that the 42mm x 12.5mm dimensions remain with this model. It also keeps the blue textured dial, although the hue is slightly different to give some variety. This watch also has the 6R35 calibre with a stainless steel bracelet and is similarly priced at $1,250.
The final piece is probably the most radical out of the trio. The Prospex 1970 Modern Reinterpretation model SPB311 features a very rounded case, and I’m not really sure whether it’s a square or a round cushion at this point. However, fans of the brand know it as the “Captain Willard” case, thanks to its screen time in Apocalypse Now. The blobby-shaped case (that’ll do) is slightly larger than the other two models measuring 42.7mm x 13.2mm. The watch only has a blue bezel, as its dial featuring the same texture as the other watches is now white. It works. It’s nice to see variety, even in something like a dial. The movement is the same, however, the venerable 3Hz 6R35, and like the other two watches, this one is water-resistant to 200m. Like the other models, it also has LumiBrite applied to the hands, markers and bezel pip for easy nighttime reading. This model costs slightly more at $1,250.
In June, all models will be on sale in selected Seiko boutiques and authorised dealers.
Visit Seiko here.
