A Look at the Seiko Prospex Glacier ‘Save The Ocean’ Turtle 100th Anniversary Watch
Sunday - 12 March 2023
The recently released Seiko Prospex Glacier “Save The Ocean” Turtle 100th Anniversary Edition watch is limited to 5000 pieces worldwide and has been released as a commemorative model to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary of Japan’s first-ever wristwatch
A little on the Seiko Laurel
The trick to remaining a forward-thinking watchmaker is to constantly move with the times. That’s what Seiko did when it released its first wristwatch in 1913 following a change of wind within the industry from the pocket watch to the wrist-worn type. The Seiko Laurel is considered Japan’s first wristwatch. It proved a significant challenge for the watch company since manufacturing parts and components on a much smaller scale was no mean feat. To do so, Seiko produced new sophisticated machinery and techniques to assist with this transition. Some of the first wristwatches to be used across Europe were those utilised on the wrists of soldiers during the First World War, but the demand had yet to reach Japan. When it did, Seiko was more than ready for it.
The original Laurel watch by Seiko is remembered for its enamel dial, designed to withstand some of the effects of humidity. Many different dial designs were created for the Laurel wristwatch – the majority of which feature a red 12 o’clock index. Some diversity was seen between the fonts of the minute scales of these dials too – some of which were stepped, whilst others were flat.
At the back end of last year, Seiko released the Prospex Glacier “Save The Ocean” Turtle 100th Anniversary Edition watch. It pays homage to an emblematic timepiece named the Laurel – Japan’s first wristwatch and is limited to 5000 pieces worldwide. The new model, however, takes inspiration from the ice of Antarctica, expressing the accumulation of time but also capturing the sheer beauty and crispness of this very unique landscape. It also celebrates the history of the Seiko dive watch, offering a water-resistant rating of 200 meters integrated into its robust stainless steel case. Let’s look at some more details of the Seiko Prospex Glacier “Save The Ocean” Turtle 100th Anniversary Edition watch.
The new Seiko Prospex Glacier “Save The Ocean” Turtle 100th Anniversary Edition watch
The new Seiko Prospex Glacier “Save The Ocean” Turtle 100th Anniversary Edition watch measures a size of 41mm and a height of 12.3mm. Its curved sapphire crystal glass front has been sealed to the top of a strong stainless steel case that is 200-meter water resistant. To assist with this water-resistant capability, Seiko specialists fit this strong Seiko Prospex watch with a screw-down crown at 3 o’clock, along with a screw-down caseback which provides ample protection over the movement, shielding it from moisture, heat and shock. The surface of the stainless steel case has also been treated with the brand’s superior hard coating, promising enhanced scratch resistance.
The Seiko Prospex Glacier “Save The Ocean” Turtle 100th Anniversary watch boasts a three-dimensional effect in silver and has been adorned with hour markers that are rectangular in shape. These indexes have also been treated with Lumibrite, as have the central hour and minute hands and a pip on the top of the seconds hand. A discreet date window has been nestled between the 4 and 5 o’clock locations for perfectly tracking the days within each month. The natural formations and fissures of Antarctica’s glacial structures are captured beautifully in the multi-textured surface of the dial. They evoke the formations created as the glacier undergoes its long cooling period. The second hand mentioned earlier is a deep blue colour, enabling you to easily follow its direction as it passes over the surface of the display.
Behind the dial of this Seiko Prospex Glacier “Save The Ocean” Turtle 100th Anniversary watch is the Calibre 6R35, which promises an accuracy of between +25 to -15 seconds per day. It also comprises a total of 24 jewels and delivers a power reserve of 70 hours once fully wound. Resistant to magnetic forces reaching up to 4,800 A/m, this Seiko Prospex Glacier watch is an all-around solid and robust tool for wearing on the go every day and comes fitted on a matching stainless steel link bracelet. It secures around the wrist with a three-fold clasp and a secure lock with a push button release and an extender for wearing over the top of swimwear or diving gear.
If you’d like to own one of the 5000 pieces of this new Seiko Prospex design, you’ll be pleased to know that upon purchasing the watch, all of the proceeds go to the PADI Aware Foundation’s Marine Debris programme. The underwater clean-up initiative is the world’s largest and works to encourage scuba divers to report data on the quantities, types and locations of rubbish by collecting it during dives. For more information on this limited edition Seiko watch, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453
