The new Seiko Prospex Silfra Sumo Diver and Tortoise European watches
Friday - 27 October 2023
You wait all year, then two come along at once!
Ever been to Iceland? I have. It was back in 2011. A few months before that, a friend and I had been crossing the border from Egypt to Israel in sweltering temperatures. Dry throats in the baking heat, I was looking back at that memory whilst layering up on the thermals in my Reykjavik apartment, preparing to take the Golden Circle trip and thinking to myself “What a contrast!”. The underfloor heating offered a little relief from the minus-something conditions, but when trekking out across Thingvellir National Park that day, boy was it cold. Despite layer upon layer of snow and ice for miles around (this was February I should add), one colour amidst the white stood out – the deep blue hue of the waters in which tourists could snorkel at the point where the North American and Eurasian plates meet.
The unique snorkelling spot named the Silfra fissure, situated at this tectonic rift, offers up some of the clearest waters in the world and - set against the National Park’s stark beauty - is nothing short of breathtaking. Seiko must have thought so too, since it has recently released two Prospex watches aptly named and inspired by the Silfra fissure. The first of the two models embodies the clear waters there and is named the Seiko Prospex Silfra Sumo Diver watch reference SPB431J1. Its beefed-up Sumo case measures a hefty 45mm diameter and has been released alongside the second model named the Seiko Prospex Silfra Tortoise watch, with a smaller 42.4mm size. Let’s take a more in-depth look at them both.
The Seiko Prospex Silfra Tortoise Limited Edition watch
The Silfra Tortoise watch is cleverly inspired by the Japanese watchmaker’s long-standing dive watch fondly nicknamed the Turtle. In contrast, the Tortoise iteration retains the shell-like case shape of the much-loved Turtle but features a more professional spec, having been designed to meet the highest standards required for exploring extreme environments.
Looking back at the current Seiko Prospex Tortoise line-up, it is quite an innovative one with muted tones that are well-suited to the autumn months. You can choose between the SRPG13K1 with a tan dial and a green-to-grey gradient compass bezel, and the SRPG13K1 model, with cream indices set against a brown dial and a surrounding brown bezel with a rose gold plated case. You can also opt for more classic models with black and blue dials if you prefer something more universal. The new stainless steel Seiko Prospex Silfra Tortoise watch, however, is even more fitting for the coming season. It is certainly geared for land expeditions with its moss-green coloured bezel inspired by the blankets of green that drape over the land of Thingvellir National Park (when not covered in snow).
The rounded shape of the case in this model compared to the Sumo case is undeniably more classic and sits at a height on the wrist of 11.7mm. The gradient rotating bezel spanning from green to dark grey offsets the hands on the model’s dark green dial very nicely. In fact, that dial is so rich that it will likely appear black in many environments. Its textured surface evokes the Silfra fissure’s landscape. A vibrant orange-coloured second hand stands out with dominance against the dial and is accompanied by central hour and minute hands that have plenty of Lumibrite across their surface. The angled date lies at 4:30 in this model and is protected underneath a strong glass front crafted from sapphire crystal. With a 200-meter water-resistant capability, you can do most water-based things with this Seiko Prospex model. All the while, the Calibre 4R35 sits inside the case promising unfaltering accuracy and delivering 41 hours of power reserve.
The watch is completed on a stainless steel bracelet but comes with an additional strap in rubber, should you like to change things up depending on the occasion. There are just 1,400 pieces of the Silfra Tortoise watch available worldwide.
The Seiko Prospex Silfra Sumo Limited Edition watch
Carrying the distinctive size and shape associated with the Sumo watch by Seiko, this Prospex model is sure to resonate with anyone who has collected the design before. Its bold 12 o’clock marker is amongst some of the model’s most distinctive characteristics, along with its practical and durable construction. Clearly, the style of the Silfra Sumo watch differs in many ways from the Silfra Tortoise. It features a different colour scheme and is surrounded by a muscular construction crafted from stainless steel.
Sitting at a thicker case depth of 12.9mm, the Seiko Prospex Silfra Sumo Limited Edition watch, limited to just 2000 pieces worldwide certainly isn’t shy. Its 4 o’clock screw-down crown is combined with a strong sapphire crystal glass front and a 200-meter water resistance to ensure that the Calibre 6R35 remains undisturbed inside the heart of the case. In doing so, it can guarantee a power reserve of 70 hours. The watch is also completed on another three-link stainless steel bracelet and comes with an additional blue rubber band for switching over whenever the need arises.
Its unidirectional rotating bezel, however, is what makes the watch stand out so well on the wrist. It is executed in a two-tone gradient design comprising a green and blue colour palette to compliment the bezel, primed for perfectly measuring elapsed time. When underwater, the dial of the Silfra Sumo watch is of a deep blue gradient finish. The blue colour in the centre of the dial transitions to a much darker shade, cleverly replicating the view you would see if snorkelling the stunning Silfra fissure itself. The dial features circular dive watch hour markers, Lumibrite hands that are sword-shaped, and the mawashi-inspired 12 o’clock marker.
If you’re undecided about whether to opt for the Seiko Prospex Silfra Sumo or Tortoise watch, you can check out the models here online at Jura Watches, or call and speak to a member of our sales team today on 01335 453453.
