The Revolution of Japanese Sport Watches by KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN | SEIKO
SEIKO
A New Title. It Is Called,
“SEIKO PROSPEX LX LINE”
At BASELWORLD 2019, which coincidentally fell in the first year of the Reiwa era, Seiko made a bold declaration: the establishment of a luxury line within the Prospex brand. This marks the birth of the Japanese brand's first "sport luxury" item. While maintaining the authentic specifications that professionals can use as-is, the new line also boasts stylish designs for both the face and body that are exceptionally suited for everyday wear, aiming to exude an aura that surpasses Swiss competitors. Seiko has embarked on this dedicated endeavor by enlisting renowned industrial designer Kiyoyuki Okuyama as a product development advisor.
Text by Takashi Tsuchida
Japanese Sport Watches Shine, Drawing the Spotlight to Your Wrist
LX is Latin for light. The name was chosen with the wish that these watches would be a source of brilliance for their users. With such a bold silhouette, it's impossible not to notice them. Despite their glamorous presence, they lack any sense of bulkiness, instead conveying an elegant atmosphere.
The chamfering, achievable only through handcrafted 3D curved surfaces, is a distinctive feature brimming with the spirit of JAPAN MADE, rarely seen in Swiss counterparts of the same class. This beauty is maximized to create a robust look that stands up to global standards. Therefore, it's understandable if you do a double-take. Yes, this is the appearance of the advanced line that has arrived in Prospex.
The key lies in the bevels that frame the left and right sides of the case. These surfaces are created through a process called Zaratsu polishing. The beauty of the distortion-free mirror finish, especially its 3D curved form, is the "secret." Furthermore, the watch case's center of gravity is low, and like the body of a sports car, it firmly grips the wearer's wrist. Consequently, even though the watch is noticeable, it doesn't disrupt the overall balance when worn.
In fact, the base for this model is a professional diver's watch released in 1968, equipped with a high-beat movement that was then the world's highest standard. Many may recall it as the prototype for the reissue model that won the "Sports" category at last year's Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. In essence, using a globally recognized model as a foundation once again, this time it has been evolved into a legitimate successor, not a mere reissue, and imbued with new life.
Pay attention to the dial's expression as well. The latest design, aimed at improving visibility, is refined with a sharp finish without diminishing its classic impression. The dot indexes with enlarged markers and the hands with broad surfaces coated in Lumibrite are details of substance and robustness. However, it is truly gratifying that all these design elements are not "mutations" born in 2019, but rather the culmination of the evolution of Seiko's sport watches to date!
The LX line is also equipped with Spring Drive. Its advantages, such as resistance to temperature fluctuations and excellent shock resistance, were deemed suitable for sports scenes.
The LX line features both a standard model and a black edition for each of the land, sea, and air models. The image at the beginning is of the black edition diver's model. While the form is identical, the presence or absence of color dramatically alters the expression. My personal impression upon seeing the actual product is that I would like to push the boundaries with the black edition. The fusion of Japanese craftsmanship's earnestness and the precious packaging that has become a global standard holds immense potential, hinting at a new trend.
SEIKO PROSPEX LX LINE Black Edition
Ref. | SBDB023 (Land), SBDB021 (Sea), SBDB025 (Air)
Movement | Spring Drive GMT (5R66) *Land, Air; Spring Drive (5R65) *Sea
Bezel | Rotating bezel with simple compass, Rotating bezel with anti-reverse click function (ceramic display), 24-hour rotating bezel (ceramic display)
Case Material | Titanium (Super Black DiaShield)
Case Diameter | 44.8mm
Water Resistance | 20 bar water resistance, 300m saturation diving water resistance, 10 bar water resistance
Price | ¥530,000, ¥630,000, ¥580,000 *All prices exclude tax
Release | Scheduled for release on Saturday, July 6, 2019
SEIKO PROSPEX LX LINE
Ref. | SBDB029 (Land), SBDB027 (Sea), SBDB031 (Air)
Movement | Spring Drive GMT (5R66) *Land, Air; Spring Drive (5R65) *Sea
Bezel | Rotating bezel with simple compass, Rotating bezel with anti-reverse click function (ceramic display), 24-hour rotating bezel (sapphire crystal display)
Case Material | Titanium (Diashield)
Case Diameter | 44.8mm
Water Resistance | 20 bar water resistance, 300m saturation diving water resistance, 10 bar water resistance
Price | ¥530,000, ¥630,000, ¥580,000 *All prices exclude tax
Release | Scheduled for release on Saturday, July 6, 2019