A limited edition model, a modern reinterpretation of the 1968 Mechanical Divers watch with the latest technology, will be available from Friday, January 14, 2022. Limited to 1,300 pieces worldwide, with 300 for the domestic market. This piece is designed with the wish that the beautiful natural environment of Antarctica will endure forever. Joining the Save the Ocean series, which supports marine conservation activities, and through a donation to the 63rd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, Seiko Divers will make its way to Antarctica for the first time in approximately half a century.

Seiko manufactured Japan's first dive watch in 1965 and has since introduced a succession of watches equipped with its proprietary technology.

From 1966 to 1969, Seiko donated dive watches four times as equipment for the "Antarctic Research Expedition" dispatched to conduct observations in the Antarctic region as part of Japan's academic development and international cooperation projects. The performance of Seiko Divers, which prioritizes reliability and safety, was evaluated and proven. Since then, it has earned high trust by being used by many adventurers and explorers in all of the Earth's harsh environments.

The "Mechanical Divers" released in 1968, in particular, became an indispensable presence in the history of Seiko Divers watches, featuring a 10-beat high-beat movement, the world's highest standard at the time, housed in a 300-meter water-resistant case with a monocoque structure (no separate case back). This groundbreaking model, which established a milestone, has been given a modern design treatment and reborn as the "Prospex 1968 Mechanical Divers Modern Reinterpretation Save the Ocean Limited Edition," inheriting the original's innovation while achieving further evolution with the latest exterior materials and movement.

This model inherits the characteristic streamlined form of the "1968 Mechanical Divers," with its lugs connected by a beautiful mirror finish, while its specifications have evolved significantly over approximately 50 years. The case, bezel, and even the crown are made of "Ever-Brilliant Steel," a stainless steel material with world-class corrosion resistance and a beautiful white luster. As a premium sports watch, it uses materials that can withstand long-term use, and its screw-down crown incorporates the "removable winding stem pipe structure." By fixing the crown not directly to the case but via a dedicated part with screw grooves, the case lifespan has been dramatically improved.

The mechanical caliber 8L35, exclusively for dive watches and manufactured at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio, has been adopted for the movement, significantly improving the watch's fundamental performance.

The dial expresses the magnificent landscape of the Antarctic ice sheet, the largest on Earth with a volume of approximately 30 million cubic kilometers, through a blue gradient embossed pattern. Combined with dual-curved sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface, and Lumibrite applied to the indices and hands, high visibility is ensured in all environments.

The strap reproduces the distinctive textured uneven shape used on the original 1968 model, but the material has been changed to reinforced silicone, which is less susceptible to degradation from UV rays, sweat, and sebum, ensuring high strength. Additionally, a blue fabric strap woven using the traditional Japanese technique of "seichu" (braiding) is included as an interchangeable option. Not only does it possess high durability for prolonged use in tough environments, but its structure, which weaves threads diagonally into a bag-like shape, also provides a comfortable fit against the skin and aesthetic appeal.

This model, added to the Save the Ocean series that supports marine conservation activities, supports the National Institute of Polar Research, which dispatches the Antarctic Research Expedition, as part of those activities. Simultaneously, through a donation to the 63rd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition, it realizes a collaboration after approximately half a century. Seiko will continue its activities with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) in mind.