Getting hands-on with a Seiko watch is one of our favourite things to do, so when we heard about the release of the two new Seiko Prospex Baby Tuna & Monster Save The Ocean Antarctica watches, we knew we had to take advantage. Found under references SRPG57K1 and SRPG59K1, the new designs remain part of the brand’s well-known Save the Ocean series, a collection which goes back to Seiko’s partnership with Jacques-Yves Cousteau’s grandson back in 2018 and donates proceeds to ocean conservation charities.
We’ve discussed several Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean watches over the past few years, from the original collection back in 2018 to last year’s King Turtle SRPE07K1 and then the King Samurai SRPF79K1 and King Turtle SRPF77K1 watches with their handsome manta ray dials launched just a few months ago. These models all shared a common features, a warm nautical blue dial perfectly reflective of the oceans you’d see from most coastlines. The new Seiko Prospex Baby Tuna & Monster Save The Ocean Antarctica watches take a different approach, bringing to life the crisp, icy waters of Antarctica. The dials are cleverly graduated in colour and textured to echo the views and scenery seen in the highest, driest, coldest and windiest continent on earth. The endangered wildlife is also saluted on the dial with penguin footprints travelling from 7 o’clock to 11 o’clock.
Seiko Prospex Baby Tuna Save The Ocean Antarctica SRPG59K1 Watch
First up in Seiko’s 2021 Save the Ocean Antarctica collection is the Baby Tuna model under reference SRPG59K1. The Seiko Prospex Baby Tuna is arguably one of the Japanese watch manufacturer’s most iconic designs taking its name from the protective screwed-on shroud that looks like a tuna can. The model we have in our hand today retains all the characteristic design elements of the original Seiko Tuna watches including its low positioned lugs and chunky bezel veil which now features a new silver coloured metallic insert and the classic 60 minute divers scale in black. The bezel is unidirectional and pairs with a crown positioned at 4 o’clock for a water resistant rating of 200 metres.
The case of the Seiko Prospex Baby Tuna Save The Ocean Antarctica SRPG59K1 measures to 43.2 millimetre in diameter and is engineered from brushed stainless steel. Topping the case is Hardlex crystal glass to protect the gradient blue dial wonderfully textured to look like ice and adorned with charming penguin footprints. Characteristic to the Tuna watch is its bold arrow-shaped hands and rounded indexes coloured in glow in the dark lume. Powering the hours, minutes, seconds and date functions is the Calibre 4R35, an automatic winding movement with a 41 hour power reserve and a frequency of 21,600vph.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 43.2mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Unidirectional
- Glass: Hardlex crystal
- Crown: Screw down
- Case Back: Screw down
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Movement: Calibre 4R35 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Jewels: 23
- Frequency: 21,600vph
- Dial: Blue gradient with luminous markers
- Strap: Silicon
- RRP: £510
Seiko Prospex Monster Save The Ocean Antarctica SRPG57K1 Watch
The second piece in the Seiko 2021 Save the Ocean Antarctica collection is the Seiko Monster watch under reference SRPG57K1. Compared to the other dive watches in the Seiko family, especially the Turtle and Tuna, the Seiko Monster has had a fairly short history being first released in the year 2000. That being said, it has become a popular design branded by its large toothy bezel and thick central hands. The new Seiko Prospex Monster Save The Ocean Antarctica SRPG57K1 watch follows suit boasting the same statement bezel adorned with stencil-like numerals, oversized crown at 4 o’clock and a generous 42 millimetre stainless steel case shape.
Inside the Monster Save The Ocean Antarctica watch is the automatic winding Calibre 4R36, the day-date version of the 4R35 with a 41 hour power reserve, 24 jewels and a frequency of 21,600vph. It’s sharp hour and minute hands and fang-shaped index a 12 o’clock are coated in lume for instant legibility, contrasting wonderfully against the familiar icy blue dial. Hardlex crystal glass once again protects the dial and helps secure a 200 metre water resistance alongside a screw down crown and case back. To secure the Seiko Prospex Monster Save The Ocean Antarctica SRPG57K1 to the wrist, the watch opts for a stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp and diving extension.
Specifications:
- Case Size: 42.4mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Bezel: Unidirectional
- Glass: Hardlex crystal
- Crown: Screw down
- Case Back: Screw down
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Movement: Calibre 4R36 automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21,600vph
- Dial: Blue gradient with luminous markers
- Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
- RRP: £500
