Japanese watchmaker Seiko presents the Prospex Naomi Uemura 80th Anniversary Limited Edition watch. It is a re-interpretation of the Seiko 1970 diver’s watch worn by the Japanese adventurer, Naomi Uemura, in the years 1974 to 1976 when he completed a 12,500km solo dog-sled run from Greenland to Alaska.
This 1970 diver’s watch had a flowing case design with an asymmetrical extension that protected the crown at the four o’clock position. With its solid construction, 150 meter water resistance, luminous hands and indexes, it was perfect for those who required a timepiece with exceptional strength and visibility.
Seiko Prospex Naomi Uemura 80th Anniversary Limited Edition, Reference SLA049J1
2021 marks the 80th anniversary of Naomi Uemura’s birth. To mark this event, Seiko created a modern re-interpretation of this much-respected diver’s watch commemorates the adventurer’s life and his exceptional achievements.
This commemorative watch echoes the design of the 1970 original but is thoroughly modern in execution. The patterned dial evokes the mountainous terrain that Uemura so loved, and the dial and bezel are in the blue tones of the earth’s upper atmospheric layers. Uemura was the first person in the world to reach the summits of the highest mountains on all five continents.
The case sides are carefully polished and the watch is presented on a five row steel bracelet to create a modern sharp profile. Thanks to the positioning of the calendar between four and five o’clock, all twelve hour markers have a generous coating of Lumibrite, as do the hands, to maximise legibility in the dark.
The curved extension of the case fully protects the screw-down crown. This Uemura inspired timepiece is powered by Caliber 8L35, which was designed especially for diver’s watches by the watchmakers at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan. The case has a super-hard coating to protect the watch from scratches and the crystal is a dual curved sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface to ensure high legibility from every angle.
The watch has enhanced water resistance to 200 meters. An alternative silicone strap that has the same train track pattern as the original is also available. The case back is engraved with Uemura’s name and carries the individual watch’s serial number.
The Prospex The Naomi Uemura 80th Anniversary watch (reference SLA049J1) is a limited edition of 1,200 pieces. It will be available at the Seiko Boutiques and selected retailers worldwide in July 2021.
Seiko Prospex The 1970’s Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation, Reference SLA051
In addition to the limited edition that commemorates the 80th anniversary of Naomi Uemura’s birth, a gray dialed version joins the Prospex collection. The watch shares the same textured pattern dial as the limited edition but is in a charcoal gray color that is similar to the 1970 original.
It shares the same case design, features and specifications as the commemorative watch. This model will also be available at the Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide in July 2021.
Technical details
Series: Seiko Prospex The 1970’s Diver’s Modern Re-interpretations
Models: Seiko Prospex Naomi Uemura 80th Anniversary Limited Edition SLA049 and Seiko Prospex The 1970’s Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation SLA051
Movement
Caliber 8L35
Driving system: Automatic
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 50 hours
Number of jewels: 26
Case and bracelet
Stainless steel case and bracelet with super-hard coating
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw case back. Screw-down crown
Water resistance: 200m diver’s
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Diameter: 44.0mm, Thickness: 13.0mm
Three-fold clasp with push button release, secure lock and extender Silicone strap included (SLA049)
Price
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: €3,200 (SLA049) and €3,000 (SLA051)
Edition
Limited edition of 1,200 pieces (SLA049)
