The two new additions to Seiko’s Prospex collection include modern re-interpretations of significant diver’s models (milestones if you will) from 1965 and 1970 which are presented for the first time on special fabric straps that incorporate a traditional braiding technique from Japan known as Seichu.
With plush textures and deep tones, a sight familiar in Japanese culture that uses such fabric designs in a traditional “obijime,” the decorative cord that holds a Kimono sash in its place, the straps lend a uniquely Japanese aesthetic and texture.
In addition they have been manufactured to have a tensile strength nearly four times that of regular Seiko fabric straps.
Their strength and resistance to degradation caused by exposure to sunlight also meets the demanding standards of Seiko’s diver’s watches so are perfectly suited for aquatic use.
In addition, thanks to the fabric’s unique braiding pattern, they possess the flexibility and air permeability that ensure maximum comfort on the wrist.
But what they don’t do – which so many of these newly engineered textile straps do – is make use recycled ocean plastics – a missed opportunity, no?
Both re-creations share the same design and specifications as the 1965 and 1970 modern re-interpretations that were introduced last year in celebration of the 55th anniversary of Seiko’s first diver’s watch.
The brown dial and bezel of the 1965 re-interpretation as well as the textured gray dial of the 1970 re-interpretation have been chosen to strike the perfect balance with the earth tones of their fabric straps.
However both models are offered with an alternative fabric strap of a different color that can easily be interchanged without any tools, thanks to the watch’s strap structure.
Powering these new textile toting twins is the trusted Seiko Caliber 6R35 which provides a power reserve of up to 70 hours.
Meanwhile a domed Sapphire crystal treated with an anti-reflective coating on its inner surface tops each of the 200m water-resistant cases - while the indexes, hour, minute and seconds hands have been coated with Lumibrite with a degraded vintage color matching the earthy tones of the dial and straps.
So here’s some good news – or not whichever way you look at it – these are not limited edition timepieces: both models will join the current Prospex collections ongoing inventory.
The 1965 re-interpretation and the 1970 re-interpretation will be available at the Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide in June and July 2021, respectively.
MSRP in Europe is as follows: €1,250 (SPB239) and €1,350 (SPB237).
Thoughts? I’m a sucker for a nice bit of textile – these new Prospex fabric straps look and sound very nice indeed. Sure Seiko didn’t jump on the ocean plastic bandwagon which is a gimmick for sure but it isn’t without merit.
I wonder these straps are prelude to a whole new collection of similar fabric straps which could be retrofitted all Prospex models.
But what do you think; pretty classy looking watches eh?!
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