Last week, Seiko presented the latest Prospex Australasian Exclusive, the model SPB429J, nicknamed “Kame”. This watch joins a list of Seiko timepieces that are dedicated to Australia and its natural fauna and flora, showing just how much the brand loves us Aussies! Seiko is simply more than just a watchmaker. They create timepieces that have emotion behind them, and sometimes wonderful stories that help to protect the environment, especially in this case our very own backyard.
This latest Prospex edition is dedicated to celebrating Fitzroy Island and the Great Barrier Reef, but more importantly, furthering the cause of Seiko’s global “Save the Ocean Initiative”. This initiative is helping our own in this instance, working closely with the team at Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (CTRC) to rescue, care for, and release injured sea turtles back into the ocean.
This isn’t the first time that Seiko has created a Prospex timepiece dedicated to turtles. The brand has several models already, each with its own unique design, colourways and story. Models such as Prospex Turtle Black Gold Special Edition (SRPD46K1), Seiko Turtle Save the Ocean special edition (SRPC91), or even the Prospex PADI Special Edition Turtle SRPG19K. All these models, as you’d expect, come on Seiko’s specially designed “Turtle” cushion-shaped case, which has been designed to mimic a turtle shell (among other practical considerations).
While the initiative behind this timepiece is special and a fantastic way to raise turtle endangerment awareness, the dial colour inspiration comes from the natural paradise that is Fitzroy Island. Fitzroy Island is known for its pristine coral beaches and crystal-clear shallows, with the island’s beauty lying in the way the ocean’s hues shift. Every colour in this latest Prospex “Kame” Australasian Edition reflects the colours from Fitzroy Island, from the vibrant tones of turquoise to deep emerald and vibrant blue, to the radiant golden hues of a turtle’s shell in the sunlight. It’s a palette that captures the heartbeat of the reef itself, alive, fluid, and ever-changing, turning the dial into a window to the underwater world that inspired it!
For the global launch of the Prospex Limited Edition ‘Kame’ Divers Watch, WatchAdvice teamed up with Seiko to showcase the timepiece alongside Seiko’s other various collections in Brisbane’s stunning Bougainvillea House. Brisbane’s watch enthusiasts and Seiko collectors were treated to a fantastic night, which, was a first for a major Seiko event in Australia outside of media events, was a successful night where we were also graced with the presence of Jennie Gilbert (CRTC Co-Founder) as she walked us through Turtle conservation and what it means to be working with Seiko on the Save the Ocean Initiative. It was an evening where horology met purpose, blending the passion of watchmaking with a deeper commitment to preserving the very marine life that inspires it.
Case Design
Seiko’s Prospex collection is one that is built for exploration. The 45mm stainless steel case is built with reliability in mind and offers 200m water resistance for those who love deep-sea diving. The case, as mentioned earlier, is a signature design in the Prospex collection that’s used for turtle-inspired limited edition models, which, with the broad case sides and thick shell, would help protect the case body and crown against impact.. This turtle design dates all the way back to 1975, on models such as Ref. 6306-7000/1.
For those that may not know, the crown at 4 o’clock is another signature element of the Prospex collection. Instead of the crown being at the traditional 3 o’clock position, the brand repositioned it to 4 o’clock so that it doesn’t “poke” under the wrist. While the 45mm case size seems large on paper, don’t let this size fool you, as on the wrist, it wears very well, especially on slimmer wrists (~16cm). This is thanks to the short lugs, making the fairly large-looking diver fit comfortably on the wrist!
Dial Design
The stunning, vibrant dial of the Prospex Limited Edition ‘Kame’ Divers Watch is what makes this simply more than just another diver’s timepiece. There are so many different design elements in play here, all coming together perfectly to create a beautifully artistic dial that showcases the beauty of Fitzroy Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Seiko is no stranger to creating aesthetic dials, (just pick any of their Australasian limited edition models and you’ll see what I mean), but it’s not just about slapping some vibrant colours on a dial and calling it a day. The soft turquoise centre of the ‘Kame’ dial features a texture that, when you look more closely, it actually feels like you’re diving into the depths of the coral beaches! There aren’t too many timepieces on the market today that offer this kind of detail below $1000 AUD.
Movement
The movement powering the Prospex Limited Edition ‘Kame’ Divers Watch is Seiko’s 4R36 Calibre, a tried-and-tested movement renowned for its durability and ease of maintenance. Offering a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, it strikes a balance between reliability and accessibility. While it may not deliver the high-frequency precision of Seiko’s premium calibres, its 3 Hz beat rate ensures robust performance and proven dependability, exactly what you want in a diver built for real-world conditions.
Initial Thoughts
I’ve been in the market for getting my first limited-edition Australasian Prospex model, and this was honestly worth the wait. While the 45mm case size may seem daunting at first, it’s the lug-to-lug distance of 47.7mm that matters so much more, a clear indication that the watch wears much smaller than it seems. Seiko as always have been able to beautifully capture the stunning natural beauty of Fitzroy Island on the dial, while the golden bezel and turtle case is a great reference to what this timepiece really represents.
The WatchAdvice X Seiko event was a fantastic night, celebrating watchmaking with Seiko, all the while raising awareness for the brand’s “Save the Ocean Initiative” and the work that CTRC is doing for Turtle Preservation. The event that reminded everyone why Seiko’s Australasian releases feel so special, they connect craftsmanship, community, and conservation in one unforgettable experience!
The Seiko Prospex Limited Edition ‘Kame’ Divers Watch SRPM04K is limited to 1000 pieces, exclusive to Australasia. Each timepiece comes individually numbered and presented in a teal-coloured box, encased with white packaging which beautifully reflects the tropical beauty of Fitzroy Island. As Seiko states “Inside, the Prospex and Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre (CTRC) logos are proudly displayed, symbolising the partnership and shared commitment to protecting Australia’s marine life. This special presentation not only enhances the watch’s collectability but also serves as a meaningful reminder of Seiko’s dedication to conservation and craftsmanship.”
Specification: Seiko Prospex Limited Edition ‘Kame’ Divers Watch (Ref. SRPM04K)
- Dimensions: 45mm x 13.4mm thick x 47.7mm lug-to-lug distance
- Case Material: Stainless steel with polished finises
- Dial: Turquoise blue gradiant dial that changes to vibrant blue. Day-date functionality. Teal green and blue bi-directional rotateable steel bezel with gold plated knurling.
- Water Resistance: 200m (20 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic winding Calibre 4R36
- Movement Power reserve: 41 hours operating at 3Hz (21,600 VpH)
- Crystal: Hardlex with anti-reflective coating
- Bracelet/Strap: 3-link steel bracelet and additional silicone blue strap with CRTC logos.