Seiko’s passion for ocean conservation perseveres, with a new Prospex Marinemaster Save The Ocean inspired by the beauty of mangrove forests.
Seiko is one of the most ubiquitous watch brands in the entire world. Alongside other household names like Rolex and Casio, it’s developed a reputation for incredible craftsmanship, a diverse catalogue and a level of accessibility unparalleled in the industry. While Seikophiles might debate the catalyst that propelled Seiko into the limelight, none can deny the role its dive watches played. Iconic models like the 62MAS and the Ref. 6105 ‘Captain Willard’ paved the way for Seiko’s rise to prominence, and their influence remains evident in the catalogue today.
Given this storied history of dive watches and its close relationship with the ocean, you probably won’t be surprised to hear that Seiko wants to… well, save it. That’s the idea behind its aptly named Save The Ocean editions introduced in 2018: creating dive watches inspired by the ocean while raising funds for conservation campaigns. This year, Seiko has expanded its 1968 Diver collection with a new reference that hits a little close to home for me. Literally!
Sturdy Seas
The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Save The Ocean Limited Edition is a bold, robustly proportioned piece. At 42.6mm in diameter, 49.3mm lug-to-lug and 14.1mm thick, you’d certainly hope so. Despite its substantial dimensions, however, Seiko has ensured that the finishing remains up to its usual high standards. Standout features include a knurled unidirectional bezel, as befits a diver, with a black ceramic insert, an unobtrusive four o’clock crown, and a mixture of finely brushed and polished surfaces.
I particularly like the generous polished chamfers against the brushed upper case, which are most visible along the lugs. The pronounced profile, dominating the watch’s frame, makes the watch a lot more forgiving on the wrist than its dimensions might suggest. Completing the case is Seiko’s classic steel bracelet, with alternating brushed and polished finishes that terminate in a traditional folding clasp. Like its siblings, the HBF001 and HBF002, the bracelet also features a micro-adjustment system, allowing you to find the perfect fit on the wrist at any time.
With its impressive comfort and high-quality finishing, you might almost forget that this is a dive watch. Fear not, though: its 300m water resistance is more than enough to handle life’s rigours, even if you prefer to live on the extreme side.
Rooting For You
That said, this watch remains a looker, and nowhere is that more apparent than when you turn your attention to the dial. As with other Save The Ocean models, this latest iteration of the Prospex Marinemaster draws inspiration from a distinctive element of the ocean. This time, the spotlight falls on mangroves.
Comprising around 80 different species of coastal trees and shrubs, mangroves have both a unique way of life and a critical role in marine ecosystems. Living in environments regularly inundated with saltwater, they rely on specialised root systems and leaf glands to manage salt, while their arched prop roots and aerial-like pneumatophores help them access oxygen in waterlogged soil. Although the process might look somewhat chaotic, and can occasionally be rather pungent, mangroves serve as vital natural breakwaters, marine nurseries and carbon sinks.
To that end, Seiko has designed a dial colour well suited to the environments in which mangroves flourish. Sunray-brushed with a rich green tone, it evokes the meeting of saltwater and freshwater in mangrove swamps and forests. A pink-gold seconds hand adds a touch of contrast, while baton hands filled with green-tinged lume ensure the watch maintains excellent legibility in low light.
Balanced Craft
Turning the watch around doesn’t reveal much, which is to be expected of most dive watches, as they typically feature a closed caseback. Inside, however, beats an upscale Seiko movement: the Calibre 8L45. With a 72-hour power reserve and a relatively rare 4Hz (28,800VpH) beat rate for the Japanese brand, the 8L45 serves as the mechanical heart of the upper-middle tier of Seiko’s diverse catalogue. You might have most recently encountered it in the King Seiko VANAC collection, which we’ve covered extensively on the site. We can’t help that we love it that much!
Either way, a strict factory accuracy specification of -5 to +10 seconds per day positions the Cal. 8L45 among Seiko’s more accurate mechanical movements. It’s always nice to see the 8L45 appear in a Seiko watch. While I have no issues with more affordable calibres like the 6R and 4R series, I think the 8L series strikes the best balance between accessibility and luxury, showcasing what Seiko can achieve when you venture just that little bit further into its catalogue.
Initial Thoughts
Living so close to Queensland’s coastlines, I see mangroves almost daily, whether I’m walking my dog or heading further south for a holiday. Seeing a plant I often take for granted receive such thoughtful recognition from Seiko genuinely warms my heart. And it’s all for a good cause, too. Who doesn’t want to save the ocean?
Ultimately, Seiko’s penchant for craftsmanship, bold yet wearable proportions and refined movements come together in a neat package with this latest interpretation of the Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Diver. Representing the top tier of the Prospex collection, this watch proves, like its peers, that the Japanese powerhouse has well and truly earned its stripes in the industry.
Some might still consider Seiko an entry-level brand, but the fact is that it can compete at every level and take the fight to anyone, any time, anywhere. Respectfully, of course.
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | HBF003 |
| Dimensions | 42.6mm case diameter x 49.3mm lug-to-lug x 14.1mm thickness |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Sunray brushed green with pink gold accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Closed, embossed |
| Movement | Automatic Cal. 8L45 with date complication |
| Power Reserve | 72h |
| Beat Rate | 4Hz / 28,800VpH |
| Water Resistance | 300m / 30bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Steel bracelet with micro-adjustable folding clasp |