INTRODUCING: The Seiko Prospex SPB347J “Noosa”
Pietro PillaSeiko is launching a new Australasian Limited Edition from the Prospex range that is inspired by one of the most stunning holiday destinations in Australia – Noosa in Queensland.
The colourway for this timepiece is the seemingly always on-trend black and blue but adds popping bright yellow accents. The dial has a very subtle texture that is extremely difficult to capture on camera – as we all learned at sunset yesterday evening in Noosa, each trying to find an angle to reveal it – but gives a nice depth to the vertical gradient.
While the upper part of the dial is very dark, the lower part remains in a light blue shade, which emulates the appearance of the ocean from the shore. This is a novel twist on the vertical gradient concept that evoked the shade of the water as you go deeper on the Rolex Deepsea James Cameron edition and the shade of the night sky on our own Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton Night Surfer.
The yellow tip of the seconds hand and the minute hand are said to mimic the last glow of the sun. They do a nice job of giving the whole watch a touch of brightness in an otherwise rather dark and monochrome look.
All of the hands are lumed, as well as the indices, to offer the best visibility possible while diving, and there is also one pearl of lume on the blue and black bezel to keep track of immersion time.
Seiko, and especially the Prospex line, put a lot of effort into actively supporting ocean exploration and protecting the world’s ocean by contributing to various marine conservation activities. To wit, the brand has partnered with PADI, (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) under the tagline “Seek Adventure. Save the Ocean.” With this release comes the news that where once Save The Ocean models would contribute a percentage of sales to ocean conservation, now the entire Prospex collection will make a contribution from each watch sold.
The case shows alternating finishes in line with the Seiko tradition and is very well made for the price point it is at. It is the iconic Sumo case, with its characteristic shaped lugs and, despite its rather large size, it wears quite well on the wrist thanks to the case architecture and the presence of curved lugs that hug your wrist.
Being a numbered limited edition, it comes in a special presentation box and with an additional dark blue rubber strap that pairs very well with the gradient dial.
The Seiko Prospex SPB347J “Noosa” pricing and availability:
The Seiko Prospex SPB347J “Noosa” is an Australasian exclusive and is limited to 1,000 pieces and will be available from Australian Seiko boutiques and authorised dealers from September. Price: $1500 AUD
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Case Dimensions | 45 mm |
| Water-Resistance | 200m |
| Dial | Textured Gradient Blue |
| Straps | Bracelet and Blue Rubber Strap |
| Movement | Calibre 6R35 |
| Power Reserve | 70 Hours |
| Complications | Hours, minutes, date |
| Price | $1500 AUD |