The new Seiko Prospex “Save the Ocean” SRPE33K has a scratched blue ocean dial you have to see to believe…
Zach BlassAn automatic dive watch that brings value to both your wrist and environmental efforts, the Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean SRPE33K is the latest special edition made in honour of protecting the ocean. Across the board, Seiko is known for providing high horological value at lower price points than its Swiss peers and the “Save the Ocean” special editions are an absolute exemplar of this. They have consistently been knockout watches with some of the best blue dials for your dollar. And boy, have they truly outdone themselves with this one.
The case and bracelet
The case is robust, made of stainless steel. True to its ocean and diver nomenclature, the watch has a screw-down crown (protected by surrounding crown guards), a unidirectional bezel, and a water resistance of 200 metres. Do not let the diameter of 43.8mm fool you into thinking this watch is too large for your wrist. Its lug-to-lug of 48.7mm makes this watch very wearable and compact for its size.
The Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean SRPE33K is only 0.7mm larger in length than a modern Rolex Submariner and, being 12.8mm thick, is only 0.3mm thicker. This watch is more than capable of sliding under a cuff or sweater sleeve. The Seiko stainless steel bracelet is 22mm in lug width and integrates flush to the case. It is outfitted with a folding clamshell-style clasp to ensure a secure fit — above and below the water.
The dial
The dial maintains the ocean blue theme found in the previous models, but with a fresh new motif. A wavy grain pattern, almost like a collage of fingerprints, works to create the image of a bird’s-eye view of the ocean, and the blue fading to black at the outer extremities of the dial only adds to the ocean-deep aesthetic.
Surrounding the Prospex logo and “Automatic Diver’s 200m” text above the 6 are three Manta rays that look as if they are just under the surface of the water – their shadowy hues just visible enough to catch the eye.
In terms of functionality, the dial has hour, minutes and seconds hands with a LumiBrite coating for luminescence in the dark. The crystal is made of sapphire, only adding to the robust value of the watch. The date complication is tastefully housed at 3, under a cyclops-style magnification, and does little to interrupt the gorgeous blue aesthetic of the dial.
The movement
The Seiko Prospex Save The Ocean SRPE33K is powered by the Seiko manufacture automatic caliber 4R35. Its listed accuracy is approximately +45/-35 seconds a day, with many owners of 4R35 reporting daily accuracy within 10 seconds. It has a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, which is fairly standard for entry-level automatic movements. A gorgeous watch, it is sure to get a fair amount of daily wrist time from its owner and it will continue to run thanks to its self-winding movement.
This is a great watch for a great cause. Blue is now arguably one of the most in-demand dial tones for watch buyers, and this offering presents one of the best blues for the best price. To learn more about Seiko and their “Save the Ocean” initiative, Time+Tide’s very own Nick Kenyon has got you covered – click here to learn more.
Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean SRPE33K price and availability:
The Seiko Prospex “Save the Ocean” SRPE33K is AUD$995, and is currently available. For more details, visit Seiko right here.