Seiko team up with PADI to protect the oceans of the world

Luke Benedictus

Let’s talk trash. More specifically the trash that is increasingly clogging up our oceans. Marine debris is dangerous because it harms and kills aquatic creatures as well as posing a threat to human health. Unfortunately, our oceans and waterways are increasingly polluted with a wide array of junk from plastic bags to soft drink cans and old fishing gear. That’s why it’s good news that Seiko has announced a new partnership with PADI® and PADI AWARE Foundation’s Marine Debris Program to rid the ocean of marine debris. Seiko has committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from the Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean collection to give back to the diver’s community that is removing and reporting marine debris in aquatic environments.

Admittedly, the watch world is full of charity initiatives that, while no doubt well-intentioned, can sometimes feel a little tokenistic. But this is different because Seiko has such a long-standing relationship with diving, having created their first dive watches back in 1965.

At the centre of the PADI AWARE Foundation Marine Debris Program is the world’s largest underwater citizen science movement and clean-up initiative known as “Dive Against Debris”. More than 70,000 divers have contributed to building the most comprehensive underwater database on seafloor debris on the planet. That’s actively shared with NGOs, governments, and local communities to advocate change and work towards informing long-term waste management solutions.

How do you help them out? Well, Seiko’s latest “Save the Ocean” watch is this chunky 43.2mm Baby Tuna that’s super short of lug at 44mm, so will sit comfortably on any wrist. With a 200m depth rating and strong rubber strap this is a serious diver. But the most captivating element is the eye-catching dial with its snow-like surface and fume effect etched with tiny penguin footprints.

Need an excuse to justify splashing out on this, or indeed any piece from the Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean collection? The PADI AWARE Foundation’s Marine Debris Program ensures you can now snap one up guilt-free. You’re not just bolstering your watch collection, you’re saving the planet.

For more on the new Seiko Prospex Save The Ocean Special Edition Diver’s “Antarctica” series go to Seiko here