With the Prospex SPB313, SPB315 and SPB317 dive watches, Seiko introduced a stylish new dive watch collection earlier this year. These watches are unquestionably among the greatest the Japanese company has released in recent years. It is slimmer, compact, and draws inspiration from the past. Now it is time for the series to get its own limited edition release as part of the "Save the Ocean" initiative, which aims to protect the world's oceans for future generations. This is the new Seiko SPB333J1, which has a tonne of brand-new features, like a stunning ice-textured dial that resembles the wildly popular Grand Seiko White Birch.
The Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean Limited Edition SPB333 - Image credit Seiko.
You have a choice of two icy-cool straps with the Prospex SPB333J1: a solid five-link stainless steel bracelet with an extender, pushbutton release, and security lock is available. The watch can also be worn with a Seichu strap - a polyester NATO-style strap, made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.
Straps made in the traditional Japanese braiding method known as seichu first appeared on the Prospex Diver's Modern Re-Interpretation watches from 1965 and 1970. They appear similar to NATO straps, partly because of how they fasten to the watch. A normal nylon NATO strap, however, has a very finely woven structure and is usually fairly thin.
The Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean Limited Edition SPB333 - Image credit Seiko.
The smoothness and thickness of the Seichu straps are more prominent. The straps seem more elegant and feel more luxurious because of the increased thickness and defined braiding pattern. Additionally, the Prospex SPB333J1's Seichu strap features a glacier-inspired pattern.
The dial on this SPB333J1, with its beautiful light colour and texture that provide dimension is the other big upgrade. The dial has a texture resembling polar glaciers and is silver in colour with a sunray finish. And in my opinion, it has a "white birch" look that makes it a practical substitute for people who don't want to or are unable to spend Grand Seiko money on a watch. To provide even more contrast, there is a blue seconds hand which adds a coolness to the already icy design.
The Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean Limited Edition SPB333 - Image credit Seiko.
The SPB333j1's dimensions and overall design are nothing new for Seiko. The case's diameter is still 41mm, and its lug-to-lug length is a wearable 46.9mm. At 12.3mm, the height is also reasonable for a diving watch.
The Prospex SPB333J1's stainless steel case, bracelet, and curved sapphire crystal all have super-hard coatings. The sapphire crystal also includes an anti-reflective coating. In addition, there is the usual screw-down crown and caseback. The Lumibrite-coated hands and indices will also help you see the time once you have descended into the murky abyss. The tried-and-true calibre 6R35, a 3Hz automatic movement with a power reserve of 70 hours, keeps the time.
The Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean Limited Edition SPB333 - Image credit Seiko.
From January 2023, a limited edition of 5,000 units of the new Prospex SPB333J1 will be made available worldwide. The watch is a part of the Save the Ocean collection, which means that it contributes money to various marine conservation organisations. You can purchase your own limited edition Prosper SPB333J1 for £1,140 at any Seiko boutique.
