Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretation Naomi Uemura Limited-Edition SLA069
Seiko has a rich history of creating iconic dive watches, and one of their most recognizable designs is the asymmetric cushion-shaped case that first debuted in 1970. Although this model is often referred to as the "Captain Willard" due to its appearance in the movie Apocalypse Now, Seiko actually associates this watch with the famous Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura, who wore it while exploring the Arctic region from 1974 to 1976.
Naomi Uemura was born in 1941 and was a renowned adventurer. He was the first Japanese mountaineer to successfully summit Mt. Everest, and he also holds the distinction of being the first person in the world to reach all five of the summits of Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Everest, and Denali. Seiko has released a new premium version of this iconic cushion case diver's watch with an Arctic-themed design to commemorate Uemura's accomplishments and connection to this historic timepiece.
The new Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretation Naomi Uemura Limited-Edition SLA069 features a crisp blue and white color profile, along with a dial that pays tribute to the first of the five peaks that Uemura successfully summited: Mont Blanc.
The Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver's Modern Re-Interpretation Naomi Uemura Limited-Edition SLA069 is powered by Seiko's caliber 8L35 movement. This automatic movement has a manual winding function, and boasts an impressive precision of +15 to -10 seconds per day. With a power reserve of approximately 50 hours and 26 jewels, the 8L35 movement also features a stop seconds hand function and a date display. These specifications showcase the reliability and accuracy of the movement, making it an excellent choice for a premium diver's watch like the SLA069.
One of the standout features of the SLA069 is its 44mm stainless steel case, which is designed to withstand the rigors of deep-sea diving. In addition to its functional features, the SLA069 also has a number of design elements that pay tribute to its heritage. The cushion-shaped case is instantly recognizable, and the blue and white color scheme is a nod to the Arctic region that Naomi Uemura explored during his expeditions. The watch also features a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, which provides excellent visibility even in low-light conditions.
In addition to its Mont Blanc-inspired dial, the Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretation Naomi Uemura Limited-Edition SLA069 features a unique metallic blue finish on the coin-edge bezel ring and winding crown. Seiko designed this finish to reflect the blue shadows that surround Mont Blanc and to add an extra touch of sophistication to the timepiece's overall aesthetic. The black bezel insert also creates a striking contrast against the blue finish, making the watch an even more visually stunning piece.
Overall, the Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretation Naomi Uemura Limited-Edition SLA069 is a fitting tribute to one of Seiko’s most iconic dive watches and an accomplished adventurer. If you’re interested in adding this stunning timepiece to your collection, be sure to check out WatchOutz, where you can find a wide range of Seiko watches and other high-quality timepieces. And if you have any feedback or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at cs@watchoutz.com.