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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Seiko’s three icy-dial Prospex Save the Ocean divers are the SPB297, SPB299 and SPB301. Released originally in June 2022, they reinterpret Seiko dive-watch designs from 1965, 1968 and 1970, with dial colors inspired by polar glaciers and seascapes.
What are the Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean watches?
They are three special-edition reinterpretations in Seiko’s Prospex diver lineup. Seiko describes their patterned dials as drawing inspiration from glaciers and polar landscapes in the Arctic and Antarctic. All three use Caliber 6R35, according to Seiko’s official collection page.
Which model has which dial?
| Model | Historical design basis | Dial and bezel |
|---|---|---|
| SPB297 | 1965 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation | Deep blue dial; Seiko says its pattern represents the deep blue of polar glaciers. |
| SPB299 | 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation | Light blue dial with a darker blue bezel, evoking Antarctica. |
| SPB301 | 1970 Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation | White dial inspired by a glacial seascape. |
The model references and color descriptions are from Seiko’s collection page. The clearest way to distinguish the trio is by dial and bezel color, then by the historical diver each one reinterprets.
What is the historical connection behind the designs?
Seiko says its original 1965 diver was used in Antarctica during the 1960s. The SPB297 is a modern reinterpretation of that watch, not the original Antarctic-era model.
#1 Best Overall
- AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT – Powered by the Seiko Caliber 4R36 automatic movement with manual winding capability, 24 jewels, and approximately 41 hours of power reserve for dependable everyday performance.
- DIVER READY – Designed for underwater adventures with 200-meter water resistance, a unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down crown, and screw case back.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION – Stainless steel case and bracelet paired with a Hardlex crystal provide durability for daily wear and outdoor activities.
- ENHANCED LEGIBILITY – LumiBrite hands, hour markers, and bezel improve visibility in low-light conditions, while the magnified day and date display offers quick readability.
- SPECIAL EDITION DESIGN – Features a textured blue dial inspired by Antarctic ice and penguin footprints as part of the Prospex Save the Ocean Special Edition collection.
The SPB299 takes its design cue from Seiko’s 1968 diver. Seiko’s historical note says that original was the brand’s first diver with 300m water resistance and a 10-beat automatic movement; those details describe the 1968 original, not the SPB299.
The SPB301 reinterprets the 1970 diver associated by Seiko with Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura. Seiko says Uemura wore the original on a solo dog-sled journey from Greenland to Alaska between 1974 and 1976, a distance of 12,000 km. This is historical context for the original watch, not a specification of the SPB301.
Rank #2
- WATER-RESISTANT: these water-resistant men's dive watches are ISO scuba-approved to depths of 200 meters
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable 43.8mm stainless steel watch case and bracelet.
- LUMIBRITE DISPLAY: this men's automatic watch features a highly-legible display with LumiBrite hands and markers
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
When did the icy-dial Seiko divers come out?
Seiko listed all three models as available in June 2022. That is their original availability timing; the collection page does not establish whether any model is currently in production or in stock.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does Save the Ocean support?
Seiko describes Save the Ocean as supporting marine conservation activities and giving back to the diving community, with the initiative conducted in view of Sustainable Development Goal 14. The collection page does not name a charity or report a donation total or measured conservation outcome specifically for this trio.
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Quick Recap
Rank #4
- PADI SPECIAL EDITION: Men's Prospex Sea diver featuring a PADI Special Edition design with a stainless-steel case and ceramic bezel display.
- AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT: Seiko 4R36 automatic movement offers manual winding, 24 jewels, day/date display, stop-second function, and approximately 41 hours of power reserve.
- 200M DIVER'S WATER RESISTANCE: Rated to 200 meters / 660 feet for diving, with a screw-down crown and screw case back.
- SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL: Sapphire crystal with magnifier and inner anti-reflective coating provides durable dial protection and improved readability.
- DIVER-READY FEATURES: 45mm stainless-steel case, unidirectional rotating bezel, LumiBrite hands, indexes and bezel, plus a secure three-fold clasp with extender.
Rank #3
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE built to endure with style, making this watch your perfect daily companion
- AUTOMATIC MOVEMENT for seamless precision in every tick of this watch
- SCRATCH-RESISTANT CRYSTAL to maintain a pristine look even with daily wear and tear on your watch
- LUMINESCENT HANDS for effortless readability in low-light conditions, ensuring you never miss a moment with this watch
- WATER RESISTANT DESIGN ensuring your watch is ready for any adventure, rain or shine
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