Seiko Prospex 1970 Diver's "The Naomi Uemura Tallest Peak" automatic white dial steel bracelet 44 mm

Seiko and diving

Japanese Manufacture Seiko is known to watch enthusiasts as one of the most trusted and legitimate brands in the world of diving watches. Since the launch of its first diver's watch introduced in 1965, Seiko has been dedicated to exceeding the expectations of divers with its innovative technology, creating timepieces that will help you deal with deep water obstacles in all corners of the world in a wide variety of situations. These timepieces have proven to be equal to the rigors of the environment and has received praise from professional divers.

The Little Story

This Prospex watch reference SLA069 is the modern reinterpretation of the 1970 Japanese dive watch. Easily recognizable thanks to its fluidly designed case, asymmetrical extension that protects the crown at four o'clock and its streamlined shape, it is one of the brand's most iconic watches! It is most notably known for being worn by adventurer Naomi Uemura between 1974 and 1976, when he traveled 12,500 km solo with a dog sled from Greenland to Alaska, proving its reliability in extreme conditions.

Born in 1941, Naomi Uemura was a college student when he took on the challenge of his first mountain. By the age of 29, he had already climbed Mont Blanc, Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua. In 1970, he became the first Japanese climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Three months later, he climbed the summit of Denali in Alaska (then known as Mount McKinley) becoming the first climber in history to reach all five peaks.

Today, the five mountains climbed by Uemura are commemorated with this modern reinterpretation of the 1970 dive watch whose dial depicts Mont Blanc, his first feat!

A design inspired by the highest peak in Europe

The textured dial is illustrated by the silhouette of Mont Blanc on a patterned background that echoes the rocky, snowy surface of the mountain. Various pressing and engraving techniques are used to bring depth to the dial and bring the 4,807-meter peak to life. Mont Blanc is presented from the very angle where Uemura began his ascent.

As for the case sides, they are carefully polished and the watch is presented on a five-row steel bracelet to create a clean, modern profile. Thanks to the positioning of the date window between four and five o'clock, the twelve indexes are visible. Like the hands, they are coated with Lumibrite for maximum readability in the dark.

The case back is marked "The Naomi Uemura Limited Edition" and the watch's serial number.

Finally, the watch is presented in a special case featuring a phrase from Naomi Uemura: "When one dream is realized, others follow." Naomi Uemura

A caliber 8L35, specially designed for diving watches

This timepiece is powered by the Calibre 8L35, developed especially for diving watches! Indeed, Caliber 8L35 is Seiko's state-of-the-art mechanical movement, designed to the highest standards of performance and functional beauty. Every detail of its construction can be traced back to Seiko's proven expertise in creating state-of-the-art mechanical movements from the ground up. For those of you in the know, you will know that this caliber is an old Grand Seiko movement that is not decorated or set to Grand Seiko standards! A reliable caliber that has proven itself at the largest Japanese brand.