Seiko Prospex SLA049 SLA051 Uemura Divers

Five years after the introduction of Seiko’s, and Japan’s, first diver’s watch in 1965, Seiko introduced a watch that was as instantly memorable as it was supremely functional. The watch proved its reliability in extreme conditions when it was worn by the Japanese adventurer, Naomi Uemura, in the years 1974 to 1976 when he completed a 12,500km solo dog-sled run from Greenland to Alaska.

This 1970 diver’s watch had a flowing case design with an asymmetrical extension that protected the crown at the four o’clock position. With its solid construction, 150 meter water resistance, luminous hands and indexes, it was perfect for those who required a timepiece with exceptional strength and visibility. 

2021 marks the 80th anniversary of Naomi Uemura’s birth, and today, a modern re-interpretation of this much-respected diver’s watch commemorates the adventurer’s life and his exceptional achievements.

A faithful re-creation upgraded to the standards of today’s Prospex

This commemorative watch echoes the design of the 1970 original but is thoroughly modern in execution. The patterned dial evokes the mountainous terrain that Uemura so loved, and the dial and bezel are in the blue tones of the earth’s upper atmospheric layers that only those who, like him, have been to the roof of the world can see.

  Uemura was the first person in world history to reach the summits of the highest mountains on five continents! 

The case sides are carefully polished and the watch is presented on a five row steel bracelet to create a modern sharp profile. Thanks to the positioning of the calendar between four and five o’clock, all twelve hour markers have a generous coating of Lumibrite, as do the hands, to maximise legibility in the dark.

This Uemura inspired timepiece is powered by Caliber 8L35, which was designed especially for diver’s watches by the watchmakers at the Shizukuishi Watch Studio in northern Japan. The case has a super-hard coating to protect the watch from scratches and the crystal is a dual- curved sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface to ensure high legibility from every angle. The watch has enhanced water resistance to 200 meters. An alternative silicone strap that has the same train track pattern as the original is also provided.

Seiko Prospex The Naomi Uemura 80th Anniversary Limited Edition: SLA049

Movement

Caliber 8L35

Driving system: Automatic

Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second) 

Power reserve: 50 hours

Number of jewels: 26

Specifications

Stainless steel case and bracelet with super-hard coating 

Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating 

Screw case back. 

Screw-down crown

Water resistance: 200m diver

Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m 

Diameter: 44.0mm, 

Thickness: 13.0mm

Bracelet: Three-fold clasp with push button release, secure lock and extender 

Silicone strap included SLA049

Production and Price

This watch will be available as a limited edition of 1,200 at the Seiko Boutiques and selected retailers worldwide in July 2021.

Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe:  €3,200 SLA049