Seiko Reveal New Prospex ‘Cave Diving’ 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretation

Indulge me for a moment before we start talking about the new Seiko Prospex ‘Cave Diving’ 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretation SLA073, I first want to touch on the idea of core memories. If you’ve ever watched Inside Out you’ll know what I’m talking about. Core memories are the fundamental moments in our past that define who we are today and for me one of those core memories is a caving experience in Wales when I was a child. Climbing down a ledge in total darkness was the first time I was confronted with something I did not want to do but had no choice but to do it.

Thinking back to that time gives me confidence to get through anything life throws at me. But I can only imagine the experience would’ve ten thousand times worse if it was underwater. And that’s where the new Seiko comes in because it’s designed for cave diving. The idea of cave diving is frankly terrifying. But even I can’t deny that the photos of this insane activity are some of the most breathtakingly beautiful you’ll ever see. It’s those images that the dial of the Prospex Cave Diver is designed to replicate. It’s pale blue like the water with a texture of randomly snaking vertical striations.

Depending how close you look at it or from what angle your perception of it changes. Sometimes it’s like the cracks in a cave wall, sometimes it’s stalactites and stalagmites (if you forget which is which learn this little rhyme: stalactites hang tight to the ceiling and stalagmites might reach them) or even thin streams of bubbles from an unseen vent or scuba gear. Honestly, I could imagine Grand Seiko tackling the same concept and producing a similar design, albeit to a slightly more technical finish.

Plus, the presence of plenty of lume on the hour markers and hands makes it nice and legible in low light conditions. Which I imagine is necessary when cave diving. That’s not the only way that the watch has been specialised for cave diving though. The shape of the 42.6mm, stainless steel case is inspired by an original 1968 cave diving watch with large facetted sides and a 4 o’clock crown, which are designed to allow the piece to squeeze through small gaps without inhibiting the wearer. The bezel is also steel with a ceramic insert for added durability.

Like the majority of Prospex watches it has 200m water resistance. I’d prefer it to have 300m just to be on the safe side (check out our guide to water resistance here) especially because deep cave diving can be in the realm of 60m+ in depth. For the majority of amateur cave diving experiences though 200m resistance should serve.

Housed inside the Seiko Prospex ‘Cave Diving’ 1968 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretation is the 8L35 automatic calibre with 50-hour power reserve. It’s one of Seiko’s higher spec movements in the Prospex line with -10/+15 seconds per day accuracy. The use of a high spec movement in this model is another tribute to the 1968 original, which was one of Seiko’s hi-beat models, a notable innovation at the time.

Between the awesome dial, ceramic bezel and great movement, it’s no surprise that this is on the higher end of the Seiko price range. To be specific, it’s £2,600. That might seem a lot for a Prospex but if it encourages you to get out there to try caving, or any other adventurous activity, and make some core memories, that’s priceless.

​Oracle Time 

Read More