Seiko continues to expand its Prospex collection with the new limited edition model SLA069. The new timepiece is also the third model designed in memory of the famous Japanese mountaineer and adventurer Naomi Uemura.
The new model honors the respected Japanese mountaineer and adventurer Naomi Uemura. The SLA069, which is the third model dedicated to Uemura after the SLA049 and SLA05 models introduced in 2021, is limited to only 500 units.
Uemura had climbed Mont Blanc, Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Aconcagua, Mt Everest, and Denali (also known as Mt McKinley) in four years, becoming the first climber to reach these five peaks. Uemura also made a name for himself with his journey from Greenland to Alaska, which he completed in 18 months with a single dog sled. The most important feature of the same journey for the watch world was the Seiko diver's watch worn by Uemura. Naomi Uemura tragically disappeared while descending the Denali climb in the winter of 1984 and has never been found again.
The new model comes with a stylish case designed with a diameter of 44mm and a height of 13mm, inspired by the Seiko diver models of the 1970s. Emphasizing the retro character of the Prospex series, the case is made of super-hard coating stainless steel alloy. The case, in which matte and glossy surfaces are used together, sports a blue PVD-coated rotating bezel and a screw-in crown. The WR200M case hosts an AR-coated sapphire crystal and a solid stainless steel case back.
Another distinctive feature of the thematic model, the dial features the Mont Blanc silhouette embroidered on a textured snow-white background. Applique indices and wide hands offer excellent readability in almost any environment, thanks to the LumiBrite phosphor application.
The model, which comes to life with the automatic Caliber 8L35 movement with a 50-hour power reserve, is available on a three-link metal bracelet. The model, which is fixed to the wrist with a folding clasp, can also be worn comfortably on a diving suit thanks to the extension piece inside the clasp.
