Seiko received the iF DESIGN AWARD for exceptional design

Tags: News | Seiko | Classic | Traditional

26.4.2021 | 3 MIN

Seiko achieved the prestigious international iF DESIGN AWARD. The jury composed of 98 experts and 10,000 competing models from 50 countries around the world was registered. Seiko was able to impress with the Prospex SLA039 model in the Product Design - Jewelry / Watches category. And no wonder why.

Every year, the iF DESIGN AWARD recognizes exceptional design, its importance for business and everyday life, and awards one of the most important quality seals in the world. The IF award, which is awarded in Germany since 1953, is a reliable sign of good design for users and the design community.

This prestigious award went to Seiko with the 1968 Professional Diver's 300m Re-creation SLA039, which was limited to 1,100 pieces.

Seiko Prospex Sea SLA039 was introduced last year (2020) on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of the first professional Seiko watches (1965). It was inspired by a model from 1968, when Seiko introduced a model with a water resistance of 300 meters, a monoblock case and a characteristic crown at the fourth hour.

It was also characterized by running on a Hi-Beat frequency of 5 Hz, ie 36,000 half-oscillations per hour. But it was also a model that pushed the boundaries of diving watches and was created thanks to a legendary letter from a professional diver, who at the time confided to Seiko that his original models would not withstand a depth of 300 meters. Seiko took his comments very seriously, set up a completely new team to implement professional diving models, and Seiko Diver's 1968 was the first great success.

This is not the first time Seiko has remembered this milestone, including the MarineMaster. It was often also a limited edition. For example, the beautiful limit Seiko Seiko SLA025, which won the Sports Watch Prize Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2018. But the price is relatively high, around 4700 British Pounds or 5400 Euros.

The more affordable Seiko Prospex SLA021 models or a special model to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Seiko Prospex - Seika Prospex SLA047, are also based on similiar design. Of course, there is also a 300-meter WR, a one-piece case and perfect workmanship, including Zaratsu polishing (a traditional Japanese polishing technique, used for samurai swords, for example). But the movement has changed. Here we can find the 8L35, which runs at 4Hz, ie 28,800 half-oscillations. However, it is still one of the best in-house movements built exclusively for diving models.

The winner of the iF DESIGN AWARD Seiko Prospex SLA039 then has an exceptional 8L55 movement and runs at a frequency of 5Hz, ie the same as the model from 1968. It is based on the caliber for the Grand Seiko and has been specially adapted for diving models. It has a reserve of 55 hours and 37 stone deposits.

Like the 8L35, however, the 8L55 is prized for reliability, accuracy and is hand-assembled by master watchmakers at Shizukuishi Watch Studio in Japan.

Last year's series to commemorate the 55th anniversary was exceptional, but also in other aspects. Seiko introduced models in a new alloy, which they call Ever-Brilliant. It is the equivalent of 904L steel, however Seiko presents it as a new grade of stainless steel that provides the highest level of scratch and corrosion resistance.

New Seiko Ever-Brilliant alloy

The difference from the commonly used 316L steel can really be seen. Our collection offers the amazing SLA043 model from the same series, which this time is reminiscent of the aforementioned first diving model from 1965, better known as 62MAS.

The 55th Anniversary Re-creation collection with a blue dial consisted of three models (the third one was Tuna SLA041) and every detail was really thought about here, so it's no surprise that the 1968 Professional Diver's 300m Re-creation SLA039 won a prestigious award. Congratulations to Seiko and we look forward to more amazing models.