Seiko celebrates the 60th anniversary of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) with a new limited-edition Prospex model that also marks ten years of collaboration between the Japanese watchmaker and the world’s largest diving organisation.
The partnership is built on a shared commitment to promoting safe diving, exploration and the protection of marine environments. Over the past five years, Seiko has also supported the PADI AWARE Foundation through its Save the Ocean initiative, contributing to projects aimed at reducing marine debris and preserving ocean ecosystems.
The connection between the two organisations can be traced back to the mid-1960s. In 1965, Seiko introduced the 62MAS, Japan’s first diver’s watch, while the following year PADI was founded with the objective of raising standards in recreational diving education.
Today, PADI operates in 183 countries and has issued more than 30 million diving certifications.
The new Seiko Prospex Diver’s Watch PADI 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Ref. HBB002K1 adopts the familiar “Turtle” case, one of Seiko’s most recognisable dive watch designs.
Its rounded profile and crown positioned at 4 o’clock have earned it a loyal following among enthusiasts and professional divers alike.
The dial takes its inspiration from the colours of PADI’s 60th anniversary logo. Finished in a rich blue, it is enlivened by red accents on the central seconds hand and the “Diver’s 200 m” inscription above 6 o’clock.
A subtle globe motif derived from the commemorative logo extends across the entire dial, adding visual depth without compromising legibility. The unidirectional rotating bezel is fitted with a blue ceramic insert, offering excellent scratch resistance while complementing the overall colour scheme.
Inside beats Seiko’s automatic Calibre 4R36, operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz).
The movement incorporates 24 jewels, provides a power reserve of approximately 41 hours, and offers both day and date indications.
The stainless steel case measures 45 mm in diameter and 13.2 mm in thickness. It features a curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface and a magnifying lens over the date display.
Both the crown and caseback are screw-down, contributing to a water resistance of 200 metres, fully compliant with ISO standards for diver’s watches. Lumibrite coating on the hands and indexes ensures excellent readability underwater and in low-light conditions.
The watch is supplied on a stainless steel bracelet fitted with a triple-folding clasp incorporating a safety lock, push-button release and wetsuit extension.
Seiko also includes a highly resistant black silicone strap featuring the full “Professional Association of Diving Instructors” inscription. Its accordion construction allows the strap to expand comfortably when worn over a diving suit.
Limited to 8,000 pieces worldwide, the Seiko Prospex Diver’s Watch PADI 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Ref. HBB002K1 will be available from July 2026 at Seiko Boutiques and selected authorised retailers. The recommended retail price is €750. seikowatches.com
