In March 2016, Seiko announced its support and partnership with PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors), reputed to be the world’s most trusted scuba diving training organization with a 50-year history, having been founded in 1966 by two American diving enthusiasts, John Cronin and Ralph Erickson.
Just a year before (PADI was established) in 1965, Seiko had launched the 150M Diver, the brand’s very first diver’s watch. The Seiko 150M Diver became the very first diver’s watch to be made in Japan.
A key highlight of the Seiko-PADI partnership is the aim of marine conservation, the support of “Project Aware” in particular, a global movement calling on scuba divers in more than 180 countries to protect the oceans of the world.
Speaking of movement, the second Seiko Prospex watch that is associated with the partnership is the Kinetic GMT Diver’s SUN065. Its calibre, the Calibre 5M85 is powered by motions of the wearer and its power reserve can last around six months.
The Seiko Prospex PADI Special Edition Kinetic GMT Diver’s SUN065 has a two-layer case construction that is similar to the brand’s famed 1975 diver’s watch.
The Seiko Prospex Kinetic GMT Diver SUN065 also features the second time zone indicator and is water-resistant to 200 metres. What would be of interest to PADI members and Seiko fans is the PADI font logo on the dial of this highly robust diving watch.
Project Aware is not just a movement for scuba divers, it should also be a movement everyone supports and participates in simply because clean, healthy oceans are vital for the very survival of humankind.
Another related article on timewerke.com that may be of interest:
i.Seiko Prospex PADI Special Edition Automatic Diver’s SRPA21: A taste for the red and blue