The renowned Japanese watch brand is pioneering marine conservation efforts in the New Year through a partnership with Reef Check PH.
MANILA, Philippines – To welcome 2022 with a brighter perspective, one of the world’s leading diving watch brands, Seiko, launched its “Seize the Sunrise” campaign in partnership with Reef Check Philippines featuring the 2nd Philippine Limited Edition Seiko Prospex watch and four additional new releases in the Seiko Prospex collection.
At its “Seize the Sunrise” event held on January 11, 2022, Seiko unveiled the second Philippine limited edition SRPH38K1, inspired by the Philippines’ majestic and breathtaking sunrise with its bright yellow dial finished with a gold bezel that is protected by an elegant sapphire with an anti-reflective coating.
The event also featured several special guests to discuss the setbacks they endured during the past year that helped them prepare for the new opportunities and adventures that await them this new year, further emphasizing Seiko’s global brand message of “Keep Going Forward.” Basketball phenom Kiefer Ravena, content creator Wil Dasovich, and watch collector Jordan Bergantin graced the event that was hosted by model and host, Rovilson Fernandez.
Expressing his admiration for the 2nd Philippine Limited Edition Seiko Prospex, Jordan Bergantin emphasized the beauty of the warm yellow dial and spot-on contrast of the watch and how it reflects the color of the center, which greatly justifies the inspiration of the watch.
“Seiko as a brand has always stood out and is one of the [most] respected Japanese brands. I’ve always thought they’re one of – if not – the best Japanese brand[s]. They’re one of the most recognizable brands also in horology. [Seiko] have a wide variety of watches that caters to all and can be enjoyed by anyone,” he shared.
Kiefer Ravena, who is currently representing the country in the Japan B. League, shared his sentiments on how having a reliable Seiko watch helps him keep a sharp mindset despite his tight training schedule.
“We’re all in a professional setting, and it goes a lot if you are punctual. It means that you show a lot of respect for your time and other people’s time as well. Not only that, I’m from the Philippines. I’m carrying a nation as well. And I want my actions to reflect on the people back home…to remove that type of stereotype that people in the Philippines don’t really appreciate how time is. So, that’s how I also try to represent myself over here.” Ravena said.
Known for his travel videos, Wil Dasovich reflected on the value of keeping a timepiece with him, and how it has made him make the most of every adventure.
“Whether I need to do an activity that is only available during the morning and then I [need to] run to the next one midday, I have to be at a certain place by nighttime, so it all comes back to time. And I mean, if you aren’t on it, then you’re going to miss all these opportunities, these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. And on top of that, it’s going to be expensive because a lot of this stuff, you can’t get it back.” he said.
Professional diver Merese Secades also sent in a video message during the event to share how owning a Seiko watch plays a part in her success.
“In freediving, every second counts. But having a Seiko Prospex…is helpful to give me a sense of security and control and to monitor every second…when I’m underwater. Sometimes I challenge my limits and go deeper than I’m used to, and I’m glad that Prospex can be with my bolder self.”
Partnering for sustainability and Marine Conservation
Hailed as the “center of the center” of aquatic biodiversity, the Philippine Sea is home to 2,500 species of fish, with more than 16,800 square kilometers of coral reefs that cover the major portion of the coral triangle. However, this picture-perfect marine life biodiversity is facing a bleak future due to ongoing decimation.
“In the past 30 years, we’ve already lost 50% of all the coral reefs in the world. And scientists who have been studying this are saying that if we continue living the way we are living right now, or if we don’t change at all, or if we get worse, we are going to lose 90% of all coral reefs in the entire world.” shared Vani Vergara, President of Reef Check Philippines.
Expressing that time is of the essence, Vergara encouraged event attendees to willingly participate and do their part in raising awareness to conserve what’s left of the country’s ocean resources, especially with the marine wildlife situation getting progressively worse during the course of the pandemic.
“I’m very, very thankful for brands like Seiko, who do these events and include conversations about conservation because it starts with that. It starts with a discussion, and it’s just bringing open the minds of everyone, inspiring them with what you’re saying. And of course, after we all learn about what we can do, share it to your friends [and] family. I think that is the first step for everyone to be involved, because I feel like sustainability is not something you do overnight. It’s like a habit or a diet, like you can’t just do a crash diet.” she added.
Reef Check is a non-government organization that promotes the stewardship of sustainable reef communities across the globe. This collaboration aims to raise awareness on how people can help preserve and protect marine-life species, and for the next generation to continue seizing the sunrise.
A closer look at the Seiko Prospex Collection
In line with Seiko’s partnership with Reef Check Philippines to help preserve the country’s marine wildlife and habitat, a portion of the sales made in the Prospex Save the Ocean series will go into marine conservation efforts as a part of the brand’s initiative to support this cause and advocate to stop climate change.
The Prospex SLA055 and SLA057, a pair of watches made to reflect its heritage and are made with Seiko’s ever-brilliant high grade steel and Zaratsu finish to give a refined, stylish look while protecting against common external factors such as corrosion.
The subtle gradation of the blue from light to dark dial mirrors the imagery of polar ice, while the fabric strap exquisitely incorporates the strength and resistance that comes with the traditional Japanese braiding technique called Seichu to meet the standards of every Seiko Prospex diver. These timepieces, along with the SRPH38K1, are all limited edition watches. To know more about the Prospex SLA055 and SLA057, visit www.seikowatches.com/nz-en/products/prospex/special/1968-savetheocean/
The SPB237J1 and SPB239J1 were also showcased for its maximum reliability even in the harshest conditions, these watches are the perfect choice for thrill-seekers gearing up for their next adventures in the new year. The Prospex watches are available at any Seiko Boutique and Seiko’s authorized dealers nationwide or visit the official Seiko Philippines E-Boutique at shop.seikoboutique.com.ph.
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About Seiko Prospex
Seiko Prospex challenges every limit, with a collection of timepieces for sports lovers and adventure seekers whether in the water, in the sky, or on land. Since launching Japan’s first diver’s watch in 1965, Seiko’s innovative technology has changed global standards. We are constantly striving to bring ever greater reliability and safety to both professional and recreational divers.