Move your adventurous mind further with these 17 limited editions of Seiko Zimbe from Thailand, including 2022 releases

roadwarrior

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[h=1]Move your adventurous mind further with these 12 limited editions of Seiko Zimbe from Thailand, including 2019 releases[/h]
Seiko prospex Zimbe Limited Edition represents one of the most successful collections in the past 3 years. It’s sold only in Thailand, which attracts collectors from all over the world to this part of the world. The 12th Seiko Zimbe that marks the third edition this year saw the light of day this September. This magnificent watch is no less charming than its predecessors (history overview available lower below).

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Specifically, the new model – Seiko Prospex Zimbe Limited Edition No.12 is named Prospex Zimbe Phytoplankton and is marked with the code SPB109J. Like its cousins, Baby Marinemaster (baby MM), it is a 200 m diving watch packed into stainless steel case of 44 m diameter (thickness 13.1 mm).

As the whole collection is devoted to Zimbe sharks (more info below), this models green dial and bezel color represents their main food – phytoplankton (green plankton). But the name also has a deeper meaning. The word plankton is derived from Greek “Fiton”, meaning traveler, which fits the idea behind the whole collection. Golden details on its rotating bezel add luxurious touch to it and Lumi Bright is in its full shine here.
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Image source: slideplayer.com

This Phytoplankton model is run by automatic 6R15 caliber with over 50 hour power reserve. The watch moves +25 to -15 seconds per day, which will satisfy even the most picky collectors.

The 12th Zimbe is produced in limited number of 1,200 and can be shipped from Thailand worldwide (which wasn’t the case for earlier models). For the price of 44,900 baht (around $1473) you also get 1 year warranty included.

Aside from the watch wonderfully displayed on the green cloth, the box set includes a rubber watch strap, which may be a bit more comfortable for those who prefer outdoor activities. Pre-orders of Seiko Zimbe 12 also included a nice set of 13 coasters, marking each model so far, as Zimbe 10 includes two watches.
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The most special - the number 1 watch from 1200 was auctioned on September 17, 2019 and all proceeds were used for mangrove planting activity in Kaohman, Rayong province.

Which brings us to the background, as Seiko has the tradition of raising awareness on natural causes with its watch series and models, especially when it comes to its limited editions. Good examples are Save the ocean and Ginza limited edition series, but those are merely a tip of the iceberg. Seiko’s history goes deep in connection with nature, but that’s the topic for another post. Now we want to dive into the specific, Thailand limited series, named Zimbe, as this year brought its 12th generation described above.
[h=3]History of Seiko Zimbe Limited Edition[/h]
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From left : Zimbe 10 - Mini Turtle, Zimbe 4 - Sumo , Zimbe 11 - Shogun

First Zimbe Limited Edition watch was introduced in 2016. Since then, 11 Zimbe editions have been released. The term "Zimbe" comes from the Japanese name "Jinbe Zame", meaning "whale shark". Therefore, on one side, Zimbe series is all about protection of whale sharks. The other side of the game follows their nature - which brings us to the short lesson about sharks:

Some species of sharks have to swim all the time in order to stay alive. As well as other fishes, sharks take oxygen from the water that passes through their gills. Small blood vessels extract the oxygen from the passing water and carbon dioxide is excreted the same way. What differs in different species is how the water is forced through the gills. The fishes that are not active swimmers, for example bullhead sharks, use buccal (mouth) muscles to draw the water into their mouths and through their gills, which allows them to breathe while they are still. Additionally, they have small respiratory openings behind their eyes that help them draw the water in when they are buried in the sand. Some other species, for example tiger sharks, have the ability to switch between buccal pumping and "ram ventilation", which is a way of pumping water through the gills by swimming fast with their mouths open. The third group of sharks are called "obligate ram ventilators" and those have lost the ability to pump the water through their gills while remaining still. They can only breathe when they are swimming, therefore they have to move constantly. This group includes great white, mako and whale sharks, among others. [h=3]
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[/h]
That's how Zimbe campaign connects this shark story with the people: Zimbe watches are made under concept "Move your adventurous mind further", motivating us to never stop the adventure and implying that we're one with nature at the same time.
[h=3]The entire 12 Seiko Zimbe Thailand limited edition models[/h]
Seiko Zimbe 1


All of the models from Zimbe edition are from Seiko Prospex series. The first watch that has been released under Zimbe concept was Seiko Prospex Silver Grey Turtle SRPA19K1 Zimbe No. 1 (1299 Limited edition).
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SRPA19K1 Zimbe No. 1 - Source: Carousell.com, right on Super 3D Jubilee Bracelet
Zimbe no.1 comes with gray dial and silver bezel, carrying 4R36 movement inside and Zimbe engraving on the back of his case (all of the Zimbe models have the same engraving).

Seiko Zimbe 2


Zimbe no.2 was also released in 2016, in even smaller batch, marked as Seiko Prospex Sky Blue MM300 SLA013 Zimbe No.2 (222 Limited Edition), which means it's even rarer to find than its predecessor. Equiped with 8L35 movement and magnificent blue dial, so it's no wonder its price often goes double comparing it with the previous model, that in case if you're lucky enough to find it.
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SLA013 Zimbe No.2 - Source: Chronotimepieces.com, right on Super 3D Oyster Bracelet
Seiko Zimbe 3


The third Zimbe model was Seiko Prospex White Monster Baby Tuna SRPA47J1 Zimbe No.3 (1286 Limited Edition), also released in 2016. This model is the most affordable Zimbe model from this year, but no less worthy or handsome than previous two, with its 4R36 movement, white dial and gray rotating bezel.
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SRPA47J1 Zimbe No.3 - Source: Carousell.com, right on Super Engineer II Bracelet
Seiko Zimbe 4


When it comes to Zimbe editions released in 2017, Seiko Prospex Purple PVD Sumo SPB055J Zimbe No.4 (1639 Limited Edition) is the first one, marking the 4th generation. Carrying 6R15 movement inside and tidal wave pattern on its blue dial, its additionally charming with its purple rotating bezel. Despite its charm, its price is still in lower range among Zimbe models and a specimen is not as hard to find as for the previous models.
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SPB055J Zimbe No.4 (1639 Limited Edition), right on PVD Black Super Oyster Bracelet
Seiko Zimbe 5

Another model released in 2017 as 5th generation of Zimbe is Seiko Prospex Blue Shogun Titanium SPB057J Zimbe No.5 (456 Limited Edition). It is also equipped with 6R15 caliber inside, but its blue dial goes from light blue to deep marine color, with bezel following its color gradients. Due to very limited batch, its price is often going double than that of the previous generation from the same year.
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SPB057J Zimbe No.5 - Source: monochrome-watches.com
Seiko Zimbe 6

Seiko Prospex Black PVD Samurai SRPC43K1 Zimbe No.6 (1500 Limited Edition)
is the third model released in 2017. Its dial and bezel are colored black with gold tone and it carries 4R35 movement inside. These pieces are quite easy to find and their price is on the lower end.
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SRPC43K1 Zimbe No.6 - Source: catawiki.com
Seiko Zimbe 7

Seiko Prospex Blue MM300 SLA027 Zimbe No.7 (428 Limited Edition)
is the first Zimbe watch released in 2018. This mighty fella is all about navy colors, additionally decorated with coral details and with 8L35 ticking inside. No wonder its price is on the higher end, especially taking in mind its limited batch.
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SLA027 Zimbe No.7 - Source: carousell.com, right on Crafter Blue Rubber Strap
Seiko Zimbe 8

The second Zimbe watch released in 2018 is Seiko Prospex Blue Gold Baby Tuna SRPC96K Zimbe No.8 (1234 Limited Edition) as a wonderful Tuna piece with Rose gold coating on its outer case and distinctive sunray blue dial. It is powered by 4R36 movement and its price may be among the most affordable in this series, despite the fact that it is one of the most stylish Zimbe in the series.
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SRPC96K Zimbe No.8 - Source: caseiphone.net
Seiko Zimbe 9

Seiko Prospex Grey Red Samurai SRPD13K Zimbe No.9 (1300 Limited Edition)
is the third watch released in 2018. Powered by 4R35 movement, it has a dark gray dial and light gray bezel with a touch of red, that gives him a distinctive look, despite the fact that its price is on the lower end of Zimbe edition.
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SRPD13K Zimbe No.9 - Source: watchdaddy.net, right on Crafter Blue Rubber Strap
Seiko Zimbe 10

When it comes to Zimbe 2019 editions, Seiko Prospex Yellow & Green Mini Turtle SRPD17K & SRPD19K Zimbe No.10 (Each 999 Limited Edition) models are the first release. Both models carry 4R35 movement but come in somewhat different styles than the previous Zimbe models with their green and yellow dials and similar touches on their bezels, representing the abundance of the colors in the ocean world. These fellas are not too hard to find and may just be the most affordable Zimbe watches out there.
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SRPD17K & SRPD19K Zimbe No.10, Left on Mini Turtle Bracelets, right on Nato straps
Seiko Zimbe 11

The second Zimbe release in 2019 is Seiko Prospex Red Shogun Titanium SPB099J Zimbe No.11 (500 pieces Limited Edition). Driven by 6R15, this magnificent piece, made on the Shogun base, has a dark red dial with black bezel with gold tone. That shoots him straight into the top stylish pieces among Zimbe models so it's no wonder its price isn't on the lower end, but rather in the middle range.
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SPB099J Zimbe No.11, right on Crafter Blue Rubber Strap
Seiko Zimbe 12

The third Zimbe release in 2019, Seiko Prospex Zimbe Limited Edition No.12 Phytoplankton SPB109J
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From left : Super Oyster Bracelet , Retro Razor Bracelet , Super Jubilee Bracelet


Unboxing video "First look: Seiko Zimbe 12 SPB109J" by Jtm Watches




Here's a table view on all the Zimbe models released by now:
Model / GroupZimbe No.QTYDial / AccentModel No.CaliberIssue YearIssue Price (Thai ฿)
Turtle11299Silver GreySRPA19K14R36201662,200
MM3002222Sky BlueSLA0138L352016115,700
Baby Tuna31286WhiteSRPA47J14R36201632,800
Sumo41639PurpleSPB055J6R15201739,600
Shogun5456BlueSPB057J6R15201776,000
Samurai61500BlackSRPC43K14R35201730,500
MM3007428BlueSLA0278L352018121,800
Baby Tuna81234Blue / GoldSRPC96K4R36201825,800
Samurai91300Grey / RedSRPD13K4R35201827,400
Mini Turtle10999 eachYellow & GreenSRPD17K & SRPD19K4R35201919,800
Shogun11456RedSPB099J6R15201960,000
Baby MM121200Green / GoldSPB109J6R15201944,900
[h=3]Watches for the Y generation[/h]
All Zimbe watches are targeted towards the younger generations within the age range from 16 - 35, as the managing director of Seiko (Thailand) co, Harumitsu Akashi states. The face of Zimbe series is therefore actor Ananda Everingham. You can find pictures of his campaign for Zimbe by following Ananda on Instagram or following a hashtag: #followzimbespirit
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Source: Ananda Everingham Instagram

Written by M.H., images from other sources as noted
 
Last edited:
:outstand::thumb: for posting this up for us, Mike.:good::shake:
 
Move your adventurous mind further with these 17 limited editions of Seiko Zimbe from Thailand, including 2022 releases

Seiko Prospex Zimbe Limited Edition represents one of the most successful collections in the past 6 years. It’s sold only in Thailand, which attracts collectors from all over the world to this part of the world.

Here's a table view on all the Zimbe models released by now:

Model / GroupZimbe No.QTYDial / AccentModel No.CaliberIssue TimeIssue Price (Thai ฿)
Turtle11299Silver GreySRPA19K14R367/201662,200
MM3002222Sky BlueSLA0138L358/2016115,700
Baby Tuna31286WhiteSRPA47J14R3612/201632,800
Sumo41639PurpleSPB055J6R157/201739,600
Shogun5456BlueSPB057J6R158/201776,000
Samurai61500BlackSRPC43K14R3512/201730,500
MM3007428BlueSLA0278L357/2018121,800
Baby Tuna81234Blue / GoldSRPC96K4R368/201825,800
Samurai91300Grey / RedSRPD13K4R3512/201827,400
Mini Turtle10999 eachYellow & GreenSRPD17K & SRPD19K4R353/201919,800
Shogun11500RedSPB099J6R157/201960,000
Baby MM121200Green / GoldSPB109J6R159/201944,900
Baby Tuna13999Gold / SilverSRPE14K4R362/202026,000
Monster141500Gold / BlackSRPF34K14R3610/202023,800
Sumo151500Gold / BlackSPB194J6R3511/202039,800
Mini Tuna161000Red / WhiteSRPJ55K4R359/202226,800
Samurai171000GraySRPJ29K4R359/202229,800



Source: Ananda Everingham Instagram

Written by M.H., images from other sources as noted


References:

 
:thumb: for this update, Mike.:hat:
these are really cool

i was surprised by the price

so I can circle back in a while

the designs I find fresh

i have not worn a monster in a while ,,,I never had an alpinist... I scoffed for years at the compass and the re-issue new price point

but they are looking better

i no longe use elapsed tyme bezel...that works gr8 and exercises mindfulness ...unless i forget... joking...i got much better at starting a "mental timer " once I threw the crutch away

i am not under water... so no BENZ risk...no running out of air unless the planet goes nucular

and I actually think a compass can help orient me along with the sun...

HYPATIA invented the ASTROLABE of...ALEXANDRIA EGYPT home of LIBRARY OF ALEXANDRIA...she was a new-platonist and a nobles daughter...fanatic monks burned the library in 400 AD that uppity new-platonist was knocked out of her carriage on the way home from work...they tore her clothes off to cause intentional humiliation...they threw pot shards at her body until she was dead..sentenced for heresy.
 

Seiko Mini Tuna - Zimbe 16 Thailand LE​

Oct 14, 2022

Bruce Williams
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Come at me... I still love Seiko, and I still love a good Limited Edition Seiko. This 16th Zimbe design is the latest from the brand and is meant for the Thailand market. For any interested in this Zimbe 16 or other limited/regional release Seiko Citizen and Orient, check out Strapseeker.


0:00 - 1:00 Its better on my wife's wrist
1:00 - 2:25 A cool box/details
2:25 - 3:01 Macro dial
3:01 - 4:12 The strap and movement
4:21 - 5:10 Get to know Strapseeker
 
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