Test Extra

Each issue, the Scuba Diver test team bring you the latest product and equipment releases from the dive industry. Cannot wait for the next edition? Keep up-to-date with all the latest gear news and reviews by heading over to the Scuba Diver YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/ScubaDiverMagazine

SEIKO PROSPEX PROFESSIONAL 300M ‘TUNA’ | SRP: £1,300

Mark Evans: As we’ve explained before, Seiko has a rich heritage when it comes to dive watches, being at the forefront of technological developments for over 55 years, ever since launching its very first dive watch in 1965. In those decades since then, the company came up with market firsts such as the 1990 Scuba Master computerised dive watch, and the follow-up Diving Computer Watch in 2000 – a real precursor to the wristwatch-style dive computers we know today.

However, Seiko know where their strengths lie, and so they have an epic line-up of dependable and desirable dive watches in their always-expanding Prospex range, but close to the top of the tree is the Prospex Professional 300m ‘Tuna.’Seiko like to give their watches fish or marinerelated names, and the ‘Tuna’ collection has been around since 1975 – this specific watch was named the ‘Tuna’ because of its larger diameter and bold shape (like a tuna tin). This collection goes beyond the simple dive watch, and is made with saturation divers and technical divers in mind (hence the 300m depth rating over the standard 200m). In fact, the very first Seiko monocoque diving watch was

created in response to a letter the company received in 1968 from a saturation diver from Kure City in Hiroshima, Japan, who complained that Seiko diver’s watches were not robust to impact and could not withstand exposure to deep underwater pressure for prolonged periods.

Seiko engineers took on the challenge to create the ‘ultimate professional diver’s watch.’ These engineers, led by Ikuo Tokunaga, decided to develop the new Seiko Tuna watches for saturation diving from the start. Tokunaga and his team began development in 1968 and released the first Seiko Tuna watch seven years later with more than 20 patents.

Today’s Professional 300m ‘Tuna’ is a handsome device, and what sets it apart from the crowd for me is the chunky body of the watch, which really harks back to those vintage timepieces you’d see adorning the wrists of commercial divers in the late-1970s/1980s. The chief reason for this distinctive ‘look’ is the protective, screwed-on shroud surrounding the body of the watch (it is a feature on all ‘Tuna’ watches).

The watch features a 7C46 Seiko 7-Jewel Hi-Tech Quartz movement, so you’ll never need to worry about accuracy, and the silicone expansion strap (another Seiko world first invention from 1975) keeps it securely on your wrist. This will easily go around a wetsuited wrist, it is a little on the short side for use with a bulky drysuit, but with something like this, it is not really an issue (more about that later).

The case is made from satin-brushed stainless steel with a super-hard coating, and it has a curved sapphire crystal, with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface. The dial is matte black with luminous indexes, and the hands are coated in Lumibrite – I can testify that these are really bright, and it positively glows in the darkness.

We dived the Professional 300m both here in the UK and abroad in the warm waters of the Red Sea. As expected, it coped admirably with recreational dive depths of 30m or so, which are not even a tenth of its abilities, and the uni-directional bezel was a joy to use, with a smooth, robust movement. However, as we have said before, while Seiko’s Prospex range is more than capable of being dived – in this case, to extreme depths – and some people will wear them as a back-up dive timer, it is an undeniable fact that the vast majority of these dive watches will never actually go on a dive. Instead, they will proudly adorn the wrist of divers when they are topside, singling them out to fellow divers as ‘part of the dive tribe’, hence why earlier I said the length of the strap was not really an issue. The Seiko Professional 300m Tuna is a fantastic piece of engineering that has a nice heft on your wrist, but I’d expect to see it exploring the depths of the nearest dive bar rather than the ocean – it certainly garnered plenty of positive comments from fellow divers when I was wearing it après-dive with a cold bottle of Sakara Gold in-hand. The Professional 300m comes in a nifty padded and zipped case. www.seikoboutique.co.uk

Each issue, the Scuba Diver test team bring you the latest product and equipment releases from the dive industry. Cannot wait for the next edition? Keep up-to-date with all the latest gear news and reviews by heading over to the Scuba Diver YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/ScubaDiverMagazine

APEKS OCEA | SRP: £509

Mark Evans: Being eco-friendly and ecoconscious is becoming more and more prevalent in day-to-day life, and the dive industry is following suit. We are seeing more and more products made from recycled materials, be that wetsuits, fins, apres-divewear, and more, but the Ocea is a real first - an environmentallyconscious regulator made from recycled materials and bio-plastics, manufactured in a solar-powered facility.

Based on the trusty XL4+, every single material and process was reconsidered to create the most eco-sensitive scuba diving regulator in the world, so it is made from recycled plastic waste, plant-based bio-plastic and lead-free brass, which can be endlessly recycled and is actually stronger than standard brass.

The Ocea also removes five times its own weight in plastic from the environment, as each purchase of the regulator funds the collection of 5kg of up-stream plastic waste (in collaboration with Plastic Bank).

The compact one-piece machined first stage is based on the expedition-tested Apeks DS4 platform and has a unique over-balanced diaphragm design – as the diver descends, the over-balancing feature allows the medium pressure gas in the hose to increase at a faster rate than ambient. This results in superior performance at depth, and

it is more than capable of handling cold water. It has two high-pressure ports and four low-pressure ports, so more than enough for all your requirements. The Ocea variant has a subtle engraving into the metal which is certainly eyecatching, while not being in your face.

The lightweight second stage improves comfort and helps reduce jaw fatigue on long duration dives, and features a high performance pneumatically balanced lever operated poppet valve, large over-moulded self-flushing and controllable purge button, and ergonomic Venturi lever that is easy to use and locate, even wearing thick neoprene gloves or drygloves.

The flexible nylon braided hose has better cold water performance than a traditional rubber hose, and it has the standard metallic hose connection for interchangeability.

The Comfo-bite mouthpiece – which I still consider the most-comfortable on the market - has a unique bridge

Each issue, the Scuba Diver test team bring you the latest product and equipment releases from the dive industry. Cannot wait for the next edition? Keep up-to-date with all the latest gear news and reviews by heading over to the Scuba Diver YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/ScubaDiverMagazine

APEKS OCEA | SRP: £509 (continued...)

Each issue, the Scuba Diver test team bring you the latest product and equipment releases from the dive industry. Cannot wait for the next edition? Keep up-to-date with all the latest gear news and reviews by heading over to the Scuba Diver YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/ScubaDiverMagazine

APEKS OCEA | SRP: £509 (continued...)

that fits across the upper palate and does not require bite pressure to stay in place, while re-useable mouthpiece clips make it simple to change mouthpieces in the field.

The Ocea is quite a lightweight regulator, thanks to that second stage, so it would be great for the travelling diver, but because it is cold-water rated as well, it is perfect for diving right here in the UK throughout the year. The Apeks Flight was a great travel reg, but it was not suited to cold water, but with the Ocea handling both with aplomb, it is something you could use most weekends and take on your next foreign jaunt.

My wife Penney stole it for a recent trip to Egypt on assignment, in place of her trusty Aqualung Micron, and she loved the Ocea, as the smaller second stage suits women and teenage divers thanks to its compact size, while not losing anything on the performance side of things.

The Ocea can be supplied with either a yoke/A-clamp fitting as we had here, or a DIN connection. As far as colour schemes go, there is a grey version available, but we think this aqua finish sets it apart from the crowd. The regulator comes in a cardboard box that can easily be recycled. www.apeksdiving.com/uk

t: 01202 122006 e: info@dorsetdiving.co.uk a: 25A Ringwood Road, Poole, Dorset, BH14 0RF 5 Star PADI Dive Centre offering PADI Courses, Kit Sales, Servicing, Air Nitrox and Trimix Fills. In house IDEST test station and workshop for on site repairs. www.dorsetdiving.co.uk

t: 01305 824555 e: info@underwaterexplorers.co.uk a: Unit 1, Maritime Business Centre, Mereside, Portland, Dorset, DT5 1FD Leading Dorset dive centre stocking all major brands, air, nitrox, trimix fills, rentals and servicing beside Portland Marina and across from Chesil Beach. www.underwaterexplorers.co.uk

t: 01708 837032 e: contact@bespokescubadiving.co.uk a: Becontree Heath Leisure Centre, Althorne Way, Dagenham, Essex, RM10 7FH Our mission is to provide quality & professional scuba training in a relaxed friendly environment. www.bespokescubadiving.co.uk

t: 07841 561680 e: info@blackwaterdiving.co.uk a: 18 Lower Park Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4NA PADI Dive training focussed on beginners. Try Scuba Diving for £20. Private swimming pools. Learn to scuba dive with 1:1 instruction at Blackwater Diving. www.blackwaterdiving.co.uk

t: 01375 892444 e: info@diverse-scuba.co.uk a: Ye Old Plough House Motel, Brentwood Road, Bulphan, Essex, RM14 3SR Diverse Scuba are one of the leading 5 STAR PADI IDC dive centres in the UK providing scuba diving courses and services to the Essex region. www.diverse-scuba.co.uk

t: 01268 520111 e: info@orcascubadivingacademy.co.uk a: 17 Repton Close, Burnt Mills Estate, Basildon, Essex, SS13 1LN Established in 2007 the Academy a vision of Gary to deliver the very best Scuba Diving School in Essex. www.orcascubadivingacademy.co.uk

t: 01622 212022 e: scuba@blueoceandiving.co.uk a: West Park Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 7AF 5* PADI scuba diving courses and training, organised diving trips and events, scuba equipment and friendly advice based in Maidstone. www.blueoceandiving.co.uk

t: 01227 700374 e: sales@divingproducts.co.uk a: Windgates, Church Lane, Waltham, Near Canterbury, Kent, CT4 5SS Kent Tooling Diving Products produce the widest range of rebreather and diving supplies and accessories in Kent and the UK. www.divingproducts.co.uk

t: 07779 605863 | e: tim@diveshack.uk.com a: 17 Station Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1UF Harrogates number 1 dive store. www.diveshack.uk.com

e: info@dive-site.co.uk a: Jackdaw Quarry, Capernwray Road, Over Kellet, Lancashire, LA6 1AD The UK’s finest inland dive site... Welcome to Capernwray, the beautiful diving venue on the edge of the Lake District. www.dive-site.co.uk

e: info@eastlancsdiving.co.uk a: Daisyfield Pool, Daisy Ln, Blackburn, BB1 5HB East Lancashire’s only PADI approved Dive Centre - Undertaking all PADI courses and Specialities from Try Dive to Professional. www.eastlancsdiving.co.uk

t: 07724 412161 | e: info@scuba2000.org.uk a: Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Leisure Centre, 50 Duns Lane, Leicester, LE3 5LX Learn to dive or build confidence, experience and skills. Family-friendly, small groups (2:1) and a ‘no-rush’ approach. 1:1 coaching available. www.scuba2000.co.uk

t: 07957 710334 e: contact@mkscubadiving.co.uk a: Unit 50A, I-Centre, Howard Way, Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes, MK16 9PY Friendly, professional and patient PADI, SDI and TDI scuba instructors, we proudly offer you high quality service, equipment and facilities. www.mkscubadiving.co.uk

t: 01603 485000 e: info@scuba4me.co.uk a: 62 Whiffler Road, Norwich, NR3 2AY We are Norfolk’s Premier dive centre with our own on-site swimming pool and well stocked shop with the latest equipment. www.scuba4me.co.uk

t: 01332 665353 e: sales@godive.net a: Nottingham Road, Spondon, Derby, DE21 7NP Take your diving to the next level with GoDive, the UK’s first fourth element concept store. Start shopping with us today! www.godive.net

t: 01752 228825 e: info@aquanauts.co.uk a: 88 Vauxhall Street, The Barbican, Plymouth, PL4 0EY Waterfront full service centre with direct access to the best wreck and reef diving the UK has to offer. www.aquanauts.co.uk

t: 07976 526050 e: info@dreamdiversltd.co.uk a: 18-20 Greasbrough Rd, Parkgate, Rotherham, S62 6HN PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre based in Parkgate, Rotherham. Our instructional team has been teaching PADI courses together in the Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield and surrounding areas of South Yorkshire since 2005. www.dreamdivers.co.uk

t: 01939 291303 e: severntecdiving@gmail.com a: Seventec Diving, Unit 1J, Leaton Industrial Estate, Shrewsbury SY4 3AP We are a Scuba Diving Training Center with over 20 years experience with a multi-agency approach to scuba diving. www.severntecdiving.com

t: 01935 353525 e: info@dive.academy a: Unit 7-8 Boundary Avenue, Commerce Park, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8UU Somerset’s Premier. Scuba Diving Centre. Book a lesson. www.dive.academy

t: 0800 699 0243 e: info@oysterdiving.com a: Maritime House, Basin Road North, Portslade, E. Sussex, BN41 1WR PADI 5-star IDC centre in London and S.E. Holidays around the world, active club and local dives. Exclusive lake in Surrey. www.oysterdiving.com

t: 07889 883232 e: info@planetdivers.co.uk a: Planet Divers, The Angling Club, Royal Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 7AA A Friendly Crew, Great Diving all year round. Excellent, Fun trips UK & Abroad for all levels, non-divers welcomed. www.planetdivers.co.uk

t: 0121 706 6628 e: info@aquasportonline.com a: The Dive Centre, 50 Lincoln Road, Olton, Solihull, West Midlands, B27 6PA The only purpose built diver training centre and dive shop in the West Midlands and the only PADI Dive Centre in the whole of Greater Birmingham and Solihull. www.aquasportonline.com

t: 07920 556116 e: instructor@hotmail.co.uk a: Filton leisure Centre, Elm Park, Fiton BS34 7PS DM Scuba hold pool training sessions in Bristol, Swindon and Bath giving you plenty of choice. www.dm-scuba.co.uk

t: 07967 733764 e: info@belowthesurface.co.uk a: 26 Albert Street, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 8AH A PADI 5 star centre with over 30 years’ experience, we teach in small groups & at your pace. www.belowthesurface.co.uk

t: 01142 332995 e: info@learn2dive.co.uk a: 185 Holme Lane, Hillsborough, Sheffield, Yorkshire, S6 4JR Welcome to Diveworld, dive school, dive club, dive retail and servicing, dive travel and more, the complete scuba package. www.learn2dive.co.uk

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