April 11, 2023 5 min read
Seiko lovers are a colorful bunch. Coming from all corners of the world, professions, interests, statuses, you name it. How does the Seiko marketing team decide who would be the exemplary ambassador for their representative collections?
The only way that makes sense: choosing equally diverse personalities. People exemplary in their fields of expertise, leaders who constantly push themselves and the boundaries of their profession in the most innovative manner. Sounds familiar, resembling something Seiko themselves have also been doing all these years?
It sure does and comes perfectly naturally. Now, take a peek at a selection of Seiko ambassadors and witness how their stories and modus operandi mirror the Seiko philosophy in all essential features.
Seiko and Honda had a fruitful and impactful cooperation from 2005 to 2008. Honda Racing F1 Team's memorable driver Jenson Button, who has already been a long-time Seiko fan, became Seiko ambassador for the entire Sportura collection.
Jenson Alexander Lyons Button MBE is wearing a Seiko Sportura SBCG001
The relationship between the companies was multilayered. Seiko produced unique models that featured Honda team colors and emblem and supplied the entire team and test crews with Sportura watches.
On top of that, Honda and Seiko put their relationship to a higher level. They joined forces to make their already impactful contribution to promoting environmental awareness, sustainable operation, and good practice even more significant.
Constantly pushing the boundaries and overcoming obstacles has always been a driving force behind Seiko's production. So it's no wonder that Paul de Gelder was chosen as one of the inspiring ambassadors for the Seiko Prospex family.
Paul de Gelder was chosen as one of the inspiring ambassadors for the Seiko Prospex family
Paul de Gelder's successful elite navy diving career shockingly ended in a shark attack in which he lost two limbs. However, during the aftermath of that dire event, the long and painful recovery, Paul never let thoughts of giving up overcome him.
The boundaries he managed to push ever since and the obstacles he has continually overcome on his way to becoming one of the top motivational speakers, nurturing his passion for adventure and environmental protection all along, are a genuine inspiration to everyone facing bad times in their lives.
Seiko and football go way back. The company was an official timekeeper of four world cups: 1978, 1982, 1986, and 1990. With football gaining popularity in the USA, particularly after a sensational last-minute win over Algeria in the 2010 World Cup, Seiko also made a bold move.
The all-time leader in international game, Landon Donovan and Seiko Sportura Chronograph SNAE87
They named Landon Donovan, the scorer of that infamous game-winner, as the Brand ambassador for their new 2011 Sportura collection. Why Mr. Donovan? For showing dedication to perfection and success, showcased in him being the all-time leader in international game appearances, assists, and scored goals for the US National team.
What better way to continually test the limits of your diving watch than to venture into underwater activities repeatedly. Becky Kagan Schott was an obvious choice to ensure Prospex divers will be tested in various deep-sea environments.
Seiko ambassador Becky Kagan Schott is wearing her Seiko Prospex SUMO SPB179
A member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame, a five-time Emmy Award winner, and a Padi Sea Hero has been a prolific underwater filmmaker, photographer, and technical diving instructor for nearly two decades.
She has filmed deep shipwrecks, caves, sharks, and other marine life, as well as taken 11 polar trips.
On the latest one to Antarctica, which took place in 2022, she was accompanied by the Seiko Ice Diver series. They both passed the test with flying colors, again stunning the viewers with another breathtaking recording of the beauty of Antarctica, reminding everyone of its fragility and importance for the wellbeing of our entire planet.
The number one tennis player of the world, seen by many as a GOAT that ever played the game, is a symbol of endurance, focus, and constant improvement. Coupled with longevity and striving for perfection, Novak Djokovic and Seiko share many common traits.
Novak Djokovic and the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Novak Djokovic Limited Edition SSH045J1
As a Seiko ambassador and genuine watch aficionado, Novak has worn many Seiko models. Those include Sportura Chronograph,
Premier Kinetic Perpetual and Seiko Divers Watch.
Recognizing his legacy in the tennis world and the world of sport in general, Seiko introduced a Limited Novak Djokovic Astron GPS Solar Chronograph edition in 2014. It was announced on the eve of the Wimbledon tournament, which Djokovic won in one of the iconic final tennis matches of all time.
Exploring the oceans with the goal of learning as much about them as possible, all along helping their conservation runs in the blood of the Cousteau family. Grandfather Jacques, father Jean-Michel, and now Fabien have all dedicated their lives to the ocean world.
Seiko and Fabien Cousteau both advocating the same approach to ocean preservation. On left is the Seiko Save the Ocean series Fabien Cousteau Special Edition SRPD21K
Since Seiko has been advocating the same approach to ocean preservation, they decided to name Mr. Cousteau their ambassador. Sharing the same goal, Seiko supports the work of his Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Centre with the proceeds from the sales of The Seiko Prospex 'Save The Ocean' Collection.
Being a worldwide recognizable brand, Seiko nurtures a genuinely cosmopolitan business conduct. As a result, their target groups are by no means restricted by state borders or generation limits. One of the proofs of that is that Ananda Everingham is a Seiko ambassador for Thailand.
Ananda Everingham is a link between Seiko and Thailand's Gen Y people. Seiko Prospex Zimbe 7 Limited Edition SLA027J
Ananda is a young and prosperous actor and model who has starred in over 50 movies and TV shows since his debut in 1998. He's a link between Seiko and Thailand's Gen Y people, a group that's been one of the driving forces behind Thailand's progress in the last decade.
These are just some of the most recognizable Seiko ambassadors in the rich history of the Seiko Company. The company keeps pursuing its dream, at the same time feeling the pulse of its faithful customers, as well as paying attention to the interests of the upcoming ones. With that in perspective, the list of Seiko ambassadors is, by all means, not concluded. New names will undoubtedly be appearing in the near future, and maybe some of the old ones will return, as well.
The stories of Seiko ambassadors, both present and past, offer a source of inspiration in a world that can often feel doubtful. By highlighting the personal stories and expertise of these ambassadors alongside Seiko watch collections, we can truly appreciate the greatness of those who excel in their respective fields. Personally, I have been particularly intrigued by the stories of certain Seiko ambassadors who have achieved remarkable success in their industries.
Written by S.K., images by others as noted
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