Four iconic models get the milestone treatment.
Celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, Seiko has issued a rash of new creations to thrill its loyalists. Amongst which are four limited edition models from collections that are representative of the brand’s main product pillars. The Prospex, Presage, Astron and Seiko 5 collections each represents a different facet of Seiko’s design qualities and innovative prowess and, this year, key variants are offered in steel with silver dials, blue bezels and blue accents on the hands as commemorative anniversary editions.
Presage Sharp Edged Series (SPB223)
A collection comprising over 60 references, the Presage is where Seiko expresses its take on Japanese horological refinement and traditional craftsmanship. The Sharp Edge series is distinguished by numerous flat and faceted angles that sheath the watch case and bracelet, imbuing the timepiece with a contemporary silhouette that sparkles as it catches the light from multiple directions. Here, the 3,500-piece commemorative edition exudes sharp sophistication with its largely monochromatic colour scheme punctuated by icy blue on the bezel and hands. A classy dress watch with mechanical muscle, the watch is driven by the automatic Calibre 6R64 with dual-time zone functionality and 45-hour power reserve.
Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time 5X53 (SSH093)
The first Astron timepiece launched in 1965 was the Astron 35SQ, the world’s first mass-produced quartz watch. Exceedingly accurate, highly affordable and (back then) wildly disruptive, the battery-operated Astron led the charge for a quartz watch revolution. Needless to say, the Seiko Astron played a big role in changing the course of horological history. The Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time 5X53 Anniversary limited edition, which is capped at 1,400 pieces, is packed with a host of intelligent, performance-enhancing technologies that does justice to its legacy. Powered by the quartz Calibre 5X53, the watch can automatically adjust to the correct time anywhere in the world, thanks to its hybrid GPS and solar-powered technology, and boasts other features like high-speed time zone adjustment, time transfer function, world time function and perpetual calendar correct to the year 2100.
Prospex First Diver’s Modern Re-interpretation (SPB213)
Having cemented its place in horological history as Japan’s first dive watch – as the Seiko 150M Diver’s watch 62MAS, introduced in 1965 – the Prospex (short for ‘Professional Specifications’) has Seiko planting its flag in the world of high-performance underwater tool watches. Superb water and shock resistance, excellent legibility, robust construction were explored to the extreme in the Prospex collection. Paying homage to its roots, the 140th anniversary edition takes us way back with a modern interpretation of the 1965 original. Sporting dial configuration, and baton hands and indices that recall the original, while offering enhanced water resistance at 200m. The commemorative Prospex costs approximately €1,250 and is limited to 6,000 pieces.
Seiko 5 Sports (SRPG47)
Launched in 1963 as the Seiko Sportsmatic 5, a line which subsequently expanded to include models like the Seiko 5 and Seiko 5 Sports, the collection is governed by five main virtues (of course): automatic winding movement; day/date displayed in a single window; water resistance; recessed crown at four o’clock; and durable case and bracelet. Limited to 11,000 pieces, the commemorative Seiko 5 Sports naturally boasts all of the above along with, probably the most appealing attribute - a non-prohibitive price tag of €300.
