With over 140 years of watchmaking experience backing it, Seiko is known contemporarily for its streamlined design code and versatile product offering, all within an entry-level price point. Today, we’re taking a look at 5 unexpected Seiko watches to bring a unique edge to your in-office attire in 2023.
Seiko Presage SRPJ15
The Seiko Presage SRPJ15 takes on a sultry persona with a 39.5mm steel case and bracelet sporting a sleek black ion finish. Inspired by the vibrant elegance of Tokyo’s cocktail lounge scene, the gradated black dial has a pressed pattern reminiscent of the Black Velvet cocktail. Its dynamic color and texture are an experimental alternative to the bright white dials of many traditional dress watch designs. In terms of display, the silver-tone hands and indices are streamlined, interrupted only by a minimal date window at 3 o’clock. Powering the watch is the caliber 4R35, an automatic movement with manual winding capability and a power reserve of approximately 41 hours.
The Seiko Presage SRPJ15 retails for $525.
Seiko Essentials SUR488
The Seiko Essentials SUR488 is a fine example of the Japanese brand’s experimentation with contemporary minimalist design. It uses a perfectly round case situated atop of a streamlined bracelet design, creating a subtle contrast between the two that ultimately makes the dial inarguably present. The 40.6mm case and bracelet are made from steel with a warm gold finish. Complementing the rich gold hue is the lush black sunray dial with three gold-tone hands ticking over head. The uncomplicated design is made complete with small line hour markers and a date window at 3 o’clock, bringing an edge of functionality without compromising sophistication. Inside the watch is the caliber 6N42, a svelte quartz movement with accuracy of ±20 seconds per month.
The Seiko Essentials SUR488 retails for $295.
Seiko Essentials SRK050
Taking a more classic approach in aesthetic, the Seiko Essentials SRK050 is an elegant model with a unique character, taking design hints from the brand’s rich history. On the exterior, the 39mm steel case has a sophisticated gold finish and a cabochon crown, embodying a vintage-inspired motif. The white dial uses black minimalist Roman numeral indices and elegant hour and minute hands to display the time. Making the design all the more urbane is a delicate seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, powered by the quartz caliber 6G28. When combined with its brown croc-patterned leather strap, the warm gold metal case and streamlined white dial create an optimum retro-chic dress watch.
The Seiko Essentials SRK050 retails for $250.
Seiko X Prospex SPB241
The Seiko X Prospex SPB241 trades in a robust diver’s bezel and complicated dial for a streamlined design, expressing utmost sophistication while still maintaining the functionality of a traditional sports watch. Reimagined from a 1959 edition, the steel exterior measures 38mm in diameter and offers a water resistance of 200 meters. The cool steel frames a cream dial with mountain-shaped hour markers, completed with silver-tone accents and a date window at 3 o’clock. A screw-down crown is a reminder of the watch’s water resistant capabilities, yet its sapphire case back is a reminder of its versatility and practicality. Revealed through the caseback is the automatic caliber 6R35 with manual winding capabilities and a power reserve of 70 hours.
The Seiko X Prospex SPB241 retails for $750.
Seiko Essentials SWR052
For an alternative to the conventional round case, the Seiko Essentials SWR052 trades curves for angles, opting for a refined rectangular silhouette. The gold-tone steel exterior measures 28.4mm in diameter and is made complete by a black and gold-tone cabochon crown. For the dial, Seiko uses sleek black Roman numeral indices on the periphery of the white dial, with a geometric minute track mimicking the shape of the case. Presented on a black croc-patterned leather strap, the elegant color palette of the watch is continued throughout. Powering the watch is the quartz caliber 4N30, ensuring utmost accuracy without overcomplicated frills.
The Seiko Essentials SWR052 retails for $215.
To learn more, visit Seiko here.
There is no need for Seiko to make cheap watches any more … you cannot hope to go up market and sell Grand Seiko’s whilst selling $250 watches – as nice as they are.
This is a big blunder from Seiko in my opinion…