When you think about watch brands that are widely known across the globe and offer a wide range of choices, Seiko remains prominent. Back in 1881, a young entrepreneur named Kintaro Hattori started a shop in Tokyo's Ginza area. He sold and fixed watches and clocks. Hattori, who was just 21 years old at the time, took a big chance with the hope of achieving something significant. Over the next century, the brand he created achieved many milestones in watchmaking and made a major impact on the watch industry. Further in 1969, Seiko made history by introducing the Astron, which was the world's first quartz wristwatch.
Seiko watches have a strong legacy tied to exploring some of the world's toughest environments. Besides, this adventurous spirit led to the development of a series of watches known for their "professional specifications," often referred to as "Prospex." These timepieces became popular among those who appreciated Seiko's commitment to unwavering quality and reliability.
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The Most Loved Watches from The Seiko Prospex Collection
Seiko's Prospex collection features pieces designed to meet professional standards, and capable of handling the most challenging conditions. While originally intended for professionals, these watches have gained popularity among enthusiasts for their sporty appearance and reliable performance.
Seiko Samurai
When you consider the starting point for the Seiko Prospex series, one of the initial models that comes to mind is the Samurai.
Seiko introduced the Samurai to its lineup in 2004, and people immediately loved it, especially in Canada. This collection earned its nickname "Samurai" from fans due to its sharp, pointed hands and markers on the dial, which resemble a Samurai sword. Further, the collection offers a variety of dial colours, including:
- The straightforward dial of the SRPB41
- The bold orange of the SRPC07
- The distinctive SRPC93 "Save the Ocean" model
Each item is admired by Bijoux Eclore!
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Seiko Turtle
Among the numerous Seiko watches available, when we think about the quintessential Seiko diver watch (aside from the SKX), the Seiko Turtle immediately comes to mind. The Seiko Turtle has a history that goes back to the 1970s and is perhaps one of the finest representations of the early Seiko diving watch design.
These watches are true classics. Why?
- A variety of dial colours
- A sizable yet comfortable case
- An affordable price
- Compliance with professional diving standards
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Seiko Alpinist
Over the last decade, many Seiko watches have risen to fame, but few have reached the level of the Seiko Alpinist SARB017. It became so well-loved that it was only a matter of time before Seiko decided to give it a significant update. In 2020, that's exactly what they did, releasing several new versions. Also, they kept the original design intact, with the same numerals, dial style, and inner compass ring. Yet, they:
- Added a date magnifier at 3 o'clock
- Upgraded to the 6R35 calibre
- Extended the power reserve from 50 hours (with the 6R15) to an impressive 70 hours
Prospex Land SPB155
Enthusiasts quickly dubbed the SPB155 as a "Baby" Alpinist when it hit the market. However, the SPB155 sets itself apart by not having crown guards and complete with that one-of-a-kind secondary crown. It shares a similar dial design with its larger counterpart, the SPB121, as well as its predecessor, the SARB017. Moreover, the dial appears to be more refined with a textured finish compared to the glossier look of the SPB121.
Additionally, it comes with a sturdy three-link bracelet, and its case is 1.5mm smaller than the SPB121, measuring 38mm. It gives the SPB155 a reminiscent vibe of the early Rolex Explorer, making the timepiece an attractive choice for everyday wear.
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The Starting Point For Most - Seiko 5s
The value of the Seiko 5 collection is no secret. It has often been the starting point for many collectors due to its wide range of options, making it a great choice for those entering the world of mechanical watches. Further, it won’t be wrong if we say there have been hundreds of Seiko 5 models made over the years.
5 Field Sports SRPG27
Seiko introduced the SNK and SNZG collections years ago, which were widely regarded as some of the best affordable automatic field watches. The SRPG27, although priced a bit higher, might just be an improvement.
- It features a well-proportioned 39.4mm case, fitting between the 37mm and 42mm sizes of its predecessors.
- The SRPG27 also benefits from an upgraded movement. It has been moved from the outdated 7S26 to the more modern 4R36, allowing hacking and handwinding.
- Compared to rugged designs like the Bulova Hack and the Hamilton Khaki, the SRPG27 has a more refined look. This makes it a versatile and cost-effective option to consider for a field watch.
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Seiko Bottlecaps
Seiko enthusiasts have a knack for giving clever nicknames, but in this case, there's not much creativity needed since the name "Bottlecaps" perfectly describes this line of watches. These references earned their nickname due to their distinctive bezels.
Additionally, they stand out as some of the most unique Seiko 5 watches on the market. Watches have a larger size compared to the typical Seiko 5, and they use the 4R36 movement like no other. Unlike the 7S26, this movement is fully hackable and allows for hand-winding.
Seiko 5 Sports GMT
In 2022, Seiko introduced GMT functionality to the Seiko 5 Sports line, incorporating the automatic Caliber 4R34. These are available in three dial and bezel colour options:
- Black
- Orange
- Blue
They possess a central GMT hand in a contrasting colour, designed to work with the dual-colour day/night bezels made of Hardlex glass. Yes, just like the crystal. Further, this combination lets users track a second time zone. The GMT hand is coated with Seiko's own LumiBrite for nighttime visibility. Drawing inspiration from the beloved SKX series of Seiko sports watches, this variant comes with a five-link bracelet featuring polished center links.
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Seiko 5 Sports Midfield 36mm SRPJ81K1
Another resurrection of a beloved discontinued model, celebrated for its affordable and modestly sized field watches, is the 5 Sports Midfield. This brings back feelings of nostalgia and a practical military aesthetic. With its 36mm case, it’s singular. Absolutely nothing like the larger field watches in the Seiko 5 Sports collection - the SBSA family.
The case's matte, bead-blasted finish gives it a subtle and understated look. And, then there’s the inner 24-hour scale on the dial that pays homage to the military timepieces that served as its inspiration. The reliable automatic movement includes a hacking seconds function. This is something practical - a feature commonly found in military watches.
Seiko 5 Sports SRPK31 38mm
Expanding on the success of the revived 5 Sports models, Seiko introduced a quartet of watches in 2023. Most were with smaller 38mm cases and a range of vibrant dial options. Moreover, they carry forward many beloved SKX design elements, including:
- The unidirectional dive-scale bezel
- Lumibrite-coated hands
- A day-date window at 3 o'clock
- A crown at 4 o'clock
- An exhibition case back that showcases the self-winding 4R36 calibre movement
These 38mm models are likely to be seen as even more versatile and comfortable than their larger counterparts. Especially when paired with the robust three-link steel bracelet!
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Something You Can Take Anywhere - Seiko Presage
The Prospex collection meets the needs of professional divers. The Presage collection, on the other hand, caters to professionals who need to maintain a polished appearance in less demanding settings. Also, it includes a range of elegant timepieces and also offers several everyday watches that have gained popularity among fans.
Seiko does produce diverse best watches for both men and women.
Presage Cocktail Time SRPF53
The SRPF53 is slightly larger, measuring 41.7mm compared to the 38.5mm of the SRPF41. This makes it a better fit for those with larger wrists. Also, the dial differences play a significant role in how these models come across when worn.
The SRPF53 has a dressier feel, accentuated by its alternating brushed and polished five-link steel bracelet. Moreover, the SRPF53 is only a little more expensive than the SRPF41. Considering the well-crafted bracelet (by Seiko's standards) and, most notably, the upgrade to a sapphire crystal over the Hardlex crystal found on the SRPF41, the SRPF53 offers a lot to appreciate as another refined and budget-friendly Seiko pick.
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Presage Multi-Hand Automatic Enamel Dial SPB045
Among the first batch of non-limited Presage models with enamel dials, we have the Multi-Hand Automatic featuring the Caliber 6R27. It’s perfect with a 45-hour power reserve. This has been meticulously arranged:
- The dial displays central hours, minutes, and seconds
- A date subdial at 6 o'clock
- An arc-shaped power reserve indicator at 9 o'clock
The stainless steel case measures 40.5mm in diameter and 12.8mm in thickness, with a water resistance of up to 100 meters. The enamel dial is a masterpiece crafted by Japanese master craftsman Mitsuru Yokozawa and his team. Additionally, they carefully adjust the enamel's thickness to precisely match each level of the dial. The Roman numeral hour markers, inspired by a historic Seiko pocket watch from 1895, undergo at least ten rounds of painting to achieve their refined raised appearance.
Further, the leaf-shaped hands have subtle curves to follow the contours of the sapphire crystal. They amazingly contribute to the case's slim profile.
Seiko King Seiko SPB279
In 2022, Seiko resurrected the King Seiko, a classic dress watch originally launched in 1965. It was considered by many as a worthy counterpart to the even more luxurious Grand Seiko (which, as you may know, is now a separate brand and not included in this lineup). The King Seiko makes a strong statement with its elegantly simple design:
- Sleek, razor-style faceted hands
- Subtle hour markers
- A vintage-style logo at 6 o'clock
It also deliberately omits a date window to maintain the symmetrical harmony of the sunray dial. The absence of luminescent material may not appeal to everyone, but it contributes to the authentic vintage feel sought after by fans of the original King Seiko. The automatic movement, Caliber 6R31, beats within, and the case back is engraved with a vintage-style emblem.