Seiko watches have long been the choice for those after ultimate value. The brand, founded in 1881, has all the hallmarks of the most prestigious Swiss brands: innovative designs, genuine in-house movements and fastidious build quality. Yet its watches are far more accessible than most, making the brand a favourite among both watch newbies and hardcore collectors.
Where else can you pick up a 200m water resistant, automatic diving watch for less than £380? Seiko has the heritage too. From featuring on the wrist of Captain Willard in Apocalypse Now, Arnie in Commando, and Roger Moore throughout his tenure as Bond, to pioneering the quartz revolution in the ‘70s, Seiko has done it all.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer ‘Panda’ 1972 Chronograph Reinterpretation
There’s something particularly evocative about ‘Panda’ dials. Named after the black and white coat of the Chinese bear, watches featuring this classic combination reference the ’60s and ‘70s, when such pieces were adopted by the motor racing Hollywood set – think McQueen, Newman and the like. While this watch has a direct lineage to Seiko’s classic 6139 Speedtimer from 1969, it’s actually a remake of a slightly later 1972 piece, and is in fact brand new. Boasting Seiko’s in-house 8R48 mechanical chronograph movement, it beats at 28,000vph for a silky smooth seconds sweep around the tachymeter. £2,500. At seikoboutique.co.uk
Seiko 5 Sports Field ‘Deploy’ Mechanical GMT
