On the finish of yearly, we wish to replicate on all of the watch goodness we have now seen. In good custom, Seiko has graced us with a constant stream of latest releases. So, as we do yearly, it’s time to look again on the Seiko releases from the previous 12 months. This text will spotlight the Seiko releases we lined on Fratello in 2024. Whereas it’s nowhere close to a whole record, it provides a superb overview of the good variety of the model’s novelties. Come alongside as we spotlight a few of this 12 months’s finest Seiko watches!
As most of you recognize, Seiko releases lots of of latest references yearly. To me, this 12 months initially felt like a comparatively sluggish one for the model. Nonetheless, that was primarily on account of my failure to maintain up. On high of that, I forgot about a number of the many releases that got here via our workplace. However there have been a couple of that instantly stood out to me. The brand new octagonal-bezel SPB481, SPB483, and SPB485 are good ones. Two extra private standouts had been the SRPL07 and SRPL09, that are Presage Style60’s fashions with fastened stainless-steel bezels. Ultimately, we have now seen loads of good new watches from Seiko and King Seiko, and we all know it’s been one other wonderful 12 months for the model. With out additional ado, let’s bounce proper in and take a look at some highlights.
January was full of new Seiko watches
We kicked our protection off with two limited-edition Seiko 5 GMTs for the Asian market. The ice-blue SSK029 and passion-red SSK031 offered two colourful takes on the favored Seiko traveler’s watch. As Lex explained, with a run of simply 1,000 items every and really restricted entry, not everybody might get their arms on these.
Only some days later, Daan covered the Seiko Prospex SPB439 Save The Ocean Restricted Version. This watch contains a white dial impressed by polar glaciers, linking it to the model’s efforts to help marine conservation via its Save the Ocean program. Seiko created 1,500 items of this crisp-looking 1968 Diver’s Re-interpretation GMT.
Then got here the stealthy Seiko Prospex Black Series SRPK43, SSC923, and SPB433. Yearly since 2018, we’ve seen a batch of blacked-out Seiko divers with a barely totally different aesthetic. Mike gave a pleasant overview of the fashions we’ve lined from the Black Sequence after which defined the most recent additions to it. The 2 divers and the solar-powered chronograph all look good with this black therapy and vibrant inexperienced LumiBrite accents.
One of many busiest months of the 12 months
January was simply midway via when Seiko handled us to 2 new Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar restricted editions. Mike explained that the 2 watches introduced gradation dials and celebrated Tokyo sunsets. The primary was the lads’s Star Bar SRPK75 “Purple Sundown,” which takes after the Purple Sundown cocktail on the Star Bar menu. It replicated the layered cocktail on the dial.
The second was the women’ SRE014 “Pinky Twilight.” It contains a comparable layered dial impressed by the Pinky Twilight cocktail, which properly enhances the rose-tone case. Though these watches are restricted editions, the respective manufacturing numbers of 9,000 and 5,000 are large. It more than likely tells us one thing concerning the reputation of the Cocktail Time sequence.
February noticed the return of a Seiko 5 traditional
Seiko kicked off February with a bang by introducing two Seiko 5 Sports activities Rally Divers. These watches are fashionable takes on the model’s well-known Rally Divers from the late Sixties and Seventies. We already noticed the primary reintroduction of the well-known Rally Divers final 12 months with the disclosing of the SRPK09. This 12 months, Seiko added two new fashions. The primary addition was the SRPK65, which was based mostly on the 1969 Seiko 5 6119-7173. The second, Mike’s favorite, was the SRPK67 based mostly on the favored 6106-8227/9.
February additionally noticed the continuation of Seiko’s collaboration with Studio Ghibli. This Japanese animation home is known for a lot of anime motion pictures which are fashionable all around the world. The Seiko SPB437 was impressed by Studio Ghibli’s 1984 movie Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. The particular watch contains a blue enamel dial with the symbol from Nausicaä’s closing outfit within the film on the decrease half of the dial. It was a classy celebration of considered one of Studio Ghibli’s best successes.
The ultimate releases we lined in February had been a pair of Seiko Astron fashions. As Mike explained, the 2 modern-looking black titanium items celebrated the early morning gentle with beautiful star-filled purple dials. The gold particulars on the SSH145 and SSJ021 are pivotal in bringing the early morning sky to life much more.
March noticed a string of fascinating Seiko releases
The primary new Seiko watches we lined in March had been 5 classically styled Presage Traditional fashions. Three of them are the SPB463, SPB465, and SPB467, that are good three-handers which have the potential to develop into tremendous fashionable.
The opposite two are playful variations of the identical mannequin with a dial cutout at 9 o’clock. This shows Seiko’s proprietary Diashock shock absorber. There’s additionally a 24-hour sub-dial at 6 o’clock, which features as an AM/PM indicator. As Daan said in his article, we desire the three-handers with the glowing texture on their dials.
That very same day, Seiko additionally launched the follow-ups to the fan-favorite Prospex SPB143. As Thomas wrote, Seiko improved the watch with some refined updates. The case turned barely smaller, the gradient dials of the sequence that the SPB143 belonged to had been gone, and a brand new motion was discovered contained in the case. On high of that, the date window moved to 4:30, and the bracelet turned extra refined and acquired a smaller clasp. It’s a sequence of good updates that make the Seiko Prospex SPB451, SPB453, and SPB455 nice new additions to the Prospex lineup.
In March, Seiko additionally prolonged its Astron line with three new regular-production GPS Photo voltaic Twin-Time Chronograph fashions — SSH151, SSH153, SSH155 — and the limited-edition SSH156. All four watches are powered by the brand new Seiko 5X83 caliber. It’s a caliber that we’d see extra of later within the 12 months. The particular LE mannequin featured Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori’s creed, “One step forward of the remainder,” on the case again. It’s a pleasant tribute to the person who started the Seiko legacy.
April’s Seiko releases celebrated spring in type
Seiko began April with a sequence of three new fashions that commemorate the Seventies in correct vogue. As many Seiko fans will inform you, a number of the model’s most fashionable designs debuted in that decade. Based mostly on the unique SNXS Seiko 5 watches, the Seiko 5 SRPK87, SRPK89, and SRPK91 completely present the type and magnificence of the ’70s designs. We love the clear strains of the case with the recessed crown and the dials with the signature day/date show. At €400 every, these fashions are nice reasonably priced Seiko choices.
Might introduced us my favourite Seiko launch of 2024
In Might, I had an opportunity to go hands-on with the Seiko Presage SRPL07 and SRPL09. The 2 watches are a part of the model’s Style60’s sequence and are variations of fashions we already know. The 2 watches current retro seems to be impressed by the well-known Seiko Crown Chronograph ref. 5719A.
However take away the chronograph and add a set stainless-steel bezel, and you’ll perceive that these watches are all about type. They obtain this with smaller circumstances than their predecessors and a brand new, extra comfy bracelet. These two watches had been my first Seiko spotlight of the 12 months, and the brown-dial model remains to be on my record of wanna-haves.
June was a colourful Seiko month
Lex, Fratello’s resident Seiko Astron fan, took the brand new SSJ027 and SSH157 for a spin in early June. Each are restricted editions of 1,500 items, and so they completely symbolize the fashionable Seiko Astron design signature. The angular titanium circumstances are mixed with two textured gentle blue dials that merely pop. Add the fashionable solar-powered actions, and you’ve got all the pieces that makes the Seiko Astron sequence so fashionable with followers.
In June, Daan wrote about two new Marinemaster references. These joined the sequence of smaller Marinemasters that Thomas wrote about in November 2023. Gone had been the seems to be of the unique Marinemaster SBDX001, and in got here a smaller sequence of watches impressed by the model’s well-known 62MAS from 1965.
With the Prospex SJE117 and SJE119, the model prolonged the lineup of latest Marinemaster fashions in type. However that was not at all the final we heard from Seiko relating to the Marinermaster. Certainly, we had been in for a shock a couple of months later.
A month full of good Seiko and King Seiko releases
The following huge introduction in June was a trio of latest “Samurai” fashions. As I defined in my review, it’s a mannequin sequence I usually overlook. Nonetheless, I’m conscious of how fashionable the Samurai is with hardcore Seiko followers. The brand new Samurai offered a smaller case, shrinking from 43.8mm to 41.7mm.
On high of that, the brand new fashions have a barely totally different case design with not-as-angular lugs. I had enjoyable sporting these new fashions, and so they present that Seiko is doing nice issues in making its Prospex divers considerably smaller than a couple of years in the past. However should you like the larger Samurai, you can be happy to listen to that each sizes will coexist within the Seiko catalog.
However June was not over but, so we additionally acquired the primary style of some new King Seiko fashions. The brand-new King Seiko SJE109, SJE111, SJE113, and SJE115 rapidly turned favorites within the Fratello workplace. As Thomas explained, these 4 references have circumstances impressed by the 1969 King Seiko 45KCM. We particularly beloved how good and slim these new fashions had been at 9.9mm thick. This makes these new King Seiko fashions a pleasure to put on, and with 4 very totally different dials, there’s a lot to select from.
Additionally launched in June was a pair of authentic Kamen Rider reissues. The “Kamen Rider” is one other Seiko traditional from the previous in the identical vein because the Rally Divers I discussed earlier. Final 12 months, Seiko reintroduced the Kamen Rider with the Masked Rider LE, and this 12 months, we noticed the silver-dial SRPL03 and the black-dial SRPL05. As a fan of those two fashions, Mike reported on them and put their historic significance in the best context.
In June, Lex took a sip from three Seiko cocktails — the Presage Cocktail Time SSK037 Skydiving, SSK039 Rusty Nail, and SSK041 Acacia. The three Cocktail Time GMT fashions function sunray-textured dials, every with a definite presence. The SSK039 and SSK041 have a extra classical look with quieter dials and leather-based straps. The SSK037 contains a vibrant gentle blue dial, and the watch comes geared up with a chrome steel bracelet. It reveals the good versatility of the Cocktail Time sequence.
In August, Seiko got here again from its summer season break
After just a little day off in July, we lined the Seiko Prospex SPB473 Restricted Version at the beginning of August. It was the primary European-exclusive LE after the introduction of the sequence that “succeeded” the favored Prospex SPB143. Nonetheless, whereas this mannequin harked again to the earlier era, the SPB143 was additionally nonetheless accessible. As Thomas wrote, the brilliant blue dial was impressed by the Greek island of Zakynthos, and the SPB473 proved to be an ideal look ahead to the European summer season.
Early August additionally noticed the introduction of three new King Seiko fashions in a smaller 36mm dimension. Whereas the aesthetics of the SPB457, SPB459, and SPB461 had been acquainted, the addition of a smaller case with “preppy” dial colours and the absence of a date window proved to be a preferred transfer. Curiously, the model used faux-patina lume for the ivy-green and burgundy fashions. The third mannequin featured crisp white LumiBrite, which fits the pale blue dial very nicely.
In September, Seiko stunned us with a brand new but acquainted Marinemaster
Early September noticed the introduction of one other Marinemaster. It was a return to the seems to be of the 1968 diver that we all know because the inspiration for the Marinemaster SBDX001. However one other realization was that Seiko would now use the Marinemaster identify for watches of a number of types.
Now not reserved for one design, the Marinemaster identify can be on the dials of the top-of-the-line Seiko Prospex divers. The primary two new Marinemaster fashions based mostly on the traditional 1968 Diver had been the SLA077 and SLA079, and the latter simply beat the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 in considered one of our Sunday Morning Showdown installments.
Not lengthy after, Seiko additionally launched three new dial variations of its high-end KSK providing. The King Seiko SJE103, SJE105, and SJE107 offered three beautiful textured dials that stood out on account of their depth and colours.
My favourite was, surely, the darkish blue model, which makes use of the same turtle-shell sample as final 12 months’s limited-edition SPB365. On the wrist, the mixture of the blue shade and the sample works so nicely, making this one other spotlight of the 12 months for me.
In September, I additionally had an opportunity to go hands-on with the brand new Prospex Speedtimer SRQ051 and SRQ053. The 2 watches are dial variations of the mechanical Speedtimers launched earlier than. I particularly adored the one with the darkish blue dial because it merely has the trendy seems to be of a retro Seiko chronograph with a contemporary motion beneath the hood.
What stood out to me was how balanced the dials of the 2 fashions are. All of the totally different components fall properly into place, making a chronograph that isn’t simply engaging but additionally sensible to make use of. It was one other nice hands-on expertise in a protracted 12 months of Seiko releases.
That very same day, Lex reported on three extra Seiko Prospex Speedtimer GPS Photo voltaic Twin-Time Chronograph fashions powered by the beforehand talked about caliber 5X83. However this time, the watches in query aren’t Astron fashions. Whereas the Astron caliber powers them, the watches match the retro type of the Speedtimer vary. Nonetheless, it have to be mentioned that the blacked-out mannequin has a bit extra of an ’80s and even ’90s vibe.
A busy launch schedule for Seiko in September
September additionally noticed Lex write about two new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar Restricted Editions and a lacquer-dial GMT, the sensible Presage SPB447. Whereas we regularly instantly suppose a GMT is a sports activities watch, this stunning classically styled watch proves that it doesn’t should be.
The SRPK93 and SRE015 are two extra Presage Cocktail Time watches impressed by the Tokyo Star Bar’s menu of tasty cocktails. They proceed the favored sequence in type, with the SRPK93 as the lads’s mannequin and the SRE015 as the women’ mannequin.
Two huge Seiko Astron introductions closed out the month. Lex first reported on the Seiko Astron GPS Solar SSJ023, SSJ025, and SSJ026. The three fashionable watches function a futuristic two-layered bezel and dials with a planetary motif. Sure, you learn that appropriately. But it surely shouldn’t come as a shock for the reason that Astron line is probably the most futuristic of all of the Seiko mannequin strains.
I then tried the Seiko Astron GPS Photo voltaic Twin-Time Chronograph SSH159, SSH161, SSH163, and limited-edition SSH158. Should you’ve been paying consideration, you’ll doubtless have guessed that these fashions are powered by the brand new caliber 5X83. The watches additionally include up to date circumstances, bracelets, and dials.
October introduced us Seiko’s most talked-about launch
We began October with the Seiko Presage Style60’s SRPL19 restricted version for the European market. It was a brand new play on a well-known type. The retro-inspired Style60’s mannequin obtained a lightweight blue dial and a complementary darkish blue bezel. It’s one other train in fashionable design that I like so much. However I’ve to say that the smaller steel-bezel variations made an even bigger affect on me. As Daan explained, although, this crisp blue model did a fantastic job brightening up the darker autumn days.
Later within the month, Seiko unveiled the brand new Prospex SPB481, SPB483, and SPB485 divers. These three utterly new fashions offered a contemporary design with an octagonal bezel that actually had individuals speaking. Whereas the Royal Oak references had been apparent feedback, Seiko did an superior job of mixing the distinct bezel form with the Seiko Prospex type. I had an absolute blast making an attempt them out for the hands-on review.
This sequence of watches was divisive from the beginning. Nonetheless, it turned out to be relatively fashionable with the Fratelli in an installment of Sunday Morning Showdown, wherein it beat the extra standard Tissot Seastar 1000. I’ve a sense this new sequence can be fairly fashionable, and it was my third absolute spotlight among the many Seiko releases this 12 months.
November ended the 12 months with two extra Seiko restricted editions
November started with the introduction of the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph SSC953 European Limited Edition. This fashionable model of one other acquainted Speedtimer chronograph appeared tremendous fashionable. The burgundy dial of this solar-powered chronograph gave the watch a extra elegant and virtually stylish presence in comparison with its friends.
We closed out the Seiko 12 months with one other restricted version, the Seiko 5 Sports activities SRPL35 made in collaboration with Amsterdam-based denim model Denham. As one of many two denim heads within the Fratello workplace, Lex had a chance to go hands-on with this 2,000-piece restricted version. It was a fantastic finish to the Seiko 12 months with a small Dutch contact.
Closing ideas on Seiko releases from 2024
There you could have it — a small overview of all of the Seiko and King Seiko watches we lined right here on Fratello! With only a week left to go, it’s protected to say that that is it for Seiko this 12 months. Whereas it may need felt like a sluggish 12 months at first for Seiko, the record reveals that it’s been one other 12 months of implausible Seiko and King Seiko releases. On this article, I defined my favorites of 2024, however I want to flip the query to you. What had been a few of your favourite Seiko releases this 12 months? Let me know within the feedback!
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