Very few watch manufacturers in the world can rival the number of models that Seiko has produced over the years. The Japanese watchmaker is all about diversity, producing time tellers for just about every price point; from five-figure boutique models to getting change back from a $100 note.
Seiko also has an illustrious heritage to draw upon, one that goes all the way back to Tokyo circa 1881, when an entrepreneur by the name of Kintaro Hattori opened up his own watch repair shop at the tender age of 22.
The ethos that Hattori started out with all those years ago is still instilled into all Seiko designs that go to market today: total perfection within every creation.
Seiko watches are renowned for their forward-thinking technologies that stay within the boundaries of stylish – highlighted by their signature 1960s classic the Grand Seiko, or the cal.0614, the world’s first six-digit liquid-crystal display piece.
These designs have helped put Seiko time tellers on a pedestal reserved usually for high-end Swiss watchmakers. The difference is that Seiko isn’t scared to put a budget watch on the market, and subsequently, releasing watches in this price range hasn’t affected their appeal. Why? Simply because they’re so well made.
If you’re thinking about purchasing one (and quite frankly why wouldn’t you?) there are literally thousands of different models to choose from. With such a huge choice, naturally, comes a much harder decision as to which Seiko watches or watches to buy. So, being the lovely people we are here at DMARGE, we’ve put together this list of some of the best, coolest and downright awesome Seiko watches to buy right now.
Seiko Watches FAQ
Is Seiko a good brand?
Seiko is a well-respected watchmaker from Japan. They are known for quality movements and great design.
Is Seiko a luxury brand?
Seiko itself would not be classified as a luxury brand, however, Grand Seiko is their luxury offering.
Are Seiko watches made in China?
No. They are made in Japan and Malaysia, with sister brand 'Wired' Seikos cased in China.
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Seiko Prospex 1968 Professional 300m Divers Re-creation
While this model reproduces the look of its ancestral sibling – the 1968 6159-7000 "Hi-Beat" Diver – it has been given thoroughly modern equipment that represents the very latest in Seiko's watch technologies. Like its predecessor, this new model makes use of a 10-beat high-precision automatic caliber (8L55) which produces 36,000 beats per hour, making it slightly more accurate than conventional "low beat" movements.
This Prospex also benefits from a monobloc casing, giving the ability to be submerged up to 1000ft for saturation diving and owing to its affinity with the water, is given a gorgeous blue dial with matching silicone strap. You better be quick to snap one up though, as it's limited to just 1,100 pieces worldwide.
Seiko Prospex SPB153J 'Captain Willard'
Housing Seiko's 6R35 calibre complete with 70-hour power reserve beneath its 42.7mm case, this Prospex offers wearers 200-metres of water-resistance thanks to a screw-down crown and a stainless steel construction.
An affordable Seiko diver that looks like a vintage model? Sign us up.
Seiko Presage Automatic
The smaller 39mm dial makes this Presage suitable for wearing both casually with a t-shirt and jeans, or with more formal outfits such as a suit or blazer. It's powered by Seiko's 6R35 movement, giving you 70-hours of reserve power and a 100-metre water-resistance rating means you can comfortably wear it in the pool.
Seiko Prospex "Save The Ocean"
Seiko Astron 5x Dual-Time Sport Titanium
It also lays claim to being the first watch series to have the ability to connect to a GPS network so that you can easily adjust the time based on whatever time zone you find yourself in at the press of a button.
The latest Astron timepieces – of which there are four: three with silver cases and one in black – to be launched come in a new titanium casing and make use of Seiko's most advanced 5X53 GPS Solar caliber, taking around three seconds to change the time from one time zone to another. It can also instantaneously change the main dial time to home time from local time, if you're arriving home, for example, while also changing the time displayed on the sub-dial at 6 o'clock from home time to local time, to show the time in the country you've just left.
The casing of the new Astron pays homage to the original model launched in 1969, including wide lugs, curved case and a thin bezel, while the pushers used to adjust the time now sit slightly more flush with right side of the bezel, giving the watch a much cleaner profile. If you're a frequent flyer, the Seiko Astron is the perfect timekeeping accompaniment.
Our model of choice has to be the green dial edition, which is limited to 2,000 pieces worldwide.
Seiko Prospex "Arnie Edition" Analogue Solar
To back up its Arnie credentials, this watch is big, rocking a 48mm case and a comfortable 50mm lug to lug. But while bigger doesn't always mean better, in this instance, it works and it wears remarkably well on the wrist.
Seiko Presage 2020 Limited Edition
While not actually a chronograph due to the lack of sub-dials, this Presage homage takes on a remarkably similar form, thanks to minute details such as the Arabic numerals on the bezel and minute markers around the edge of the dial. The Seiko 6R35 calibre provides a lengthy power reserve of 70 hours, a considerable increase over the 38 hours achieved by the 1964 model upon which this is based.
Seiko Five
Seiko Prospex "Mini Alpinist" 38mm
The new designs are gorgeous, and we're particularly enamoured with the green-dial version, which exhibits a stunning sunray finish that also looks granulated and textured.
It's Seiko at its finest.