SEIKO 55th anniversary of Seiko 5:

Back to 1969! Without a doubt, the most important year for wrist watches was 1969. Omega Speedmaster was worn on the moon, as a true tool watch. What a legend. In 1969, the other side of the world, Seiko was making equally legendary stuff too: humble, mechanical, self winding sports watches simply named 'SEIKO 5'. Above all: affordable and eye-catching.  By the mid 1970s the world was sick and tired of the Vietnam war, demonstrations, conscriptions, energy crisis - and hungry for excitement, international travel, mass-produced affordable watches, Olympic games, photography, and solid, undiluted Rock and Roll. We were ready for Seiko 5. And fifty five years later, SEIKO is still here, to excite and entertain. The two latest anniversary models sum up nicely the sport of the era: the bright 'orange and black sector inner bezel' and the tricolori RGB. Special edition, as marked on the case back.  And still at the price no Swiss manufacturer could match: only $495. Both colours in stock - call 02 9232 0500 to place your order now. If you mention that you are a subscriber to this newsletter, will throw in a free delivery. Happy anniversary SEIKO, well done.

Seiko 5 Sports SRPK11K 42.5mm case size. Stainless steel case and bracelet. Orange dial with day/date window at 3 o'clock. Hardlex glass. Automatic movement - calibre 4R36. Water resistance 100M.  Price: $495

Seiko 5 Sports SRPK13K 42.5mm case size. Stainless steel case and bracelet. Black dial with day/date window at 3 o'clock. Hardlex glass. Automatic movement - calibre 4R36. Water resistance 100M. Price: $495

To be a rock and not to roll

 

The first ever Seiko 5 Sports watch from 1968.

"Life is not fair!" - said the Gen-Y kid the other day. And I couldn't agree more. Those born post 1980s have missed the best of the music, the best of analogue photography, the best of analogue hi-fi gear, and obviously, the best of analogue watches. While we grew up on Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, they listened to Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, A-ha, Pet Shop Boys, Boyz 2 Men - the wishy-washy 'fake boyz' junk. We played long play records on Technic, Pioneer and Marantz, they wore brand-less Walkmans. We dreamed of Nikon FM2, they've jumped straight into 'pixels'. And while every baby boomer wore a cool looking, chunky analogue three hand SEIKO automatic, the best thing horology offered to them in 1985 was a plastic fake-art battery operated Swatch watch. Today, a "Tribute to a golden era" means a nostalgic karaoke bar in Manilla, a visit to a Hong Kong camera shop, or a junk mall in Tokyo's Akihabara where one can still find mint, unused, full plastic wrap hi-fi gear - the kind of stuff one would be too scared to plug in. Yet unlike music, hi-fi gear and cameras, watch enthusiasts can actually 'go back in time' - thanks to SEIKO re-issues. Yes we are talking about the brand spanking new watches that look almost identical to those mechanical models issued in the 1960s and 70s. Except for one thing: they are mechanically much better than the originals, and probably more affordable too.

Here is a perfect example: the just released Seiko SPORTS 55th Anniversary. I mean, what can I say other than - wow. Price? $595. Classic dial and hands, the mesmerizing blue 'sports' line. (You probably don't remember this, but that blue line was often the reason why a buyer would opt for this 'sports' model over any other 'standard' Seiko). And yes, the original domed hardlex crystal and skinny black bezel are featured. The 40+ hour power reserve is something we take for granted, as well as 10Bar water resistance. Which is fair enough. But the main reason why you should invest in this piece is simple: because you either missed the original one, or have never had the chance to invest in one, because you were born too late. With only 3 pieces in stock, I don't need to beg you to snatch this watch. But I will: I really don't want you to miss one of the most exciting new re-issues of 2023. Quite frankly, you may not have a third chance - because life is not that generous, even when 'fair'.

Snoopy, come home!

 

Seiko 5 Sports is celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2023 and in honour of this, they have collaborated with PEANUTS and released a pair of Seiko 5 Sports models featuring Snoopy. Charles M. Schulz first introduced the world to PEANUTS in 1950, when the comic strip debuted in seven newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the PEANUTS gang have made an indelible mark on popular culture. SRPK25 features Snoopy as a surfer, who is out riding the waves. SRPK27 features Snoopy flying through the air as a helicopter, with his best friend Woodstock as the pilot and Snoopy's beagle ears serving as the propeller.

The designs on both models are linked to the original PEANUTS art, with the images of the characters being carried over from the original cartoon strips in newspapers. To add to these collaborative watches, the hand-drawn script of Charles Schulz, the creator of this comic strip, is used on the bezel display of SRPK25, the dial of SRPK27, and for the 'LIMITED EDITION' text on both case backs. No detail was spared, Snoopy's paw print is displayed on the crown of both of these models to add an additional Snoopy touch to the watches.

We only have a few of each model in stock so be quick!

SRPK25 Seiko 5 Sports 55th Anniversary PEANUTS Limited Edition 38mm case size. Stainless steel case. Grey and white nylon strap. White dial with Snoopy design. Hardlex glass. Day/date function at 3 o'clock. Unidirectional bezel. Automatic movement - calibre 4R36. Water resistance 100 metres. Our price: $595

SRPK27 Seiko 5 Sports x Peanuts Parachute Snoopy Limited Edition 36.4mm case size. Stainless steel case and black leather strap. White dial with Snoopy design. Hardlex glass. Day/date function at 3 o'clock. Automatic movement - calibre 4R36. Water resistance 100 metres. Our price: $575