In September 2024, Seiko once again reaffirms its place as a leader in the horological world with an exciting lineup of new watch releases. Known for its perfect balance of cutting-edge technology, craftsmanship, and timeless design, Seiko has continued to innovate and surprise collectors and enthusiasts alike. This month’s releases span a range of styles and functionalities, from sleek, modern designs to tributes to Seiko’s iconic history. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged precision of their Prospex line or the understated elegance of the Presage collection, the Seiko watch releases for September promise something unique for every watch enthusiast.
Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Urushi GMT
Starting off with my personal favourite, the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship – Urushi GMT. Seiko’s latest Presage Craftsmanship timepiece offers a captivating blend of traditional Japanese artistry and modern functionality. As the first model in the Presage series to feature a GMT complication, this watch not only serves as a precise travel companion but also showcases the timeless elegance of Urushi lacquer.
Beneath a dual-curve sapphire crystal lies the deep black Urushi lacquer dial, meticulously handcrafted using a centuries-old technique typically reserved for fine decorative items. Each dial is unique, with subtle variations in color and texture, making every piece one-of-a-kind. The gold-colored GMT and second hands extend to the edge of the dial, enhancing both legibility and elegance.
At the heart of the watch is Seiko’s in-house 6R54 calibre, providing the ability to track two time zones simultaneously. With an accuracy of -15/+25 seconds per day and a 72-hour power reserve, this calibre is both reliable and practical for frequent travellers.
Seiko’s Presage collection continues to marry minimalist design with the rich heritage of Japanese craftsmanship, offering a timepiece that is as visually striking as it is mechanically precise.
Seiko Prospex 1968 Diver's Reinterpretation 300m
In 1968, Seiko made waves in the watchmaking world by launching the first-ever hi-beat Diver’s watch, setting a new standard for dive watches. Drawing inspiration from that iconic model, Seiko now introduces a modern reinterpretation that preserves the essence of its predecessor, including its robust 300-meter water resistance, while incorporating contemporary features.
Beneath the dual-curved sapphire crystal glass, the watch showcases a crisp white dial with a subtle sand-textured finish, optimized for high contrast in underwater conditions. Every detail is designed with diving in mind: a streamlined case with a comfortable 4 o’clock crown, highly luminous Lumibrite markers for visibility in low light, and a unidirectional rotating bezel that meets ISO diving standards.
Powered by the 8L35 calibre, a movement crafted in Japan’s renowned Shizukuishi Watch Studio, this timepiece is engineered for precision and durability. The calibre offers a 50-hour power reserve and delivers an impressive accuracy of +15/-10 seconds per day, making it a reliable companion for professional divers.
Seiko’s Prospex line, a blend of “Professional” and “Specifications,” continues to live up to its name by offering timepieces designed for extreme environments. Whether for sports enthusiasts or adventure seekers, Prospex watches are built to endure and perform in the most demanding conditions.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph
This mechanical chronograph is a tribute to Seiko’s iconic 1970s motor sports-inspired designs, drawing direct inspiration from the beloved "Seiko Sunrise" (6139) model of 1973. Celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Speedtimer, the watch evokes the radiant hues of a morning sky, with the blue sunrise symbolizing new beginnings, growth, and rebirth—an apt reflection of this milestone.
Beneath the dual-curved sapphire crystal, the striking blue dial is adorned with three white sub-dials and a date window positioned at 4:30. The flow-shaped case design and intricate multi-row bracelet are finished with a super-hard coating, ensuring added scratch resistance for everyday wear.
At its heart is Seiko’s in-house 8R48 mechanical chronograph calibre, offering precise timekeeping through a vertical clutch and column wheel. Despite its robust 42mm diameter, the watch remains practical and comfortable on the wrist with a lug-to-lug measurement of 49.5mm, making it an elegant yet functional piece for both enthusiasts and collectors.
Seiko Prospex GPS Solar Chronograph Speedtimer
Introducing the first-ever GPS Solar Chronograph in Seiko’s Prospex collection, a groundbreaking evolution of the Speedtimer legacy. Building on Seiko’s rich history of world-firsts in chronograph development, this next-generation timepiece showcases the brand’s latest advancements in horology.
Inspired by the iconic 1972 "Panda" chronograph design, the watch retains its monochrome chronograph styling with modern enhancements, including gold-colored accents in celebration of Seiko’s 100th anniversary. Beneath the dual-curved sapphire crystal, the black dial features dual-time display, a high-speed timezone adjustment, and a time transfer function. The inner bezel incorporates a chronograph scale, while the UTC time zone markings along the outer bezel further enhance the legibility of the stopwa
Powered by Seiko’s in-house 5X83 Solar GPS calibre, this watch offers exceptional precision, measuring elapsed time down to 1/20th of a second. Accurate to ±15 seconds per month, the calibre is driven by light, whether natural sunlight or artificial sources, providing a convenient 6-month power reserve when fully charged.
King Seiko KSK 6L Collection
Finally, a little something from King Seiko. In the 1960s, King Seiko watches were at the forefront of Seiko’s advancements in precision, representing the brand’s commitment to innovation. Born from the friendly rivalry between Seiko’s factories, King Seiko quickly became a symbol of the company’s pursuit of technical excellence.
This latest model pays homage to the original 1965 design, featuring a striking silver Sunray-finished dial that exudes classic elegance. The slim KSK case is both sleek and refined, with the sapphire glass edge offering sharp reflections that catch the light. The diamond-cut hour and minute hands, paired with the three-dimensional indices, add a touch of sparkle and sophistication to the overall design.
Powered by Seiko’s in-house 6L35 calibre movement, this timepiece delivers precise accuracy of +15 to -10 seconds per day. With a bi-directional winding system and rapid date-change mechanism, it offers both reliability and functionality, embodying the timeless craftsmanship and innovation that define King Seiko.
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar
Inspired by the vibrant cocktail culture of Japan and the iconic drinks served at Star Bar in Tokyo's upscale Ginza district, these new timepieces take their cues from the city's nightlife. Specifically, they are influenced by the "Night Time Tokyo" cocktail, a signature creation by Star Bar’s acclaimed Head Bartender, Hisashi Kishi. A winner of the prestigious International Bar Association World Championships and honoured as a Contemporary Master Craftsman by the Japanese government, Kishi's artistry extends beyond drinks to inspire these exquisite watches.
The Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar collection features a dial with a black-to-grey gradient, mimicking the visual of ice slowly melting in a cocktail glass, whilst the gold hands evoke the shimmering lights of Tokyo at night, capturing the essence of the city’s dynamic skyline. Each watch is powered by the in-house 4R35 automatic movement, offering a precision of +45/-35 seconds per day and a 40-hour power reserve for reliable performance.
This collection comes in two sizes: the Star Bar Compact Style with a refined 30.3mm case, and a larger version featuring a 40.5mm case, catering to different preferences while maintaining the elegant design inspired by Tokyo’s nightlife.