Seiko watches are renowned for their exceptional quality, reliability, and innovation, making them a standout choice for watch enthusiasts. With a rich history dating back to 1881, Seiko has consistently pioneered advancements in watchmaking technology, including the development of the first quartz watch and the revolutionary Spring Drive movement.
Their diverse range of designs caters to all tastes and occasions, from elegant dress watches to rugged dive watches. Seiko's commitment to precision and craftsmanship ensures that each timepiece offers excellent value for money, making them an excellent investment for those seeking a dependable and stylish watch. With this in mind, I decided to go through my Top 5 Seiko Watches in 2024.
5. Seiko Presage Classic Series ‘Shiro-iro’ Open heart
From their new Presage Classic line, comes the SPB469J1. Sharing the same 40mm case design as others within the range, it’s the dial that initially grabs your attention. It has a textured radial design with an off-white hue imitating raw silk yarn. The obvious hole in the dial at 9 o’clock, allows you to see its beating heart pulsing away. This deep recess is reproduced at 6 o’clock with a 24-hour sub-dial. These features set them apart from others in their line-up, which share the same polished hands.
Powered by the calibre 6R5J movement, this will offer up to around 72 hours of power reserve, not bad value for £1060.00. It also offers up a sapphire case back to display the movement and gold rotor.
The multi-row short-linked bracelet wouldn't seem out of place in the 70s when this design would have been more commonplace. The short links, allow it to hug the wrist comfortably without issues. The bracelet features a deployant clasp and push-button release to keep this safe and secure.
4 and 3. Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch
These two new additions from Seiko the SPB451 and SPB453, I’ll tackle together, as they are one of the same watch. From the 1965 Heritage Divers Watch range we have the Prospex, which takes its inspiration from their tool dive watches of the 60s. With a few modern alterations, case dimensions, date position, movement and bracelet changes.
We see the case shrink to 40mm x 46.6mm x 13mm and it keeps the brushed finish we are familiar with. The date now sits comfortably between 4 and 5 o’clock and doesn’t look out of place. Its water resistance has been hiked to 300m and it still has drilled lugs, which I love to see on a watch.
The bracelet offers again, shorter links and a smaller clasp, which aids the comfort on your wrist. The bezels see a black or blue aluminium insert to match the dial colour and protecting it all from the top is the curved sapphire crystal with an AR coating on the inside.
Under the hood is Seiko’s robust 6R55 automatic movement with a 3-day (72-hour) power reserve. The dial too has had a slight shuffle as well as the date move, you now get a proper hour marker at 3 (where once was the date). The date window is rather small, however, I would have preferred them to drop this all together, as it would be a cleaner dial option. I would also like to see this with a rubber strap, as I’m not a bracelet fan, but swapping one would be a breeze as you have the drilled lugs.
Overall, this duo has a great appeal, and at £1200.00 seems a fair price.
2. Seiko Astron
Now for something highly accurate and filled with tech, the Astron SSJ013. A solar GPS-enabled watch that will make travelling within different time zones a breeze. No more guessing what the time difference is, as once this puppy locks on to a GPS signal, the time will automatically update, no matter where in the world you are, ensuring unparalleled accuracy.
Powered by light, it eliminates the need for battery changes, making it both eco-friendly and convenient. The Astron's high-tech capabilities are housed in a sophisticated, durable case, reflecting Seiko's commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Its 41.2mm titanium case takes on a soft octagonal design, almost round at times. The dial has a distinctive blue rectangular pattern akin to the Royal Oak, as does the case has a similar AP vibe. The dial has bold applied indices packed with lume and a multi-use sub-dial showing charge status, in-flight mode & leap second (every leap year). It also features a perpetual calendar which is good until February 28th 2100.
The power reserve in power save can keep this running for up to 2 years. With 100m of water resistance and at £1,800.00, this offers you a lot of bang for buck.
1. Seiko Prospex ‘Pogue’ Solar Chronograph 1969 Re-interpretation
Last up is probably my favourite, the new Pogue, or as Seiko likes to refer to it, the Prosex Solar Chronograph 1969 Re-interpretation. Yes, it is a bit of a mouthful, but you do get an exceptional value for money with this one. The SSC947P1 from the off is eye-catching, it has a starburst golden yellow dial, with 3 black sub-dials, a rotating bezel with a tachymeter scale adorning its blue and red (1 st quarter) bezel. This is of course based on the vintage 6139 from 1969, the worlds first automatic chronograph equipped with both vertical clutch and column wheel, known as the Seiko Speedtimer. This was one of Seiko’s most recognised models from its past, now given a modern touch. This will no doubt be popular again, especially when priced at £600.00.
It will charge in both natural and artificial light and its power reserve will allow 6 months of running without a light source. A 41.4mm case, this is no small wallflower, but those rocking it won’t be worrying about that too much. Fans will be all over this, in fact, it’s currently out of stock, but as its not a limited edition, will be back soon.
