The editorial team at Chronos Japan has selected five new Seiko watches from their 2024 lineup that we truly want. This year, the company has once again announced a number of fascinating new models that incorporate its rich history and outstanding technical capabilities.
Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 31, 2024]
From 5 Sports to Astron, this year is packed with noteworthy models!
Seiko is one of Japan's leading watch manufacturers. The company boasts a wide range of unique brands, including the casual watch brand Seiko 5 Sports, the serious sports watch brand Prospex, and Presage, which embodies the Japanese aesthetic.
Every year, Seiko releases many new models to thrill watch enthusiasts, and this year has been no exception. King Seiko has added a new collection that inherits the design of the 1969 "45KCM," while Presage has released a collaboration model with a leading Japanese brand. Meanwhile, Prospex and Astron have added new models that show a steady evolution from previous models. The following introductions are only a partial list, but let's take a look back at this year's new releases, focusing on five particularly noteworthy models.
Seiko "King Seiko KS1969" Ref.SDKA017
The King Seiko KS1969 features an impressive case primarily composed of curves. The silver dial of this watch, with its elegant luster, is based on the motif of Tokyo's modern cityscape. Automatic movement (Cal. 6L35). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 45 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 39.4mm, thickness 9.9mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Price: 396,000 yen (tax included).
The 45KCM was released in 1969. The King Seiko KS1969 was inspired by its distinctive design.
The silver dial is lined with bar-type hands and indexes. The index at 12 o'clock is multi-faceted, reminiscent of the feathers of an arrow flying straight towards a target, while the hour and minute hands are three-faceted. While at first glance the design is simple, it is elaborately crafted down to the smallest detail. There is a date window at 3 o'clock, making it convenient for business use as well.
The elegantly curved case reproduces the characteristics of the 45KCM. The bezel and case sides incorporate sharp edges, creating a design that combines softness and sharpness. The case back is engraved with a shield motif, which is symbolic of King Seiko.
The movement is the thin automatic Cal. 6L35, which allows the case to be less than 10mm thick.
In addition to the silver dial "SDKA017," there is also the gorgeous purple dial "SDKA019," the green dial "SDKA021" with a delicate pattern, and the light blue-green "SDKA023," which was released in a limited edition of 700 pieces worldwide to commemorate the Seiko brand's 100th anniversary. All of these models are available exclusively at Seiko Watch Salons.
Seiko "Seiko 5 Sports SNXS" Ref.SBSA255
This model features an attractive, classic design based on the concept of "EDC (Everyday Carry) = A companion to carry around every day." Its compact size is perfect for women and men with thin wrists. Automatic winding (Cal. 4R36). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 41 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 37.4mm, thickness 12.5mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 53,900 yen (tax included).
This new model is based on the Seiko 5 "SNXS model," which was extremely popular overseas. While many modern Seiko 5 Sports models have designs reminiscent of sports watches, this model, based on the concept of "EDC (Everyday Carry)" - a companion you can carry with you every day - features a classic design that is easy to wear in a wide range of situations, both on and off the job.
The glossy black dial features cream-colored luminous indices and hour and minute hands, while the orange seconds hand is a reference to the details often seen on Seiko 5 Sports watches from the 1970s.
The 37.4mm diameter case follows the design characteristics of the SNXS model, known as the "Hebitama" (hebi-tama). The crown is located at the 4 o'clock position, so it does not interfere with the wrist when worn. The three-link stainless steel bracelet is made up of kamaboko-shaped links, providing a smooth wearing experience.
The movement is Seiko's flagship Cal. 4R36, and you can see it in action through the see-through case back.
A hands-on review of the new Seiko 5 Sports series "SNXS"! A nostalgic look at its evolution
FEATURESSeiko Presage "Craftsmanship Series Porter Classic Collaboration Limited Edition Model" Ref.SART005
This limited edition model inherits the design of the "Laurel," which has been recognized as a Mechanical Engineering Heritage by the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. Automatic movement (Cal. 6R5H). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 35mm, thickness 12.3mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Limited to 500 pieces worldwide (250 in Japan). Price: 310,200 yen (tax included).
This limited edition Seiko Presage model was created in collaboration with Porter Classic. The values of both Seiko and Porter Classic resonate with each other, creating a classic Japanese feel that is appealing.
The design is based on the Laurel, which was introduced in 1913 as Japan's first wristwatch. This new model features a black enamel dial, combined with white Arabic numerals for a chic look. A 24-hour subdial is placed at the 6 o'clock position, recreating the atmosphere of the small seconds hand on the original Laurel.
The distinctive case design also incorporates the characteristics of the Laurel. In addition to a large crown with a classical design, it features movable lugs that allow for the attachment of a pull-through strap. The screw-down case back is engraved with the Porter Classic founding logo and serial number, giving it the special feel of a collaboration model.
This product comes in a specially made paulownia wood box and includes an interchangeable leather strap.
Seiko Prospex "Mechanical Divers 1965 Heritage" Ref. SBDC195
A modern design model based on the "62MAS." While maintaining its simple, no-frills design, it has steadily evolved in areas such as water resistance and comfort. Automatic winding (Cal. 6R55). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (40mm diameter, 13mm thick). Water resistant to 300m. Price: 176,000 yen (tax included).
This model is a modern adaptation of the design of the 62MAS, Seiko's first diver's watch, which was released in 1965. It is also the successor to the SBDC101, which was released in 2020 and received high praise.
The square indexes and wide hour and minute hands ensure high visibility, as befits a diver's watch. The date window is located at 4:30 so as not to interfere with reading the time. The dial and bezel are colored blue, giving it a sporty and refreshing impression.
The linear case has a satin finish with some polished areas for a three-dimensional look. The water resistance is up to 300m, the highest level for an air diving watch manufactured by the company, and the specifications have been steadily improved from the previous model.
The stainless steel bracelet has also been updated, with a newly developed design that is more flexible, resulting in a superior wearing comfort.
The movement is Cal. 6R55, which has a long power reserve of approximately 72 hours. This model is exclusively available at Seiko Global Brand Core Shops.
Seiko Astron "Nexter GPS Solar Dual Time Chronograph" Ref. SBXC163
The latest Seiko Astron model features a compact titanium case. The GPS solar movement makes it easy to use, requiring no maintenance. GPS solar (Cal. 5X83). Ti case (42mm diameter, 12.4mm thick). 10 bar water resistance. Price: 286,000 yen (tax included).
The Seiko Astron GPS solar movement model now comes in a compact 42mm case, the smallest size yet for a multi-hand model from the Seiko Astron brand.
The dial features a bold asphalt gray color with a hairline-style embossed pattern, and is equipped with multiple subdials that display a second time zone, the day of the week, and a 1/20th of a second chronograph counter.
The lightweight titanium case features a sporty design common to the Nexter series. It features sharp edges and lugs that seamlessly connect to the bracelet. The square push buttons and large crown make it easy to use.
The bracelet is made of the same titanium as the case, and is made up of H-shaped links with a shorter link pitch for a more comfortable fit.
The Cal. 5X83 used in this model is the latest GPS solar movement. Since it uses GPS instead of standard radio waves to correct the time, it can obtain accurate time information for your current location anywhere on Earth.
