The Best Watches Introduced by SEIKO in 2021

Each year, Seiko releases a string of new models across all of its collections. And with such a broad portfolio, you can never really predict what’s coming from the Japanese manufacturer. And whilst we only focus on mechanical watchmaking, including the Spring Drive powered watches, of course, there’s still plenty to choose from when deciding upon the best watches of the year. Adding Seiko’s 140th-anniversary celebrations to the mix has resulted in a stellar range of novelties. Going through them all is a challenge, but here are our five best new collections.

Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-creation SJE085

The clue is in the name as this is quite a faithful recreation of the first Seiko Laurel Alpinist made in 1959. Originally designed to be used by Yama-Otoko, or mountain men, it had to be legible and robust. The new Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-Creation SJE085 mimics the look of the original one very closely, with a similar styled dial and indices yet in a sharper, slightly more modern execution. The dimension of the vintage-looking case are quite modest, at just 36.6mm across and 11.1mm in height. Inside ticks Seiko’s in-house 6L35 calibre with automatic winding and a good 45-hour power reserve. The watch can be worn as is or with a leather cuff (like the one we photographed below).

Our article has all the details of the Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Re-Creation SJE085.

Quick Facts – 36.6mm x 11.1mm – stainless steel case, polished – box-shaped sapphire crystal – closed steel caseback – 100m water-resistance – glossy black dial with applied and segmented indices – Dauphine hands – LumiBrite elements – calibre 6L35, in-house – automatic winding – 28,800vph – 45h power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds (hacking), date – brown calfskin leather strap with removable cuff – limited edition of 1,959 pieces – EUR 3,000

Seiko Prospex Land “Tortoise” Collection

Seiko’s watches have earned plenty of nicknames like Turtle, Tuna, Monster, Samurai, etc. So when a Seiko Turtle-styled watch intended for exploration on land was introduced, the name “Tortoise” was easy picking. The Seiko Prospex Land “Tortoise” collection uses a similar shaped case to its Turtle companion, but with a few differences. One is the size, which is 42.4mm across instead of 45mm. The other is the compass scale bezel insert, intended for navigational purposes instead of timing a dive. Details on the dial and hands are also slightly different. Each of the four available references relies on the 4R35 calibre, a classic entry-level movement by Seiko.

Our article has all the details of the Seiko Prospex Land “Tortoise” Collection.

Quick Facts – 42.4mm x 11.7mm – stainless steel case, brushed and polished – rotating bezel with compass scale – screw-down crown – sapphire crystal – 200m water-resistance  – beige, blue, black or brown dial – applied indices and hands with LumiBrite – Seiko calibre 4R35, in-house – automatic winding – 21,600vph – 23 jewels – 45h power reserve – textile or leather strap with pin buckle – EUR 540 (SRPG13K1, SRPG15K1, SRPG17K1) or EUR 590 (SRPG18K1, gold-coloured case)

Seiko Re-creation of King Seiko KSK SJE083

An internal rivalry between Seiko’s Suwa Seikosha and Daini Seikosha resulted in the creation of Grand Seiko and King Seiko sub-brands in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This rivalry led to a race to become the Seiko Group’s flagship brand. Grand Seiko came out on top, and eventually, the King Seiko name vanished from the catalogues. Until this year, when Seiko presented the Re-Creation of King Seiko KSK SJE083, positioned between Seiko and Grand Seiko. The watch is a faithful re-edition of the King Seiko 44-990 from the mid-1960s. The 38.1mm wide and 11.4mm steel case has a crisp design typical of the early days of Seiko. The silver dial with a sunray-brushed finishing has Zaratsu-polished indices and hands. The only alteration is the inclusion of a date function, positioned at 3 o’clock. The caseback, featuring a recreation of the gold King Seiko emblem, hides the 6L35 automatic movement.

All the details on the Seiko Re-creation of King Seiko KSK SJE083 are here.

Quick Facts – 38.1mm x 11.4mm – stainless steel case with super-hard coating, Zaratsu polished – box-shaped sapphire crystal – screwed steel caseback with golden emblem – 50m water-resistance – sunray-brushed silver dial – applied faceted polished indices – polished hands with polished bevels – framed date window – calibre 6L35, in-house – automatic winding – 28,800vph – 45h power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds (hacking), date – black crocodile leather strap – limited edition of 3,000 pieces – EUR 3,400

Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT Collection

The Seiko Presage collection combines the best Japanese craftsmanship with Seiko’s technical expertise and excellent value for money. Last year we saw the introduction of the Presage Sharp Edged series, and this year the collection was expanded with a GMT model. The range is about strong lines, sharp angles and facets and colourful textured dials. Four models are available, including the white dial limited edition SPB223J1. Black, dark green or blue dials are paired with polished and faceted indices, sharp hands, a contrasting central GMT hand and a two-tone 24h scale on the outer edge. The geometric pattern on the dial is called an Asanoha hemp-leaf motif. Visible under the sapphire crystal caseback is the 6R64 automatic movement indicating central hours and minutes, small seconds, GMT and power reserve.

Our article has all the details of the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT Collection.

Quick Facts – 42.2mm x 13.7mm – stainless steel with super-hard coating, brushed and polished – fixed 24h bezel – sapphire crystal on both sides – 100m water-resistance – Japanese Asanoha hemp-leaf patterned dial in four colours – faceted, brushed and polished markers and hands – LumiBrite elements – Seiko calibre 6R64, in-house – automatic winding – 28,800vph – 45h power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds, date by hand, GMT and power reserve indication – integrated stainless steel bracelet, brushed and polished – EUR 1,500

Seiko Presage Arita Porcelain Blue Dial SPB267J1

Cementing Seiko’s legacy of creating stunning dials inspired by Japanese culture is the Presage Arita Porcelain Bleu SPB267J1. Presented late in the year, it features the elegant shapes of the Presage collection fitted with an unusual light-blue porcelain dial. Arita porcelain is uniquely Japanese and results in a milky, glossy surface. The blue tone is very soft, and around the recessed edges of the power reserve and date indications, you can see the white porcelain coming through. The result is surprising and indicative of Seiko’s craftsmanship. The 6R27 automatic movement can be seen through the back and provides 45 hours of autonomy.

Our article has all the details of the Seiko Presage Arita Porcelain Blue Dial.

Quick Facts – 40.6mm x 14.1mm – stainless steel, brushed and polished – sapphire crystal on both sides – 100m water-resistance – light blue “ruri zome” Arita porcelain dial – blue hands and indices – calibre 6R27, in-house – automatic winding – 29 jewels – 28,800vph – 45h power reserve – hours, minutes, seconds, date, power reserve – 3-link brushed and polished steel bracelet – limited edition of 2,000 pieces, available from January 2022 – EUR 1,950

For more information, please visit SeikoWatches.com.