Results for Seiko

Orient Bambino Review: Still The Best Watch For $300?

Ah yes, the Orient Bambino. Over the years this is a watch that I have come to appreciate for what it represents to the broader horological universe, but I also respect the way Teddy, the man, and TEDDY, the business, have been able to truly platform this particular model over the years. Some time ago, for another publication, I penned an essay about the Orient Bambino Version 2 – the model with the applied Roman numerals at 40mm. I boldly proclaimed that, in the wake of the Seiko SKX’s discontinuation, that this watch was the new value king - the unsung best buy in truly affordable automatic watches I still believe that, despite the price creeping up a hair over $300 these days. Of course, the SKX did return in the form of the Seiko 5 Sports SKX series that we will be getting our hands on soon enough but the 42.5mm wide and 13.9mm thick case might trim the potential clientele. And it does cost more than the Bambino at $425. Today, we are looking at two iterations of the Orient Bamino starting with the 40mm Bambino v2 in steel, with its white dial and blued hands. I own the edition with rose gold-toned touches. I actually bought it after writing the aforementioned article. And while I do not wear it a ton, it is one of the watches I appreciate most. It’s a sub-$300 watch that looks and feels like something at five times that price tag. I will also be looking at the 38mm version that was introduced last year as part of a trio on bracelet, an addition that gives the ...

Contextualizing The Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, And SRPL89

Seiko unveiled the new SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, and SRPL89 only a few weeks ago. The new quartet is part of the Seiko 5 Sports lineup, more specifically, the so-called “SKX series.” But with that classification comes some mental gymnastics. When Seiko introduced the 5 Sports line in 2019, the brand was adamant that the newly […] Visit Contextualizing The Seiko 5 Sports SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87, And SRPL89 to read the full article.

Hands-On Review With The New Grand Seiko Spring Drive U.F.A

Grand Seiko’s Spring Drive U.F.A (SLGB003) sets a new benchmark in mechanical watchmaking with an astonishing ±20 seconds per year accuracy. Wrapped in a new slimmer Evolution 9 case and finished with a dial inspired by winter in Shinshu, it’s a masterclass in subtle innovation and timeless elegance. What We Love The Calibre 9RB2 delivers an incredible +/- 20 seconds per year, redefining what is possible from a mainspring-powered mechanical movement The new 37mm case size makes the timepiece highly wearable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The beautifully textured dial captures Grand Seiko’s unique blend of craftsmanship and storytelling. What We Don’t While very comfortable, the standard three-link bracelet feels a little too plain for a release of this calibre. For a groundbreaking caliber, the caseback view feels a little subdued. For such a significant release, the design feels a little too in line with previous Evolution 9 models. Overall Rating: 9.25 / 10 Value for Money: 9.5/10 Wearability: 9.5/10 Design: 9/10 Build Quality: 9/10 Grand Seiko was first established in 1960 as a sister brand to Seiko, created to combat the Swiss watchmakers and their high-end luxury timepieces. While Seiko made affordable everyday timepieces, It was Grand Seiko’s role to create unique, innovative pieces that would cater to the luxury and high-end watchmaking market. Among the many different innovations and stunning dial aesthetics, one key aspect that truly makes Grand S...

Introducing: The Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship SPB499 With An Urushi Dial

The Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship pairs attainable Japanese watchmaking with impressive traditional crafts. We recently saw the introduction of a version with an enamel dial and another with an unglazed porcelain dial. Today, we see yet another version, this time with a dial featuring urushi lacquer. This is the SPB499. The new Seiko Presage […] Visit Introducing: The Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship SPB499 With An Urushi Dial to read the full article.

We’re gonna need a bigger watch: Seiko celebrates Jaws’ 50th anniversary with a limited-edition Prospex Turtle

Seiko show off a sense of humour with a diver commemorating a movie that's done more to put off people from ocean swimming than any other.The post We’re gonna need a bigger watch: Seiko celebrates Jaws’ 50th anniversary with a limited-edition Prospex Turtle appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Fratello’s Top 5 Summer Watches For 2025 - Featuring Doxa, Farer, Seiko, And More

With summer quickly approaching for many of us, it’s time to start thinking about your watch for the long summer days. Some of us will swap a bracelet for a colorful strap, while others will make it their mission to find a new timepiece for the season. We picked five of our recently released favorites […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Summer Watches For 2025 - Featuring Doxa, Farer, Seiko, And More to read the full article.

Seiko Celebrates 50 Years of “Jaws” with Turtle Diver

Seiko marks 50 years since the release of Steven Spielberg’s landmark thriller about a killer shark with the Seiko Prospex JAWS 50th Anniversary Limited Edition. Based on the vintage-inspired “turtle” remake, the Jaws edition will be available only in Japan, United States, Australia, and Taiwan, and is limited to 5,000 examples. Initial Thoughts The Jaws anniversary edition is thoroughly Jaws themed, but subtle enough to blend in alongside the Save the Ocean and PADI special editions. This, combined with the sub-US$1,000 price point, makes for a competent, well-priced automatic dive watch means the watch will appeal to more than just fans of the film. A Jaws-themed dive watch is also a more natural fit than many of Seiko’s other pop-culture themed crossovers, especially since Hooper, one of the film’s protagonists, wears a cushion-cased diver. Don’t go in the water The bi-color dial takes inspiration from the iconic film poster by Roger Kastel. And, the embossed ripping water pattern also conceals the shark itself, which is only visible from certain angles. The Jaws logo below the hands matches the typography of the poster perfectly. The theming continues on the case back, with the fishing boat from the film, Orca, and the shark’s dorsal fin laser etched on the back, along with the limited edition number. The bezel sports a ceramic insert in dark blue Otherwise, it is a standard Seiko “King Turtle” with a 45 mm cushion case that’s water resistant to 20...

Seiko Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Jaws with the Limited Edition SRPL81

Over the last few weeks there’s been plenty of discussion here, on the podcast, and around the internet on the current viability of Seiko as an enthusiast brand. Seiko, to put it plainly, was once at the center of watch enthusiast culture, and now they are quite simply not. The reasons for that are complicated and deserve close examination, but while we examine the state of Seiko it’s important to remember that the brand is still capable of releasing interesting watches that surprise us and put a smile on our faces, even if the pleasure derived from them is a bit more fleeting than that of an all-time enthusiast classic. Case in point: the new SRPL81, otherwise known as the Jaws 50th Anniversary Limited Edition. Yes, Seiko made a dive watch to celebrate the anniversary of Jaws, a movie that has famously been the root of a fear of the oceans across generations.  There’s little that needs to be said about Jaws that hasn’t been said at this point, right? It’s one of the greatest movies ever made, and a film that should have been impossible to produce, made by a gifted but inexperienced director still in his 20s and shot largely on the water, something which to that point had never really been attempted. Jaws singlehandedly paved the way for the modern blockbuster, upending the traditional release strategy for movies coming out of major studios. It’s still, 50 years later, the ultimate summer movie, and still has the power to frighten us and make us laugh (Hooper ...

First Look - The new Seiko Presage Classic Series Urushi Dial SPB499

With its Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship, Seiko has been exploring multiple facets of Japanese culture. Whether it’s about the materials used to create the dials, the designs inspired by antique Japanese textiles or ceramics or some of the earliest watches done by the brand, Presage is all about refined execution. On the topic of traditional […]

Introducing: The Seiko 5 SRPL91 And SRPL93 - Re-Editions Of The “Gene Kranz” 6119-8460 Sports Diver

“Failure is not an option,” said actor Ed Harris in the 1995 movie Apollo 13 as he directed the successful efforts by the Mission Control team to save the crew. Harris played the role of Gene Kranz, the actual Chief Flight Director during that mission and many more, including Apollo 11, the first lunar-landing mission. […] Visit Introducing: The Seiko 5 SRPL91 And SRPL93 - Re-Editions Of The “Gene Kranz” 6119-8460 Sports Diver to read the full article.

First Look - The New Seiko Prospex Diver PADI Specials SPB501 & SRPL51

Since 1966, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors has evolved into one of the two world-leading and very trusted scuba diving organisations (the other being Scuba Schools International, or SSI). With thousands of certified diving centres spread around the world, PADI is a go-to name for everyone who wants to learn how to dive safely. […]

First Look - The New All-Blue Seiko Prospex Diver 200m Samurai SRPL53

What you see is quite literally what you get with this new Samurai by Seiko. Born as the more edgy, contemporary counterpart to Seiko’s many heritage-inspired dive watches, the Samurai was introduced in 2004 and redesigned completely in 2024. Now, a year onward from the burgundy and black models that introduced us to a smaller […]

Seiko Introduces Two Emerald-Green Prospex PADI Editions With The SPB501 And SRPL53

Seiko has given us a multitude of PADI Editions over the past decade or so. I am the proud owner of the Seiko Turtle SRPA21 PADI Edition that came out in 2016. I don’t wear it often these days, but I used to wear it a lot after buying it. That watch is why I […] Visit Seiko Introduces Two Emerald-Green Prospex PADI Editions With The SPB501 And SRPL53 to read the full article.

Gene Kranz and the shield live again - Seiko 5 Sports SRPL91 and SRPL93

New old Seiko 5 logo for the return of an unlikely NASA legend.The post Gene Kranz and the shield live again – Seiko 5 Sports SRPL91 and SRPL93 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

First Look - The 1960s-Inspired Seiko 5 Sports SRPL91 and SRPL93

Created under the name Sportsmatic 5 in 1963, the accessible yet robust collection of Seiko quickly evolved following its initial success to gain ruggedness and sports credentials in 1968, becoming the Seiko 5 Sports collection – intended for a younger, more active generation and retaining the defining features of classic Seiko 5 models. Revived a […]

Seiko’s Affordable Presage Gets an “Unglazed Porcelain” Dial

Seiko has introduced a new addition to its line of affordable dress watches, the Presage Craftsmanship “Unglazed Arita Porcelain” ref. SPB497. This limited edition retains the accessible pricing the Presage is known for, but is more than just affordable. Unlike previous models with glossy porcelain dials, this has a matte texture that enhances the rhombus patterned surface, traditionally a symbol of prosperity and health in Japan. Initial Thoughts When Seiko launched the first enamel-dialed Presage in 2013, it was an incredible value. In the years since, Seiko has expanded the range with more ambitious designs, and other materials such as Arita porcelain and Urushi lacquer, though the dial decoration techniques employed are uniformly traditional and Japanese. While the Presage models are still accessibly priced, this new model is US$1,850. The price tag is no longer the most compelling aspect but the dials themselves are still interesting in themselves. Unglazed porcelain dials are already almost non-existent, and the diamond pattern makes it even more interesting. Supporting traditional craft arts is also admirable, and has seen great success in the Swiss watch industry, albeit at a much higher price point. The new model employs the familiar Presage case, which is on the large side for a simple, dress watch, and the 27 mm diameter movement could easily fit into a smaller case. However, since a larger case also means a larger dial, it can be forgiven. Unglazed Dial Ari...

As the Swiss struggle, Seiko continues to soar

Recent sales figures from Seiko starkly contrast the (Swiss) narrative that the watch industry is struggling right now.The post As the Swiss struggle, Seiko continues to soar appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

The 65 Best Seiko Watches For 2026

When considering the most versatile watch brands in terms of both global reach and variety within their own brand portfolio, it’s difficult to identify a brand that surpasses Seiko. In 1881, a young entrepreneur by the name of Kintaro Hattorri (pictured below), opened up a shop in Tokyo's Ginza where he sold and repaired watches and clocks. At just 21 years old, Hattori took a massive risk in hopes of creating something bigger. These hopes were realized in the coming century as the watch brand he created established numerous watchmaking milestones and eventually changed the course of the entire watch industry with the release of the legendary Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, in 1969. In more recent years Seiko has established itself as one of the most beloved brands on the market, offering a wide range of styles from dressy to sporty to space-age high-tech and all for what most would consider very accessible prices. In this blog, we dive into the wide world of Seiko watches, naming our favorites from the brand's major families, in hopes of providing a jumping-off point for your own research into a potential next purchase. Some Ground Rules Given the number of watches that could be included, we will need to draw the line somewhere, so don’t be concerned if one of your favorite Seiko models is not on the list. We will focus primarily on regular-production models, not limited editions that may be unavailable before too long. We've envision...

eBay Finds: A Funky Tissot in Great Condition, a Seiko 5 on a Bracelet, and a Pair of Vintage Zodiacs

eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at info@wornandwound.com for potential inclusion Vintage Longines Here we have a beautiful vintage Longines Jamboree. This is a great casual sporty dress watch, well suited for a day on the town or with a suit at a nice dinner. The 35mm steel case looks unpolished with sharp edges, and perfectly preserved original etching on the caseback. Nice slim lugs too. The silver dial looks clean, with slim applied steel markers and nice steel sword hands. No date window to mess with the soothing symmetry. The crown is original and signed with the Longines logo as it should be. The Longines caliber 230 manual wind movement is clean and runs well per the seller. Fantastic watch from a well respected manufacture that you don’t see too often. View auction here Vintage Zodiac Sea Wolf  Next up is a classic and highly sought-after vintage diver, a second generation Zodiac Sea Wolf. This version has the gray acrylic bezel insert, which is in excellent condition, with only one small crack near the 20 minute mark. The steel case (around 35mm if memory serves) is unpolished with nice edges. The original crown is signed with the Zodiac crosshair logo as it should be. The original black dial is superb, with nice lume filled triangle markers at 12, 6 and ...

Seiko Introduces the SPB497, a New Limited Edition in the Presage Collection with an Unglazed Porcelain Dial

Last week in this space, I wrote about a crop of new Seiko 5 Sports watches more than a little indebted to the classic SKX line of divers, and there was, perhaps, some concern trolling about the current state of the Seiko brand. In my view, there’s no denying that Seiko’s grip on the enthusiast world has loosened a bit when it comes to watches in this genre. There are just so many options these days at competitive price points, brands that are willing to experiment and take risks, and Seiko is a little left behind making watches that are exactly fine but break little new ground, cost more than they did five years ago, and are missing some key features (screw down crowns, etc.) that a certain type of collector insists upon. So that’s the state of affairs with their entry-level sports watches, but of course that’s only a sliver of what Seiko actually produces. Another tentpole of Seiko enthusiasm (though perhaps a bit less widely celebrated) is their Presage line. Seiko Presage watches tend to be dressier pieces that exist to celebrate traditional Japanese craftsmanship and culture. Over the years, a number of watches in the Presage collection have achieved a level of classic status in the enthusiast world (the various “Cocktail Time” watches immediately come to mind). Among my personal favorites in the Presage collection are watches with dials crafted with urushi lacquer and enamel, and earlier this week Seiko announced a reference representing a first for the b...

We sit down with Director and Senior VP of Seiko Munehisa Shibasaki to chat new Grand Seiko Melbourne boutique, and more

Grand Seiko officially opens Melbourne boutique, and we get to chat to the gentleman steering the ship.The post We sit down with Director and Senior VP of Seiko Munehisa Shibasaki to chat new Grand Seiko Melbourne boutique, and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Introducing: The Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Unglazed Arita Porcelain Dial Limited Edition SPB497

Let me present you with a dilemma. What dial type do you prefer - lush lacquer, enticing enamel, or pristine porcelain? It’s a difficult choice, right? Before reaching your verdict, please have a look at the new Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Unglazed Arita Porcelain Dial Limited Edition. This watch highlights artisanal qualities, resulting in […] Visit Introducing: The Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Unglazed Arita Porcelain Dial Limited Edition SPB497 to read the full article.

First Look - The New Seiko Presage Classic Series Unglazed Arita Porcelain SPB497

Seiko has shown great skill and creativity when it comes to its watches, mostly in the art of dial making. Ranging from simple to complex, there’s always an interesting story surrounding the inspiration and the creation of its dials. Whether it be a texture of Edo silk, or the shift in colour in the waters […]

Hands-On: the Trafford Watch Co. Daytripper

I have the unfortunate obligation to begin this review with a shocking admission: Zach Kazan was right. Some time ago, during one of my back-to-back travel periods where I jumped through time zones, I had a spirited debate with our Managing Editor. I maintained that I not only enjoyed having a GMT, but needed one to keep my timing straight; while Zach insisted that I was wrong. In the past, a traveller’s GMT had been an invaluable tool in the workplace, keeping me mindful of editors working in other time zones. Yet, Zach argued that all you needed was an independently adjustable hour hand and some basic math skills. If you are working across time zones, do the math. If you are traveling through them, change the hour without messing with minutes and seconds. Immediately upon landing back in New York from a trip to London, I started looking for an Omega Aqua Terra.  During my search, it struck me as odd that this jumping hours complication (without an associated GMT) was not more widely seen, and never really on the more attainable side of things. Sure, you can find it in models from Omega, parts of Citizen’s The Citizen collection, the Ming 17.09, and newer Grand Seiko 9F models; but all of those will set you back a few thousand dollars. That is, until now. As if from some stroke of divine intervention, I received word of a new watch coming from Trafford Watch Co., utilizing a clever movement alteration to achieve this complication at a much more attainable price point...

14 of the greatest Grand Seikos yet, and why they matter

Our guide to the best Grand Seiko references of the modern era, and why they're so important.The post 14 of the greatest Grand Seikos yet, and why they matter appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

17 of the best Japanese watch brands from rugged value to Dufour-praiseworthy wonders

We all know and love Seiko and Casio, but what about lesser-known, but equally as amazing brands from Japan?The post 17 of the best Japanese watch brands from rugged value to Dufour-praiseworthy wonders appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Sunday Morning Showdown: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 “Lavender” Vs. Grand Seiko “Kiri” SBGW323

Welcome to another installment of Sunday Morning Showdown. This week, we decided to put the Swiss up against the Japanese, each with a purple-dial stainless steel watch of their own. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual with a lavender dial represents the Swiss, while the Grand Seiko “Kiri” SBGW323 represents the Japanese. Both came out during Watches […] Visit Sunday Morning Showdown: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 “Lavender” Vs. Grand Seiko “Kiri” SBGW323 to read the full article.

The Seiko Sportsmatic 5: A beloved daily-wearer since 1963

Born to adhere to five design elements, the Seiko 5 Sports watch has been a go-to starter, daily-wearer watch for over 6 decades.The post The Seiko Sportsmatic 5: A beloved daily-wearer since 1963 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Seiko Introduced Four New References to the 5 Sports Series, and Almost No One is Talking About Them

Seiko, through their Seiko 5 Sports line, recently unveiled a watch that, five or six years ago, probably would have broken the watch internet. The SKX Series is a collection within the Seiko 5 Sports lineup that directly references the SKX line of Seiko divers, which are perhaps the most iconic of all enthusiast focused watches. The SKX Series under the Seiko 5 Sports banner is not new, but this new quartet of divers feels like the most direct callback to the classic SKX007 and SKX009 yet.  When the SKX watches were discontinued, it was the talk of the watch internet. And the (re)introduction of the Seiko 5 Sports line, as a pseudo-replacement, also drove a lot of conversation, much of it dismissive, or yearning for the “old days” of Seiko when the truly affordable SKX watches (real dive watches, we were always reminded) could be purchased easily by any budding collector. These new watches which connect directly to that SKX lineage say a lot about the state of the brand, and their reception to this point, I think, says even more about the community.  Before we get too deep into the meta-commentary of what these watches mean in enthusiast circles, let’s quickly get some basic objective stats out of the way. The new references (the SRPL83, SRPL85, SRPL87 and SRPL89, which feature blue, black, yellow and orange dials, respectively) all measure identically to the Seiko 5 Sports watches which debuted back in 2019. That means cases coming in at 42.5mm in diameter, 13.9m...

Grand Seiko UFA SLGB003G Hands On! The World’s Most Accurate Mechanical Watch