Time+Tide
Our favourite Grand Seiko watches of 2024
Grand Seiko released a ton of watches this year, but we managed to narrow down our five favourites.The post Our favourite Grand Seiko watches of 2024 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Results for Seiko NH35 / NH36
3,243 articles · 115 videos found · page 38 of 112
Time+Tide
Worn & Wound
Seiko Introduces Cherry Blossom Inspired Astron References
Cherry blossoms have long been associated with Japan – and for good reason. These delicate little blossoms contribute an astounding $2.7 billion into the economy with over 63 million people (a number that includes both tourists and those living in Japan) viewing them annually. There’s even a word for this annual custom – hanami, meaning to stroll along, enjoy the blossoms, and nature’s transience. Now, isn’t that beautiful? Though the visual appeal of cherry blossoms might just be one of Japan’s strongest soft-power exports, you have to admit it’s a little overplayed. Yes, I know what I’m saying is a little controversial, but hear me out. After a while, the same old white and pink flowers on a skinny little twig just loses any impact of its natural beauty. You see it so much on towels, keychains, and stationery, one becomes blind to the fact that cherry blossoms are beautiful. It’s a sort of visual desensitization, if you ask me. That’s why I’m quite happy to see the two new models from Seiko being released early next year as Astron GPS Solar 2025 Limited Editions, the SSH171 and SSJ029. Both references are inspired by sakura, but not in the traditional sense. Instead of focusing on spring strolls during the daytime, Seiko has produced two watches that look to the starlight as their guiding principle. In doing so, we have two tonally rich watches that aren’t so clichéd. Like all well-designed Japanese products, the watches in this limited edition s...
Time+Tide
Grand Seiko makes the SBGH349 Icefall larger, but also more lightweight – and also proves a trend
Grand Seiko outfits the Icefall dial with a 40mm High-Intensity Titanium case.The post Grand Seiko makes the SBGH349 Icefall larger, but also more lightweight – and also proves a trend appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Hands-On With The Colorfully Elegant Grand Seiko SBGH349 “Icefall” In Titanium
Whenever I read the word “icefall,” my mind wanders to climbing Mount Everest. To reach the top of the world on the Nepal side of the mountain, you must pass the Khumbu Icefall early on to reach Camp 1. It’s a notoriously dangerous start to your journey to the summit. This is part of the […] Visit Hands-On With The Colorfully Elegant Grand Seiko SBGH349 “Icefall” In Titanium to read the full article.
Fratello
Fratelli Stories: Retrieving NASA Rocket Boosters While Wearing A Seiko
Our Fratelli Stories series shares some of the wonderful and interesting backstories of our readers around the world. Today, we speak with Robert Eames, who is an enthusiast for all sorts of watches and has a fascinating backstory. One vintage Seiko has particular resonance with him. Fratello reader Robert Eames wrote in after a story […] Visit Fratelli Stories: Retrieving NASA Rocket Boosters While Wearing A Seiko to read the full article.
SJX Watches
Hands On: Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph SBGC275
Twenty-twenty four marks the 20th anniversary of Grand Seiko’s 9R Spring Drive movement platform, an occasion the brand has chosen to mark with a range of anniversary editions including the Grand Seiko Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary SBGC275. A large, richly detailed watch with a captivating dial, the SBGC275 is robust, interesting, and capable of nearly anything, short of fitting under a short cuff. Initial thoughts At first glance, the SBGC275 looks like just a Spring Drive chronograph with a red dial. But a closer look reveals a highly nuanced colour that changes from red to orange depending on the angle – the result of a proprietary dial coating technique. At 44.5 mm in diameter and nearly 17 mm thick, the SBGC275 is unapologetically big and bold. That said, the watch feels smaller than it is thanks to the use of titanium for the case and bracelet, and the unusually wide 23 mm lug width helps reduce the visual size. This latter dimension may limit the options for aftermarket straps, but since most owners will likely stick with the bracelet, this concern is largely academic. The watch is powered by an upgraded version of the familiar cal. 9R86 Spring Drive chronograph GMT movement, which made its debut in 2007. But eagle-eyed movement geeks will notice the SBGC275 is equipped with the fine-tuned cal. 9R96 first seen in 2017, which was also used in the Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary edition. In many ways, the SBGC275 captures Grand Seiko’s strengths and weaknesses. The b...
Fratello
Does The Seiko Turtle Still Punch Above Its Weight?
Seiko is a brand that many consider the gateway drug to entry-level mechanical watches. It is also a rare example of a watchmaker that produces anything from affordable timepieces to expensive and high-end watches. The Seiko “Turtle” exemplifies the brand’s ability to punch hard in the affordable segment. The Seiko SRPE93 (formerly known as the […] Visit Does The Seiko Turtle Still Punch Above Its Weight? to read the full article.
Monochrome
Introducing – Seiko Meets Street Culture With The 5 Sports HUF Limited Edition SRPL33
Seiko’s humble and fun 5 Sports series of watches are revered for their value-for-money, and often fresh combinations of colours and styles. Through numerous limited edition, the Japanese powerhouse also likes to have a little fun with the platform, resulting in some very visually impactful watches, tying in watchmaking with pop culture, movie starts or […]
SJX Watches
A Grand Seiko 44GS in Purple-Pink Only for Asia
Grand Seiko marks the second anniversary of its establishment in the Asia-Pacific with the Heritage Collection 44GS “Fuji” SBGJ285. Featuring a purple-pink dial inspired by the wisteria flower, this limited edition is based on the reinterpretation of the vintage 44GS and its distinctive wide-flanked case. The case and bracelet are in Ever-Brilliant steel, a proprietary steel alloy that’s harder and shinier than conventional watchmaking steel. Powered by the high-frequency automatic cal. 9S86, the SBGJ285 features “true GMT” functionality with an independently adjustable hour hand. Initial thoughts As a long-time fan of Grand Seiko, I love the patterned dials and Zaratsu case polishing. The SBGJ285 exemplifies the essence of Grand Seiko. Though Grand Seiko does put out a significant number of limited editions, this one stands out for its unusual purple-pink colour, which is a different shade from the “salmon” dials that are now in vogue. The watch also reflects the brand’s traditional strengths and weaknesses. The case and dial finishing are excellent, particularly at this price point. However, the bracelet is not as refined as sophisticated as that of the competition. That said, this will look good on a leather strap, especially given the vintage-inspired 44GS case pairs well with a strap. Conveniently, this limited edition is delivered with both a steel bracelet and a calfskin strap. Wisteria flower The limited edition retains the standard case of the “...
Worn & Wound
The Three Watch Collection for $5,000: Reader Edition – Mark Alamares Picks A JDM Seiko Trio
Editor’s note: In this week’s 3 Watch Collection for $5,000, reader Mark Alamares picks a theme and sticks with it. His collection consists of three sporty Seikos, but these are all JDM models that differ just slightly (well, sometimes more than slightly) from their counterparts available in the United States, and elsewhere. Collecting JDM Seiko is a rabbit hole within a rabbit hole, and Mark makes a compelling case for why diving into these slightly tougher to obtain Seikos is worth the additional effort. You can make your submission to the Three Watch Collection – Reader Edition by filling out the form right here. The theme of my $5,000 trio is Neo-Vintage (late 1990’s to early 2000’s) JDM Titanium Seiko’s that cover the gambit of Air, Land, and Sea (prior service U.S. Marine, 2001-2011). While this theme may not be for everyone, there’s a certain level of difficulty in acquiring clean examples of these watches that I must say is extremely gratifying. Much more so than just crunching the numbers and hitting your targets on the new market. You’ll have to do some research, make some connections, and enjoy a lot of insightful back-and-forth while on the hunt for a trio like this. Think niche JDM watch dealers on Instagram. So, as great as the destination is, the journey is equally as satisfying. Yes, pricing may vary depending on many external factors but in reality, I’ve never had $5,000 burning-a-hole-in-my-pocket to the point where I had to get...
Time+Tide
What’s next for Seiko’s Australian limited-edition adventures?
Australia has been treated to quite a few limited-edition Seikos recently. What's next?The post What’s next for Seiko’s Australian limited-edition adventures? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The surprising way Seiko will survive the watch slump
Seiko's not-so-secret systems segment, which dabbles in AI and car sharing among other areas, is boosting its bottom line.The post The surprising way Seiko will survive the watch slump appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
How Seiko’s “The Gift of Time” short documentary has made me appreciate my most prized watch even more
Seiko's "The Gift of Time" film showcases why its romantic interpretation of time is not just mere marketing - it is integral to Japan's culture.The post How Seiko’s “The Gift of Time” short documentary has made me appreciate my most prized watch even more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Introducing: The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph SSC953 European Limited Edition
Around this time two years ago, Seiko introduced its first trio of Speedtimer Solar Chronograph models. The series combines vintage-inspired looks with modern technology at an affordable price, making it a tempting proposition that many watch enthusiasts embraced. Since then, the line has been slowly expanding with variations in different sizes and colorways. The newest […] Visit Introducing: The Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph SSC953 European Limited Edition to read the full article.
Time+Tide
Seiko President Akio Naito on Grand Seiko’s impressive growth, community engagement, and making icons
As Grand Seiko eyes further Australian (and global) expansion, CEO Akio Naito reveals the brand is committed to closely listening to its fans.The post Seiko President Akio Naito on Grand Seiko’s impressive growth, community engagement, and making icons appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
WatchAdvice
REVIEW: Hands-On With Seiko’s Latest Prospex Alpinist Australasia Limited Edition
The Seiko Prospex Alpinist Australasia Limited Edition combines rugged functionality with a distinctive design, featuring a dial inspired by the Australian landscape! What We Love: The polished finishing of the case and bezel The red dial has many different layers to it with different patterns and finishing techniques. Great value for money, especially with the increase in power reserve with 6R35 movement and open case back. What We Don’t: The leather strap can be a bit stiff initially Lack of a steel bracelet option for the watch Cyclops date window could be slightly larger to allow for better viewing angles. Overall Rating: 9/10 Value for Money: 9.5/10 Wearability: 8.5/10 Design: 9/10 Build Quality: 9/10 The Seiko Alpinist is a timepiece that has gained global recognition for meeting the needs of adventurers. The timepiece has long held a special place in Seiko’s lineup, and it is well known for meeting the needs of mountain climbers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. The Seiko Alpinist was first introduced in 1959, and back then, it was the brand’s first attempt at creating a timepiece specifically designed for mountaineers. During the 1960s and 70s, Japan’s hiking culture was thriving. So Seiko responded by creating a beautiful timepiece that considered what an adventurer’s watch would entail. The timepiece was designed to endure the harsh conditions while still being stylistic! The first Seiko Alpinist released in 1959 was named Laurel Alpinist. The very fi...
Fratello
Restoring The Seiko 5 That Accompanied Me Across Asia
Seiko 5 is a watch line synonymous with entering the watch hobby. It is full of reliable, affordable, and rugged automatic watches. They’re the epitome of what makes Seiko one of the most significant watch manufacturers in the world and have long been a default choice for an entry-level mechanical timepiece. My first mechanical watch […] Visit Restoring The Seiko 5 That Accompanied Me Across Asia to read the full article.
Time+Tide
Seiko’s latest limited edition, the Prospex Alpinist SPB489, evokes the Australian Outback’s heat haze
This Australia-inspired limited-edition Seiko features a red-hot dial that shimmers like an Outback desert mirage.The post Seiko’s latest limited edition, the Prospex Alpinist SPB489, evokes the Australian Outback’s heat haze appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
WatchAdvice
REVIEW: Hands On With The Seiko 5 Sports 1968 Heritage Design Re-creation
With a chic vintage style, retro sporty looks, and a design blueprint pulled from 1968, The Seiko 5 Sports 1968 Heritage ticks a lot of boxes! What We Love: The silver brushed dial with touches of colour on the seconds hand and writing The vintage racer strap gives off those retro vibes The size will suit most wrists What We Don’t: The bracelet design doesn’t look as good as the strap Bi-directional beel is smooth rotating, with nothing to lock it in place at a reference point The case style may not be to everyone’s liking Overall Rating: 8.5/10 Value for Money: 8.5/10 Wearability: 9/10 Design: 8/10 Build Quality: 8.5/10 Vintage has been the theme this year for Seiko, and while it may seem we’ve reviewed this piece already, fear not, as this is another vintage re-creation that Seiko has pulled from their archives from 1968. During the middle of the year, Seiko released the Seiko 5 Sports 1968 Heritage Design Re-creation, a piece that has been done as a faithful tribute to the 1968 Seiko 5 Sports, and in their words, done as close to the original as possible. “Reproduced in a size and shape as close as possible to the original, the reissued design is powered by the tried-and-trusted Calibre 4R36 automatic movement. The new creation strikes a perfect balance between the nostalgic design of the original and the modern watchmaking technology of today.” Seiko The original Seiko 5 Sports from 1968. Image courtesy of Seiko RELATED READING: REVIEW: Hands On With Th...
SJX Watches
Affordable Seiko Sports Duo Exclusively for SE Asia
Seiko has just announced a pair of regional exclusives for its longtime distributor in Southeast Asia, the Seiko 5 Sports SSK043K1 and Prospex Speedtimer SSC951P1 Thong Sia Group Editions. Available only in Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, and Brunei, the Thong Sia Group (TSG) limited editions are inspired by basketball, hence the salmon dials with black accents that echo the colour of the balls. The solar-powered Speedtimer chronograph Initial thoughts Seiko produces some of the best offerings in the affordable price segment, and the TSG duo demonstrate that amply with strong price-performance ratios. The Seiko 5 Sports, for instance, is an automatic with second time zone for 654 Singapore dollars, or about US$500. While the basketball link is a bit of a stretch, the metallic-finish copper (or “salmon”) dials are appealing. Though the shade is popular, the colour is less common in affordable sports watches in this price range, making this pair a little more interesting. The Seiko 5 Sports with a GMT function A handy travel watch The TSG edition is based on the Seiko 5 Sports GMT, which is basically a diver-style watch with a second time zone function. It has a stainless steel case that is 42.5 mm in diameter and 13.6 mm high. Water resistant to 100 m, the case is satin-brushed on top with mirror-polished bevels on the side of the lugs. In traditional Seiko 5 style, it has the crown positioned at four o’clock, which was originally conceived to indicate the w...
Fratello
Hands-On With The Latest Grand Seiko European Limited Editions
Last week, I met with the Grand Seiko UK team at Japan House in South Kensington, London. The brand occupied a space at the cultural center and brought the latest European Limited Editions. The lights were bright, and the antireflective crystals worked overtime, but we managed a few decent shots. Earlier this month, we previewed […] Visit Hands-On With The Latest Grand Seiko European Limited Editions to read the full article.
Fratello
Date Windows: Embracing Their Functional Beauty With Examples From Grand Seiko, Laurent Ferrier, Oris, And More
As an admittedly vain man, I understand the wristwatch as more than an instrument, embracing its jewelry-like presence. After all, the adage that men are not allowed to wear any other jewelry still rings true, especially when your partner catches another order confirmation pinging on your phone. But to me, functionality is still king, including […] Visit Date Windows: Embracing Their Functional Beauty With Examples From Grand Seiko, Laurent Ferrier, Oris, And More to read the full article.
Quill & Pad
Why I Bought It: Grand Seiko Seasons Winter “Taisetsu” SBGA415
Raman Kalra initially preferred the Grand Seiko Skyflake case shape over the Snowflake, and found the light blue dial attractive. However, after considering Grand Seiko more seriously, he looked at a range of references. and it didn’t take him long to find the SBGA415 Winter.
Time+Tide
Seiko teams up with Porter Classic for the Laurel-inspired Presage SPB449
Seiko collaborates with Japanese sartorial brand Porter Classic, producing a black enamel-dialled tribute to the Laurel.The post Seiko teams up with Porter Classic for the Laurel-inspired Presage SPB449 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
WatchAdvice
REVIEW: Hands On With The Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Heritage Diver
We go hands-on with the newly released Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Heritage Diver’s Watch to see how heritage and tradition meet modern-day needs! What We Love: The textured dial and 3D markers add depth to the watch High legibility making time reading easy The easy-wearing ergonomic design What We Don’t: The bracelet clasp design is still lacking in finesse Crown placement at not quite 4 o’clock seems off-balance The closed caseback hides what would be a nice-looking movement inside Overall Rating: 8.375/10 Value for Money: 8/10 Wearability: 9/10 Design: 8.5/10 Build Quality: 8/10 Seiko has been on a bit of a walk down memory lane with many of their releases this year, looking back at the old vintage models from the 1960s and ’70s as inspiration and reviving some of these pieces for modern-day customers. It seems that this is a little bit of a trend currently, and has accelerated over the last few years with people looking for different pieces to place on their wrists. Many brands in the watch world have gone down this path, and it does make for some great vintage homage or revival pieces and a slight break away from the norm. Seiko has some great heritage pieces, and with their latest release, Seiko has gone back over 50 years to 1968, just three years after their very first dive watch and re-incarnated it in 2024 in the form of the Prospex Marinemaster 1968 Heritage Diver, with a black dial and white dial variant to choose from. First Impressions We had ...
SJX Watches
The Seiko Presage “Laurel” Gets a Porter Classic Makeover
The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Porter Classic Collaboration SPB449 is result of a collaboration with Japanese fashion label Porter Classic. It’s modelled on the Laurel, the 1913 Seiko timepiece that was the first wristwatch made in Japan, giving the SPB449 a look typical of early-20th century timepieces that were essentially pocket watches converted into wristwatches. Porter Classic was founded by a member of the family that founded Porter Yoshida, the cult luggage brand known for its functional and pricey nylon bags. The brand offers clothing and accessories with a vintage feel, including jackets that accommodate pocket watches. Its take on the Presage is a modest tweak on the original: a black enamel dial made by the workshop of Mitsuru Yokosawa, the longtime supplier of enamel dials for the Presage. Initial thoughts Collaborations between watch brands and lifestyle labels are now common, so the SPB449 isn’t a surprise, especially since it’s between two uniquely Japanese brands. Still, Seiko rarely does collaborations with the Presage Craftsmanship series. The aesthetic, however, is not new as this similar to earlier Presage limited editions, namely the SPB359 of 2022 and last year’s SPB441, that were similarly inspired by the Laurel. While the difference between this and the earlier Laurel edition is basically a change of dial colour, the SPB449 stands out thanks to the high-contrast, black enamel dial. It’s striking even though the case is undersized ...
Monochrome
Introducing – Seiko Teams Up with Porter Classic, Bringing the Laurel-Inspired Black Enamel Presage SPB449
While collaborations between watch manufacturers and lifestyle-oriented brands have been a thing for the past years, it’s not often that Seiko teams up with an external designer or fashion brand. We’ve seen multiple collaborations in the Seiko 5 Sports collection, but with Presage, this is more surprising. And even more surprising than the joint work […]
Time+Tide
From car seats to supercars: A heart-racing ride with Seiko
Vroom, vroom... Mitchell and Alex were off to the races with Seiko.The post From car seats to supercars: A heart-racing ride with Seiko appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The Seiko Presage Star Bar Cocktail Time SRE015 is a faceted femme fatale
With the vintage flare of a faceted crystal and small size, Seiko shows that you don't need to shrink it and pink it.The post The Seiko Presage Star Bar Cocktail Time SRE015 is a faceted femme fatale appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Monochrome
Introducing – The Seiko Presage GMT Urushi Lacquer Dial SPB447
The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series is all about traditional crafts deeply inspired by Japanese culture. And this collection has resulted in some of the most appealing dress watches of the brand. With this collection, Seiko brings classic artistic crafts such as enamel, Arita porcelain, Urushi lacquer, and even combinations of arts such as guilloché and enamel at relatively […]