SHARP & Seiko
The best gifts are the ones that never get old. Unlike clothes, electronics, or booze, a watch is meant to be enjoyed for decades, won’t be obsolete after 18 months, and won’t give you a hangover if you enjoy it a bit too much. Indeed, an analog watch is a prototypical gift that keeps on giving, offering utility, style, and — most importantly — a reminder of you every time the recipient wears it. After more than a century in business, Seiko’s reputation for quality, style, and value has made it a go-to for all kinds of timepieces, from dressy office watches to sturdy dive watches. If you’re looking for a unique gift that will stand the test of time, any of the selections below will surely be treasured for many years to come.
A classic racing chronograph like the Speedtimer will put a smile on any watch lover’s face and draw admiring looks wherever they go. Inspired by the cutting-edge chronographs Seiko designed for timing sporting events at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, this Speedtimer ups the ante with a modern solar-powered movement that can run for up to six months between charges. ($875)
Classic looks, sturdy design, and enough versatility to pair with workday and weekend wardrobes make the Seiko Prospex a go-to “first real watch” purchase for many budding collectors. Based on Seiko’s famed 1965 Diver’s watch, this Prospex is upgraded with a slimmer case, a modern automatic movement, and premium details like an anti-reflective curved sapphire crystal. ($1,595)
GMT watches like this one can display two time zones at once, making them a perfect gift for any world traveller. A modern re-interpretation of Seiko’s 1968 Diver’s watch, this timepiece features a case that’s waterproof to 200 metres, a modern automatic movement with 72 hours of power reserve, and a bright yellow GMT hand that displays the time via a 24-hour scale around the edge of the dial. ($2,150)
The history and lore of watches are part of their enduring appeal, and the story behind this vintage re-edition makes it one of the most interesting pieces in Seiko’s modern lineup. In the early 1960s, Seiko set out to create a watch that was as accurate, reliable, and beautifully finished as anything coming out of Switzerland, and the result was the King Seiko line. This modern version combines the best of old and new, with beautiful vintage details like a box-shaped crystal and a silver sunray dial, and a slim modern automatic movement. ($4,450)
Seiko is renowned for the elegant ways in which it incorporates traditional Japanese motifs into its watch designs, like this modern dress watch with a dial inspired by the distinctive asanoha leaf pattern that has appeared on Japanese textiles for more than 1,000 years. In addition to this detail, the dial also features an “open heart” which offers a view into the inner workings of its finely tuned mechanical movement. ($1,695)
Seiko has made a few re-editions of its iconic 1965 Diver’s watch over the years, but this one takes things to another level of finesse with a new case and bracelet design and a textured horizontal stripe pattern on the dial that’s reminiscent of lapping waves. Powered by the slimline Calibre 6L series automatic movement, this watch is robust enough for serious diving and elegant enough to pair with a tailored suit. ($3,995)
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