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most classic seiko watches of all time
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13 Most Classic Seiko Watches of All Time from Varied Ranges

Picking the all-time best of Seiko requires a closer look at the various ranges the brand presents.
Dec 03, 2024

Watch enthusiasts all over the world must have heard the name Seiko in any discussion about renowned watches online and offline. Even outside the watch community, Seiko is renowned for its expansive spread of timepieces. So, what are the most classic Seiko watches of all time?

The answers vary from one watch enthusiast to another. While every person has a preference for cataloging their most desired treasure, a watch’s excellence can be seen objectively by its material quality, durability, and optimal functionalities. From the most elegant dress watches to diving timepieces that stand the underwater depth, here are Gnomon Watches’ picks of the most classic Seiko watches of all time.

Most Classic Seiko Watches of All Time by Gnomon Watches

Picking the most classic Seiko watches for men may require time. As an affordable luxury brand, Seiko has consistently created timepieces that cater to every need. Whether it’s an indoor formal party or a day out in the sun during free time, every piece of Seiko classic is available to add to your list of collections. To help you select new additions, check out Gnomon Watches’ picks for the most classic Seiko watches of all time below!  

1. King Seiko KSK Mechanical Automatic

King Seiko KSK Mechanical Automatic

A classic Seiko watch list should start with the king. King Seiko KSK Mechanical Automatic poses elegance and class. The 38.6 mm-sized case is designed in a sharp and angular shape, fitting a strong gentleman's wrist perfectly. Inside the watch dial, the impeccably polished indices complement the pristine dial. Just like the case, the indices are polished with Zaratsu finishing.

As for the power, this Seiko classic is equipped with an in-house caliber 6L35 with an accuracy range of +15/-10 sec per day. An echo of the 1965 model, the retro stainless multi-link bracelet gives the KSK watch a vintage aesthetic.

Price: $4,758.94 SGD

2. Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph The Black Series

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph The Black Series

For sports enthusiasts, the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph The Black Series may be a timepiece worth paying attention to. The all-black 39.5 mm wristwatch is encased in a robust 316L stainless steel case. It has a slightly round lug design, which most Seiko enthusiasts are familiar with. To ensure comfort and safety, the watch is equipped with a sporty 20 mm stainless steel 3-link bracelet with solid end-links.

While the outer part of the watch is dominantly black, the dial has a finished sandblasted texture in a gray tone. It ensures a high level of readability and legibility, fitting for professional sports activities. On the dial, the wearer can also check the power reserve indicator with F and E markers, like symbols commonly found on fuel. The anti-reflection coating glass allows maximum readability under bright light.

Underneath the sleek black facade, this Seiko chronograph watch is driven by a Seiko cal. V192 solar-powered quartz chronograph movement. It boasts a power reserve of around 6 months on full charge with an accuracy range of about ±15 seconds a month. The movement highlights a 60-minute chronograph function, a 24-hour indicator, and a date complication.

Price: $1,167.39 SGD

3. Seiko Prospex Automatic Turtle The Black Series

Seiko Prospex Automatic Turtle The Black Series

One of the most classic Seiko watches of all time is the 1976 classic turtle design. Today, the iconic design inspires the Seiko Prospex Automatic Turtle The Black Series. The all-black watch measures 45 mm in diameter with a compact lug-to-lug measurement of 47.7 mm. Its stainless steel case reminisces the latest 1960s turtle cushion shape, complete with circular brushed surfaces on top.

To add to the classic design, the top of the watch is protected with an internal anti-reflective sapphire crystal coating, framed by an unidirectional rotating bezel. The angular and distinct bezel’s grooves allow the wearer to get a better grip and rotate it into 120 positions in a clockwise direction.

When diving 200 m underwater in the dark, the turquoise blue hands and markers can glow, giving easier access to read time. Against the black matte black dial, the luminous hour markers and two-tone handset highlight the usual Seikos’ Samurai design. There's no need to worry about wearing this watch underwater because it has 200 m water resistance and anti-magnetic properties.

Price: $1,309.09 SGD

Read also: 10 Best Seiko Presage Watches: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation 

4. Seiko Prospex Marinemaster

Seiko Prospex Marinemaster

For diving enthusiasts, wearing a water durable watch during the underwater journey can help with time checking. One of the most classic Seiko watches of all time to wear in this situation is the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Deep Blue. The reliable diving watch has 200 m water resistance and brushed stainless steel case with polished edges, making it a classic gentleman wear outside the water.

This Seiko Prospex Marinemaster measures 39.5 mm in diameter, surrounded by a dark blue steel bezel that rotates smoothly into 120 positions in a clockwise direction. As a diving enthusiast choice, the Marinemaster prioritizes durability and functionality underwater with an equally dark blue dial that matches the deep sea.

Price: $5,283.23 SGD

5. Seiko Prospex Professional 1000M Tuna

Seiko Prospex Professional 1000M Tuna

Another Seiko classic comes in the form of the Seiko Prospex Professional 1000M Tuna. In the long Seiko Tuna line, the latest generation keeps the previous iterations’ traits while adding upgrades to optimize durability. Like most Seiko Tunas, this sports titanium watch, marked SBBN047, has a shrouded case design. The watch also features a hardened ceramic shroud coated with Seiko’s Super Black Dia-Shield, giving it protection against scratches.

The watch’s classic matte black dial paired with contrasting large white indices makes it an excellent choice among the most classic Seiko watches of all time in this list. It exudes the classic Seiko’s Tuna design despite all the new features to enhance the watch’s durability under water, like the excellent 1000 m water resistance (ISO certified).

Price: $4,056.98 SGD

6. Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT Green

Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT Green

From one classic edition to another, the Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT Green continues the renowned Japanese horology legacy. It’s one of the first few timepieces featuring Seiko’s automatic caliber with a GMT function, allowing the watch to operate at 21,600 BPH (3 hertz) with hacking and hand-winding capabilities.

As a fine dress watch, the Seiko Prospex Alpinist GMT Green has a case measuring 39.5 mm in diameter. Its wristwatch is not too thick, just over 13 mm in thickness. The case features the classic Alpinist design but with the new touch of the 24-hour markings on the fixed bezel.

The dazzling Alpinist has a much more durable domed sapphire crystal with a distinct forest green dial and gold-applied indexes. Its gold hands complement the deep sunburst dial, allowing it to give the outshine effect depending on the light condition. A different angle will give it a different tonality, making it the perfect companion to formal events.

Price: $1,786.51 SGD

7. Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Arita Porcelain

Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Arita Porcelain

A classic dress watch for the evening party of formal business meetings like Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Arita Porcelain doesn’t disappoint. This fully in-house watch highlights the watchmaking mastery of the Japanese brand. The porcelain model is crafted by Hashigushi Hiroyuki, a renowned porcelain craftsman known for creating sophisticated designs and using painting techniques.

Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Arita Porcelain has a 40.6 mm diameter, making it suitable for everyday wear. Its bright white porcelain dial with intricate design definitely puts this timepiece in the spotlight among the options on this list. The thin blue hands complement the porcelain dial covered safely by the durable domed sapphire crystal.

Price: $3,066.17 SGD

8. Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT Akebono

Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT Akebono

Sports watch enthusiasts can rely on the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT Akebono’s excellent performance and refined design to look dashing in all events. The stylish watch flaunts a 316L stainless steel case in full black with a diameter of 42.2 mm. Akebono refers to the darkness before the dawn, which is reflected in the pairing of an all-black case with the smokey purple dial.

To match the sleek black stainless steel, the Presage Sharp Edged wristwatch is equipped with the matching 20 mm blackout stainless steel bracelet. Both the case and the bracelets feature Seikos’s super-hard coating, allowing it to look as fresh as ever. Underneath the stunning purple dial, the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT Akebono is powered by the in-house Seiko caliber 6R64 automatic GMT movement.

Price: $2,114.60 SGD

Read also: Seiko Prospex Watches: A Perfect Companion for Every Explorer 

9. Seiko Presage Ocean Traveler GMT Champagne

Seiko Presage Ocean Traveler GMT Champagne

When it comes to selecting the most classic Seiko watches of all time, the Seiko Presage Ocean Traveler GMT Champagne cannot be left out of the conversation. Unlike the previous Presage watch on the list, this sporty dress watch features a titanium case. Titanium has extreme durability while considerably weighing less than stainless steel. Constant adventurers or travelers can benefit from a lightweight yet impeccably durable watch like this.

With a 40 mm case and an H-style flat-edge titanium bracelet, the Seiko Presage Ocean Traveler GMT Champagne can sit comfortably on the wearer’s watch. To add to the strength, the watch is equipped with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Underneath the smooth dial, the 6R64 automatic GMT movement powers up the wristwatch mechanism. True to fulfilling traveling needs, the wearer can adjust the GMT hand separately without hacking the second hand.

Price: $2,182.18 SGD

10. Seiko Presage Classic Series Open-Heart Grey

Seiko Presage Classic Series Open-Heart Grey

The sporty and elegant Seiko Presage Classic Series Open-Heart Grey fits both indoor business meetings and outdoor leisure activities in nature. Its 40.2 mm case with a thickness of 13 mm accentuates the slim profile, allowing the watch to sit nicely on the wrist. Unlike the lightweight titanium material, the open-heart watch is constructed of stainless steel. The well-balanced size fits for everyday wear.

With the all-new gray textured dial, Seiko integrates another dial pattern that reflects the Japanese tradition. Along with the creative printed patterns, the Presage gray dial looks stunning with irregular surfaces. The stainless steel case pairs with the equally durable multi-linked stainless steel bracelet, allowing the watch to be worn comfortably even in the harshest conditions.

Price: $1,734.19 SGD

11. Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Blue

Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Blue

Diving enthusiasts surely must have heard of the famous Seiko 60s dive watches. Today, the Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Blue features a remake version of the Seiko classic design and incorporates modern watchmaking upgrades. Its 40 mm diameter case, 46.4 mm lug-to-lug length, 20 mm lug width, and 13 mm height resemble the original 62MAS, making it a comfortable fit on any wrist.

As the remake of one of the most classic Seiko watches of all time, the Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver’s Blue has a stainless steel case and bracelet with Seiko’s Dia-Shield coatings, ensuring scratch and corrosion protection. Along with it, the watch is equipped with the satin-brushed screw-down case back, which provides 300 m water resistance.

Price: $1,909.68 SGD

Read also: Seiko 5 Sports Military Watches: Timepieces for Adventurers 

12. Seiko Presage GMT Style60’s Series Silver

Seiko Presage GMT Style60’s Series Silver

Seiko’s vintage charm is encapsulated in the Seiko Presage GMT Style60’s Series Silver. The chronograph spots the classic design of a sporty dress watch with a thin aluminum display plate and a dial featuring intricate vertical stripes. It displays the image of analog precision instruments. The 40.8 mm case sits in the middle of the intricacy of a dress watch and a sporty timepiece, making it a fitting choice for an everyday companion.

The beautiful stainless steel case pairs with lugs that curve down gently to conform around the wrist. To complement the slim case profile, the black perforated leather strap ensures the watch sits comfortably on the wrist. Its classic elements display beautifully on the silver dial, which comes with the sharp dauphine hands and applied hour indexes.

Price: $938.49 SGD

13. Seiko Prospex Captain Willard “Save the Ocean Special Edition” Glacier Dial

Seiko Prospex Captain Willard “Save the Ocean Special Edition” Glacier Dial

Drawing inspirations from the 1970s diver watch Seiko 6105-8110, the Seiko Prospex Captain Willard “Save the Ocean Special Edition” Glacier Dial features the unmistakably classic 6105 case design. This reimagined timepiece has a wide, flat, and unique crown guard as well as 150 m of water resistance. It’s made of high-quality 361L stainless steel and finely brushed finishing on the lugs and case.

The case comes in 42.7 mm diameter with a thickness of 13.2 mm. Even though it may look big, the cushion case design allows the watch to sit comfortably on most wrist sizes. For this watch, Seiko enthusiasts coined the name Glacier Dial for its ocean blue bezel with a lume pip at 12 on the ice-white dial. On top of the dial is a piece of curved sapphire crystal, which gives excellent scratch protection. To ensure the safety of underwater wear, the watch is equipped with a screw-down crown and caseback with a solid 200 m water resistance.

Price: $1,914.04 SGD

Final Thought

Every watch enthusiast has their idea of the most classic Seiko watches of all time. Some treasure the historical value of Seiko’s watchmaking, while others keep track of the reinvention or reimagination of the past collections. Seiko inventions transcend time, and with that, Seiko continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking without leaving behind its strong identity.

Read also: Top 4 Japanese Watch Brands that Make You Forget Swiss' Craft

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