A Condensed Guide To Seiko Releases From 2024

At the end of every year, we like to reflect on all the watch goodness we have seen. In good tradition, Seiko has graced us with a consistent stream of new releases. So, as we do every year, it is time to look back at the Seiko releases from the past 12 months. This article will highlight the Seiko releases we covered on Fratello in 2024. While it is nowhere near a complete list, it gives a good overview of the great diversity of the brand’s novelties. Come along as we highlight some of this year’s best Seiko watches!

As most of you know, Seiko releases hundreds of new references annually. To me, this year initially felt like a relatively slow one for the brand. However, that was mainly due to my failure to keep up. On top of that, I forgot about some of the many releases that came through our office. But there were a few that immediately stood out to me. The new octagonal-bezel SPB481, SPB483, and SPB485 are good ones. Two more personal standouts were the SRPL07 and SRPL09, which are Presage Style60’s models with fixed stainless steel bezels. In the end, we have seen plenty of nice new watches from Seiko and King Seiko, and we know it’s been another excellent year for the brand. Without further ado, let’s jump right in and check out some highlights.

January was packed with new Seiko watches

We kicked our coverage off with two limited-edition Seiko 5 GMTs for the Asian market. The ice-blue SSK029 and passion-red SSK031 presented two colorful takes on the popular Seiko traveler’s watch. As Lex explained, with a run of just 1,000 pieces each and very limited access, not everyone could get their hands on these.

Only a few days later, Daan covered the Seiko Prospex SPB439 Save The Ocean Limited Edition. This watch features a white dial inspired by polar glaciers, linking it to the brand’s efforts to support marine conservation through its Save the Ocean program. Seiko created 1,500 pieces of this crisp-looking 1968 Diver’s Re-interpretation GMT.

Then came the stealthy Seiko Prospex Black Series SRPK43, SSC923, and SPB433. Every year since 2018, we’ve seen a batch of blacked-out Seiko divers with a slightly different aesthetic. Mike gave a nice overview of the models we’ve covered from the Black Series and then explained the latest additions to it. The two divers and the solar-powered chronograph all look good with this black treatment and bright green LumiBrite accents.

One of the busiest months of the year

January was just halfway through when Seiko treated us to two new Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar limited editions. Mike explained that the two watches brought gradation dials and celebrated Tokyo sunsets. The first was the men’s Star Bar SRPK75 “Purple Sunset,” which takes after the Purple Sunset cocktail on the Star Bar menu. It replicated the layered cocktail on the dial.

The second was the ladies’ SRE014 “Pinky Twilight.” It features a similar layered dial inspired by the Pinky Twilight cocktail, which nicely complements the rose-tone case. Although these watches are limited editions, the respective production numbers of 9,000 and 5,000 are huge. It most likely tells us something about the popularity of the Cocktail Time series.

February saw the return of a Seiko 5 classic

Seiko kicked off February with a bang by introducing two Seiko 5 Sports Rally Divers. These watches are modern takes on the brand’s famous Rally Divers from the late 1960s and 1970s. We already saw the first reintroduction of the famous Rally Divers last year with the unveiling of the SRPK09. This year, Seiko added two new models. The first addition was the SRPK65, which was based on the 1969 Seiko 5 6119-7173. The second, Mike’s favorite, was the SRPK67 based on the popular 6106-8227/9.

February also saw the continuation of Seiko’s collaboration with Studio Ghibli. This Japanese animation house is famous for many anime movies that are popular all over the world. The Seiko SPB437 was inspired by Studio Ghibli’s 1984 film Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. The special watch features a blue enamel dial with the emblem from Nausicaä’s final outfit in the movie on the lower half of the dial. It was a stylish celebration of one of Studio Ghibli’s greatest successes.

The final releases we covered in February were a pair of Seiko Astron models. As Mike explained, the two modern-looking black titanium pieces celebrated the early morning light with stunning star-filled purple dials. The gold details on the SSH145 and SSJ021 are pivotal in bringing the early morning sky to life even more.

March saw a string of interesting Seiko releases

The first new Seiko watches we covered in March were five classically styled Presage Classic models. Three of them are the SPB463, SPB465, and SPB467, which are nice three-handers that have the potential to become super popular.

The other two are playful variations of the same model with a dial cutout at 9 o’clock. This displays Seiko’s proprietary Diashock shock absorber. There is also a 24-hour sub-dial at 6 o’clock, which functions as an AM/PM indicator. As Daan said in his article, we prefer the three-handers with the sparkling texture on their dials.

That same day, Seiko also released the follow-ups to the fan-favorite Prospex SPB143. As Thomas wrote, Seiko improved the watch with some subtle updates. The case became slightly smaller, the gradient dials of the series that the SPB143 belonged to were gone, and a new movement was found inside the case. On top of that, the date window moved to 4:30, and the bracelet became more refined and got a smaller clasp. It’s a series of nice updates that make the Seiko Prospex SPB451, SPB453, and SPB455 great new additions to the Prospex lineup.

In March, Seiko also extended its Astron line with three new regular-production GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph models — SSH151, SSH153, SSH155 — and the limited-edition SSH156. All four watches are powered by the new Seiko 5X83 caliber. It’s a caliber that we would see more of later in the year. The special LE model featured Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori’s creed, “One step ahead of the rest,” on the case back. It’s a nice tribute to the man who began the Seiko legacy.

April’s Seiko releases celebrated spring in style

Seiko started April with a series of three new models that celebrate the 1970s in proper fashion. As many Seiko enthusiasts will tell you, some of the brand’s most stylish designs debuted in that decade. Based on the original SNXS Seiko 5 watches, the Seiko 5 SRPK87, SRPK89, and SRPK91 perfectly show the style and elegance of the ’70s designs. We love the clean lines of the case with the recessed crown and the dials with the signature day/date display. At €400 each, these models are great affordable Seiko options.

May brought us my favorite Seiko release of 2024

In May, I had a chance to go hands-on with the Seiko Presage SRPL07 and SRPL09. The two watches are part of the brand’s Style60’s series and are variations of models we already know. The two watches present retro looks inspired by the famous Seiko Crown Chronograph ref. 5719A.

But remove the chronograph and add a fixed stainless steel bezel, and you will understand that these watches are all about style. They achieve this with smaller cases than their predecessors and a new, more comfortable bracelet. These two watches were my first Seiko highlight of the year, and the brown-dial version is still on my list of wanna-haves.

June was a colorful Seiko month

Lex, Fratello’s resident Seiko Astron fan, took the new SSJ027 and SSH157 for a spin in early June. Both are limited editions of 1,500 pieces, and they perfectly represent the modern Seiko Astron design signature. The angular titanium cases are combined with two textured light blue dials that simply pop. Add the modern solar-powered movements, and you have everything that makes the Seiko Astron series so popular with fans.

In June, Daan wrote about two new Marinemaster references. These joined the series of smaller Marinemasters that Thomas wrote about in November 2023. Gone were the looks of the original Marinemaster SBDX001, and in came a smaller series of watches inspired by the brand’s famous 62MAS from 1965.

With the Prospex SJE117 and SJE119, the brand extended the lineup of new Marinemaster models in style. But that was by no means the last we heard from Seiko regarding the Marinermaster. Indeed, we were in for a surprise a few months later.

A month packed with good Seiko and King Seiko releases

The next big introduction in June was a trio of new “Samurai” models. As I explained in my review, it’s a model series I often forget. However, I am aware of how popular the Samurai is with hardcore Seiko fans. The new Samurai presented a smaller case, shrinking from 43.8mm to 41.7mm.

On top of that, the new models have a slightly different case design with not-as-angular lugs. I had fun wearing these new models, and they show that Seiko is doing great things in making its Prospex divers substantially smaller than a few years ago. But if you like the bigger Samurai, you will be pleased to hear that both sizes will coexist in the Seiko catalog.

But June was not over yet, so we also got the first taste of some new King Seiko models. The brand-new King Seiko SJE109, SJE111, SJE113, and SJE115 quickly became favorites in the Fratello office. As Thomas explained, these four references have cases inspired by the 1969 King Seiko 45KCM. We especially loved how nice and slim these new models were at 9.9mm thick. This makes these new King Seiko models a joy to wear, and with four very different dials, there is plenty to choose from.

Also introduced in June was a pair of original Kamen Rider reissues. The “Kamen Rider” is another Seiko classic from the past in the same vein as the Rally Divers I mentioned earlier. Last year, Seiko reintroduced the Kamen Rider with the Masked Rider LE, and this year, we saw the silver-dial SRPL03 and the black-dial SRPL05. As a fan of these two models, Mike reported on them and put their historical significance in the right context.

In June, Lex took a sip from three Seiko cocktails — the Presage Cocktail Time SSK037 Skydiving, SSK039 Rusty Nail, and SSK041 Acacia. The three Cocktail Time GMT models feature sunray-textured dials, each with a distinct presence. The SSK039 and SSK041 have a more classical look with quieter dials and leather straps. The SSK037 features a vibrant light blue dial, and the watch comes equipped with a stainless steel bracelet. It shows the great versatility of the Cocktail Time series.

In August, Seiko came back from its summer break

After a little time off in July, we covered the Seiko Prospex SPB473 Limited Edition at the start of August. It was the first European-exclusive LE after the introduction of the series that “succeeded” the popular Prospex SPB143. However, while this model harked back to the previous generation, the SPB143 was also still available. As Thomas wrote, the bright blue dial was inspired by the Greek island of Zakynthos, and the SPB473 proved to be a perfect watch for the European summer.

Early August also saw the introduction of three new King Seiko models in a smaller 36mm size. While the aesthetics of the SPB457, SPB459, and SPB461 were familiar, the addition of a smaller case with “preppy” dial colors and the absence of a date window proved to be a popular move. Interestingly, the brand used faux-patina lume for the ivy-green and burgundy models. The third model featured crisp white LumiBrite, which suits the pale blue dial very well.

In September, Seiko surprised us with a new yet familiar Marinemaster

Early September saw the introduction of another Marinemaster. It was a return to the looks of the 1968 diver that we know as the inspiration for the Marinemaster SBDX001. But another realization was that Seiko would now use the Marinemaster name for watches of multiple styles.

No longer reserved for one design, the Marinemaster name will be on the dials of the top-of-the-line Seiko Prospex divers. The first two new Marinemaster models based on the classic 1968 Diver were the SLA077 and SLA079, and the latter easily beat the Oris Aquis Date Calibre 400 in one of our Sunday Morning Showdown installments.

Not long after, Seiko also introduced three new dial variations of its high-end KSK offering. The King Seiko SJE103, SJE105, and SJE107 presented three lovely textured dials that stood out due to their depth and colors.

My favorite was, without a doubt, the dark blue version, which uses a similar turtle-shell pattern as last year’s limited-edition SPB365. On the wrist, the combination of the blue shade and the pattern works so well, making this another highlight of the year for me.

In September, I also had a chance to go hands-on with the new Prospex Speedtimer SRQ051 and SRQ053. The two watches are dial variations of the mechanical Speedtimers introduced before. I especially adored the one with the dark blue dial as it simply has the stylish looks of a retro Seiko chronograph with a modern movement under the hood.

What stood out to me was how balanced the dials of the two models are. All the different elements fall nicely into place, creating a chronograph that is not just attractive but also practical to use. It was another great hands-on experience in a long year of Seiko releases.

That same day, Lex reported on three more Seiko Prospex Speedtimer GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph models powered by the previously mentioned caliber 5X83. But this time, the watches in question are not Astron models. While the Astron caliber powers them, the watches fit the retro style of the Speedtimer range. However, it must be said that the blacked-out model has a bit more of an ’80s or even ’90s vibe.

A busy release schedule for Seiko in September

September also saw Lex write about two new Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar Limited Editions and a lacquer-dial GMT, the brilliant Presage SPB447. While we often immediately think a GMT is a sports watch, this beautiful classically styled watch proves that it doesn’t have to be.

The SRPK93 and SRE015 are two more Presage Cocktail Time watches inspired by the Tokyo Star Bar’s menu of tasty cocktails. They continue the popular series in style, with the SRPK93 as the men’s model and the SRE015 as the ladies’ model.

Two big Seiko Astron introductions closed out the month. Lex first reported on the Seiko Astron GPS Solar SSJ023, SSJ025, and SSJ026. The three modern watches feature a futuristic two-layered bezel and dials with a planetary motif. Yes, you read that correctly. But it shouldn’t come as a surprise since the Astron line is the most futuristic of all the Seiko model lines.

I then tried the Seiko Astron GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronograph SSH159, SSH161, SSH163, and limited-edition SSH158. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll likely have guessed that these models are powered by the new caliber 5X83. The watches also come with updated cases, bracelets, and dials.

October brought us Seiko’s most talked-about release

We started October with the Seiko Presage Style60’s SRPL19 limited edition for the European market. It was a new play on a familiar style. The retro-inspired Style60’s model received a light blue dial and a complementary dark blue bezel. It is another exercise in stylish design that I like a lot. But I have to say that the smaller steel-bezel versions made a bigger impact on me. As Daan explained, though, this crisp blue version did a great job brightening up the darker autumn days.

Later in the month, Seiko unveiled the new Prospex SPB481, SPB483, and SPB485 divers. These three completely new models presented a fresh design with an octagonal bezel that certainly had people talking. While the Royal Oak references were obvious comments, Seiko did an awesome job of combining the distinct bezel shape with the Seiko Prospex style. I had an absolute blast trying them out for the hands-on review.

This series of watches was divisive from the start. However, it turned out to be rather popular with the Fratelli in an installment of Sunday Morning Showdown, in which it beat the more conventional Tissot Seastar 1000. I have a feeling this new series will be quite popular, and it was my third absolute highlight among the Seiko releases this year.

November ended the year with two more Seiko limited editions

November began with the introduction of the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Solar Chronograph SSC953 European Limited Edition. This stylish version of another familiar Speedtimer chronograph looked super stylish. The burgundy dial of this solar-powered chronograph gave the watch a more elegant and almost chic presence compared to its peers.

We closed out the Seiko year with another limited edition, the Seiko 5 Sports SRPL35 made in collaboration with Amsterdam-based denim brand Denham. As one of the two denim heads in the Fratello office, Lex had a chance to go hands-on with this 2,000-piece limited edition. It was a great end to the Seiko year with a small Dutch touch.

Closing thoughts on Seiko releases from 2024

There you have it — a small overview of all the Seiko and King Seiko watches we covered here on Fratello! With just a week left to go, it’s safe to say that this is it for Seiko this year. While it might have felt like a slow year at first for Seiko, the list shows that it’s been another 12 months of fantastic Seiko and King Seiko releases. In this article, I explained my favorites of 2024, but I would like to turn the question to you. What were some of your favorite Seiko releases this year? Let me know in the comments!