Collaborations between Seiko and Rowing Blazers have become something of a hype phenomenon. And deservedly so. Underpinned by the Seiko 5 Sports' excellent design, build and value, a colorful touch from Rowing Blazers has made each of the previous two collections feel genuinely special.
Now, the brands are back for a third hurrah, and we're pretty sure it's going to be as much of a slam dunk as those that came before.
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Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition 2023 Pink Read More -
Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition 2023 White Read More
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Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition 2023 Yellow Read More
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Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition 2023 Purple Read More
The Seiko 5 Sports collection is a solid platform upon which to get creative, as evidenced by the range of models from the watchmaker itself (including various collabs). While the first Seiko x Rowing Blazers collaboration was based on the crowd-pleasing Seiko 5 Sports core dive-style model, the second collection looked to a relatively overlooked line within Seiko 5 Sports with a more subdued vibe.
This time around continues to riff on the same base model as last time. With a smaller, 40mm case and smooth bezel, this family of watches keeps the fundamental design, 100m of water resistance and other features that make the broader collection great, but its size and styling are less sporty and offer a bit more versatility.
But how to give this watch the Rowing Blazer’s touch? Founder Jack Carlson described his brand to Gear Patrol as “kind of just an extension of me and a reflection of the things I like.” One of those things that he likes is his own vintage Seiko 6101-7101 70m Sport Diver from 1970 with a bright orange dial, and this was the genesis of the concept. He also worked with vintage watch expert Eric Wind to reinterpret the design’s colors and vintage elements.
That orange dial was translated into the modern Seiko collection along with green, blue and black variants. And if you missed the chance to snag your favorite from that collection, which sold out quickly, the new models offer much of the same flavor but in four additional colorways. Echoing the first collection are three brightly colored dials of pink, purple and yellow, alongside a white dial model featuring the brand's signature rainbow color pallet on its indices.
Last time, we got to check out the the black dial variant (SRPJ63), which is like the inverse of the new white dial. As with the best collaborations, you don’t even have to know or be a fan of either brand to find these attractive. The new models feature everything about the previous collection that made it — dare we say — instantly collectible.
Just like the previous collections, each model sports the red-and-white-striped “candy cane” seconds hand, the Rowing Blazer’s wordmark on the dial, an “RB”-signed crown and the brand’s dancing skeleton logo printed in gold on the watch’s display caseback (through which you can also see the Seiko 4R36 automatic movement). Another fun touch that was important to Carlson: you can select between the day of the week being displayed in Japanese or English.
Each model comes on a solid steel bracelet, but also includes a NATO strap specially designed to match its respective dial. As other Seiko 5 Sports collaboration pieces and special editions, these are going to cost a bit more than the standard collection models. Each model is limited to 888 examples and available online from Seiko USA, Rowing Blazers and Hodinkee starting today, Thursday, May 11 at 11am (EST), as well as selected retailers including the Rowing Blazers flagship store in New York City. Each has a price of $495.
