Seiko "Panda" Chronographs
Seiko has produced two limited-edition chronographs based on the "A Watch Exclusively for Panda Lovers" concept, which debuted at the 2024 Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition. The design, by Kiyotaka Sakai, uses the chronograph layout to create a panda's face, with drooping subdials as eyes and pushers as ears, drawing on the Japanese concept of mitate. These watches are now available as production models, remarkably faithful to the original concept.
- Limited to 3,000 pieces worldwide (white dial)
- Limited to 2,000 pieces worldwide (pink dial)
- Price: $540 USD
- Both models available in November 2026
The design cleverly uses the chronograph layout to form a panda's face, with subdials as eyes, pushers as ears, and a mouth at six o'clock, inspired by the Japanese concept of mitate.
The designer, Kiyotaka Sakai, also works on Grand Seiko's Evolution 9 Collection, highlighting Seiko's broad design culture.
The white dial version features the original black-and-white color scheme, while the pink version is inspired by the skin tone of a newborn panda.
The case features a gray coating on the mid-case contrasting with a polished bezel, and protrusions on the sides that serve as chronograph pushers.
The dial has a stamped radial texture evoking panda fur, and the hour and minute hands are shaped like bamboo leaves.
The tachymeter scale has been replaced by a "SASAMETER," a playful reference to bamboo (sasa), which functions like a traditional tachymeter and can calculate speeds up to 30 km/h.
The subdials on the production model have improved contrast and markings for better readability compared to the concept watch.