SEIKO 5, THE PEOPLE'S WATCH
THE HISTORY OF THE SEIKO 5
Seiko 5 SNK807 - featuring a military dial, a day-date display, 21 jewels, and a Seiko Caliber 7S26
Every watch brand has a collection that it is known for, be it one of its first pieces or its most innovative. In Seiko’s case, it’s collections rather than collection, nevertheless there is one that stands out in its category: the Seiko 5.
The first watch in the Seiko 5 collection, the Seiko Sportsmatic 5, was released in 1963 and was renowned for its durability and practicality – it was automatic, water resistant, featured a day-date display, three hands, andSeiko’s infamous 'Magic Lever'. Seiko produced another notable piece in the collection in1969, the same year in which major Swiss brands were entrenched in competition to release an automatic sports chronograph (e.g.Zenith's El Primero). Seiko’s solution, the Seiko 5 Sports Speed-Timer, beat itsSwiss counterparts to market and again earned Seiko high praise for its practicality.
The Seiko 5 collection has grown remarkably since then. However, all of the pieces have maintained five attributes aimed at improving their functionality as a sports watches: water resistance, automatic winding, a day/date display, a sports-intended case/bracelet, and a recessed crown at 4.
When it’s all said and done, the Seiko 5 collection will be remembered for its rugged mechanical watches that are practical, aesthetically pleasing, and even have an in-house movement.
