When it comes to finding a Christmas gift at the perfect intersection of quality, style, heritage, and value for money, you simply cannot beat Seiko. The master Japanese watchmaker’s story started all the way back in 1881 and it has produced one landmark timepiece after another for the more than 140 Christmases we’ve had since then. As such, a Seiko is always a more-than-welcome addition to the gifts waiting to be opened under the Man of Many Christmas tree, which is why we’ve collected our top picks from Seiko’s impressive catalogue that we’d love to unwrap on the morning of December 25th.
From dive watches to chronographs, dress timepieces to GMTs, if there’s a watch enthusiast in your life or you’re looking to add to your own collection, our guide to the best Seiko timepieces for Christmas 2023 is guaranteed to have just what you’re looking for.
Seiko SPB429J
There’s nothing like a little exclusivity to make a gift receiver feel special on Christmas morning. With that in mind, this Australiasian-exclusive dive watch makes for a very attractive pressie. Limited to just 1,000 pieces and drawing inspiration from the peerless beaches of the Whitsundays, its dial boasts a stunning gradient blue with a hint of the turquoise found in the region’s waters, while the gold seconds hand recalls the sunkissed shores at which said waters lap. Powered by the Calibre 6R35 movement, the SPB429J is as reliable as the sun rising over the idyllic beaches that inspired it, while the stainless steel bracelet and a pair of silicone straps (one blue, one white) give it an aesthetic flexibility that makes it as at home out of the surf as it is in it. Price: AUD$1,800
Seiko SFK001J
Both a dive watch and a GMT, the SFK001J is a solar-powered marvel and the perfect gift for anyone looking to spend Australia’s hot summer days by the water. The generously proportioned 45mm case houses a striking blue dial, while the hands are coated in Lumibrite to ensure maximum visibility underwater. The use of Lumibrite also extends to the GMT hand, so the wearer can monitor two time zones from a depth of up to 200 metres. Boasting a screw-lock crown, a screw case back, and a unidirectional rotating bezel, this the ultimate underwater time-keeper, and its nine-month power reserve means you can give it a break as summer ends and it’ll still be going when the warm weather returns. Price: AUD$1,200
Seiko SPB381J
Offering up a heritage design with an on-trend green dial, the SPB381J is an absolute stand out among Seiko’s impressive stable of watches that combine dive and GMT functionality. Like, the SFK001J (above) Lumibrite-coated hands and indices maximise visibility underwater—extending to the stand out gold GMT hand. However, what really sets the SPB381J apart from the SFK001J is the movement that powers it: the 6R54 Calibre, which boasts a 72-hour power reserve. With water resistance up to 200 metres and a gorgeous stainless steel case and bracelet, you’ll never want to take it off your wrist. Price: AUD$2,500
Seiko SRPE19J and SRP841J
In the immortal words of Sammy Hagar, “Only time will tell if we stand the test of time.” Saying that, we know that partners who turn up on time have a better chance of going the distance. Enter these eye-catching his and hers watches that will help to keep you and your significant other punctual and stylish in equal measure. Each boasts a beautiful sunburst light blue face and a see-through case back via which you can view the automatic 4R35 movement, which delivers a 41-hour power reserve. The epitome of elegance that will certainly stand the test of time. Price: AUD$675 and AUD$650
Seiko SRPD37J
There’s something about the SRPD37J’s understated design that just feels confidently classic. Its beautiful sunburst green dial, stainless steel case, and brown leather strap join forces to create a quietly masculine timepiece that’s powered by the same automatic 4R35 movement as the SRPE19J, also sharing its 41-hour power reserve. The movement can also be viewed through the timepiece’s elegant display case back. The opposite of flashy, the SRPD37J is the kind of watch that we’d happily receive for Christmas and go on to wear for many years to come. Price: AUD$699
Seiko SSK001K
It’s our humble opinion that every watch enthusiast needs a Seiko 5 Sports timepiece in their collection, and for our money the SSK001K is the one to beat. First introduced in the ‘90s, these watches have proved time and again to offer the height of reliability, and that aesthetic just refuses to go out of style. Boasting a bi-colour 24-hour bezel, red GMT hand that boldly leaps from the black dial, as well as Lumibrite hands and markers that come in handy when taking advantage of the watch’s 100-metre water resistance, this is the height of sporty chic. The see-through case back elegantly displays the 4R34 Calibre, while the stainless steel bracelet completes the premium package. Please and thank you, Santa. Price: AUD$875
Seiko SSH135J
Another stunning limited edition, the SSH135J is what Seiko describes as a “GPS solar watch for the next generation”. Pinpointing your location and identifying your exact timezone via signals from four or more GPS satellites, you’ll always know the precise time, no matter where you are — perfect for Santa as he navigates his way to our door with one on Christmas morning. Saying that, the thing that struck us about the SSH135J is Seiko’s incredible use of colour, with a bright titanium case offset by dark-blue accents across the bezel and dial. Underneath, the dial’s transparent crystal pattern is a beautiful detail reminiscent of crushed ice, delivering a look both cool and clean. If the titanium bracelet isn’t for you, the SSH135J also comes with a reinforced two-tone silicone strap that’s colour coordinated to match that remarkable dial. Altogether, it’s a technical and aesthetic triumph. Price: AUD$4,050
King Seiko SPB387J
Inject a little luxury into your Christmas celebrations with this classic timepiece from King Seiko. A perfect blend of timeless elegance and cutting-edge innovation, the SPB387J is the kind of watch that negates the need for a second one. From its immaculate black dial to its stainless-steel bracelet, this is a watch that will complement any ensemble. More than just looks, it offers up impressive accuracy of just +25 to -15 seconds a day (at normal temperature range between 5°C and 35°C), thanks to its 6R55 Calibre movement, which also boasts a 72-hour power reserve. Water resistance up to 100 metres completes a watch that will be ready for whatever you have in store. It’s about as ideal a watch as you’ll come across this festive season. Price: AUD$3,150
Take your pick from any of the watches we’ve collected here and you’ll be sure to be someone’s favourite Santa this Christmas. What’s more, Seiko has such a remarkable range of timepieces that we’ve only just scratched the surface. To explore the full spectrum of offerings from this watch-making powerhouse, visit Seiko Boutique in Sydney and Melbourne, or browse through their extensive collection on Seiko Online. Click on the link below to discover the perfect timepiece that will make this holiday truly special.
