Seiko Watch 5 Sports Brian May Limited Edition SRPE83K1
Ref: SRPE83K1 (4R36-08H0)
Specification
Lugs : 22mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold with its original Seiko presentation box and instruction booklet. The watch is paired with its original Seiko 22mm black Nylon NATO strap. The watch is from May 2020 and is sold in worn but fair condition, likely worn a handful of times at most, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yjG1tv24gvSAvJK_ZEKQ1EHXh1MjNdke?usp=share_link
The Watch
Here we have an unworn Seiko Watch 5 Sports Brian May Limited Edition SRPE83K1 inspired by Brian May of Queens' iconic "Red Special" the guitar which he and his father lovingly hand built in the 1960s, using recycled wood from a 100-year-old fireplace. This watch is limited to 9000 pieces and the curvaceous 42.5mm stainless steel case has a lug-to-lug length of 46mm and a case thickness of 13mm giving the watch an impressive wrist presence. Seiko gets wrist ergonomics so right as this watch sits on your wrist like a cushion. At 4 o'clock you find a crown protected by crown guards, the unidirectional bezel has the characteristic double knurling for extra grip with a black 60-minute dive insert. A slightly recessed Hardlex crystal sits above the striking guitar-inspired red and black wood grain textured dial, applied disc and rounded baton indexes and at 3 o'clock a day/date window. Arrow and sword hands infilled with lumbrite complemented with a lollipop counterbalance sweeping second hand, at 12 o'clock you find the Seiko 5 motif and at 6 o'clock the "Red Special" "Automatic" in a distinctive script as seen on his guitar. On the reverse an exhibition case back Brian May's signature across it, inside an automatic Seiko Cal. 4R36, 24 jewels, 21,600 beats per hour, both hacking and hand winding. The watch comes fitted on its original Seiko 22mm black Nylon NATO strap and the watch comes with its guitar flight case presentation box complete with a replica "Lucky Sixpence" that Brian has always used as a plectrum.
Personal Note
This is one of those watches that really didn't do anything for me in photos or in hand, but once on the wrist I was converted into a big fan, the dial colour and overall look are fantastic on the wrist! I wouldn't hesitate on this, even if you aren't a fan of Brian May, this design alone is worth considering this watch.
The Brand
Seikos' history began in 1881 when Kintaro Hattori established the K. Hattori retail and repair store. In 1892 Seikosha was established to make wall clocks. 1895 saw the production of their first pocket watch. 1913 saw the launch of their first wristwatch, the Laurel. In 1924 the first Seiko was manufactured. Daini Seikosha (now Seiko Instruments Inc.) was established in 1937. Seiko was listed on the Tokyo stock exchange in 1949. The Suwa factory became independent and formed Suwa Seikosha Co., Ltd. (now Seiko Epson Corporation in 1959). In 1956 Seiko launched Marvel as their first true in-house made watch; they continued to make this watch until 1959. Japan’s first chronograph watch was introduced for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; it was called the Seiko Crown Chronograph monopusher. Not stopping there Seiko launched Japan's first true divers watch the Seiko Diver’s 150M fitted with the automatic Caliber 6217 which later was given the nickname “62MAS” by collectors. The company name was changed to the Seiko Corporation in 1990. Innovation at Seiko continues today with GPS Solar watches.