Seiko has partnered with Brian May to produce a limited edition version of its Seiko 5 Sports watch inspired by the Queen guitarist’s instrument.
Limited to 9,000 pieces worldwide, the watch features a flash (ah-aaaaaah!) red dial with a gentle gradient effect between the eight and 11 o’clock markers, designed to mimic the shape of May’s two-tone guitar, also known as the 'Red Special'.
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The guitar was hand-built by May and his father in the early 1960s, using wood salvaged from a 100-year-old fireplace, and has accompanied the Queen member for much of his career.
Aside from a dial borrowing its design from May’s guitar, the Seiko 5 Red Special also features a nylon strap designed to match that of the guitar, and is presented in a miniature guitar flight case.
The watch itself is fundamentally the same as the rest of the broad Seiko 5 range, introduced in the summer of 2019 and see as a replacement to the popular SKX.
The Seiko 5 Sports is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement which can be viewed through the display case back (which also includes May’s signature), is water-resistant to 100 metres (Under Pressure), has recessed crown at the four o’clock position, and a unidirectional rotating dive bezel.
The Caliber 4R36 movement has optional self-winding, 24 jewels, and a power reserve of 41 hours.
As for why Seiko was chosen to produce a Red Special watch? Good question. May has been attached to the brand for 40 years, and wears a Seiko Prospex diver’s watch pretty much all the time.
The Seiko 5 Sports Red Edition will be available in May and priced at £500 (approve $550).
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