Legendary Japanese brand Seiko has yet again teamed up with Supercars to create a watch that incorporates all of the brand’s core values into a fresh new look that highlights the excitement constantly felt within the racing world.
While this long-time Seiko Supercars collaboration may have come as a surprise to some, it is a marriage made in heaven for others. Because despite what your instincts may tell you, Seiko watches and Supercars are not all that different. While the two are situated in industries that seem worlds away from one another, they do share many of the same values, a desire for innovation and of course heritage.
These factors all but meld together perfectly with four Seiko 5 Sports Supercars limited edition watches for 2022 and here’s why.
Overview:
- Story & Inspiration
- Case & Bezel
- Case back & Crown
- Collector's Box & Strap
- Specifications
- The Seiko 5 Sports Supercars For 2021
Story & Inspiration
This isn’t Seiko and Supercars’ first rodeo as the two brands have joined forces to create limited edition Seiko 5 watches several times before. How this model differs from the many previous models that have come before it, however, is its striking design. Adorned in a daring jet black and electrifying yellow hue, two colours that are synonymous with the racing world it is clear that Seiko wanted to pay tribute to Supercars’ heritage and many of their core values that have set a precedence for their racing events.
With events taking place across Australia and New Zealand, the Repco Supercars Championship is arguably the biggest motorsport event across the Australasia region. Renowned for its enthusiastic supporters and the closeness of the competition in which mere milliseconds can mean the difference between victory and despair, Supercars is somewhat defined by the excitement it creates among its followers. And with its refined playful touches partnered with over 100 years of craftsmanship from the Seiko brand, the Seiko 5 Sports Supercars limited edition watches for 2022 certainly embody that excitement. It’s hard not to look down at this timepiece and feel at least a little bit giddy.
SRPJ01K Case & Bezel
Inspired by the bitumen that so many legends and vehicles of V8 supercars have raced on over the years, the SRPJ01K is the star of this release. Its all-black dial gives this piece a somewhat edgy look that will pair well with practically anything. This all-black look is complemented by vague gold finishes throughout the dial, case and bezel. This hue is aptly known as “victory” gold and it helps bring a great deal of vibrance to this look, particularly when it reflects light on days when you are out in the sun or when you are making use of Seiko’s signature Lumibrite hour and hand markers that ensure complete visibility in all situations.
SRPJ01K Case back & Crown
Normally elements such as the case back and crown are an afterthought and rarely receive much attention, not with Seiko however. Much like many other Seiko models out there, the Seiko SRPJ01K is littered with small references to the brand's heritage and its relationship with Supercars. The watch’s pull out crown is adorned with Supercars’ iconic bright red logo which coincidentally is very similar to Seiko’s branding for the Seiko 5 collection. If you turn the watch around you will also find the Supercars logo stamped onto an exhibition case back that allows the wearer to peek at the watch’s inner workings. You will also find the edition number (from 0001/2022 to 2022/2022) of your piece etched into the back. It is minor details like this that make this watch truly special.
SRPJ01K Collector’s Box & Strap
With its black and yellow trimming that is reminiscent of the interior of a V8 car, the pillowed presentation box that the Seiko 5 Sports Supercars limited edition watch is a feature within itself. It features a certificate of authenticity with the watch edition number along with a raised stand for the watch to sit comfortably in when you are not wearing it. There is also an additional black silicone strap that gives the wearer more flexibility and allows them to change up their look now and again.
Specifications
- 4R36 calibre automatic movement
- 41-hour power reserve
- Stainless steel case with hardlex glass
- LumiBrite coating on hands and hour markers
- Stainless steel link bracelet
- 100 metres of water resistance
- Thickness: 13.4mm
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Length: 46mm
- Day and date display
- Rotating bezel
Other notable features include:
- Exhibition (see-through) caseback
- Additional silicone strap
- 'Limited edition’ stamp on caseback
- Model number engraved on caseback
- Baton dial markers
The Other Seiko 5 2022 Supercars Special Edition Models
In a move that is sure to delight many keen Seiko watch collectors out there, the brand also debuted three additional models alongside the Seiko 5 Sports Limited Edition watch for 2022. Taking inspiration from the sleek racing tyres that are synonymous with the extreme sport, these models that are available in three exciting colourways including electric blue, racecar red and invigorating yellow are a slightly pared-back version of the main event. However, rest assured that these three models still stand out from the crowd and here is why.
One aspect of these Seiko 5 Supercars special edition models that really stands out is their daring black faces. Adorned with an edgy diamond-cut design and vibrantly coloured accents, this design element is almost reminiscent of the racing car tyres that the Seiko brand took inspiration from when developing these models, something that is evident almost at first glance. The influence of the racing world in these designs is also evident when you peer at the watch's stainless steel case and sporty silicone strap which is a stark contrast to the other model's slightly more dressed up stainless-link bracelet and rounded case. However, much like the completely stainless-steel Seiko 5 Sports Supercars model, these pieces also feature an open-back design adorned with a limited edition stamp as well as the infamous Supercars logo.
Seiko 5 Sports SRPJ03K Supercars Special Edition Podium Model
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Step out in confidence in this striking Seiko 5 Sports SRPJ03K Supercars Special Edition Podium Model. The black rubber strap takes inspiration from the slick racing tyre and the back of the case and crown are adorned with the supercars… read more
Seiko 5 Sports SRPJ05K Supercars Special Edition Podium Model
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In a world-class partnership the renowned watchmaker Seiko has teamed with the Repco Supercards Championship to release a set of limited edition watches reminiscent of the track. The Seiko 5 Sports SRPJ05K Supercars Special Edition Podium Model is a true… read more
Seiko 5 Sports SRPJ07K Supercars Special Edition Podium Model
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Step out in this limited edition Seiko 5 Sports SRPJ07K Supercars Special Edition Podium Model. Powered by automatic movement with 41 hours of power reserve, this watch has both style and functionality. The dial features a black bezel that is… read more
The Seiko 5 Sports Supercars Special Edition Watch For 2021
As previously touched on this isn't Supercars' first foray into watches, as the motorsport company has collaborated with Seiko on other limited edition pieces many times before. Just last year the watch brand released the Seiko 5 Supercars 2021 Limited Edition Automatic SRPH53K watch. Decked out in black and vibrant Supercars red the watch was designed to help commemorate Seiko's official partnership with the Irwin racing team and much like the 2022 special edition model, it is packed full of features. Boasting a 41-hour power reserve and 100-metre water resistance level, this 2021 model also makes for a great everyday companion.
Our Verdict
While these Seiko 5 Sports Supercars watches evoke a lot of the passion expressed by V8 motorsport fans, anyone can enjoy these sophisticated black watches. Their finishes may represent many of the Supercars brand’s core values, but they present themselves in a way that is both versatile and timeless. Whether you wear these watches to the office, on your days off, at formal events or even racing events, you know that these watches will fit in practically anywhere as it embodies Seiko’s mission to create watches that are functional, stylish and littered in the brand’s nuance-detailed craftsmanship. While the stainless steel model is the star of the show, the addition of three extra models is also a game-changer as it affords collectors and watch aficionados the opportunity to pick a model that really complements their style, whether it be refined and constantly done up or casual and relaxed.
