Introducing the second collaboration between Seiko 5 Sports and Queen's legendary guitarist, Brian May! Inspired by Brian's favourite guitar, the "Red Special," this gold-coloured Seiko 5 SRPH80K1 is not to be missed.
After buying his first Seiko divers watch while on tour in Japan in the 1970s, Brian fell in love with Seiko and he's been wearing it ever since. From there on out, his guitar and watch travelled the world together as Queen became one of the most celebrated rock bands in history.
While Brian relied heavily on his guitar, he also depended on his Seiko watch. The first collaboration series between Seiko and Brian May was released in January 2020. The series was limited edition of 9,000 pieces and quickly sold out.
This new collaboration is limited edition of 12,500 pieces and represents great value at $950 AUD. The Seiko watch corporation will also donate a proportion of the sales and proceeds from this watch to The Mercury Phoenix Trust. The charity was founded in memory of Freddie Mercury by Brian May, Roger Taylor and Queen manager Jim Beach to help raise awareness and fund the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Check out the watch below!
Dial & Case
Like the first collaboration release between Seiko and Brian, the dial has a red and black colour theme that emphasises the fine details of the legendary guitar with a wood texture pattern and a glossy finish. Where this watch differs from the first release, is its gold casing and embellishments. This case is a special gold-colour version, requested by Brian himself, inspired by the newly released 'Gold Series' reissues of his solo albums.
The watch also features Brian's signature on the see-through red-tinted case back. 'LIMITED EDITION' and the serial number 00001/12500 ' 12500/12500 is also highlighted.
Strap
The signature Seiko 5 nylon strap features verticle stripes designed to resemble Brian's guitar strings. Brian and his father made the guitar entirely by hand so the intricate details of this strap represent more than a regular nylon strap. The Red Special guitar is a family heirloom and a labour of love so every detail on this watch has been thought about by Seiko.
Brian commented 'I am delighted to see this watch come alive, and proud that the creation of me and my dad all those years ago has inspired this collaboration. I love my Seiko and it has served me well for many years. I will wear this new one with pride.'
Special Box
The special box that SRPH80K1 comes in is based on Brian's guitar case. It is a collector's dream that features red velvet with his signature embossed in the middle. It also comes with a replica 'lucky sixpence' coin that Brian uses instead of a guitar pick. This is a truly stunning box that showcases just how special this collaboration is.
SRPH80K1 Specifications
With the trusty caliber 4R36 at its heart, 100 metre water resistance, a Hardlex crystal and its robust steel case, this watch takes everything we know and love from the Seiko 5 watches range. Specifically, it features:
- 4R36 caliber automatic movement
- 41 hour duration
- Stainless steel case with hardlex glass
- LumiBrite on hands and indexes
- Nylon strap
- 100 metres of water resistance
- Thickness: 13.4 mm
- Diameter: 42.5 mm
- Length: 46 mm
- 24 jewels
- Day/Date display
- Stop second-hand function
Other notable specifications include:
- LIMITED EDITION on the case back
- Screw case back
- See-through case back
- Serial number engraved on the case back
- Unidirectional rotating bezel
Final Thoughts
This is a stunning watch with a great cause behind it. If you are after a watch that will turn heads, this timepiece is for you. Especially if you missed out on the first release! While 12,500 pieces is a lot for a limited edition release, this watch is a brilliant concept that offers everything we have come to love in Seiko 5 watches. Unfortunately, this piece is sold out but keep your eyes peeled for more exciting Seiko launches!
