When I first saw the watch, I was confused… why had I never seen this model of Seiko before? I’ve been into watches for well over a decade and particularly loved Seikos, but I had never, in my life, seen this. It initially looked like a Speedmaster homage, but with enough Seikoness to be different. I know Seiko currently makes a very Speedmasterly chronograph – the Speedtimer. But this was different, it was older, but not vintage. It seemed to be the new hotness of “neo-vintage” vaguely defined as watches that bridge the gap between older vintage watches and more modern watches (I think many examples between 1980-2010 fit this definition). But what exactly was it? Well, I did the stupid thing of buying a watch without knowing anything about it and then researching it. It’s a typical watch enthusiast move, but fun nonetheless.
The Seiko Power Design Project
Well, I first determined it was associated with the Seiko Power Design Project. What strange thing is that you say? Well, it was an annual design initiative that mostly used Seiko designers to “think outside the box” and create sometimes weird and funky watch designs. It was started in 2001 and initially ran until 2009 (it was then restarted in 2022). It appears most of the designs were one-offs and showed off at watch shows like the old Baselworld. Yet, there were a few near the end that were actually produced in small quantities and released to the public.
While perusing old Seiko marketing materials from the mid to late aughts, as one does, I finally stumbled upon reference to my watch. It was released in 2009, amongst a series of watches that had been part of the Power Design Project in a group they called “Standard 2”. Not the catchiest of titles but there it was. I had seen reference to it being from 2012 but clearly it was a 2009 release according to the materials. I had also seen it referenced under the name “Spirit” but it’s a bit unclear if that ever was the exact name given to this exact model in the Power Design Project or simply part of general marketing Seiko used for entire collection. I determined the exact reference number was, in fact, SBPP001. They also apparently made a white dial version (SBPP003), hello white dial Speedmaster.
The Seiko Power Design Project “Standard 2” SBPP001
In hand the SBPP001 feels substantial on a full metal bracelet, although maybe lacking a slight bit of heft considering it is using only a quartz movement. The dimensions though are as spot on as you will get from a Seiko – 40mm wide, 46mm lug to lug, 20mm lug width, and 11mm thickness. On my 6.5″ wrist, this fits absolutely perfectly, and likely will fit great on most wrist sizes apart from very small or very large. The bracelet isn’t high end luxury like the real Speedmaster bracelet but feels nice for a Seiko in this general tier of watches. It also is 17 years old but the design does not feel dated and generally slots really well into that cool “neo-vintage” styling.
The movement itself is a quality Seiko 7T62 quartz chronograph, and has a lot of features, including 60 minute chronograph, date, and an actual alarm function. It’s a bit rare to see an alarm function on a standard chronograph but there it is in the lower sub-dial. The chronograph hand pulsates 5 times per second so while not a perfect mechanical sweep, still looks a bit better than a standard once per second quartz sweep. The accuracy is listed at +/- 15 seconds per month, bog standard quartz accuracy.
In terms of looks, let’s knock the elephant out of the room here and say that yes, it looks a lot like an Omega Speedmaster. It has the black bezel with tachymeter and black dial. The sub-dials are a bit different though and it has other styling cues that are more Seiko. I’m including a photo of it next to my modern Speedmaster (ref. 310.30.42.50.01.001) and you can see for yourself how similar or different the two watches look next to each other. I do think it a bit strange the design initiative meant to create more out there designs created such a homage looking watch, but there you go.
Overall, this really is a very handsome watch that both has nice looks (even if a bit derivative) and a unique history. You get the Seiko name and quality, the neo-vintage coolness factor, and generally a watch that will likely impress most “norms” along with enthusiasts. I am surprised this model isn’t talked about more, but likely it was made in small quantities and is a JDM exclusive, so hard to find on open market. It was luck that I was even able to acquire one.
