Seiko has been on a bit of a hot streak with collaborations in recent years, and it all stems from their controversial move in separating dive collections into the 5 Sports and Prospex collections. By moving the SKX references into the entry level Seiko 5 Sports range, they opened the door for a much wider array of creative expression within the famous silhouette, all while allowing the heritage dive range to flourish in the more premium Prospex collection. The sweet spot may be gone, but there are far more options on both ends as a result (for better or worse). Seiko 5 Sports divers have become a popular platform for collaboration, and the latest, done in partnership with Bamford Watch Department, may be the most compelling yet.
This one builds on the unusual ideas we saw in the references SRPJ41 Kosuke Kawamura LE and SRPJ45, both of which use clear, tinted dials revealing the day and date discs set underneath. This collaboration with Bamford Watch Department is the SRPL95, and it uses the blue tinted transparent dial seen in the SRPJ45 with a healthy portion of orange accents seen in the SRPJ41. Notably, the oversized minute hand gets a bright orange outline, extending even to the very base of the hand, which is joined by an orange seconds hand. The vibrant blue and orange hues make for a punchy dial visual in a manner you won’t find on many divers.
Orange accents extend to the chapter ring, and more prominently, the bezel insert. It’s not quite as unusual as the SRPJ41, and not as one note as the SRPJ45. Fans of Bamford specials will find a familiar character emerging in this design, and while it doesn’t feel out of place in the broader Seiko collection, it does represent something slightly out of the norm for both parties. Bamford (who you can hear on The Deep Track Podcast ep. 15) is known for his work with LVMH brands on a formal level, though a jog through his back catalog will reveal all manner of customization when it comes to watch. For what it’s worth, George is a true watch nerd, and I’m happy to see him collaborating with the likes of Seiko.
The colorful design is set into a familiar 42.5mm case with the crown at the four o’clock position. Inside beats a Seiko 4R36 automatic movement, which you can get a look at through a blue tinted caseback bearing the ‘BWD’ mark signifying the collaboration. This watch will ship on a nylon strap with blue and orange stripes down the centerThe watch is limited to 2,025 pieces planned for production. Pricing is at $460, and the watch will be available as a boutique exclusive from November. Seiko / Bamford Watch Department