What happens when precise Japan engineering meets world-class Italian design?
The result is the release of the Iconic Seiko Giugiaro watches that have become a real gem in the watch industry, even after many years since they were first introduced.
For starters, the Seiko x Giugiaro relationship kicked off in 1983 with the launch of four Speed Master watches, including the one worn by Ellen Ripley in the famous sci-fi movie Aliens, released in 1986.
Amazingly, the Seiko Giugiaro was among the two analog watches and two digital watches launched by Seiko during this period.
What thrilled many Seiko fanatics about the Seiko Giugiaro series was that they were fitted with the very first analog quartz chronograph, the 7A28, which wasn’t previously thought of before this period.
But before we dive deeper into today’s post, let’s give you a brief history of the Seiko brand.
About Seiko
Seiko has remained pretty consistent since stepping foot into the watch industry.
As a globally recognized brand, Seiko has lived up to the stiff competition in the watch industry, given the likes of Patek Philippe and Rolex, a run for their money.
But before Seiko became a global brand, the company started off repairing and Selling watches in a small shop in Ginza, Tokyo, which was managed by their 21-year owner in 1881.
Given the unprecedented success enjoyed by the company in its early beginning, the company moved to set up a new factory, which it eventually did, 11 years later, when it set up the Seikosha factory.
Interestingly, the Seikosha factory spearheaded the launch of Seiko’s first-ever wall clocks.
Following the success enjoyed by the brand’s wall clocks, the company took things up a notch by releasing the first-ever pocket watch, the Timekeeper, in 1895.
The launch of Seiko’s pocket watch soon followed with the release of the company’s first-ever wristwatch to carry the Seiko brand name.
Today, the company is still a force to be reckoned with, even as their iconic collections of watches continue to enjoy massive patronage.
Popular specifications
- Crystal: Hardlex
- Jewels: 15
- Lug-to-lug measurement: 42mm
- Lug diameter: 18mm
- Movement: Powered by 7A Quartz chronograph movement
- Diameter: 42mm (including the shroud)
Seiko Giugiaro overall design
The Seiko Giugiaro is an unconventional watch that has captured the attention of Seiko lovers, professionals, and watch collectors alike.
While the massive chrono-pusher located just at the right side makes the watch seem awful, on the contrary, many have come to love the design for how comfortable it feels on their wrists.
Even though the watch measures 42mm, we love the fact that the pusher block stops any kind of crown stabbing.
Overall, the watch fits very well and doesn’t look out of place.
Plus, it’s 42mm x 42mm design makes for a comfortable wearing experience.
Seiko Giugiaro Movement
One thing we love about the Seiko Giugiaro is its unusual movement.
Powered by a 7A quartz chronograph movement, this watch is super accurate and works flawlessly all day long.
The original idea behind this movement was to give popular brands like Rolex and Patek Phillippe a run for their money.
As per movement, this watch features a 15 jewel, followed by a reliable quartz movement that is specially designed to tick at 1/10 of a second.
On the flip side, the reissue models come with a 7T12 movement along with a 1/5 second tick rate.
Although this movement is accurate, we are afraid it isn’t as robust as the original.
Also, we love that this watch tracks so many things, including 24 hour time, date, minutes counter, and split second chronograph.
Seiko Giugiaro Case/Crown
The Seiko Giugiaro is encased in a gorgeous matte steel case.
Even though this case will show wear when scuffed or bumped, it still looks great even after many years of use.
And before we get ahead of ourselves, let us also add that the case size looks exceptionally polarizing, and that’s because of the massive superstructure fitted on the side of the watch to house the chronograph pushers.
Keep in mind that being a driving watch, the main idea behind the design was to make the functionality accessible when driving.
That said, the crown is fitted in such a way that it is almost hidden in the chromo pusher assembly, which makes it a bit difficult to access.
On the bright side, being a quartz-powered watch, the amount of time needed to adjust time and date is minimal, which is excellent.
Seiko Giugiaro Dial
The Seiko Giugiaro features a unique dial that is protected by Seiko’s distinct Hardlex crystal.
And for those wondering why Hardlex is such a great material, it will interest you to know that Hardlex is more rugged than plain acrylic.
Even though Hardlex will scratch faster than sapphire, we like that it is sophisticated and has proven to provide adequate protection for the dial.
Another thing we love about the crystal is its effective anti-reflection design, which makes it seem like you could reach for the hands using your fingers.
While the dial looks busy, we are thrilled it isn’t as chaotic as what you’ll see with other drive watches.
For starters, the dial of this watch features a grey cut-out that is obvious on the lower third of the dial, precisely the place housing the three sub-dials.
That said, the rest appear primarily black.
With the hour and minute markers painted black, the sub-dials come with predominantly white shades.
Additionally, the minute and hour hands have a somewhat dark-orange shade that contrasts very nicely with the dial itself.
Additionally, the chronograph features yellow seconds; a design put in place to sync with the smaller details of the dial.
Seiko Giugiaro Bracelet
When it comes to bracelets, this iconic timepiece comes with a folded link bracelet that is super comfortable to wear if they fit.
That said, keep in mind that they are challenging to resize, so we will advise you to double-check and make sure the size fits your wrist.
Alternatively, you can replace the bracelet with a rubber or NATO strap if that is a bit more convenient.
Pros
- Features a comfortable folded link bracelet
- It is protected by Seiko’s distinct Hardlex crystal
- Day/Date function at 3 o’clock
- The watch is powered by 7A quartz chronograph movement.
Cons
- The Hardlex crystal may show signs of scratch after some time
- The bracelet is challenging to resize
Frequently asked questions: Learn more about Seiko Giugiaro.
What movement does Seiko Giugiaro use?
In terms of movement, Seiko Giugiaro is powered by 7A quartz chronograph movement.
That said, the reissue models are powered by the 7T12 movement.
Is Seiko Giugiaro worth it?
Looking at its impressive design, sophisticated dial, and one-of-a-kind movement, there is no doubt that the Seiko Giugiaro will give other luxury brands a run for their money.
And even though it isn’t the cheapest of drive watches, we are pleased that it lives up to its promise.
Is it water-resistant?
While Seiko is famous for producing water-resistant quality timepieces, there isn’t much information regarding whether the Seiko Giugiaro is water-resistant, so we can’t say for sure.
Conclusion
While this sci-fi-inspired watch was a rare gem when it was first launched, if you aren’t a fan of the Alien series, you’ll be better off with more iconic watches from the Seiko brand.
And because the design of the case, as well as the chrono-pushers, looks extremely polarizing, you’ll want to think twice before getting this watch.
That said, if you want to lay your hands on a piece of history, precisely something from the early ’80s, you will most likely fancy this watch.
