In order to mark the 35th anniversary of Star Wars, as well as the upcoming release of the iconic movie in 3D, the renowned Japanese watchmaker created six limited edition models in the total of 5,000 pieces. Including cool watches dedicated to Darth Vader, Darth Maul, C-3P0, R2-D2 and Yoda, as well as a Stormtrooper edition, Seiko Star War Collection will be released in Japanese retail locations, in October, but fans around the globe should not despair, because these collector’s items will probably be available online.
There is a bunch of original elements which distinct each of timepieces from the collection, but let us firstly analyze case-backs, each presenting one of the iconic character from the George Lucas’ film. On every mechanical model, a colored case-back window is semi-transparent, partly revealing a mechanism beating behind the character’s face, which looks pretty cool. In my opinion, the most interesting case-back in the collection is the one with Yoda’s face, drawn on the semi-transparent green window that also features the inscription of the legendary phrase “May the force be with you”.
Another original feature is the engraving on the side of the case. It appears that each timepiece features the name of the character inscribed in the Star Wars universe “Aurebesh” language. Besides, Seiko Star Wars watches that represent Darth Vader, Darth Maul, and Yoda come with central seconds hands painted in the same color as the character’s light saber. How cool that is! For those who do not know what the light saber is, even though I highly doubt there is anyone who is reading this post and does not know this easy one – it is the weapon of a Jedi knight in Star Wars.
All timepieces from the Star Wars Collection are crafted in steel and two of them are black ion plated (IP). Each model features the Star Wars logo on the dial, along with the Japanese brand name, while the name of Lucasfilm comes on the case-back. Seiko Star Wars Darth Vader (ref.) watch is produced in the largest number of pieces (1,500), while the edition of the Stormtrooper watch is limited to just 500 pieces. The renowned Japanese watchmaker also prepears “SPECIAL SET” of all six Star Wars watches which will include a few other fun items as well.
Seiko Star Wars Darth Vader (SAGA125) Watch
Representing the ‘Dark side’, the Darth Vader watch has a black steel case with the diameter of 42.5mm and a dial with the logo of the Galactic Empire. This multi-functional watch, powered by 8B54 Caliber solar quartz movement with radio correction, is made for travelers. Its movement can be synchronized with the six atomic clock radio frequencies around the world and offers the time, date, day of the week, and the second time zone.
Seiko Star Wars Darth Vader watch has the great accuracy of 15 ± seconds per month. It is covered with sapphire crystal and has the solid water-resistance of 100 meters (330 feet). It will be available for 141,750 yen (about $1,820).
Seiko Star Wars Darth Maul (SAGA127) Watch
Dark-side Jedi Darth Maul also inspired Seiko to create an interesting timepiece, limited to 800 pieces. It features a black IP coated steel case as well, but this is a more robust watch, with the diameter of 43.4mm. This chronograph features a striking dial, with oversized Roman numerals and three sub-dials. To mimic Maul’s face, they are all marked with red color, as well as the tachymeter scale on the bezel.
Inside the case, there is a super-accurate 8B82 Caliber quartz movement, with a solar battery and atomic clock control. However, radio correction for this movement works only in Japan. This chronograph movement counts elapsed time with 1/5 of a second accuracy. The watch face is protected with a sapphire crystal glass with hard coating and it is water-resistant up to 100 meters. Lucky collectors may have this sporty watch for 136,500 yen (about $1,750).
Seiko Star Wars Stormtrooper (SDGC011) Watch
Limited to just 500 pieces, this great mechanical timepiece is the last Empire watch in the Star Wars Collection, coming with the bold black and white outfit and the Galactic Empire logo, placed inside the day of the date sub-dial. The Stormtrooper watch is powered by a Seiko Caliber 6R21 self-winding mechanism, as well as Yoda and C-3PO timepieces.
This modern watch with day/date indications has a 41.7mm wide case crafted in stainless steel, as well as its bracelet. It is interesting that this automatic watch will cost exactly the same as the quartz Darth Maul model (136,500 yen – about $1,750).
Seiko Star Wars Yoda (SDGC013) and Star Wars C-3P0 (SDGC015) Watches
Let us move on to the good guys. C-3PO and Yoda are pretty much the same models, with 41.7mm steel cases which house the same Seiko 6R21 self-winding movements. Besides, the arrangements on their dials are pretty much the same. Still, different designs of dials and case-backs make these timepieces clearly distinctive.
In my opinion, Yoda’s watch is way more interesting, featuring a light green dial and a back-side, while an electric green colored “light saber” seconds hand gives the watch a cool and original look. Inside the day indicator, at the 6 o’clock position, there is the Rebel Alliance logo.
Although a black and gold toned dial nicely mimics the look of C-3PO, I still do not like to see these color combinations on the watch. However, my personal taste does not make the Star Wars C-3PO watch less valuable as a collector’s item. Both of these watches come in the limited series of 600 pieces and cost 136,500 yen (about $1,750).
Seiko Star Wars R2-D2 (SDGA005) Watch
The last model in the Seiko’s amazing collection brings something completely different. The Star Wars R2-D2 is the version of Seiko’s EPD e-ink display watch, a hi-end digital model that I have already introduced, while reviewing the brand’s Golgo 13 Special Edition. By using the high resolution active matrix display, this timepiece offers a number of screen options that beside accurate time in 32 cities and regions also show various images from the movie. Seems like the perfect choice for this character.
The Star Wars R2-D2 watch is powered by a Caliber S770 solar quartz movement with radio correction, received from five stations in Japan, the USA, Germany, the United Kingdomand probably China. This watch is crafted in stainless steel, and has a large case with 45.5mm x 46.0mm size. It is covered with sapphire crystal and it is resistant to water-pressure up to 100 meters. This attractive model will be released in the series of 1000 pieces. Each one will cost 126,000 Yen (about $1,620).
