The Manual Wind: Seiko Re-Craft Mechanical

By Ian Schwam December 17, 2014

manual wind seiko re craft mechanical — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The watch world has been bringing back the 60s and 70s with a vengeance, and heritage can be costly. The brands with the history and designs of the past are not often affordable. Omega, Longines, and Jaeger LeCoultre are just a few examples of some brands that have brought back the classics but may also be out of reach. One name as recognizable as the aforementioned yet more known for its Quartz movement has entered the affordable mechanical arena. With redesign and 70s style, Seiko introduces the Re-Craft.

At a sizable 43.5mm, the Re-craft mechanicals still have some modern attributes. To start, there is an exhibition caseback revealing the Seiko 40 hour power reserve mechanical movement. A screw down crown offers water resistance to 5atm, which is plenty for the average watch wearer. Offered in many variations, Seiko has designed a piece in this line for just about everyone. The cases are offered in steel, gold tone, as well as black coating. The dials match well and give each of the pieces unique personality. Vintage style in modern cases.

Offered on straps and metal bracelets, Seiko has designed a mechanical line with versatility, style, and most importantly around holiday time, affordability. The ability to manufacture aesthetically pleasing mechanical timepieces at affordable pricing looks to be becoming more commonplace. With the introduction of the Swatch Sistem51 also, this trend is starting to prove itself. Everyone should be able to afford a nice mechanical watch and big movement manufacturers such as Swatch Group and Seiko are helping make that happen. Take a look at the complete line of Seiko Re-Craft Mechanical! Great looking pieces for $300 and under.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…

Fashion & Style

Seiko unveils new watches inspired by the morning sky

Seiko Astron lineup gets 2 new GPS solar watches

Seiko Astron Morning Star GPS Solar watches

The latest Seiko watches draw inspiration from the captivating hues of dawn as sunlight gently permeates the lingering darkness. With a distinct purple gradient dial adorned with opulent gold accents, these new Seiko Astron Morning Star watches exude an air of refinement, elevating the Astron line to new heights of reverence.

Available exclusively as 1,200-piece limited editions, each watch in this exquisite collection boasts a titanium case and bracelet meticulously coated in a sleek black super-hard finish. Paired with sapphire crystals, these timepieces offer stunning aesthetics and robust durability, ensuring longevity and resilience in any setting. Water resistant up to 100 meters, they seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality, making them suitable companions for both walks through the city to work and dives in the ocean on vacation.

Fashion & Style

This retailer has Grand Seiko watches for 20% under sticker

Promotional posted for the Grand Seiko SBGA407G with Spring Drive.

Grand Seiko has to be one of the best luxury watch brands out there, but sales and deals are limited. That's why we're excited to have found 22 Grand Seiko watches with discounts in Jomashop's Big Winter Sale, going on now through midday Friday. The sale, which commemorates the ending on winter later this month, has a ton of watches (and other items) on sale, but this humble collection of Grand Seiko watches truly caught our eye. Tap the button below to see the full collection yourself — there are only 22 watches represented, each up to 20% off — or keep reading to find out about our favorite watch of the sale.

Our favorite Grand Seiko in the Big Winter Sale
Of all of the watches of Jomashop's Grand Seiko selection, this watch stuck out to us for its easy-to-read dial and thick, readable hands. Many luxury watches through in a ton of subdials, fancy indicators, and more to signify that they are luxury and to justify their price. This watch — the Grand Seiko Heritage GMT Hi-Beat "Shunbun" — projects its style and elegance in a different way, by having high-quality components and retaining function. While there are lots of elements to this watch, their thick designs, solid colors, and lack of business will give the watch minimalist undertones in a delightful way.

Fashion & Style

Grand Seiko celebrates the 20th anniversary of Spring Drive with these limited edition watches

Grand Seiko celebrates 20th anniversary of Spring Drive

Grand Seiko SBGE305

As Grand Seiko watches commemorate two decades of excellence in Spring Drive technology, they have proudly introduced two exquisite limited-edition watches that exemplify the pinnacle of timepiece mastery. Although the inaugural Spring Drive movement debuted in 1999, it wasn't until half a decade later that the premier Grand Seiko Spring Drive timepiece graced the market. The year 2004 heralded the formal commencement of the renowned 9R lineage of Spring Drive movements.

Grand Seiko is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Automatic Spring Drive watches
With the release of the SBGA497 from the Heritage Collection and the SBGE305 from the Sport Collection, Grand Seiko reaffirms its commitment to crafting watches for men that are as aesthetically captivating as they are technically superior. In honor of the 20th anniversary of the illustrious 9R Spring Drive movement, Grand Seiko unveils a captivating duo of limited edition timepieces, each paying homage to the breathtaking sunrise at Mount Hotaka. Situated near the Grand Seiko workshop in Shiojiri, Mount Hotaka serves as an enduring muse, inspiring the exquisite dials of these exclusive watches.
The Heritage Collection Caliber 9R 20th Anniversary “Pink Snowflake”
The SBGA497, part of the Heritage Collection, pays homage to Grand Seiko's rich legacy while embracing the cutting-edge advancements of the 21st century. Powered by the Spring Drive Calibre 9R65, this timepiece epitomizes precision with an accuracy of ±1 second per day, or ±15 seconds per month. Boasting a power reserve of 72 hours, the SBGA497 ensures reliable performance even in the most demanding of situations. This limited edition model exudes understated elegance and durability and is encased in high-intensity titanium and adorned with a dual-curved sapphire crystal. With water resistance of up to 10 bar and magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m, it is as robust as it is refined.
Learn More