Skip to main content

The Manual Wind: Seiko Re-Craft Mechanical

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Ian Schwam
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…
Krayon’s new watch offers a unique month-at-a-glance mechanical planner
This innovative Swiss timepiece puts an entire month's calendar on your wrist
Krayon unveils anyday watch

Swiss haute horlogerie brand Krayon -- known for its exceptional mechanical complications -- has introduced "Anyday," the world's first mechanical planner watch that displays an entire month at a glance.

Unveiled at the Time to Watches show held in Geneva, Switzerland, this horological innovation presents a new approach to calendar complications. It shows each day and date for the current month and automatically transitions between months without the need for technical intervention.

Read more
King Seiko Vanac returns with Tokyo-inspired design and a see-through caseback
The modern version of the Vanac Collection from the '70s
King Seiko Vanac

In the early ‘60s, Seiko founded a small brand focused on horological precision and accuracy and named it King Seiko. Timepieces rolled out in the ‘60s and ‘70s were modified for enhanced performance. While King Seiko dominated the industry in the early ‘70s, the main organization shelved it in 1975 and remained dormant until a relaunch in 2022.

In 1972, King Seiko launched the Vanac — a watch with bright colors and a multifaceted design. In the ‘70s, geometric angles were quite popular on cases—various timepieces had sophisticated cuts that accentuated the dials. And now that watch has had a modern rebirth.

Read more
Seiko marks 60th anniversary of diver’s watch with exclusive timepieces
The waviest Prospex model of all times
Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Professional Seiko Diver's Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition

The 1965 Heritage Diver is turning 60 this year, and this is a call for a celebration. What better way to celebrate the Prospex model than a new, modern 60th-anniversary version? Well, how about three?

The first watch, the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Professional Seiko Diver's Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition, was inspired by the diver's watch that debuted in 1968 and one unveiled in 1975. Just like the 1975 timepiece, it features an L-shaped gasket to prevent helium infiltration, which eliminates the need for an escape valve.

Read more