Introducing a second collaboration model between Seiko 5 Sports and Brian May, guitarist of legendary rock band QUEEN! Brian’s favorite guitar, the “Red Special,” inspires this gold-colored design in the special series.
Press release information with Editorial Commentary in italics.
Editorial Commentary
The first collaboration series between Seiko and Brian May was released in January 2020. We covered the release information, and in a hands-on detailed review here. The series was a limited edition of 9,000 pieces, and was quickly sold out. As we noted in our comprehensive review, at the SGD 899 price tag, the Seiko 5 Sport Brian May Special Edition is an outstanding value, and a must buy for Brian May and/or Queen fans. The pricing was set at GBP560. The new watch comes in at a lower GBP530 recommended retail, albeit an increase in the limitation size to 12,500 pieces. This strikes us as eminently fair and thus remain an outstanding value. As the number of pieces increase, so the pricing decreases, even though 2 years has passed since the very successful release. And we applaud Seiko for not taking the opportunistic approach of ever increasing prices of successful launches.
The watch and the story remains the same between the two series. Please refer to our comprehensive review for details. The only difference is the case. The shape and size is the same, but the original release had a brushed matte stainless steel case in the natural silver hue. And the new Series 2 is still stainless steel, but in a matte gold finish. Seiko tells us that this was a request by Brian himself, to tie up with the re-release of his solo albums under the heading – Brian May Gold Series. Seiko does not specify how this gold hue is obtained, but we think it is fairly safe to assume that it via gold vapour deposit, as this is a technique which has been used by Seiko in other watches.
The movement remains the same Caliber 4R36.
Seiko 5 x Brian May – Part 2
Seiko 5 x Brian May Series 2 Ref. SRPH80K1, Caliber 4R36 is available from March 2022 as a limited edition of 12,500 pieces. Retail price GBP 530 inclusive of UK VAT.
Dial & Case
As with the first collaboration model, the dial recreates the fine details of the legendary guitar with a pressed pattern reminiscent of the texture of the wood, its glossy finish and gradated coloring.
This case is a special gold-color version, requested by Brian himself, inspired by the newly released ‘Gold Series’ reissues of his solo albums.
Strap
The nylon strap is decorated with vertical stripes designed to resemble guitar strings.
Case back
The watch is offered as a limited edition with Brian’s signature on the case back alongside “LIMITED EDITION” and the serial number 00001/12500 – 12500/12500.
Special Box
The presentation box which accompanies the piece is reminiscent of a guitar case and comes with a replica of the ‘lucky sixpence’ coin which Brian uses instead of a guitar pick. Both highlight this timepiece as a special watch to be worn and enjoyed as well as an ideal collector’s piece.
The Mercury Phoenix Trust charity
Seiko Watch Corporation will donate a proportion of the sales proceeds from this timepiece to The Mercury Phoenix Trust with Goal 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations in mind.
The MPT is a charity organization founded by Brian May, Roger Taylor and Queen manager Jim Beach, in memory of Freddie Mercury, to help fund the fight against HIV/AIDS worldwide.
http://www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com/
Seiko 5 x Brian May Series 2 Specifications
Movement
Caliber Number: 4R36
Movement Type: Automatic with manual winding
Duration: Approx. 41 hours
ExteriorCase Material: Stainless steel
Crystal: Hardlex
LumiBrite: Lumibrite on hands and index(es)
Band Material: Nylon
Other Details: Water Resistance 10 bar
Case Size
Thickness: 13.4 ㎜
Diameter: 42.5 ㎜
Length: 46 ㎜
Weight: 94.0 g
Other Specifications
LIMITED EDITION on the case back, Screw case back. See-through case back, Serial number engraved on the case back, Unidirectional rotating bezel
Other Features
24 jewels
Day/Date display
Stop second hand function
1 Comment
Looks great! Will get one for sure 🙂
Agree with you, and we see Richemont and others being highly opportunistic with blatant price increases for no reason while reducing the quality of movements. Or a simple dial change to a ‘hot’ color dial adds $10,000 to the price (Patek Philippe). Panerai is a good example too of lower quality, higher prices imho.
Am glad Seiko is doing right by enthusiasts, and they should be considered for the Modern Holy Trinity.