Seiko is expanding its 5 Sports lineup with a limited-edition model developed in partnership with Japanese fashion magazine Popeye. Created to mark the publication’s 50th year, the new Seiko 5 Sports x Popeye HDB013 is limited to just 500 pieces in Japan, while staying true to the SKX family’s formula of an accessible, durable automatic watch.
A familiar foundation with a contrasting bezel
The HDB013 closely follows the SRPL89 from Seiko’s 2025 SKX collection. It retains the same vivid orange dial, gold-tone hands, and black silicone strap, all driven by the 4R36 automatic calibre. The most visible change is the bezel: instead of an orange-accented insert, the limited edition uses a black bezel with silver markings, producing a cleaner, higher-contrast appearance. On the dial, a sharp inverted double marker sits at 12 o’clock, and the standard “automatic” script has been replaced by Popeye’s rounded, bubbly logo.
Nod to the 1980s archive
Encased in a compact 38 mm stainless steel body, the watch consciously references Seiko’s back catalogue. The brand states that the orange dial and vintage-toned LumiBrite are intended to evoke the feel of its 1980s sport models, echoing the “City Boy” aesthetic long championed by Popeye magazine.
Caseback details and presentation
Turning the watch over reveals a see-through caseback decorated with a bespoke Popeye illustration, a “Limited Edition” inscription, and an individual serial number. Buyers will receive a bright yellow presentation box that carries both the Popeye name and anniversary-themed artwork.
- Movement: Seiko Caliber 4R36 – automatic and manual winding, hacking seconds, day-date display
- Power reserve: Approximately 41 hours
- Bezel: Unidirectional, 60-minute, black with silver accents
- Crystal: Curved Hardlex
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Lume: LumiBrite on hands, indices, and bezel pip
The Seiko 5 Sports x Popeye HDB013 is priced at 55,000 yen (~$338) and will go on sale exclusively through Seiko Boutique in Japan this September. Seiko has not yet confirmed whether the watch will receive a wider global release or remain strictly a domestic exclusive. Given the 500-unit run and the magazine’s dedicated domestic following in the fashion and lifestyle scene, demand is expected to far outstrip supply.
Source: www.seikowatches.com