Key Takeaways
1. Seiko reissues the Rotocall, a digital watch first launched in the 1980s, worn by astronauts during NASA’s Space Shuttle missions.
2. The 2025 reissue retains the original 37mm case size and bezel mechanism, with three color options: yellow-black, red-black, and gray-blue.
3. The new model features Seiko’s Hardlex mineral crystal and improved 100m water resistance compared to the original.
4. It is powered by the Seiko A824 digital quartz movement, offering better accuracy of ±20 seconds per month while keeping the same functions as the original.
5. Scheduled for release in November 2025, the watch is priced at approximately £480 (~$470), targeting collectors and vintage design enthusiasts.
Seiko has brought back the Rotocall, a digital timepiece that first debuted in the 1980s and is famous for being worn by astronauts during NASA’s Space Shuttle missions. The original model featured a 37mm stainless-steel casing and a rotating bezel, which served as a selector for various functions like stopwatch, timer, dual time, and multiple alarms. The mechanical bezel was especially handy for astronauts, as it was easier to operate while wearing gloves in space.
Close to the Original
The 2025 reissue closely resembles the original design, maintaining the same 37mm case size and bezel mechanism. It is available in three color variations: yellow-black (SMGG17), red-black (SMGG19), and gray-blue (SMGG21) bezels. Unlike the original’s sapphire glass, the new version uses Seiko’s Hardlex mineral crystal. Additionally, the reissue boasts a 100m water resistance rating, an improvement over its predecessor.
Updated Movement
Inside the watch is the Seiko A824 digital quartz movement, which is akin to the original but offers better accuracy, with a precision of ±20 seconds per month. The watch continues to feature the same functions and utilizes the bezel for switching between modes, alongside buttons for control. Seiko aims to launch the new Rotocall in November 2025, with a price tag of approximately £480 (~$470). Though this is certainly steep for a basic digital quartz watch, it should be appealing to collectors and enthusiasts of vintage designs with ties to space exploration.
All in all, this is a neat reissue that maintains the original design aesthetic without making unnecessary “modern” changes. The new Rotocall may cater to a specific audience, but there’s no doubt that a market exists for it.
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