The Phoenix Arises
photo by Seiko Japan
Seiko Japan today announced the release of an interesting new line. The Phoenix series consists of two new high-end sports watches. Many readers will recognize the Phoenix name as belonging to an older series of Credors released in the 1990s. The new line’s design is certainly reminiscent of the original series with its prominent lug and crown guard design.
The SAGG00X is a time-only design utilizing a new version of the Kinetic Direct Drive movement. It’s available with both stainless steel and titanium cases, with bracelet and strap options. From what I can tell, this movement has the power generator indicator as seen on the Velatura Direct Drive Kinetics, and what looks to be a retrograde day indicator.
Prices are not cheap. They start at 180,000 yen and go up to 220,000 yen for a titanium and bracelet model. The model with be available with black and white dials and the case diameter is 40mm, with a sapphire crystal.
The SAGHXXX models are notable because they utilize Seiko’s 6S-series automatic chronograph column wheel designs. Prices on the SAGH are very reasonable for a high-end automatic chronograph. The base model starts at 250,000 yen, and tops out at 300,000 yen for the top of the line bracelet version with power reserve complication. The watch will be available with both black and white dials, and the case diameter is 42mm, with a sapphire crystal.
Being a fan of the old Credor’s these are based on, I’m happy to see the name resurrected.
February 20th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Although it is nice to see Seiko still using their 6S, it’s kinda disappointing in comparison to the original Phoenix. IMHO, the hands are terrible not to mention a few other things. The price tag reflects the difference though. Looks more like a run of the mill quartz chrono but, I know it’s build is much more than that. Really would like to see one in hand
thanks for the post !
February 20th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Pete, thanks for showing us this piece
of news. Personally, I think these
watches are very handsome, an improvement
over many of the past Seiko styles.
February 20th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Hi Pete,
I’m a big Omega Speedmaster fan, so that Credor in the picture with black-dial, stick hands, and Arabics, on the leather strap… Oh, man!
Thanks for posting this interesting news.
Regards,
Bryan
February 21st, 2008 at 11:49 am
Hey guys,
thanks for the comments. A few additional points. Ty, I know what you mean about run of the mill chrono. I’m thinking/hoping though that the chrono will end up being a pretty nice piece in person. Knowing Seiko, I’d be disappointed if it wasn’t. And yes Bryan, I can see how that chrono will endear itself to Speedy Pro fans, it’s defintely got that vibe.
For those interested, there are some more pics at this link.
Also, it looks like the Phoenix line will be an offshoot of the Brightz lineup.
February 21st, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Hi Pete,
Thanks for the link, I like the white-dialed versions there even better than the black ones. For instance, the watch below. The smaller, seconds subdial at 9 o’clock is an interesting design feature.
Interesting that you say the Phoenix will be a part of the Brightz lineup, because I don’t think there’s ever been a stainless steel-cased Brightz before. It may be audacious, but I hope Seiko begins making many watches in the Brightz line out of stainless.
Regards,
Bryan
February 21st, 2008 at 10:58 pm
hey guys,
i have to be blunt, i hate these watches. the white dialed version that Bryan posted really shows the issues i have with it. 1, the chrono dials arent same size…yuk, 2 the bezel is really that color? completely off IMO, 3 the buttons/crown really dont mesh together imo.
OVERALL, it’s nice to see that seiko arent dumping their 6s chrono caliber. my hope is that eventually we will see a sub $1k chrono diver, but i am not going to hold my breath:)
i am a big fan of older credor models, to me, they are just pieces of art, such elegance. just look at the credor ＧＣＢＴ９９９, GBBG995, their 4s71/76/77/79 and 6s77 can really produce nice results
like the link below (auction).
the 2 models listed below and the link to auction are really comparable to 6-15k swiss counterparts
March 11th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
[…] My colleague Petew recently broke the news on GMT+9 of the resurrection of the Seiko Phoenix line. Today I noticed Seiya Kobayashi in Tokyo unveiled one of the brand new Phoenix models on his Web site at SeiyaJapan.com. […]