Seiko Power Design Chronograph SBPP003 Pictures
Posted by: bryanandersen
Found some real-life pictures of Seiko Spirit Power Design Chronograph SBPP003. Check the black Arabics subdial layout at 12 o’clock & 6 o’clock, the black bezel on a white dial, the easy-grip-crown, the simple pushers, and especially the bracelet. Yes, the watch is about “design.”
Seiko quartz chronographs have always been competitors. This one’s a winner in my book. Can’t swing an Omega Speedmaster? Well, maybe…
Looks like this watch will gonna work with long-sleeved shirts. It sort of reminds me of the “Sumo” from the side. Like the low profile (above, left).
The non-tapering bracelet looks impressive, the solid end pieces and a solid three-piece clasp. Big fan of the Seiko Spirit Power Design Project ’round here.
These images come from the Japanese vendor 10Keiya, which has a store on Yahoo! Japan. Hope they won’t mind GMT+9 sharing them here, as you might not have seen them if we didn’t. The only thing about SBPP003 that I have a question about is the hands — wish they were outlined in black for easy viewing against the white dial. That’s where SBPP001 (below) comes in.
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November 11th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
hi bryan,
i am kind of dissapointment in seiko. their spirit line is kjinda dressy a bit higher end than regular quartz chronos. i will agree that the braclet looks nice, and perhaps dial itself finished with quality in mind but the movement itself, seems to be their basic one.
if they to compete againts speedie, maybe they ought to have an automatic movement, such as 6s37
all the best
d
November 11th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Hi ptolemy,
You’re right about the movement, it’s a basic one — the 7T62. Seiko uses this quartz chronograph movement in the Spirit line, for instance in this watch. Or this one (an actual “Seiko Prospex Speedmaster” model.
The emphasis with the Power Design Spirit chronographs, like all the Power Design models, is on what you might call the visual design. In this sense, it’s rather like the Riki Watanabe automatic. I remember when it came out some commented they wished it had a 6R movement in it. Thing is, than it would cost twice as much.
Even more than that, though, I think it goes against the design philosophy of making a high design but affordable watch.
Thanks for your comments!
Regards,
Bryan
November 12th, 2008 at 6:18 am
I’ll be the first to say that I wish that Seiko would do more justice to this watch by putting a more interesting movement in it, but I do realize that there are cost considerations involved. That said, I do like the case profile and that bracelet clearly looks like a winner. This is not a cheap looking Seiko by any means and I’d sure be happy to wear one.
It’s great to see that the Power Design project is clearly influencing production designs. I’ll keep my eye out for more pics of these chronographs and if we are lucky, perhaps someone will pick one up and write a review.
November 13th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
It’s great to see these new back to basic designs. Seiko has released far too many forgettable watch designs (especially for markets outside Japan) that really cheapen their image. The basic and elegant designs from the Power Design Project that draw inspiration from the past are very refreshing to see amidst thousands of watch models designed by the marketing department. I would even say that these designs are actually gutsy, as plain and simple generally goes against the grain of what’s hot and in these days. The only unfortunate aspect of the Spirit line is that it seems to be a JDM only line.
Furthermore, I hope readers don’t think I’m some curmudgeon complaining about what’s in these days
November 14th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Hello you guys,, i`ma new boy to this forum, but you folk obviously know your stuff.
I have a first issue Seiko (1988) as issued to U.K. forces. A lovely watch. I am a great fan of the chronograph design and have made enquiries about the new Spirit range (thankyou Bryan). The new SPBB007 is a superb looking watch and i have to say that over the years Seiko have come up with some very attractive designs but the SPBB007 beats them all in my opinion.
November 14th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I agree with your comments above 100%. You put it well. These classically designed chronographs are so much more attractive to me than, say, most in the Sportura or Criteria lines…
Wow, those RAF Seikos, like you have, are really sought after! Even in Japan they sell for nearly $1,000 in decent condition. You’re lucky to have one of those!
Welcome to our blog, glad you’re enjoying some of our articles about our shared passion.
Regards,
Bryan
November 16th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Hi Bryan,
Interesting new addition to the Spirit line with these new 7T62 models. Looks like Seiko is also cutting down their production costs by not assembling the SBPP-series quartz chronos in Japan. More likely they are cased in China as with some of their Ignition models.
I particularly like the Sumo-like, sculpted lugs and the Speedmaster-esque looks of the SBPP001. The absence of water resistance rating on the dial suggests that these pieces are 30m W.R. rated - more in line for a dress piece than for sports wear.
The chrome outlined subdials are really something! Now if only this was a 6s28 instead of a 7T62…*sigh*.
cheers,
Stratman.