Seiko expands its power design project collection
with a most literal take on the popular panda chronograph dial.

In watchmaking, chronograph dials featuring a white background contrasted with black sub-dials are widely known by the nickname “panda.” Over the years, a variety of panda dials have appeared across the watch industry, including from Seiko. Sensing the potential to take the concept a step further, in-house designer Kiyotaka Sakai decided to interpret the nickname more literally and create a watch that fully embraces the panda identity.

Inspired by this idea, new designs were conceived as specialized watches for panda enthusiasts worldwide, and they are now being introduced in the Seiko power design project collection. By refining the dial’s contrast, balance, and visual harmony – and injecting a whole lot of panda attitude – the watches embody a playful tribute to one of nature’s most beloved creatures.

power design project 2024 “Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition”

Over its history, Seiko has introduced a wide range of specialized timepieces, including stopwatches for timing sports, diver’s watches, and railway watches. In 2024, drawing on this heritage, Seiko held the “Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition” as part of its power design project. For this exhibition, Seiko’s seven participating designers each approached the challenge from a unique perspective, resulting in seven highly specialized watches, including one created exclusively for panda lovers. The watch for panda lovers proved particularly popular, and Seiko has now made it available as a commercial timepiece for panda lovers and watch enthusiasts around the world.

First presented in 2001, the power design project is an initiative that encourages Seiko’s in-house designers to explore the essence of watches in a manner different from their day-to-day work. By embracing playfulness and surprise, the designers seek to generate new and imaginative ideas in the field of watch design. At its core, the project is an extension of the pioneering spirit that imbues Seiko’s rich archive – a legacy shaped by continuous innovation in both design and technology.

To learn more about the power design project 2024 “Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition,” please visit the site below.

https://by.seiko-design.com/powerdesignproject2024/en/

The panda dial reimagined as an actual panda

Two new creations join the power design project collection, each showcasing a design that is thoroughly inspired by the panda. In addition to the familiar black-and-white panda design, there is also a pink model inspired by a newborn baby panda. Kawaii!

The sub-dials are shaped to evoke the panda’s gentle, drooping eyes, endowing the watch with the easygoing demeanor of the famously chill mountain-dwelling animal, while the dial’s texture realistically expresses the creature’s distinctive coat texture.

The panda's ears have been enlisted as the chronograph pushers, incorporating their distinctive round silhouette into the watch's functionality. The tachymeter scale on the dial has been playfully renamed the "SASAMETER" – a reference to sasa (the Japanese word for “bamboo”), a favorite food of pandas – with the name also displayed on the dial ring.

The case back features a design inspired by the pattern on a panda's back, with "LIMITED EDITION" marked above the tail.

The leather strap incorporates sections of suede-like material, creating a rich texture and a brushed appearance.

The two limited-edition creations will be available from November 2026 at the Seiko Boutiques, Sydney and Melbourne, and Seiko Boutique Online.

Calibre 8T61
Driving system: Quartz
Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (between 5°C and 35°C)

Specifications
Stainless steel case
Leather strap
Hardlex crystal
Diameter: 43.0mm, Thickness: 14.6mm
Water resistance: 3 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Recommended retail price in AUD: $875
Limited edition of 3,000 (HHK001), 2,000 (HHK002) not individually numbered.

For further information: