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”

The exhibition of “A watch exclusively for panda lovers”

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 watch’s “SASAMETER” scale is capable of measuring speeds up to 30 km/h, the theoretical maximum running speed of a panda.

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.

Even the panda’s tail makes an appearance on the back with a three-dimensional shape.

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.

Each model is presented in a special presentation box that enhances
the watch's distinctive character.

The two limited-edition creations will be available from November 2026 at the Seiko Boutiques and select retailers worldwide.

Kiyotaka Sakai, the designer responsible for the new creation

Seiko power design project collection 2 Limited Editions: HHK001, HHK002

Caliber 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 Europe: €590
　Limited edition of 3,000 (HHK001), 2,000 (HHK002)

For further information:

Special web page:
https://www.seikowatches.com/global-en/products/seiko-power-design-project/collection-2

Seiko power design project web page:
https://www.seikowatches.com/global-en/products/seiko-power-design-project

Note:
The specifications and price information in this release are as of the published date and are subject to change.