Few watch collections have proved as enduring or accessible as Seiko 5 Sports. Its roots stretch back to the late 1960s, with the range becoming known for dependable automatic movements, practical everyday construction and distinctive designs offering an enormous amount of watch for the money.

In 2021, Seiko joined forces with New York clothing brand Rowing Blazers for a colourful collaboration that brought the label's distinctive design language to the familiar Seiko 5 Sports platform.

Rowing Blazers founder and creative director Jack Carlson worked alongside Seiko's product development team, drawing inspiration from vintage Seiko watches while introducing the bold colours and playful details for which Rowing Blazers had become known.

The resulting collection featured several distinctive designs, with this version immediately recognisable by its zig-zag bezel, based on one of Rowing Blazers' signature motifs.

The collaboration continued through the finer details. Rowing Blazers branding appeared on the dial, while the exhibition caseback incorporated the brand's skeleton “Tempus Fugit” – Time Flies – motif. Special presentation packaging and alternative strap and bracelet options completed what has become one of the more distinctive Seiko 5 collaborations of recent years.

What's on Offer

Here we have a superb 2021 Seiko 5 Sports Rowing Blazers Zig-Zag Limited Edition, Reference SRPG51, presented with its special-edition box, paperwork, stainless-steel bracelet and wonderfully colourful alternative NATO-style strap.

The black dial provides a relatively restrained backdrop to what is otherwise an exceptionally playful watch. Large luminous hour markers are paired with substantial luminous hands, while the familiar Seiko 5 signature sits prominently beneath 12 o'clock.

At 3 o'clock is the practical day-date display, while the Rowing Blazers name appears in distinctive Gothic-style script above 6. A red-and-white striped centre seconds hand provides another splash of colour and a particularly effective visual signature.

The defining feature is undoubtedly the rotating zig-zag bezel. Deep blue and red detailing surrounds the dial, transforming the familiar Seiko 5 Sports case into something immediately identifiable as part of the Rowing Blazers collaboration.

The watch is currently fitted to its exuberant multicoloured nylon NATO-style strap, which works brilliantly with the deliberately playful character of the bezel. Also included is its stainless-steel bracelet, allowing the appearance of the watch to be changed considerably.

Turning the watch over reveals another of the collaboration's best details. The exhibition caseback provides a view of the automatic movement beneath a specially decorated design featuring the Rowing Blazers skeleton and Tempus Fugit motif – a suitably irreverent reminder that time flies.

Power comes from Seiko's proven Calibre 4R36, a 24-jewel automatic mechanical movement that can also be manually wound and incorporates hacking seconds. It offers approximately 41 hours of power reserve.

Measuring approximately 42.5mm across and 45.5mm lug-to-lug, this is a substantial modern sports watch but remains very wearable thanks to the familiar Seiko case profile. The dial is protected by Seiko's Hardlex crystal.

Presented in superb condition, and complete with its distinctive presentation box, paperwork, stainless-steel bracelet and alternative multicoloured strap, this is a particularly appealing example of one of Seiko 5 Sports' most memorable collaborations.