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.

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/

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.

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

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 USA: $540 

   Limited edition of 3,000 (HHK001), 2,000 (HHK002)