Before beginning development, I took time to reexamine the word REBIRTH. I interpreted it as taking a watch from the past and “giving it a new life by overlaying it with one’s current lifestyle.” I expanded the idea, and came up with this watch. It all started when my 3-year-old son saw me wearing a watch and said, “I want to wear one too!” Then I started thinking, “What is a sturdy watch that won’t break even if a small child uses it?” I decided to use a diver’s watch with a unique appearance, commonly known as “TUNA.”

The design was based on the Prospex SBBN047, and follows the same solid appearance of a tuna can, but adds a touch of cuteness.

The look of the watch follows that of the original model so that it can be matched with one worn by an adult. While the Prospex features serious specs for professionals, this watch features “specifications for children.” In order to make it a tough watch for children who do not treat their watches as carefully as adults, I designed a silicon case with an integrated strap that has a protector structure that can withstand harsh play. The crown is covered with a silicon case to prevent accidental operation and snagging, and it has 20 bar water resistance so that it can even endure children playing in water.

The accordion-shaped strap is comfortable on the wrist and can be adjusted to accommodate a child’s growth by adding adjustable parts.

It is water resistant to 20 bar and the case is removable, so it can be easily washed if it gets dirty.

The rotating bezel, originally intended to protect a diver’s life, has been reborn as a function for setting and keeping appointed times.

I also considered it important for children to be able to wear the watch safely by themselves, so the strap is made of elastic, accordion-shaped silicone. This eliminates the need for a metal clasp, allowing the child to safely put on and take off the watch themself by simply putting their hand through the strap. Furthermore, the watch itself is detachable from the strap for easy cleaning if it gets muddy. Even small children can easily understand the passage of time visually. For example, an adult can guide the child in setting an appointed time by turning the rotating bezel with them and saying, “You can play until the rocket reaches the star!” I would be delighted if many children wear this as their first ever watch.

This watch reflects the practical viewpoint of the designer, who has a young child of his own. It is sure to boost the adventurous spirit of the child who wears it.

Yugo Hibayashi 
Hibayashi joined Seiko in 2007, and for several years he was engaged in development design for digital watches. Since 2012, he has been primarily engaged in designing watches for the Asian markets. Currently, he is leading one of the development teams and in charge of design development and product design for Grand Seiko.

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