The watch that I wanted to give a new life to was the LCD digital quartz 05LC launched in 1973. Today, when the environment surrounding watches has changed dramatically with the advent of smartwatches, I wondered what a watch made by Seiko, the company that initiated the change from “analog to digital,” should be like. This iconic digital watch was the result of such thinking. While taking advantage of the characteristics of the shape, I thought about how I could give it a new life half a century later.

What if Seiko were to give this iconic watch a rebirth as a digital watch today, while keeping the best aspects of the historical model?

The lovely, round silhouette, the oval LCD screen, and the three buttons below it are all in keeping with the original. This time, the combination of glossy ceramic material adds a new impact. The concept of the rebirth is “Luxury Sports + DIGITAL.” At the time, both luxury sports watches and iconic digital watches were popular among celebrities and entertainers. I thought that the unexpectedness of combining the two would create new value.

The oval LCD window, three buttons, and other features of the original model were arranged in a modern way while retaining the charm of the original.

The sleek, rounded design makes you want to touch it. Its simple, lean appearance is somewhat futuristic.

The metallic, inorganic case back gives you a sense of the worldview of this design when worn on the wrist.

In an age when it is commonplace for individuals to share information via social networking services, I was intent on creating a watch that still had a powerful presence through the screen of a smartphone. I hope you enjoy the design of the entire watch, including the mesh bracelet, which tapers from the main body of the watch. It is a feature also seen in the original and an important accent that governs the silhouette. I also hope you are reminded through this creation, the appeal of the digital watches that played a major role in one of the greatest eras of watchmaking.

The size, powerful form, and presence of the product were carefully designed to convey its appeal even through the screen of a smartphone. The volume of the white ceramic case is also extremely impactful.

Naoya Sukeda 
Sukeda joined Seiko in 2013. He is currently designing watches in the Seiko Selection, Prospex, and other series, with a focus on licensed brands.

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