Look back at pictures of conflicts from the past six decades, and you are bound to see one thing: Seiko watches on the wrists of military personnel, often on both sides. For the same reasons that the Toyota Hilux and Land Cruisers are commonly spotted in war zones—relatively low cost and legendary reliability—Seiko watches have adorned the wrists of hard men in hard places for decades. But it wasn’t always this way.
In our new episode on the W.O.E. YouTube Channel, we discuss Seiko’s rise among the military and special operations while also identifying key models with close ties to our community.
Enjoy episode eighteen of W.O.E. TV.
Happy Hunting,
-W.O.E.
7 comments
I bought into the mystique of the Seiko and my first mechanical watch was a SKX173, which I wore to my first war zone… which was the second time it failed. Eventually replaced by a MkII SeaFighter with variant dial (served me well), then an Omega Railmaster, the Seiko had two trips to the watchmaker and finally, a complete replacement movement from Seiko. I still wear the dented old watch occasionally for sentimental reasons.
Watching this while sitting inside my Landcruiser Prado and wearing an SKP21J1 Aarabic.
An instant classic WOE vid. Thanks for exploring this intersection. I like to strap on my SPB317 while getting out on the trails in the 70-series.
While not typically associated with Seiko’s most “operationally famous” models, the Seiko H558 Arnie and its SNJ025 successor are icons in their own right. According to retired Navy SEAL Mark Cochiolo, the last watch he was issued during his time in Gold Squadron was the H558.
Thanks again W.O.E.!