SEIKO AND ZODIAC, SET OF THREE LIMITED EDITION WRISTWATCHES
The present lot consists of 3 very interesting and attractive limited edition timepieces. Each watch has specialized dials that honor their collaborations and have color elements, adding flair to their aesthetics.
Photo by Christie’s
Seiko 2000 Olympic Team ref. SKH044
CIRCA: 2000
CASE NO: 013'750
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel and gold-plated
CASE DIAMETER: 38 mm.
BRACELET MATERIAL: Stainless steel and gold-plated
BRACELET SIZE: Approx. 215 mm. overall length
DIAL: Champagne with '2000 Olympic Team' logo
MOVEMENT: Kinetic, quartz
FUNCTIONS: Date
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: Yes
WITH: Undated and blank Seiko Certificate of Limited Warranty, product literature, presentation box with outer packaging
This special Seiko 5 timepiece was made to honor the millennium 2000 Olympic team. The gold-plated and stainless steel timepiece is powered by Seiko's innovative 'Kinetic' movement which utilizes the best of mechanical and quartz timekeeping to make a function-driving wristwatch.
Seiko 5 Rowing Blazers 'Artillery Zig-Zag' ref. SRPG51 (center):
CIRCA: 2021
CASE NO: 106/500
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIAMETER: 42 mm.
DIAL: Black with 'Rowing Blazers' logo
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Day, date
BUCKLE: Stainless steel Seiko buckle
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: Yes
WITH: Undated and blank Seiko Certificate of Limited Warranty, sales tag, additional stainless steel Seiko 5 bracelet and deployant clasp, presentation box and outer packaging
Rowing Blazers Summer 2021 campaign featured the new watches brought out as part of its collaboration with Seiko. The relationship with Seiko and Rowing Blazers developed in 2017 when the founder, Jack Carlson, was connected to the brand via a longtime friend. “Eric Wind introduced me to the Seiko team right around the time the Rowing Blazers launched. We just kept in touch over the years and Eric Hofmann and Munehisa Shibasaki of Seiko USA reached out in 2019 about doing a collaboration,” says Jack Carlson, founder, Rowing Blazers. “It’s our debut on the watch scene, and it’s kind of a dream because I’ve loved Seiko as a brand for a long time,” he says.
A staple design seen in the brand’s apparels and accessories, the zig-zag pattern is found on the ties, socks, collars and even on the floor of the Rowing Blazers’ SoHo boutique. While the special edition’s bezel could easily be the most eye-catching aspect, the Zig-Zag distinguishes itself as the most dynamic. The stainless steel bracelet gives it centerstage and also lends itself to blend in amongst louder colors, the most patterned ensemble, or simply the classic navy trousers and white oxford.
On its nylon strap, the watch appears to be a completely different version of itself on its bracelet. And no, that’s not “rainbow”. It’s the brand’s signature “croquet” stripe. With so much color, the harmony between the bezel and strap is a bit perplexing. A collage of this magnitude is a “playful” license both parties are afforded. As far as lollipop seconds hand, a tad bit of personality is added on for good measure. To top it all off, the bi-lingual date wheel features black text for the weekdays, a turquoise Saturday, and a red Sunday to let you know the party is winding down. Being a bonafide sports watch, the Seiko 5 doesn’t require delicacy in the slightest bit. It’s perfectly acceptable to put both brand names to the test by either going as far down as 100m, or vigorously rowing on the surface.
A special thanks to Charlie Dunne of Wind Vintage for his assistance in cataloging the present essay
Zodiac Rowing Blazers 'Harry's Bar' Super Sea Wolf ref. ZO9294 (right side):
CIRCA: 2023
CASE NO: 220'014, 14/282
CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel
CASE DIAMETER: 40 mm.
BRACELET MATERIAL: Stainless steel
BRACELET SIZE: Approx. 200 mm. overall length
DIAL: Green with 'Harry's Bar' logo
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Date
BOX: Yes
PAPERS: No
WITH: Additional fabric strap and buckle with spring bars, sales tag, product literature, presentation box and outer packaging
Zodiac Rowing Blazers 'Harry's Bar' Super Sea Wolf ref. ZO9294: Prep purveyor Rowing Blazers has linked with Swiss watchmaker Zodiac to craft a limited-edition Super Sea Wolf timepiece celebrating the oldest cocktail bar in Europe, Harry's Bar.
The watch is number 14 of the limited 282 units produced. It was debuted during a special event at Harry's Bar during Paris Men's Fashion Week in 2023.
The honorary Super Sea Wolf flaunts a co-branded bottle green dial decorated with Harry's signature "bar flies" cartoon iconography. Arriving with both Zodiac's staple five-link stainless steel bracelet and a French military-style tide strap made from 100% recycled ocean plastic, the timepiece operates inside a 40mm stainless steel case with STP 1-11 automatic movement and a water resistance rating of 20 ATM.
"Harry's New York Bar is everything we aspire to be at Rowing Blazers: inclusive and unassuming, charmingly ridiculous, but with a hint of old-world glamour and a deep appreciation for history - all while remaining inventive, creative, and innovative," said Rowing Blazers founder and creative director Jack Carlson. "I'm excited to work with one of my favorite watch brands, Zodiac, to create this limited-edition watch celebrating one of my favorite bars. It's rare and special to bring together three like-minded brands like this."
"Zodiac Timepieces have always stood for fun, yet serious tool watches," added vintage watch expert Eric Wind, who worked with Rowing Blazers to design the Super Sea Wolf. "The company's vintage models, often featuring an amazing array of colors, are some of my favorite watches to collect and wear. The new Harry's Bar Watch is our take on that tradition, with an eye-catching dial in a highly-wearable case."
The Brian LaViolette Scholarship Foundation would like to thank Jared Kilberg, Eric Wind of Wind Vintage, and Jack Carlson of Rowing Blazers for their generous donations
LOT: $1,000-2,000 | £790-1,600 | €960-1,900
