- Seiko has partnered with London-based Bamford Watch Department for the first time to produce a special edition reinterpretation of the popular Seiko 5 Sports.
- The collaboration reimagines the legendary SKX design, inspired by George Bamford’s concept of a lively “journey to paradise” and brought to life with a new creative outlook.
- A translucent blue skeleton dial sits at the centre, paired with neon orange accents across the bezel and strap, giving the watch a confident retro-futuristic character.
- Priced at USD $460, limited to only 2,025 pieces worldwide.
If there’s one name in watch customization that knows how to shake things up, it’s Bamford Watch Department, doing what most brands hesitate to attempt. Founded by George Bamford, the British custom house has carved out a niche for daring reinterpretations, vibrant colour palettes, and archive-inspired revivals that feel both nostalgic and innovative. From collaborations with TAG Heuer, Chopard, and Bremont to the striking revival of Girard-Perregaux’s 1969 Deep Diver, Bamford knows how to honour heritage while giving it a fresh twist.
Now that creative energy lands on one of the most admired platforms in modern watchmaking, the Seiko 5 Sports. Known for rugged reliability, accessible pricing, and no-nonsense design, Seiko rarely strays from its purposeful roots, which makes this partnership so compelling. It offers vibrant retro charm, a nod to an era when watch design embraced colour, experimentation, and futuristic optimism. It’s still unmistakably Seiko, but seen through Bamford’s expressive lens, it feels refreshingly different.
- Brand: Seiko
- Model: Seiko 5 Sports x Bamford Limited Edition
- Reference: BWD-SEIKO-5S-LE
- Diameter: 42.5mm
- Thickness: 14.2mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Movement: Seiko 4R36 Calibre automatic
- Power Reserve: 41 Hours
- Water-Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
- Price: USD $460 (Limited Edition – 2,025 Pieces)
George Bamford describes this piece as a watch inspired by a “journey to paradise,” and you can see that mindset the moment it hits the wrist. At its core, it reinterprets the cult-favourite SKX series released earlier in February, but this isn’t the restrained tool-watch layout we’re used to. The clean, straightforward dial has been replaced with a translucent blue skeleton design that immediately catches your eye. It feels playful and experimental — almost like Seiko let Bamford loose with a box of highlighters and told him, “Go for it.”
The hyper-colour blue dial is highlighted by neon orange details on the bezel, dial markings, and NATO strap, creating a striking contrast. It’s bold but not loud or gimmicky. The tones blend well, giving a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of late ’70s and early ’80s adventure culture. This vintage feel continues with the black aluminum rotating bezel, inspired by Seiko 5 sports models from the 1960s. Despite the colours and experimental elements, the watch remains connected to its roots. The archival influence ties Bamford’s expressive design to Seiko’s dive heritage. This playful yet rooted balance makes the collaboration interesting, not just another flashy limited edition.
Even with all the colour and creative touches, the watch stays true to the classic SKX series. With a 42.5mm width and 14.2mm thickness, it has that familiar, solid feel on the wrist. The stainless steel case feels tough and dependable, and Seiko’s Hardlex crystal keeps the top protected. Inside is the brand’s trusted Calibre 4R36 automatic movement, offering around 41 hours of power reserve. Nothing flashy here — just reliable mechanics doing what they’re supposed to.
One of the best feature details would be the day-date wheel. Because of the translucent dial, you can actually see it working, which adds a bit of depth to the watch. It switches between English and Japanese kanji, which feels like a thoughtful touch linking Seiko’s Japanese heritage with Bamford’s British identity. You’ll also notice small Bamford logos at 6 o’clock and on the strap hardware, but they’re subtle.
Another feature is the hands and markers, inspired by 1980s SKX models, which glow brightly thanks to Lumibrite. In the dark, it performs as you’d expect from Seiko. Under black light, it comes alive in a different way, with the fluorescent accents standing out even more. It’s a fun surprise, the kind of detail that makes this collaboration enjoyable.
The Seiko 5 Sports x Bamford is a limited-edition model priced at USD $460, with only 2,025 pieces available worldwide. It’s a slight upgrade from the standard Seiko 5 Sports, which makes sense at this price point and is reasonable given that it’s the first collaboration between the two brands. This model offers something more distinctive and collectible, yet remains well within Seiko’s usual range. It will be released in October 2025 with limited production, so you’d better act fast as it likely won’t be available for long once it hits the market.
