Six new Seiko 5 Sports models were unveiled today that take inspiration from Street Fighter V, the latest edition of popular video game series, Street Fighter. Each model, inspired by central characters in the game, is limited to 9,999 pieces and are based on the revamped Seiko 5 Sports models that were released last year.
The Street Fighter series was first launched in 1987 and is one of the highest-grossing video game franchises of all time. The second edition, Street Fighter II, is credited with establishing many of the conventions of the one-on-one fighting genre. For decades now, Seiko 5 Sports mechanical watches have been the gateway drug for watch enthusiasts. Affordably priced, they have been unbelievable value propositions for more than 50 years now.
All of them have the same case dimensions – 42.5 mm in width and 13.4 mm in thickness. While they are all made from stainless steel, some of them have yellow gold-plating while some have been given a black PVD hard coating. The collection uses the self-winding Caliber 4R36, which has a 41-hour power reserve. The case is water-resistant to 100 meters. Here’s a closer look at the six models
SRPF19 “RYU – Unshakeable Fist”
The design is inspired by Ryu’s “do-gi” Judo uniform. The scratch-like marks across the bezel reflect the tough training required of Ryu to become a “true fighter”. A simplified version of the iconic “Furinkazan” kanji characters seen on his gloves which mean “as swift as the wind, as gentle as forest, as fierce as fire and as unshakable as the mountain” is seen at the 9 o’ clock position on the dial. This is also printed on the back of the canvas-calf leather strap while the controller command for his special move “Hadoken” is printed on the sapphire crystal caseback.
SRPF20 “KEN – Rush ‘n’ Blaze”
The watch’s red and yellow color scheme is a nod to Ken’s costume and blond hair, the dial’s design is also influenced by Ken’s costume. The back of the canvas and calf-leather strap has the logo of his company, the Masters Foundation. The command for one of the most known moves of the game, “Shoryuken” is printed on the case back.
SRPF17 “CHUN-LI – Blue Jade”
The blue and gold color scheme is again a nod to Chun-Li’s China dress. The design seen on her dress collar is used for the 12 o’clock marker on the dial. The hour markers at 6 and 9 o’ clock take their design inspiration from Chun-Li’s spike bracelet. The dragon pattern on her waist belt is printed on the strap back, and her special move “Spinning Bird Kick” command is seen on the caseback.
SRPF21 GUILE – Indestructible Fortress
This is the most tactical watch of the collection with its black steel case. Guile is a Major in the US Air Force, which should explain the camouflage-patterned dial and patch at the 6 o’clock position. The “dog tag” of his best friend Charlie Nash helps him stay sharp during fights is seen at 9 o’ clock position. On the caseback is printed the command for Guile’s special move “Sonic boom”.
SRPF24 “ZANGIEF – Iron Cyclone”
Zangief’s rippling muscles serve as the design inspiration here. The case has a matt gold coating on its stainless steel core. The circular pressed pattern of the dial is reminiscent of his special move “Cyclone Lariat” and time is indicated against bold Arabic figures and indexes. The calendar display here has a magnifying lens. The watch’s nylon strap mimics Zangief’s wrist band and the caseback carries the command of his move “Screw Pile Driver”.
SRPF23 – BLANKA – Call of the Wild
A riot of color, this watch’s bezel has an electric discharge pattern that represents Blanka’s special move “Electric Thunder” and the dial’s pressed spinning design is based on Blanka’s rolling attacks. His teeth inspired the hour markers of the dial and a cutesy “Blanka Chan” doll’s image is printed on the back of the nylon strap end. The caseback is printed the command for his special move “Electric Thunder”.
The new series will be available worldwide at Seiko boutiques and selected retailing partners in September is priced at €450.
