Amplifying the number, the 55th anniversary of the Seiko 5 Sports is marked by an exhibition comprising five zones and the theme "Find 5 Styles: Find Your Own Style".
First staged in Tokyo at Seiko Seed in Harajuku, the exhibition has come to Bangkok and runs until next Tuesday at Sphere Gallery, Emsphere in Phrom Phong.
Visitors can discover the history and evolution of the automatic day-date watch in terms of aesthetics and mechanical movement as well as its cultural facets.
Based on a design concept established in 2019, the new chapter began with the SKX collection, which is showcased in the first area with pictures of models lined on a red wall.
The SKX series is categorised into five styles -- Sports, Suits, Specialist, Street and Sense -- for people to choose and show their distinctive style.
The Sports Style line-up includes the 55th anniversary recreation of the first 5 Sports, limited to 15,555 pieces.
The History Area displays origins and evolution of Seiko 5 Sports.
Back in 1968, Seiko acknowledged the increasing number of sports enthusiasts who required a functional watch for physical activities.
Its mechanical sports watch was simply named with a number to underline the five key attributes -- an automatic movement; a day-date display at 3 o'clock; water resistance; a recessed crown at 4 o'clock; and a durable case matched with a bracelet.
Along with a new mainspring and shock resistance system, these features gave the 5 Sports its distinctive appearance and robustness.
Watch parts, such as dial, day-date wheel, movement and balance spring, are exhibited in the Exploration Area.
Seiko engineered the Calibre 4R36 to allow the indication of both the day and date while ensuring a power reserve of approximately 41 hours.
On the bezel, hands and indexes, LumiBrite renders a brighter and longer glow in the dark to enhance legibility.
Seiko 5 Sports 55th Anniversary Bruce Lee Limited Edition.
Tracing the history from 1968 to 2023, another area displays retro-style models and the 5 Sports Time Sonar from 1970 with a dial inspired by a submarine's sonar.
Following the relaunch in 2019, the range has been enriched with collaborations, and the watches and associated items are shown in the Locker Area.
Skateboarding culture is embodied in the Yuto Horigome Limited Edition and three models co-created with Japanese brand Evisen.
Collabs with artists include Kosuke Kawamura known for his collage-based style, which was applied to reinterpreting vintage models.
Influential graffiti artist Patcharapol Tangruen aka Alex Face designed five watches in different colours based on his works while featuring his iconic character, a baby with a third eye wearing a bunny outfit.
Show your style with Seiko 5 Sports.
Notable for his block stencil technique, Thai street artist Rukkit Satapornvajana also worked with Seiko on Rukkit "The Tiger" Limited Edition.
The Japanese brand also partnered with Street Fighter V for six models, inspired by the game's central characters, and One Piece for street-style designs representing five characters from the popular Japanese comic series.
The 55th anniversary is celebrated by collaborations with Bruce Lee, artist Coin Parking Delivery, comic strip Peanuts, Honda Super Cub as well as TV series Masked Rider and Ultraseven.
The exhibition ends with a Try On Area located in Seiko's pop-up store on Emsphere's Floor 1.
Here you can strap on the Bruce Lee Limited Edition boasting a black dial with a reproduction of a dragon drawn by the legendary actor and martial artist. The dragon motif also appears on the lining of the black leather strap while the nylon version is in yellow -- the colour of his iconic tracksuit with black stripes.
Rukkit 'The Tiger' Limited Edition.
Taking a closer look at the Yuto Horigome Limited Edition, its bezel is in navy and purple to evoke the sunset of downtown Tokyo where the ace skateboarder spent his early days practising.
Chaos Fishing Club makes skateboarding clothing and streetwear. Seiko's partnership with the Tokyo-based label reinforces 5 Sports' ties with street fashion.
Housed in a stainless steel case with a black coating, one model stands out with a gradation of yellow and green recalling colours on a fishing lure.
The logo that appears on Chaos Fishing Club's apparel occupies the dial of the other limited edition with a green strap.
The Seiko x Chaos Fishing Club collab is an example of two timepieces in a different style. The exhibition illustrates myriad designs to choose a 5 Sports for self-expression and to show your style.
Collaborations are displayed in the Locker Area. Seiko
Seiko 5 Sports 55th Anniversary Exhibition at Emsphere.
Recreation of the first 5 Sports to mark its 55th anniversary.
