New Seiko 5 Sports 'Red Special' watch is a must-buy for Queen fans

Seiko has partnered with Brian May to produce a limited edition version of its Seiko 5 Sports watch inspired by the Queen guitarist’s instrument.

Limited to 9,000 pieces worldwide, the watch features a flash (ah-aaaaaah!) red dial with a gentle gradient effect between the eight and 11 o’clock markers, designed to mimic the shape of May’s two-tone guitar, also known as the 'Red Special'.

• T3's guide to the best watches for men
• The best watches under £1000
• 5 best watches to invest in right now

The guitar was hand-built by May and his father in the early 1960s, using wood salvaged from a 100-year-old fireplace, and has accompanied the Queen member for much of his career.

Aside from a dial borrowing its design from May’s guitar, the Seiko 5 Red Special also features a nylon strap designed to match that of the guitar, and is presented in a miniature guitar flight case.

The watch itself is fundamentally the same as the rest of the broad Seiko 5 range, introduced in the summer of 2019 and see as a replacement to the popular SKX.

The Seiko 5 Sports is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement which can be viewed through the display case back (which also includes May’s signature), is water-resistant to 100 metres (Under Pressure), has recessed crown at the four o’clock position, and a unidirectional rotating dive bezel.

The Caliber 4R36 movement has optional self-winding, 24 jewels, and a power reserve of 41 hours.

As for why Seiko was chosen to produce a Red Special watch? Good question. May has been attached to the brand for 40 years, and wears a Seiko Prospex diver’s watch pretty much all the time.

The Seiko 5 Sports Red Edition will be available in May and priced at £500 (approve $550).

• Shop Seiko watches at Watch Shop

Liked this?

• Don’t stop me now, these watches can tell the time
• But that's not all!
• Don't stop me now, if you want a new watch winder, just give us a call