The Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5 Sports Collection Returns with a Brand New Dial Color Palette

A dynamic duo is a way to describe a harmonious connection between two people that tend to create positive results when their unique traits are aligned together. Think Kobe and Shaq, Rick and Morty, or Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, aka Daft Punk. This phenomenon can also be found by way of successful collaborations between brands across different industries. Kith and New Balance, as well as The James Brand and Topo Designs come to mind. One ongoing collaboration in particular that happens to intersect our horological universe is none other than the one between Seiko and Rowing Blazers. Since their initial collaborative release in 2021, they’ve consistently found a way to combine the witty design personality of Rowing Blazers and everything we adore about a steel Seiko sports watch. In timely fashion with Summer just around the corner, Seiko and Rowing Blazers have teamed up once again to deliver a new set of dial colors to their Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5 Sports collection.

This new release adds a fresh palette of colors to the entire collection. Like the previous release, the Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5 Sports is supported by three vibrant colors – a pastel pink, deep purple and canary yellow. The three dial colors host a set of black hour markers with T-shaped silver accents. From above, the hour markers look one dimensional, but a side profile reveals an angular quality that slopes towards the center of the dial. The remaining reference in this set is a white dial variation that sports the distinguishable multi-colored hour marker display; a color scheme often used throughout the Rowing Blazers catalog that they’ve dubbed the “croque stripe”.

Typically, an accompanying strap is an afterthought during any new release, but that’s not the case with a Seiko x Rowing Blazers collaboration. It’s now becoming a signature between these two to offer a fun-colored nylon strap that comes along with a stainless steel bracelet. Each selected nylon strap weirdly compliments the corresponding dial variation by either leaning into the color palette or clashing against it all together. It’s another canvas for Rowing Blazers to put their own unique twist on things, whether that be the use of quirky patterns or hard contrasting tones.

Although the beloved Japanese watch brand is no stranger to dabbling with out-there colors, this is still a Seiko sports watch on the inside and out. The collaborative piece draws inspiration from Jack Carlson’s (Rowing Blazers founder) 1970’s cushioned-cased Seiko 6106-7107. The stainless steel case spans 40mm in width, sports a polished fixed bezel and the traditional crown placement at four o’clock. On the dial, aside from the candy cane seconds hand and Rowing Blazers wordmark, you can attribute the handset, minute track within the chapter ring and framed day-date window all to Seiko. At its core, the Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5 Sports collection is powered by the Seiko caliber 4R36 equipped with 41 hours of power reserve.

Adding a bit of star power to the release, Rowing Blazers and Seiko have tapped into the talented comedian and actor, Ronny Chieng. No he’s not dishing out jokes, but he’s seen below rocking some Rowing Blazers attire and the new Seiko 5, which is sort of refreshing to see being that Chieng does all of his shows in a ordinary suit and tie. Turns out, Chieng is also a watch guy and a Seiko enthusiast at that. Chieng can trace his watch beginnings back to his college days when he bought a Seiko 5 and he is also the custodian of a Seiko 6139-6010, otherwise known as the “True Bruce Lee”.

After a couple of collaborative stints with Zodiac and Tudor this year, it’s a pleasing sight to see Rowing Blazers return to their original collab partners. Rowing Blazers, Seiko, and Eric Wind (dynamic trio?) are on a tear with these releases, and just like the previous collections, the demand is sure to be high. The Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5 Sports collection is currently available directly through Rowing Blazers, Seiko USA and other select online retailers with a price of $495. If you are local to the New York City area and keen on seeing these watches in person, then head on over to the Rowing Blazers flagship store located in the Lower East Side. Rowing Blazers x Seiko