Galante

Seiko Galante Mighty Atom Limited Edition Astro Boy Watch

For Japan only is this incredibly cool Seiko watch for Astro Boy fans. First the bad news, in addition to being Japan only, it will be limited to just 150 pieces, and be priced at just over $5,150. Given the popularity (and importance) that Astro Boy has to Japanese pop culture, the chances of you getting one are slim to none. Though you never know what you'll find online now or in a few years...

Astro Boy first appeared in the "Mighty Atom" manga comic book in Japan in 1952 and is heralded as the very first "anime." Basically it embodied the look that later become known as Anime. Astro Boy is beautifully rendered on the dial of the watch against a realistic space-like background. The colors pop wonderfully, and it is a true showpiece of any fan's collection. The watch uses Seiko's Galante style case, which is one of their higher-end lines. Inside the watch is a Seiko Caliber 8L38 automatic mechanical movement - with an open heart window on the dial to the escapement. On the rear of the watch is another window to the escapement through the sapphire crystal - with a small red heart applied (Astro Boy fans will understand the symbolism). I really loved checking out this watch and look forward to seeing Seiko release more limited edition watches the celebrate noteworthy aspect of Japanese culture.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: astro boy, Galante, limited edition, mighty atom, SBLL005, Seiko, watch

Seiko Galante Spring Drive 5th Anniversary Special Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Wow, has it already been five years of deprivation from this awesome watch? Only in Japan can you (officially) get one of these very cool timepieces. This is the Galante Spring Drive watch. Galante is a Seiko sub brand, and has been spicing things up for Seiko in Japan for the "youthfully stylish - but wealthy" demographic. I understand that they are growing in popularity there.

The Galante watches are far from just image. These are extremely well constructed and designed, hand assembled watches that include the very impressive (and accurate) Seiko Spring Drive mechanical hybrid movements. They are the best of what Seiko offers and are considered by many to be a modern pinnacle of mechanical watch making.

I haven't handled this specific 5th Anniversary Special Edition model, but have handled very similar Galante watches on the metal bracelet. I was quite wowed by them, especially given the jewelry-like quality and feel of the steel bracelet. The design as I said is youthful and inspired, with unique decoration. As you can see, the rotating bezel is engraved with a form of floral decoration, and if you look closely on the dial, you can make out the forms for roses (as see from the side) that are part of the dial design.

The watch is nicely sized at 44.5mm wide, and houses the Seiko 5R66 Spring Drive movement that includes the time, power reserve indicator, date, and GMT hand. Seiko makes sure that each of its luxury watches are a complete timepiece package. Meaning they are well made, function well, and look good. Price is gonna be over $5,000 (not sure of exact amount) and as far as I know you'll have to contact a Japanese Seiko dealer if you want one.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 5th, Anniversary, Galante, Japan, Seiko, Special Edition, SpecialEdition, Spring Drive, SpringDrive, watch, watch of the day, WatchOfTheDay