BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
Seiko’s diverse watch offerings are ever-expanding, and the Seiko 5 Sports series stands out as a versatile and accessible collection. The latest addition to this series is the Seiko 5 Sports Yuto Horigome Limited Edition SSK027, a collaboration with Japan’s top skateboarder, Yuto Horigome. It’s actually a third collaboration with the Japanese 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist, commemorating the 55th Anniversary of Seiko 5 Sports. This release follows Seiko’s tradition of using the Seiko 5 Sports platform for unique limited editions, and the SSK027 brings a distinctive aesthetic inspired by the colors of sunset in downtown Tokyo, where Horigome honed his skateboarding skills.
The dial of the SSK027 retains the matte black surface seen in standard Seiko 5 Sports GMT models. Luminous hands and hour markers ensure visibility, and small bright red accents highlight the 24-hour hand and “GMT” text. The unique split-color bezel insert in navy blue and purple quite apparently pays homage to Tokyo’s sunset. The bezel’s captivating fusion of blue and purple against the stark black of the dial, case, and bracelet mirrors the enchanting hues of Tokyo’s cityscape as it surrenders to nightfall. The watch is water-resistant up to 100 meters, and the Hardlex crystal with a magnification bubble above the date enhances durability.
The case as well maintains the classic Seiko 5 Sports GMT design, measuring 42.5mm in diameter by 13.6mm thick. With 22mm lugs and a lug-to-lug profile of 46mm, the stainless steel case features a black coating, a first for the Seiko 5 Sports GMT series. The caseback is engraved with Horigome’s signature and denotes the watch’s individual limited edition number out of 2,700.
Powering the SSK027 is Seiko’s Cal. 4R36 automatic GMT movement, operating at 21,600vph with a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. The movement provides hacking seconds and independent adjustability for both the date and 24-hour hand.
Completing the timepiece is a Jubilee-style stainless steel bracelet with a rounded five-link design, featuring the same hardened black coating as the case. Priced at $520 USD, the Seiko 5 Sports Yuto Horigome Limited Edition SSK027 has a limited availability of 2,700 pieces.
