The best watch nicknames: Seiko
LOFTIn this section of our blog, we'll explore the depths of the internet and its most nerdy forums to bring you a detailed analysis of the origins of some of our favorite models' most celebrated nicknames, with a focus on one brand per chapter.
Proof that the creativity of watch enthusiasts knows no bounds, these nicknames were born decades ago among collector circles who communicated through magazines and in dark hallways in galleries in Tokyo and Geneva, only to give way to the internet age, where we've seen the number of watches with nicknames explode, and where specialized media and social networks have helped expand them into popular culture.
To start off on the right foot, this first installment reviews some of Seiko 's most creative nicknames, a brand whose model nicknames alone could fill several pages. These are our favorites, but don't forget to leave yours in the comments section and on all our social media channels.
Tuna Can
Perhaps the most famous of all, the Tuna Can derives its nickname from the distinctive case shape of this celebrated diving watch. It's not a glamorous moniker, but this pioneer of saturation diving needs little praise to continue winning the hearts of those seeking the latest in technology with a truly unique and instantly recognizable design.
Monster
The diving monster became famous for its orange dial version, which, along with the pronounced "fangs" on its bezel, gives it an air of aggression rarely seen. Each new generation of this watch has managed to maintain that terrifying essence, but has refined the overall look and features to appeal to more sophisticated consumers. In fact, the orange version is no longer produced.
Arnie
This '80s icon gained fame thanks to several appearances on Arnold "Arnie" Schwarzenegger's wrist in films like "Predator" and "Commando ." Its analog/digital display reflects the technology of the time, and recent versions have revisited the original model, maintaining the dimensions and adding state-of-the-art solar-powered movements. Pure nostalgia for action fans.
Sumo
It's unclear why it earned its nickname, but everything suggests it's because the 12 o'clock marker resembles the traditional topknot of Japanese sumo wrestlers. It could also be due to its 45 mm wingspan, which, despite measuring 1.75 inches (45 mm), has an ergonomic shape that allows it to be appreciated even by slimmer wrists. One of the most recent models to earn the title of classic, the Sumo is here to stay in the collection.
Ripley & Bishop
Both ultra-futuristic chronographs were designed by the great Giorgetto Giugaro , with asymmetrical shapes and period-appropriate quartz movements. Their nickname comes from two characters in the film Alien : Lieutenant Ripley and the android Bishop , who we see battling evil extraterrestrial creatures aboard the USS Sulaco during the film. A pair of designs that even today – and after a reissue in 2015 – still look as fresh as if they had just arrived from space.
Willard
A variant of the Turtle , the Willard is the original watch worn by Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) in Apocalypse Now . This rugged dive watch gained popularity with American troops during the Vietnam War, and its now classic asymmetrical shell-like design stole the show, even overshadowing Marlon Brando ’s GMT Master. To this day, Seiko continues to release reissues of this model, which is still in its prime, more than 40 years after its introduction.
Pogue
When Colonel William Pogue boarded the Skylab 4 space station in 1973, he wasn't just wearing his official Omega Speedmaster , issued by NASA at the time to all astronauts in the space program. He also spotted a very special chronograph on his wrist. It was the Seiko 6139 with a yellow dial, a fact that was only discovered in 2007 while a NASA expert was reviewing old mission photos.
After its discovery, the 6139 was nicknamed "Pogue," and since then, the fascination with this automatic chronograph, one of the first to be released, has taken over cyberspace and fan forums. Still available on the secondary market, the value of this classic can only continue to rise. Perhaps it's time to invest in a very special piece of space history.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on linkedin Share on WhatsApp Share on email
