Quick facts
Description
Bamford Watch Department was founded by George Bamford and originally made its name customising high-end watches from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. The first time Bamford landed on my radar was through an early Bremont collaboration, blacked-out, very distinctive and very, very cool. Since then the brand has gradually shifted from modifying other people's watches to creating watches of its own and, perhaps more interestingly, collaborating with established manufacturers on projects that bring a bit of Bamford's design flair to familiar platforms.
This limited edition Seiko 5 Sports is one such collaboration. Based on the modern SKX-inspired Seiko 5 platform, it takes a watch that is already well known and gives it an entirely different personality. George Bamford's brief was apparently to create a watch that felt like an escape from the everyday, a journey to somewhere more relaxed and carefree. Whether that's marketing nonsense or not, the resulting watch is undeniably fun.
The standout feature is the translucent blue skeleton dial, which gives a glimpse of the movement beneath while retaining the familiar hands and indices inspired by Seiko dive watches of the 1980s. There is a slightly retro-futuristic feel to the whole thing, helped by the unusual bezel design, fluorescent accents and subtle Bamford branding. Under UV light those details come alive in a way that feels playful without tipping into gimmick territory. It is unmistakably a Seiko, but not quite like any other Seiko 5.
Underneath all of that sits the dependable Seiko 4R36 automatic movement, offering hacking, hand winding and the sort of reliability that has made Seiko one of the default recommendations for anyone looking for an honest mechanical watch. The case measures 42.5 mm across but wears comfortably thanks to the familiar Seiko proportions, while the lightweight nylon strap adds to the casual, holiday-watch feel of the package.
What I like most about this watch is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. Plenty of limited editions feel as though they've been created by a committee armed with a spreadsheet. This feels like someone was allowed to have some fun. The combination of Bamford's distinctive design language and Seiko's dependable platform results in something genuinely different.
Condition and performance
The watch is in nearly new condition - it has barely been worn.
Case: Clean
Bezel: Clean
Crystal: Clear, no marks
Supplied on its original strap in perfect condition.
Comes boxed with warranty card and papers.
Timegrapher: Approximately +4 seconds per day.
Strap options
Please send us a message if you would like any other strap option.
We also offer 10% off our straps and bracelets listed on our sister site, Ward Hoard, in Accessories purchased alongside a watch.
Simply add the accessory to your basket and use STRAP10 or BRAC10 at checkout on Ward Hoard.
Specifications
Questions
If you have any questions about this watch or strap options, or would like to reserve it, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
Quick facts
Description
Bamford Watch Department was founded by George Bamford and originally made its name customising high-end watches from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. The first time Bamford landed on my radar was through an early Bremont collaboration, blacked-out, very distinctive and very, very cool. Since then the brand has gradually shifted from modifying other people's watches to creating watches of its own and, perhaps more interestingly, collaborating with established manufacturers on projects that bring a bit of Bamford's design flair to familiar platforms.
This limited edition Seiko 5 Sports is one such collaboration. Based on the modern SKX-inspired Seiko 5 platform, it takes a watch that is already well known and gives it an entirely different personality. George Bamford's brief was apparently to create a watch that felt like an escape from the everyday, a journey to somewhere more relaxed and carefree. Whether that's marketing nonsense or not, the resulting watch is undeniably fun.
The standout feature is the translucent blue skeleton dial, which gives a glimpse of the movement beneath while retaining the familiar hands and indices inspired by Seiko dive watches of the 1980s. There is a slightly retro-futuristic feel to the whole thing, helped by the unusual bezel design, fluorescent accents and subtle Bamford branding. Under UV light those details come alive in a way that feels playful without tipping into gimmick territory. It is unmistakably a Seiko, but not quite like any other Seiko 5.
Underneath all of that sits the dependable Seiko 4R36 automatic movement, offering hacking, hand winding and the sort of reliability that has made Seiko one of the default recommendations for anyone looking for an honest mechanical watch. The case measures 42.5 mm across but wears comfortably thanks to the familiar Seiko proportions, while the lightweight nylon strap adds to the casual, holiday-watch feel of the package.
What I like most about this watch is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. Plenty of limited editions feel as though they've been created by a committee armed with a spreadsheet. This feels like someone was allowed to have some fun. The combination of Bamford's distinctive design language and Seiko's dependable platform results in something genuinely different.
Condition and performance
The watch is in nearly new condition - it has barely been worn.
Case: Clean
Bezel: Clean
Crystal: Clear, no marks
Supplied on its original strap in perfect condition.
Comes boxed with warranty card and papers.
Timegrapher: Approximately +4 seconds per day.
Strap options
Please send us a message if you would like any other strap option.
We also offer 10% off our straps and bracelets listed on our sister site, Ward Hoard, in Accessories purchased alongside a watch.
Simply add the accessory to your basket and use STRAP10 or BRAC10 at checkout on Ward Hoard.
Specifications
Questions
If you have any questions about this watch or strap options, or would like to reserve it, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help.
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