Seiko Brings Back a Space-Era Icon
Seiko is leaning into nostalgia with a faithful reissue of its defining space-watch from the 1980s: the Rotocall. The 2025 reissue sticks closely to the original design principles, including the 37 mm case, Hardlex crystal, and the bezel-driven function selector that earned the model its name. For collectors and enthusiasts who credit Seiko with more space-mission appearances than nearly any other brand—second only to Omega and Casio—the Rotocall revival is a deliberate nod to how the brand helped shape timekeeping in orbit and on Earth alike.
What Makes the Rotocall Distinct
The Rotocall’s signature attribute is its rotating bezel, used to call up a suite of functions via the bezel’s positions. The 2025 reissue preserves the legacy interface: the 12 o’clock function is active as you rotate, controlled with two pushers at 4 and 8 o’clock. Inside the case sits Cal. A824, a successor to the original A829 movement, delivering a perpetual calendar, second time zone, a split-seconds chronograph, countdown timer, multiple alarms, and the standard time display. One notable difference from the era’s guard: the 37 mm stainless steel case is now finish-brushed for a more contemporary presence, and it carries a sapphire crystal to replace the older, more fragile glass.
Authenticity Versus Innovation
Seiko’s approach is unabashedly faithful. The Rotocall’s dimensions remain unchanged at 37 mm across the board, and it retains the practical, no-frills quartz movement that made the original so usable aboard space shuttles. The trade-off is recognizable: no lume on the dial, and the bracelet uses hollow end links with a thinner gauge swing arm. Yet the overall package still communicates the 1980s ethos—a tool watch that was more about function and mission-readiness than a glossy modern starcar.
Space Shuttle Heritage and Public Fascination
NASA flight-qualified, the Rotocall reportedly logged hundreds of shuttle missions, a fact that has elevated its status among space-watch enthusiasts. Unlike government-issued pieces, some astronauts wore Rotocalls as personal timepieces, and a notable auction of Kathy Sullivan’s Rotocall underscored the watch’s enduring collectability. Seiko’s reissue capitalizes on this narrative, offering a historically respectful re-release rather than a risky reinvention.
Three Core Colors, Two Space Brothers Editions
The standard rotation offers three colorways, preserving the vintage vibe with distinct bezel hues. In addition, Seiko launches two Japan-exclusive limited editions tied to the Space Brothers comic series. One variant features a monochrome bezel, the other a gold-plated finish to echo the protagonists’ spacesuits. Subtle branding on the case back keeps the broader appeal intact while giving Space Brothers fans a collectible edge. Each Space Brothers model ships with themed NATO straps and comes in a special box; purchasing both and a branded Pelican case creates a compelling set for serious collectors.
Pricing, Availability and Purchase Considerations
The Rotocall reissue is priced at JPY71,500 (roughly US$470). The Space Brothers editions are higher, at about JPY80,300 (roughly US$530). For many buyers, the nostalgia factor—paired with the preserved 37 mm diameter and the retro bezel operation—adds value that justifies the cost. Availability begins in November 2025 through Seiko retailers, with the Space Brothers models also sold via corkshop.jp for the Japan market.
Bottom Line: A Faithful Nod to a Spacefaring Era
Seiko’s Rotocall revival is not about radical reinvention; it’s a deliberate preservation of a beloved 1980s instrument that once helped track time on the edge of space. For fans of the era and new collectors drawn to the interface that sparked a generation’s fascination with orbit, the reissue delivers a well-calibrated blend of authenticity, reliability, and nostalgia. The inclusion of sapphire crystal, a refined finish, and the Space Brothers extras add modern practicality and a collectible edge to a watch that long ago earned its keep among astronauts and enthusiasts alike.
Quick Facts
- Diameter: 37.0 mm; Height: 10.6 mm
- Material: Stainless steel; Crystal: Sapphire
- Water resistance: 100 m
- Movement: Cal. A824; Frequency: 32,768 Hz
- Power reserve: Battery life ~3 years
- Availability: November 2025 at Seiko retailers; Space Brothers editions via corkshop.jp (Japan)
- Price: ~US$470 for standard; ~US$530 for Space Brothers editions
