Seiko Unveils Two Authentic 'Pepsi' Timepieces
Seiko Introduces Affordable "Pepsi" Watches, Shaking Up the Luxury Watch Market
Seiko, a brand known for delivering high-quality mechanical watches at accessible prices, has entered the market for "Pepsi" watches, a move that is set to challenge the dominance of Rolex in the dual-time zone watch market. The new Seiko "Pepsi" watches, the result of a collaboration, offer modern interpretations of the classic Pepsi bezel look with solid mechanical movements and distinct vintage or contemporary flair.
Seiko's official "Pepsi" watches are offered as two limited-edition models, both embracing the iconic red and blue "Pepsi" bezel color scheme. The key models are:
- SRPL99: A 38mm stainless steel automatic diver-style watch with a silver dial, powered by the 4R36 movement. It features a 12.1mm thick case, Hardlex crystal, luminous hands and bezel markers, and water resistance to 100m. The watch is limited to 7,000 pieces, with a vintage Pepsi logo on dial and caseback, and a see-through screw caseback.
- SSK047: A larger 42.5mm black-coated stainless steel GMT watch, with a black dial and dual time zone function via the 4R34 GMT movement. It has a 13.6mm thick case, a half red/half blue 24-hour Pepsi bezel, silicone strap embossed with the Pepsi logo, and 100m water resistance. Also limited to 7,000 pieces, it features a modern Pepsi logo and a smoky crystal exhibition caseback.
Both watches showcase "Pepsi" branding in their packaging, use Seiko’s Hardlex crystal, and are water resistant to 10 bar (100 meters). The SSK047 GMT has more functions and a more contemporary aesthetic, while the SRPL99 channels more vintage diver styling with a classic Pepsi logo.
While Seiko's Pepsi watches are modern, affordable limited editions offering accessible luxury with robust, reliable movements, they do not carry Rolex’s historical prestige or high-end finishing. Rolex's GMT-Master "Pepsi" is an iconic, high-luxury watch with a storied history dating back to the 1950s, highly regarded for its build quality, movement sophistication, and status symbol value. Seiko's Pepsi watches are priced around USD 395 (SRPL99) and USD 550 (SSK047), representing exceptional value for mechanical GMT or diver watches, whereas Rolex GMT-Master Pepsi models retail in the several thousands of dollars, reflecting Swiss luxury craftsmanship.
The red-and-blue bezel insert of the Rolex "Pepsi" has been a consistent feature since the watch's debut, and the term "Pepsi" is used colloquially among watch enthusiasts to refer to any timepiece with a red-and-blue bezel insert, not just the Rolex "Pepsi." The nickname "Pepsi" for the Rolex "Pepsi" comes from its red-and-blue color scheme, which resembles the soda brand’s color scheme.
The new Seiko "Pepsi" watches are a testament to Seiko's willingness to innovate and compete in the luxury watch market, and they may prove to be a game-changer in the horological landscape. However, they are not yet available for purchase by the general public.
[1] Seiko SRPL99 Product Page [2] Seiko SSK047 Product Page [3] Seiko's Official Press Release [4] Review of Seiko SRPL99 and SSK047 [5] Unboxing Video of Seiko SRPL99
The Seiko "Pepsi" watches, with their modern interpretations of the classic Pepsi bezel look, showcase a blend of style, technology, and affordable luxury, positioning them as a viable competitor in the luxury watch market. These mechanical GMT or diver watches, priced around $395 (SRPL99) and $550 (SSK047), offer a distinct contrast to the high-end finishing and historical prestige of Rolex's GMT-Master "Pepsi," which retails in the thousands of dollars.
