Seiko's Power Design Project Panda Chronograph: A Playful Timepiece
This new watch combines a whimsical panda-themed design with the functional precision of a Seiko chronograph.
By Giovanni Sapere
2 min readHuman-Edited, AI-Assisted
Seiko has transformed a collector's nickname into a literal design with its new Power Design Project Panda Chronograph. Originally conceived as a concept, the timepiece integrates a panda's face directly onto its dial, offering a distinctive aesthetic while maintaining the functionality expected from a Seiko chronograph. The production versions, HHK001P and HHK002P, are scheduled for release in November 2026.
From Concept to Wrist
The idea for the Panda Chronograph originated as a concept at Seiko’s Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition in 2024. Designer Kiyotaka Sakai explored what a chronograph might look like if the term "panda", often used to describe watches with black-and-white dials, was taken literally. The resulting production models, HHK001P and HHK002P, closely reflect this initial vision, aiming to evoke a smile while delivering the proportions, finishing, and functionality of a Seiko chronograph. This approach blends playful design with established watchmaking standards. [^1]
Distinctive Design Elements
The watch's most striking feature is its dial, where black subdials serve as the panda's eye patches, complemented by a small nose and curved mouth below. The two chronograph pushers, positioned above the case, are designed to resemble ears, contributing to the watch's expressive face. Seiko extended the panda theme to subtler details, such as a radial dial texture intended to mimic panda fur and hour and minute hands inspired by bamboo leaves. The tachymeter scale, used for measuring speed, is playfully named "SASAMETER," derived from 'sasa,' the Japanese word for bamboo. [^1]
Technical Specifications and Craftsmanship
The Power Design Project Panda Chronograph features a 43mm stainless-steel case that is 14.6mm thick. Hidden lugs help to minimize its perceived size on the wrist. A recessed crown is placed between the ear-like pushers, and the caseback continues the playful theme with a rounded profile and a small three-dimensional tail. Inside, the watch is powered by Seiko’s quartz Caliber 8T61 movement, which provides hours, minutes, central chronograph seconds, and a 60-minute counter with 1/5-second measurement. It offers an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month and is rated for 30-meter water resistance. The watch comes with a cowhide leather strap featuring suede-like sections, further integrating the panda theme into its tactile experience. [^1]
Availability and Pricing
The Panda Chronograph will be available in two versions. The HHK001P model features the classic black-and-white panda aesthetic and is limited to 3,000 pieces. The HHK002P variant draws inspiration from newborn pandas, swapping the traditional colors for pink and gray, and is limited to 2,000 pieces. Both watches are priced at $540 and are scheduled for release in November 2026. [^1]
