Power To The Pandagraph: Seiko Brings The 2024 Hit Concept Watch Into Production
I think it’s safe to say that pandas are universally beloved, and panda dials are among the most popular options for chronographs. That’s probably why Seiko’s so-called Pandagraph got so much attention back in 2024. The watch basically combined the two in the best way possible. You get the cuteness of the panda bear, including its ears, and the attractiveness of the white-and-black panda dial. Seiko presented Kiyotaka Sakai’s design concept at its Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition as part of the brand’s Power Design Project. And because it received so much attention, the brand decided to bring it into production. You can choose between a white-and-black version and a kawaii pink-and-black one.
The great thing is that, compared to Sakai’s design concept, Seiko barely changed anything on the two limited editions. However, the Pandagraph name seems to have gotten lost in the process, so it isn’t on the dial anymore and wasn’t mentioned at all in the press release. Other than that, the HHK001 and HHK002 are still some of the cutest watches out there. Let’s take a quick look.
The panda-head chronograph
I’ll start with some specs because, although I’m using the word “cute” here, the Pandagraph, as I’ll continue to call it, certainly isn’t small. The brushed and polished stainless steel cushion-shaped case has a 43mm diameter and 14.6mm profile. The good thing, though, is that the 44.1mm lug-to-lug isn’t much bigger than the diameter, as the strap attaches almost directly to the case.
The Pandagraph’s case has a so-called bullhead layout, which means the chronograph pushers and crown are on top of the case rather than on the side. The pushers are shaped like little panda ears, which is, of course, part of why the original Pandagraph received so much attention.
Inside is Seiko’s 8T61 mecha-quartz movement, which is accurate to ±15 seconds per month and has a roughly three-year battery life. That last figure highly depends on how much you use the chronograph. The movement is resistant to magnetic fields up to 4,800 A/m and sits behind an all-steel case back that resembles a panda’s behind, complete with a cute little tail. The case back also mentions the limited-edition number and “water resistant,” though it doesn’t specify the 30m rating.
A “furry” panda dial
Underneath a Hardlex crystal, you find the real highlight — the panda dial. As mentioned, you can choose between a classic white-and-black version and the kawaii (Japanese for “cute”) pink-and-black one. The latter was inspired by newborn pandas. Both dials feature the same panda-fur-inspired texture and two panda-eye-shaped sub-dials.
Encircling the dial, you find a two-layered scale, the special Sasameter. Sasa, which means “bamboo grass” in Japanese, is the panda’s favorite food, and with this meter, you can determine a panda’s speed. When running, the animals should be able to reach a maximum speed of about 30 km/h.
Depending on the version you choose, you get either a white or a pink leather strap. Both feature a plain finish, except for the tip and the first keeper, which are made of a suede-like material. On the Pandagraph design concept, the keepers were very hairy. I’m glad Seiko toned it down a little for the production watches.
The Pandagraph everyone was waiting for
When Seiko presented the Pandagraph at its Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition, many people couldn’t resist the concept’s cuteness. As I already mentioned, I’m glad to report that the HHK001 and HHK002 are still as cute as the original Pandagraph, even though they don’t officially carry that name.
Many brands have probably explored the idea of a panda-inspired chronograph. However, Seiko actually dared to make one, and I think the result looks phenomenal. Sure, the whole thing is a bit over the top and too on the nose, but it still must be one of the cutest and most attractive panda-dial chronographs out there.
Limited editions available starting in November
Both the white-and-black HHK001 and the pink-and-black HHK002 are limited editions. There will be 3,000 pieces of the former and 2,000 of the latter. They’ll cost €590 / US$540 / £510 each and become available in November. For more information, check out Seiko’s official website.
Let me know what you think in the comments below. Are you going to try to get your hands on one in November? I think I actually might.
