The panda dial has long been a familiar sight in watchmaking, referring to chronographs with white dials and contrasting black sub-dials. Seiko, however, is taking the nickname rather more literally with two new limited-edition watches that transform the face of a chronograph into the likeness of the much-loved animal.

Part of the Japanese watchmaker’s Power Design Project collection, the new creations translate the panda’s distinctive features into functional and decorative details. One adopts the familiar black-and-white colour scheme, while the other takes inspiration from a newborn panda, introducing a softer pink palette.

The idea originated with Seiko in-house designer Kiyotaka Sakai, who saw an opportunity to push the conventional panda dial beyond its colour combination. The concept was first presented at the brand’s 2024 Incredibly Specialized Watch Exhibition, where seven Seiko designers developed watches around highly specific interests. The panda-inspired design proved popular enough to make the transition from exhibition piece to commercial release.

A panda in every detail

The watches’ appeal lies in how the animal’s features have been incorporated into the design. The black sub-dials are shaped to resemble a panda’s gently drooping eyes, while the dial texture evokes the appearance of its coat. Even the chronograph pushers have been reimagined as rounded panda ears, giving the watch a recognisable silhouette beyond its face.

On the dial ring, the tachymeter scale has been renamed the “SASAMETER”, a playful reference to sasa, the Japanese word for bamboo, which pandas eat. The scale measures speeds of up to 30km/h, corresponding to the theoretical maximum running speed cited in Seiko’s design brief.

The details continue around the case. A three-dimensional panda tail appears on the back, alongside a pattern inspired by the animal’s back and a limited-edition marking. The leather strap incorporates suede-like sections, adding texture to the otherwise characterful design. Each watch also comes in a specially designed presentation box.

From design experiment to collector’s piece

First launched in 2001, Seiko’s Power Design Project gives its in-house designers room to explore unconventional ideas beyond their regular assignments. The initiative reflects a different side of the brand’s design heritage, one that values experimentation alongside technical development.

These panda chronographs demonstrate how a familiar watchmaking term can become the starting point for a more imaginative design exercise. Rather than simply using contrasting sub-dials to evoke a panda’s markings, Seiko has built the animal’s identity into the watch’s form and finishing.

Both limited-edition models are scheduled to be available from November 2026 at Seiko Boutiques and selected retailers worldwide.