Summary Seiko has surprised us with the Seiko 5 Sports Pink Panther, which combines the iconic design of a diver's watch with the humor of a classic cartoon. With a pink dial, limited edition, and "Wet Paint" aesthetic, it's a watch that doesn't take itself too seriously, but technically stays true to its roots.
1963 gave us The Pink Panther with Peter Sellers, but let’s be honest – the real star wasn’t Inspector Clouseau, but that animated panther in the opening credits. He was so “cool” that he got his own show, cereal, and probably more licensed merchandise than Star Wars. Tuesday watch – Seiko 5 Sports Pink Panther.
And now, in 2025, Seiko decided it was time for the most random yet brilliant collaboration of the year. They've unveiled the Seiko 5 Sports in a Pink Panther guise. It sounds like a joke, but the end product is a viral hit we didn't see coming.
When nostalgia meets steel
The Seiko 5 Sports became the spiritual successor to the legendary SKX divers' watches of the 1990s. Divers and hipsters around the world cried foul when Seiko discontinued these iconic models. But the 5 Sports series retained its visual DNA: the same case, the same bezel, and that iconic crown at 4 o'clock.
True, they've reduced the water resistance to 100 meters and removed the screw-down crown, acknowledging that most of us aren't exploring the Mariana Trench with these watches, but rather looking for keys in the shallow end of a swimming pool. This is a lifestyle watch that flirts with its tool-making past while remaining affordable.
Think pink – Seiko 5 Sports Pink Panther
The Pink Panther model (reference SRPM07) takes this proven platform and wraps it in one of the boldest color combinations Seiko has ever created. The case is compact at 38mm in diameter, following the current trend of smaller watches that actually fit the human wrist.
The star of the show is, of course, the dial. The bright pink color immediately catches the eye, while the embossed panther footprints climb up the left side. The black bezel features pink numerals in a font specific to the cartoon. Even the seconds hand gets special treatment – the back is pink, the front is charcoal gray. These are the details that separate a lazy collaboration from one that the designers actually thought through.
Playful details for connoisseurs
If you turn the clock, you'll find a glass bottom with a pinkish tinge, where those iconic yellow eyes watch you through the "paint." This is a direct reference to The Pink Phink, the Oscar-winning 1964 cartoon short where a panther tricks a painter into painting a blue house pink.
This same episode also explains the included nylon NATO strap, which says “WET PAINT” and has darker paw prints. You also get a classic steel bracelet, which means you can wear the watch to a meeting (if you’re brave enough) or for a beer with friends.
What's under the hood?
Inside ticks the in-house automatic 4R36 movement. It’s Seiko’s workhorse. It offers 41 hours of power reserve, manual winding, and a hacking function. It’s not high watchmaking, but it’s as reliable as that old Golf “deuce” your neighbor still drives. It works and doesn’t require expensive maintenance.
The glass is Hardlex (mineral), which is standard for Seiko. Sapphire would have been better, but at this price and this fun factor, we can forgive them for that.
Technical information
Model: Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series Pink Panther (SRPM07)
- Case material: Stainless steel
- Case size: 38 mm
- Thickness: 12.1mm
- Movement: Seiko caliber 4R36 (automatic)
- Water resistance: 100 m
- Glass: Hardlex
- Straps: Steel bracelet + pink NATO strap
- Limited edition: 9,999 pieces
- Price: 450 $ (approximately €430)
When and for how much?
Seiko will produce 9,999 pieces Seiko 5 Sports Pink PantherIn the watch world, this is a “limited edition” in the very loose sense of the word, but given the global popularity of Seiko and the Pink Panther, they’re likely to sell out quickly. The watch will be available in April 2026, and the price is set at $450.
Is this a watch for everyone? Absolutely not. Is this a watch that will spark conversation every time you wear it? Absolutely. In a world where watches are often too serious and boring, a little pink irony is exactly what we need.
