Not Just a Nickname Anymore: Seiko Claims the Pepsi Crown

Seiko Pepsi SSK047 and SRPL99

Until now, “Pepsi” was just a fan-coined nickname reserved for beloved red-blue bezels—most famously attributed to Rolex’s GMT‑Master. Seiko has flipped the script. With its first official collaboration with Pepsi, the Seiko 5 Sports x Pepsi series embraces that name on the dial, transforming homage into licensed co‑branding. In doing so, Seiko effectively stole the narrative from Rolex, turning the once-unofficial Pepsi badge into an authorized identity for collectors and fans alike.

This isn’t just about color schemes. It’s about the story. The Seiko x Pepsi collab consists of two different 5 Sports SKX Series watches: the SSK047 GMT and the SRPL99 dive-style automatic, each limited to 7,000 pieces. While both feature those iconic Pepsi-colored bezels, they take very different approaches in terms of design and branding—with the SSK047 leaning into modern, streetwear-inspired styling, and the SRPL99 channeling breezy retro charm.

SSK047 – The Modern Pepsi GMT

The more technically ambitious of the pair, the SSK047 is built on Seiko’s popular 5 Sports GMT platform and features the Caliber 4R34 movement.

Seiko Pepsi SSK047

Here, the Pepsi aesthetic is dialed up with intent. The signature red-and-blue 24-hour bezel remains, but it’s paired with a black PVD-coated case, a dark dial with luminous blue-trimmed indices, and a vivid red GMT hand that pops with comic-book clarity. The Pepsi logo is neatly printed at 6 o’clock on the dial, balancing boldness with restraint. It’s present, but not overpowering.

Seiko Pepsi SSK047
Seiko Pepsi SSK047

The silicone strap is also a first for this case shape in Seiko’s GMT range. It’s soft, black, and proudly embossed with the Pepsi logo—comfort and branding rolled into one. Turn the watch over, and you’ll spot a smoked exhibition caseback revealing the movement and an additional Pepsi logo, along with the limited edition engraving to mark it out from the rest.

Sized at 42.5mm across and just under 14mm thick, the watch sits confidently on the wrist without being obnoxious. The look is contemporary, a little cheeky, and perfectly in step with the streetwear vibe that defines many modern collabs today. Priced at around €540, it brings a lot to the table — a mechanical GMT, fun details, and one of the strongest brand pairings we’ve seen in ages.

SRPL99 – Retro Dive Vibes With a Splash of Soda

If the SSK047 is all bold graphics and modern swagger, the SRPL99 takes a more nostalgic path. This model is based on Seiko’s increasingly beloved vintage-style SKX reissues, coming in at a compact 38mm and rocking all the proportions that scream ‘90s Seiko DNA.

Seiko Pepsi SRPL99

The most immediately striking feature is its silvery-white dial — a color you rarely see in this lineup. It sets the tone for a breezier, lighter aesthetic, which is then grounded by the classic red-and-blue dive bezel up top. But the real star of the show is the ’90s Pepsi logo at 6 o’clock. Printed in a bold, retro-styled font that feels plucked straight from an old soda commercial, it transforms what might have been a simple homage into something joyfully self-aware.

Seiko Pepsi SRPL99
Seiko Pepsi SRPL99

The case is stainless steel, with drilled lugs and a brushed finish that plays nicely with the old-school bracelet. The Caliber 4R36 automatic movement ticks away inside, offering both day and date complications, and like its GMT sibling, the caseback is smoked and features Pepsi branding alongside the limited edition markings.

This watch doesn’t try to be serious. It’s the kind of watch you wear to a summer barbecue, to the beach, or on a road trip — a time capsule of 1990s optimism, injected with just the right amount of branding to feel like a true collector’s piece. At around €380, it’s the more affordable of the two, but just as desirable.

Why This Collab Matters

Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t just a gimmick. It’s a full-circle moment for watch culture. The “Pepsi” nickname was born out of enthusiast communities, used to describe colorways long before brands ever acknowledged it. And now, Seiko has gone and made it official. They didn’t just adopt the name — they licensed it, integrated it, and made it the centerpiece.

Seiko Pepsi SSK047
Seiko Pepsi SRPL99

This is Seiko doing what Rolex never would. It’s them leaning into the grassroots energy of their fanbase, acknowledging that nicknames, and community dialogue actually matter. It’s playful, sure, but it’s also strategic. In an era where collabs define culture — from sneakers to sodas — this one feels both overdue and incredibly well-timed.

And it opens the door to even more possibilities. Could we one day see other nicknames made real? A “Batman” collab? A “Root Beer” three-way tie-in with craft brewers? Maybe not. But Seiko just reminded the industry that it’s okay to have fun — and that watches don’t always have to take themselves so seriously.

Packaging With Personality

Seiko Pepsi SSK047 and  SRPL99

To top it all off, both watches come in special can-shaped boxes modeled after a Pepsi can. It’s the kind of packaging that makes you grin before you even get to the watch. It’s playful. It’s silly. But it’s also memorable — and that’s the point. These are watches made with a smile, and the packaging just reinforces that spirit.

Final Thoughts

The Seiko 5 Sports x Pepsi limited editions aren’t trying to be high horology. They’re not pretending to be anything other than what they are: fun, accessible, enthusiast-driven watches with just the right amount of fizz. They don’t take themselves too seriously—and in doing so, they might be the most refreshing Seiko releases of the year.

The SSK047, with its crisp black case and graphic punch, feels like the kind of watch that ends up in a streetwear lookbook. Meanwhile, the SRPL99 leans into nostalgic charm, offering a smaller, retro-feeling piece that’s just begging for a beach day. Both watches celebrate what fans have been saying for decades — that “Pepsi” is more than a color scheme, it’s a vibe. And now, it’s official.

For collectors, this is a no-brainer. For casual buyers, it’s an easy conversation starter. And for anyone who’s ever called a bezel “Pepsi,” this collaboration finally gives that nickname the full-circle moment it deserves.


Specs Recap

Seiko SSK047

  • Movement: Caliber 4R34
  • Power Reserve: Approx. 41 hours
  • Case Material: Stainless steel (hard coating)
  • Case Dimensions: 42.5mm diameter, 13.6mm thickness, 46.0mm lug-to-lug
  • Crystal: Hardlex
  • Luminescence: LumiBrite on hands and indexes
  • Band Material: Silicone
  • Lug Width: 22mm
  • Water Resistance: 10 bar (100m)
  • Magnetic Resistance: 4,800 A/m
  • Weight: 106g

Seiko SRPL99

  • Movement: Caliber 4R36
  • Power Reserve: Approx. 41 hours
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Case Dimensions: 38.0mm diameter, 12.1mm thickness, 44.2mm lug-to-lug
  • Crystal: Hardlex
  • Luminescence: LumiBrite on hands, indexes, and bezel
  • Clasp: Three-fold clasp with push button release
  • Lug Width: 20mm
  • Water Resistance: 10 bar (100m)
  • Magnetic Resistance: 4,800 A/m
  • Weight: 142g

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