Few digital watches have managed to blend technical charm with pure 1980s nostalgia quite like the original Seiko Rotocall. Now, after decades, Seiko is bringing it back — reimagined for 2025 under its Conceptual Series lineup. The new Seiko Rotocall SMGG17, SMGG19, and SMGG21 revive the iconic rotating-bezel digital design that once accompanied astronauts and gadget lovers alike, while introducing updated materials and construction for modern wear.

A Space-Age Design Returns

The Seiko Rotocall traces its roots back to the early 1980s, when digital quartz watches represented the cutting edge of technology. Back then, Seiko’s A829 “Rotocall” stood out for its innovative rotating bezel interface, which allowed the wearer to switch between functions — such as time, alarm, timer, and chronograph — by turning the bezel rather than pressing a cycle button. This simple yet clever solution made the watch intuitive and futuristic, and it even found its way onto the wrists of NASA astronauts during missions.

The 2025 revival pays tribute to that era while adding subtle refinements. The overall aesthetic remains faithful: compact case, angled bezel markings, and clear LCD display. But beneath the nostalgia sits Seiko’s updated A824 quartz module, delivering the same multi-function capability with modern precision and efficiency.

What’s New in the Conceptual Series

The new Rotocall models fall under Seiko’s Conceptual Series, a collection focused on experimental and retro-inspired designs. This revival stays remarkably close to the original, but introduces small quality-of-life upgrades. The case, for instance, now offers 100 meters of water resistance, making it far more durable as a daily-wear digital.

The user interface remains the star feature. Turning the bezel still toggles between timekeeping, stopwatch, timer, dual time, and alarm modes. The sensation of physically rotating the bezel to change modes gives the watch a mechanical-digital feel few modern pieces replicate — a tactile charm that’s both nostalgic and novel.

Dial and Bezel Options

Seiko is offering the reissue in three colorways:

• SMGG17 – Black and yellow bezel
• SMGG19 – Red and black bezel
• SMGG21 – Blue and gray bezel

Each version evokes the vibrant palette of the 1980s but remains balanced enough for modern tastes. The bezels use bold contrasting numerals, while the LCD screens appear slightly recessed for depth and legibility. The watches feature a hardlex crystal — Seiko’s proprietary hardened mineral.

Dimensions & Wearability

At 37 mm in diameter and with a lug-to-lug of 43.5 mm, the Rotocall keeps its vintage proportions intact. The size makes it extremely wearable for most wrists, offering a compact profile that doesn’t feel bulky despite its feature-packed design. Thickness is around 10.6 mm, maintaining a sleek silhouette even with its digital functionality. The case is crafted from stainless steel, featuring brushed surfaces and polished accents, in true Seiko fashion.

Despite its digital heart, the Rotocall isn’t just a tool watch — it’s a lifestyle piece. The 100 m water resistance makes it ready for poolside or weekend adventures, and the LCD’s high contrast ensures great visibility outdoors.

Movement and Funcations

Inside beats Seiko’s A824 quartz module, a modern evolution of the original A829 used in the 1980s Rotocall. It provides a suite of digital features including dual time, stopwatch, timer, counter, daily alarm, and single-event alarm. The bezel acts as a function selector, with the pushers used for control and setting. This keeps operation simple yet distinctly interactive — a nod to the “analog feel” that made the Rotocall famous.

Final Thoughts

The new Seiko Rotocall strikes a satisfying balance between heritage and innovation. It preserves the quirky, gadget-driven soul of the 1980s while refining the build and usability for today. For collectors, it’s an instant nostalgia trip — and for newcomers, it’s a rare chance to experience a genuinely different kind of digital watch.

Seiko is opening up pre-orders on its various sites, including Seiko Boutique UK and Seiko Boutique Europe, today. Expect deliveries to begin on November 1st.

Specs, Pricing & Availability

Brand: Seiko

Model: Rotocall (Conceptual Series)

References: SMGG17, SMGG19, SMGG21

Dial: LCD digital display

Case Material: Stainless steel

Diameter: 37 mm

Lug-to-lug: 43.5 mm

Thickness: 10.6 mm

Crystal: Hardlex

Water Resistance: 100 m

Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet

Lug width: 19 mm

Movement: Seiko A824 quartz

Functions: Time, dual time, stopwatch, timer, counter, daily alarm, single alarm

Price: ~£480 (approx. €570 / $590)

Availability: November 2025

Limited Edition: No