Seiko’s two new panda chronographs make the animal part of the dial’s working layout: the recessed stopwatch subdials become eyes, while the nose and mouth sit at six o’clock. Announced October 6, 2026, the white HHK001P is limited to 3,000 pieces worldwide and the pink HHK002P to 2,000. Both use quartz Caliber 8T61. Prices and launch dates vary by market.
How the chronograph becomes a panda
Seiko frames the design around a question: “Do the world’s panda-style watch dials really resemble pandas?” The answer in these watches is built into the chronograph rather than added as a separate illustration. Seiko’s October 6, 2026 announcement says the drooping subdials form the eyes, with the panda’s nose and mouth at six o’clock. The two recessed stopwatch pushers are shaped to suggest ears.
The dial’s embossed radial pattern is meant to evoke panda fur. Bamboo leaves inspire the hour and minute hands, and the tachymeter scale is playfully renamed “SASAMETER,” from sasa, the Japanese name for bamboo leaves. Seiko describes the scale as a way to indicate speed from the time taken to travel one kilometer; its panda-themed 30 km/h example is an illustration, not a measured performance claim.
The animal motif continues beyond the dial. The caseback depicts a panda from behind, with “LIMITED EDITION” marked above its white tail. Each watch has a leather strap matched to its dial; Seiko says the straps include suede-like material. The presentation boxes also differ in color and material between the two versions.
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- VK63 MECHA-QUARTZ CHRONOGRAPH: The WD1863 uses a VK63 mecha-quartz movement with a central 1/5-second chronograph hand, 60-minute counter, running small seconds and a 24-hour display. The pushers control start, stop and reset, combining quartz accuracy with crisp mechanical-style chronograph action for practical elapsed-time measurement.
- BUBBLE SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL & ALUMINUM BEZEL: The raised bubble-style sapphire crystal adds depth above the dial, while a high-clear inner AR coating helps reduce reflections. A 316L stainless steel case and bracelet provide a solid everyday build, and the fixed aluminum bezel creates a defined frame around the vintage chronograph display.
- SUPER BGW-9 BLUE LUME: BGW-9 super luminous material is applied to the hands, hour markers and selected dial details. After exposure to light, these elements produce a blue glow that supports quick time reading in darker surroundings. Coverage follows the individual dial design and remains clearly arranged around the three-register chronograph display.
- 100M WATER RESISTANCE: The screw-down crown and screw-down case back support a 100M water-resistance rating for daily wear and suitable surface-water use. Always tighten the crown fully before contact with water, do not operate the chronograph pushers while the watch is wet or submerged, and avoid hot water, steam and diving. Water resistance should be checked periodically as seals age.
- COMPACT 39MM WRIST PROFILE: The WD1863 measures 39mm across the bezel, with a 41mm mid-case, 46mm lug-to-lug length, 12.9mm thickness including the raised crystal and 20mm lug width. These proportions balance the detail of a three-register chronograph with a wearable footprint. The 20mm bracelet remains proportionate to the case, while the raised crystal adds vintage depth to the compact design.
Two colors, two limited quantities
The watches are part of Seiko Power Design Project Collection 2. Seiko credits product designer Kiyotaka Sakai. The white model uses the familiar black-and-white panda palette, while Seiko says the pink model’s design is inspired by a newborn or very young panda.
| Model | Dial and concept | Worldwide limit | Japan allocation | Japan suggested retail price | Planned Japan launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HHK001P | White; classic panda colors | 3,000 pieces | 300 pieces | ¥83,600, including tax | November 7, 2026 |
| HHK002P | Pink; inspired by a newborn panda | 2,000 pieces | 200 pieces | ¥83,600, including tax | November 7, 2026 |
The quantities, prices, Japan allocations and planned Japan release date in the table are from Seiko Watch Corporation’s Japanese announcement for 2026; the Japan allocation is included within each worldwide limit, not added to it. Seiko scheduled reservations through specified Japanese channels to open October 7, 2026, at noon Japan time. These are Japan terms, not a promise of availability in other markets.
Rank #2
- Classic Panda Design: This is NOT Automatic Watch. 3 functional little sub-dials for chronograph second / minute / hours.Clear date display. 3 buttons in the case to Start/Pause, adjust time/calender and Reset. The watch face is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, providing enduring clarity and protection against daily wear and tear. Classic design showcases men's masculinity and glamour.
- Pagani Design: Analog Quartz Movement 41mm large dial case, an ever-practical date display window at 4:30 o’clock and luminous hands. Environmentally friendly silicone strap, soft and comfortable, long wearing without damaging your wrist.
- High-quality Movement: Powered by a reliable quartz movement, The silver oxide battery used in quartz watches functions as a reliable and long-lasting power source for the watch movement. The battery can be used for 2-3 years, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted timekeeping without frequent replacements.
- 30 Meter Waterproof: Built in multiple sealed waterproof rings, it can withstand splashes and immersion in water, adding convenience to your daily routine. Please keep your watch away from hot water, as this can cause steam to form inside the surface.
- Perfect after-sale: A perfect gift for any gift giving occasion: Valentine's Day, anniversary, business, birthday, Thanksgiving Day, Father's Day Christmas etc. Any question please do not hesitate to contact us. We will try our best to make customers satisfied
Movement and case specifications
Seiko lists the same core specifications for both models. Their quartz Caliber 8T61 stopwatch measures in 1/5-second increments up to 60 minutes. The manufacturer states average monthly accuracy of ±15 seconds under its stated conditions: when worn at temperatures from 5°C to 35°C.
| Specification | Both models |
|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz Caliber 8T61 |
| Chronograph | 1/5-second increments; measures up to 60 minutes |
| Average monthly accuracy | ±15 seconds when worn at 5°C to 35°C, as stated by Seiko |
| Case | Stainless steel with some gray-colored plating |
| Case diameter | 43.0 mm |
| Thickness | 14.6 mm |
| Crystal | Hardlex |
| Strap | Cowhide leather |
| Water resistance | Everyday-life water resistance; a depth rating is not stated in Seiko’s announcement |
Seiko’s announcement does not give a lug-to-lug measurement or lug width. The stated 43.0 mm diameter and 14.6 mm thickness alone therefore do not establish how the case will fit a particular wrist.
Rank #3
- Classic Panda Design: This is NOT Automatic Watch. 3 functional little sub-dials for chronograph second / minute / hours.Clear date display. 3 buttons in the case to Start/Pause, adjust time/calender and Reset. The watch face is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, providing enduring clarity and protection against daily wear and tear. Classic design showcases men's masculinity and glamour.
- Pagani Design: Analog Quartz Movement 41mm large dial case, an ever-practical date display window at 4:30 o’clock and luminous hands. Environmentally friendly silicone strap, soft and comfortable, long wearing without damaging your wrist.
- High-quality Movement: Powered by a reliable quartz movement, The silver oxide battery used in quartz watches functions as a reliable and long-lasting power source for the watch movement. The battery can be used for 2-3 years, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted timekeeping without frequent replacements.
- 30 Meter Waterproof: Built in multiple sealed waterproof rings, it can withstand splashes and immersion in water, adding convenience to your daily routine. Please keep your watch away from hot water, as this can cause steam to form inside the surface.
- Perfect after-sale: A perfect gift for any gift giving occasion: Valentine's Day, anniversary, business, birthday, Thanksgiving Day, Father's Day Christmas etc. Any question please do not hesitate to contact us. We will try our best to make customers satisfied
Release dates and prices depend on the market
For Japan, Seiko’s suggested retail price is ¥83,600, including tax, per model, with a planned launch on November 7, 2026. For the UK, the official Seiko boutique listing identifies the models as HHK001P1 and HHK002P1, lists each at £510, and gives a November 1, 2026 release date. The UK model suffixes, price and date are specific to that listing; they should not be treated as universal terms or used to infer why the regional details differ.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.From a design-project concept to a limited release
Seiko says the watch began as a concept in the 2024 Power Design Project exhibition. It was one of seven “specialized” watches in the exhibition and received the strongest support, according to the company. Seiko dates the project’s beginnings to 2001, says it continued through 2009, and notes that it returned in 2022.
Rank #4
- Classic Panda Design: This is NOT Automatic Watch. 3 functional little sub-dials for chronograph second / minute / hours.Clear date display. 3 buttons in the case to Start/Pause, adjust time/calender and Reset. The watch face is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, providing enduring clarity and protection against daily wear and tear. Classic design showcases men's masculinity and glamour.
- Pagani Design: Analog Quartz Movement 41mm large dial case, an ever-practical date display window at 4:30 o’clock and luminous hands. Environmentally friendly silicone strap, soft and comfortable, long wearing without damaging your wrist.
- High-quality Movement: Powered by a reliable quartz movement, The silver oxide battery used in quartz watches functions as a reliable and long-lasting power source for the watch movement. The battery can be used for 2-3 years, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted timekeeping without frequent replacements.
- 30 Meter Waterproof: Built in multiple sealed waterproof rings, it can withstand splashes and immersion in water, adding convenience to your daily routine. Please keep your watch away from hot water, as this can cause steam to form inside the surface.
- Perfect after-sale: A perfect gift for any gift giving occasion: Valentine's Day, anniversary, business, birthday, Thanksgiving Day, Father's Day Christmas etc. Any question please do not hesitate to contact us. We will try our best to make customers satisfied
The Japanese announcement presents Sakai’s design question as 「世の中のパンダウオッチは、実はパンダに似ていないのではないか」—Seiko’s account of the question behind his design, rather than a published interview transcript. The resulting approach is literal but functional: familiar chronograph elements supply the panda’s face while retaining their stopwatch roles.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Set Includes: Watch, box, and warranty card included
- Drive Type: Quartz (solar powered)
- Accuracy: within ±20 seconds per month
- Country of Origin: Japan (Made in Japan)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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