If you’ve not seen one before, let me introduce you to the Seiko S-Wave, well, one of the many models released under the moniker during the sub-brand’s brief run. While information about this collection is limited, it seems Seiko used the name for a number of its more sporty and affordable offerings at the time, somewhat akin to the five line that would follow later. Sadly a lack of popularity meant the range only lasted a few years, and has faded into relative obscurity since.

While a great many S-Waves featured rather bold dial colours, the one I have here today is a much more subdued forest green, which can appear very dark depending on lighting conditions. In terms of overall design this is a really fun little timepiece, with the pop of red from the seconds hand and flowing curves of the stainless steel case. The contrast of the white fence post hour and minute hands makes for a very easy time reading experience. The day and date complication at four o’clock is always a practical addition, while the drilled lugs, applied logo and exhibition case back are nice touches, especially at the lower end of the market, where this model was positioned back in the day. Something that is present here that Seiko has long stopped offering with their entry-level watches is a signed crown, which rounds out what is a really rather attractive piece, one Seiko might do well to look back at and take inspiration from going forward.

In terms of specs, this watch has a case diameter of 38mm, a height of 12mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 46mm, making it extremely wearable even on smaller wrists. The original band for this one was long gone before I picked it up, but from what I understand these were generally paired with a black leather strap, so I’ve been using a fairly plain Timex equivalent I had laying around. Thanks to the standard 20mm lug width there are no shortage of more exciting options out there, but I think this works well, at least for the time being.

This model comes equipped with an ‘A’ variant of the venerable 7s26 automatic movement, the very first of its kind Seiko ever produced, making this piece just a bit special. Of course, as you may very well expect after more than 20 years the example I have here isn’t running particularly great, with it losing a good couple of seconds every hour. Still, thanks to the prevalence of Seiko’s basic movements, if I was planning to start wearing this one regularly it wouldn’t be difficult or expensive to swap in a new one, or even perhaps the 7s26’s hacking and hand-winding cousin, the 4R36.

I do really like this little watch, it’s an easy wear and looks fantastic. I’m honestly surprised it didn’t get much love back in it’s heyday, still I’m very happy to have it the collection as something just slightly unusual.