Seiko Unveils Genuine 'Pepsi' Timepieces
In the world of horology, a new addition has made a splash - Seiko's official "Pepsi" watches. These timepieces, the result of a collaboration with the Pepsi brand, pay homage to the iconic red-and-blue bezel style that has been popular since the 1950s, originally popularized by Rolex's GMT-Master "Pepsi."
The color scheme of Seiko's "Pepsi" watches has become widespread in the horological world, leading to numerous other nicknames for watches with similar bezel combinations. The "Pepsi" nickname, an unofficial one among fans who recognize the shared color scheme with the Pepsi soda brand, has led to the creation of nicknames such as "Coke" for red and black, "Sprite" for green and black, and "Root Beer" for brown and black.
Seiko's "Pepsi" watches are a significant addition to the world of watchmaking, given their iconic color scheme and affordable pricing from Seiko. The collection includes two distinct models:
- SRPL99: A 38mm stainless steel diver watch with a classic Pepsi-red-and-blue bezel, a silver dial featuring the vintage 1990s Pepsi logo, powered by Seiko's 4R36 automatic movement with day/date function. It has a 12.1mm thickness, 100m water resistance, and a stainless steel bracelet.
- SSK047: A 42.5mm black-coated stainless steel GMT watch with a bi-directional red and blue 24-hour bezel representing day and night, a black dial with the current Pepsi logo, and the Seiko 4R34 GMT automatic movement. It features a 13.6mm thickness, silicone strap embossed with the Pepsi logo, and 100m water resistance.
Both are limited editions with 7,000 units each, featuring see-through casebacks and distinct Pepsi branding - vintage logo for SRPL99, modern logo for SSK047 - and come packaged in custom Pepsi-themed tins mimicking soda cans.
The release of these watches is an uncommon move for Seiko, which is known for delivering mechanical watches at affordable prices. However, Seiko's Pepsi watches revive the red-and-blue color scheme within their own sports and GMT collections, formalizing and celebrating the "Pepsi" nickname that collectors have historically used for their red and blue bezel watches. Seiko references their own earlier Pepsi-like red/blue bezel designs since the late 1970s but makes this partnership with Pepsi official for the first time in 2025.
Regarding the relation to the Rolex GMT-Master "Pepsi" watch, Seiko's Pepsi watches pay homage to the historic and iconic red-and-blue bezel style originally popularized by Rolex’s GMT-Master since the 1950s. The Rolex GMT-Master’s "Pepsi" bezel is legendary for its functional day/night distinction and aesthetic appeal, becoming a benchmark for red/blue bezel watches. Seiko's Pepsi series revives this color scheme within its own lineup, offering a modern interpretation and official tribute to the nickname.
In summary, Seiko's Pepsi watches embrace the dual red/blue bezel heritage epitomized by Rolex's GMT-Master "Pepsi" while adding unique Seiko-specific features and styles, making them a modern interpretation and official tribute within their own lineup rather than a direct homage or copy of Rolex’s model.
Seiko's Pepsi watches, with their distinctive color scheme, have expanded the horological world's adoption of the red-and-blue bezel style, giving rise to nicknames such as "Coke" or "Sprite" for watches featuring similar color combinations.
These Seiko models, particularly the SRPL99 and SSK047, are not only an homage to Rolex's GMT-Master "Pepsi" but also a significant addition to Seiko's own lineup of gadgets and technology, showcasing the brand's style in the world of watchmaking.
