Vintage
Pkonos introduces the Seiko IZUL Chronograph SDAA005, a distinctive and short-lived premium sports line that housed Seiko's innovative Spring Drive 5R85 movement. His post offers a rare glimpse into this unique reference, providing context on its market positioning and eventual discontinuation. This article is particularly valuable for collectors seeking to understand the nuances of Seiko's experimental high-end offerings from the late 2000s.
Seiko introduced the IZUL line in 2007 with a “dawn-to-a-new-era” sort of ad copy (Izul derives from a Japanese word associated with the rising sun), slotting it in as a new premium sports line to complement the dressier models from Grand Seiko and Credor and the uniquely adventurous (and then not-yet defunct) Galantes.
It was one of the first pieces to house Seiko’s (then) new, super smooth Spring Drive 5R85 chronograph movement with column wheel and vertical clutch construction, 72hr power reserve, and +/- 15secs./month accuracy.
Whether due to low demand or curious product strategy, manufacture of the IZUL line was short-lived, with all models pulled from retailers’ shelves after a mere two years.
There were two variants, both chronographs, one with a funky 360-degree rotating case (the fantastic SDAA001 recently posted by KMII) and the other (the SDAA005 below) with a standard non-rotating bull-head configuration. Both versions came in either black or white-dial iterations.
Kindly
prompted by KMII the other day, I’m happy to share a few shots of the
white-dialed, non-rotating chronograph below.
Thanks for looking guys, wishing you all a great remainder of the week.
The Seiko Izul line, introduced in 2007, represented Seiko's foray into premium sports watches, positioned alongside Grand Seiko and Credor. It was designed to showcase advanced horological capabilities within a distinctive aesthetic, aiming for a 'new era' in Seiko's sports offerings. The line was notable for its short production run, with models being withdrawn from retailers after only two years, contributing to their subsequent rarity.
Central to the Izul collection was the Spring Drive 5R85 chronograph movement. This caliber featured a column wheel and vertical clutch construction, offering a 72-hour power reserve and an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month. The SDAA001 variant, specifically, featured a unique 360-degree rotating case, distinguishing it from more conventional designs. The watches were available with either black or white dials.
For collectors, the Seiko Izul SDAA001 holds significance due to its innovative movement, distinctive case design, and limited production. Its brief market presence and subsequent withdrawal have made it a sought-after reference, often commanding considerable interest in the secondary market. The model represents a unique chapter in Seiko's exploration of high-end sports watch design and movement technology.
Did not know that Seiko actively pulled them from the shelves but that would of course explain why they are so hard to find nowadays - the quantities remaining must be relatively low. Have had the pleasure of seeing the SDAA005 once and it really is nice. Sadly no good picture - but then again you have provided us with some wonderful ones from yours. As for the kid syndrome - can fully understand. Took me 6 years to find mine and as it was during Covid, another six months and a detour through a
and for understanding the syndrome 😀 Yes, when I spoke to one of Seiko's reps about the end of sales way back when, he said: "It's being done to protect the watch line. Your IZUL (referring to the SDAA001 on my wrist) will be becoming a rare and special piece soon, take good care of it." That's certainly come true for your and my SDAA001, judging from an eye popping outcome at Phillips Auction house last year for a black-dialed SDAA005.
I usually comment on all the Izul posts and I couldn't resist doing the same on this one Congrats, if the "original" Izul is a rare beast this one is as scarce as hen's teeth. Magnificent.
It's such a fun beast.
Have a side by side shot? 🤞🏻
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