Seiko presents a new model in the 5 Sports range produced in a limited edition of 9,000. The watch is dedicated to the ''Red Special'', the legendary electric guitar with which rock legend Brian May, over the course of his long and continuing career, created the sound that helped make Queen one of the most admired and internationally celebrated rock bands. The design of the latest Seiko 5 Sports timepiece collection was inspired by a popular Seiko diver's watch that Brian May wore for more than 40 years. The guitarist bought his Seiko during his first tour of Japan in the 1970s, and since then his guitar and watch have accompanied him around the world sharing unforgettable moments of his life. The "Red Special" now inspires a new Seiko 5 Sports: the dial of this latest watch echoes the design of the guitar that Brian May and his father built in the early 1960s. The guitar was handcrafted using only hand tools. The neck was carved from the wood of a 100-year-old fireplace, the body from an antique oak plank, and covered with a mahogany veneer that the guitarist stained and polished himself. The innovative tremolo system designed by Brian May is characterised by a swinging plate, made of hand-engraved mild steel, which pivots on the blade of a knife, with the tension of the strings balanced by springs from the valves of a motorbike. To complete the job, the tremolo lever was obtained by using part of a bicycle saddle, and culminates in the cap of a sturdy knitting needle. The ''Red Special'' is the result of hard and passionate work and its uniqueness has accompanied Brian May on stage and in the recording studio for over 50 years. "I am happy to have seen this watch come to life, and proud that my and my father's creation from so many years ago inspired this collaboration. I am attached to my Seiko, which has accompanied me for many years. I will wear this new watch with pride,' Brian May commented. The new Seiko 5 Sports is made in a very different way. The watch beats to the rhythm of the Calibre 4R36, has a water resistance of 10 bar, a Hardlex crystal and a sturdy steel case, all qualities that have endeared the many Seiko 5 Sports fans over the decades. The dial has the same red and black colour combination as the 'Red Special' and displays a delicate wood-like pattern, like the guitar body. The black nylon strap refers to the strap that Brian May uses for his instrument. The watch is available in a limited edition of 9,000 pieces and bears Brian May's signature on the case back. It comes with a special case designed on the lines of the customised travel case of the "Red Special". The case also contains a commemorative coin inspired by the sixpence piece that the guitarist used as a pick throughout his career. Seiko is grateful to Brian May for the opportunity to celebrate his creativity and his music with this Seiko 5 Sports watch.The timepiece is available from May 2020 at Seiko Boutiques and selected retailers.
