The new Seiko ‘Rotocall’ might be my favourite digital watch… ever

Seiko has just launched a new digital quartz watch based on an archive 1980s model affectionately known by fans as the ‘Rotocall’. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to try the new Seiko SMGG17 (its official name), and I already think I’m in love.

Inspired by the 1980s Seiko A829-6029, also known as the “Astronaut,” it brings back a design that’s as functional as it is cool, and it does it without feeling like a gimmick.

The original Astronaut, for those who don’t know, was the unofficial watch of the space programme. Worn on more than 160 missions, it was chosen by astronauts themselves, including legends like Sally Ride, Kathryn Sullivan, and Anna Lee Fisher, because it was easy to use in a spacesuit. Instead of relying on fiddly buttons, you simply turned the bezel to switch between its eight functions.

That same clever rotating bezel makes a return on the new ‘Rotocall’, and I can confirm it’s just as satisfying to use. It clicks precisely as you move between the time, alarms, dual time, stopwatch, counter, timer, and time set modes.

Seiko’s kept the look wonderfully faithful too, with angular edges, a crisp digital display, and those unmistakably ‘80s colour combos.

My favourite model is the mustard yellow/gold version. I love the combination of muted yellow, black, and hints of red with the steel case. But, to be honest, I love all of the retro colourways, they’re all warming and capture the mood perfectly.

My slim 6in wrist, the 37mm case fits perfectly. It’s compact, balanced, and far from bulky at 10.6mm thick. It’s also water-resistant to 100 metres.

And here’s the thing: I’ve always liked Casio’s digital watches, but they sometimes feel a bit too plasticky and toy-like. The Seiko SMGG17, by contrast, feels like a proper watch. The stainless steel case and bracelet give it real presence, while still keeping the nostalgic charm intact.

Inside is a Seiko quartz movement. Which should be perfectly reliable, accurate, and quietly hum along without fuss.

Pre-orders open in the UK today, priced at £480 (approx. US$640), with deliveries arriving from 1 November.

I’d genuinely recommend snapping one up, especially if, like me, you’ve got a soft spot for nostalgic tech.

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Spencer Hart Buying Guide Editor

About

As Buying Guide Editor, Spencer is responsible for all e-commerce content on Stuff, overseeing buying guides as well as covering deals and new product launches. Spencer has been writing about consumer tech for over eight years. He has worked on some of the biggest publications in the UK, where he covered everything from the emergence of smartwatches to the arrival of self-driving cars. During this time, Spencer has become a seasoned traveller, racking up air miles while travelling around the world reviewing cars, attending product launches, and covering every trade show known to man, from Baselworld and Geneva Motor Show to CES and MWC. While tech remains one of his biggest passions, Spencer also enjoys getting hands-on with the latest luxury watches, trying out new grooming kit, and road-testing all kinds of vehicles, from electric scooters to supercars.

Areas of expertise

Watches, travel, grooming, transport, tech