Seiko’s astronaut-approved Rotocall watch is finally coming to the US for $550

Those wanting to get their hands on Seiko’s new Rotocall reissue won’t have to wait long, as the watch is now listed on Seiko’s US website, confirming an April 2026 release and $550 price tag.

It was in October last year that Seiko first announced the return of its 1982 classic Seiko A829, a digital watch that gained a cult following thanks to its distinctive rotating bezel, which allowed users to cycle through functions without pressing buttons. The model, popularly known as the “Rotocall,” was particularly favored by astronauts, as its bezel could be operated even while wearing gloves.

The new lineup, which includes the blue and silver-tone SMGG21, red/black SMGG19, and yellow/black SMGG17, launched in the UK and Japan in November. Now, the Japanese watchmaker is finally ready to launch its beloved digital quartz to the States, with all three models now being listed on the company's official website. The company has yet to reveal the exact release date, but interestingly, the SMGG17 and SMGG19 have already shown up on Seiko’s official Amazon storefront for $392.70, undercutting the expected retail price.

A faithful reissue of the 1982 Seiko A829

The new Rotocall stays faithful to the original, featuring the same compact 37mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 10.6mm and a lug-to-lug measurement of 43.5mm, making it notably wearable by today’s standards. The watch is powered by Seiko’s quartz Caliber A824, which offers accuracy of ±20 seconds per month and an approximate three-year battery life. Functionality is extensive for a digital piece, including a 1/100-second chronograph (up to 100 hours), dual-time display, single alarm, timer, and a battery warning indicator.

At the center of it all is the signature rotary bezel, which acts as a selector for the watch’s various modes, allowing you to seamlessly switch between various functions: dual-time, alarm, counter, timer, stopwatch, and time adjustment. The reissue also adds a few welcome additions, like an AM/PM indicator and battery level gauge. Other specs include Hardlex crystal, 100 meters of water resistance, and a steel bracelet with a three-fold clasp. 

It should be noted that the Rotocall reissue is not a limited edition and is part of Seiko’s regular lineup.