If you’ve been captivated by the surprise return of the iconic Seiko Rotocall but found the official press images a little too clean, you’re not alone. Thankfully, the wait for a real-world look is over. Prominent horology leaker @SeikoLeaks posted a series of hands-on clips on YouTube earlier this month, giving us our clearest glimpse yet at the three new models—SMGG17P1, SMGG19P1, and SMGG21P1—now that they are officially on the market (though, as expected, they are currently sold out almost everywhere).
The videos are more than just a confirmation of availability; they reveal nuanced traits of the case, bezel, and bracelet that simply weren't apparent in Seiko’s studio renders. For collectors and fans of retro-digital watches, this is the most authentic look we've had so far.
Bezel Finishes: Satin, Not Glossy, with Deeper Tones
One of the most immediate takeaways from the footage is the finish of the rotating bezel inserts. While official images presented the colors as cleanly separated with a potentially glossy sheen, the real-world clips confirm a slightly satin, textured finish that plays with light more subtly.
- SMGG17P1 (Yellow-Black): This model appears to be the most faithful to the spirit of the original 1980s Rotocall. The yellow retains its vibrancy but benefits from the matte texture.
- SMGG19P1 (Red-Black): Arguably the biggest revelation. The marketing photos suggested a bright, primary red. However, @SeikoLeaks' footage shows the red section has a much deeper, more muted tone in natural light, leaning towards a sophisticated burnt orange or crimson.
- SMGG21P1 (Blue-Silver): This variant boasts the crispest contrast of the trio. The hands-on video also captures a pleasant surprise: the blue ring exhibits a mild metallic flare when the watch is tilted, adding a dynamic element to its appearance.
You can see the bezel action and color variations clearly in this short clip.
A Surprisingly Sophisticated Bracelet
Many assumed that a reissue of a digital watch, especially in this price range, would feature a simple folded-link bracelet. The videos definitively put that assumption to rest. The new Rotocall is fitted with a multi-link bracelet that features alternating polished and brushed surfaces.
This design choice adds a significant level of visual complexity and refinement that surpasses expectations. The clasp appears to be a standard Seiko fare, but the overall articulation of the bracelet—how it bends and conforms to the wrist—looks to be a marked improvement over the sometimes-clunky bracelets found on older Rotocall models.
Get a close-up look at the bracelet's construction here.
Display Clarity and Tactile Bezel Action
On the tech side, the videos confirm what Seiko’s specs hinted at. The digit alignment and screen contrast look noticeably sharper than what the initial press images suggested. Equipped with an updated quartz movement, the dual-display layout remains unchanged from the original—the upper screen for time and mode, the lower for chronograph and countdown functions. However, the refreshed backlight and cleaner typography ensure the reissue feels legible and modern, particularly under indoor lighting.
Perhaps the most satisfying detail confirmed by the footage is the audible and clean click of the rotating bezel. This was the defining feature of the original Rotocall, as the bezel itself was the primary mode selector. It’s reassuring to see that Seiko has preserved this exact tactile interaction, a delight for those who prefer a physical control interface over navigating through multiple buttons.
See the satisfying bezel click and display clarity in action.
Verdict: Charm Intact, Subtly Enhanced
The @SeikoLeaks hands-on videos ultimately affirm that Seiko has approached this reissue with care. Instead of a ground-up modernization that strips away its character, the new Rotocall feels like a respectful refinement. The satin-brushed bezels, upgraded bracelet, and preserved tactile feedback show a commitment to the original's spirit while making subtle improvements for daily wear.
For a niche digital watch with a unique NASA history behind it, that's exactly what fans were hoping for. The charm is very much intact.
The Seiko Rotocall reissues (models SMGG17P1, SMGG19P1, SMGG21P1) are officially released but facing high demand. Check availability and pricing on Amazon.