Seiko

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.

Together with the rotating IZUL, this SDAA005 is one of my favorite timepieces from Seiko, and the one and only watch in my sprawling collection that I still store in its original product box (odd explanation below)...

I’d purchased the rotating SDAA001 soon after release, but was late on the trigger with the SDAA005 though it had also appealed to me.  

By the time I was ready to acquire one, I learned to my disappointment and total surprise that Seiko had fully and completely terminated sales.  They were not going to allow the remaining IZUL pieces to trickle off the shelves; rather, they'd actively pulled and culled all unsold stragglers. 

That news sent me on a good and long 5-6 year hunt, high and low, for a NOS SDAA005, until finally, with a stroke of ‘net-searching luck, I found one.  Now that moment had this old guy feeling some pure joy and happiness, just like a 7-year old finding his wished-for present right under the tree on Christmas morning.   Ever since then, I’ve found that opening and taking this IZUL out of its original box brings back a bit of that pure kid-like joy each and every time.  (my illness is grave)

I love the SDAA005 for its clean and purposeful look and presence on the wrist.  The depth to the dial and its subtle concavity (hard to capture in photos) minimizes parallax error, making the watch very legible.  Actuation, stopping and resetting of the chrono functions on the IZUL are also super smooth and satisfying. 

All in all, a special piece for me, and a rare bird/bull from Seiko.

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. 

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.

It's such a fun beast.

Have a side by side shot? 🤞🏻