70's Funky Seiko 5 Sports Watches and their Rebellious Razor Watch Bands

From the late 60s to the early 70s, Seiko 5 Sports rally bracelets became renowned for their distinctive design, which gave them a dynamic and edgy appearance. These bracelets were specifically created to match the Seiko 5 Sports watch line, which gained a following for its affordability, reliability, and robustness.

At the center of each watch band, a series of cut-out slots add to the tremendous and fabulous design. Some of these cut-outs are shaped like razor blades, which is why people often refer to them as Razor bracelets or Razor watch bands. These bracelets are also famous for their flexibility and resilient construction, making them a perfect fit for outdoor activities and sports, and giving them a one-of-a-kind rugged and sporty appeal.

Over the years, Seiko has released several rally bracelets designed to be paired with Seiko 5 Sports watches, each with its own unique design and color scheme. In this article, we'll take a closer look at six rally bracelets, together with the Seiko 5 Sports watches they were designed to complement. Get ready to explore the funky and colorful world of Seiko 5 Sports watches and their everlasting Razor Bracelets!

1. Vintage Seiko 5 Sports Kamen Rider 5126-8090

The Vintage Seiko 5 Sports Kamen Rider 5126-8090 is a watch that gained fame on the web in Japan as "the Kamen Rider watch". This watch was worn by the star of an early 70s Japanese television program called Kamen Rider, a Tokusatsu Superhero series where Kamen Rider and his team of motorcycle-riding superheroes battle Shocker's minions. The Seiko 5126-8090 was on the protagonist's wrist and takes a slotted style bracelet that is similar, but not identical, to the one coming next, the Seiko Sushi Roll.

Seiko 5 Sports Kamen Rider 5126-8090 features a rally bracelet with a cut-out in a round rectangular shape on one side. The bracelet ends have a 10mm center link that fits into end pieces.

Designed for motorcycle enthusiasts, this classic watch features a black dial with contrast white hour markers and hands, and a day/date window at the 3 o'clock position. The most memorable feature of the 5126-8090 is the silver, numberless dive bezel. The rally bracelet that comes with this watch is different, as the bracelet ends have a 10mm center link that fits into end pieces, rather than ending in a flat 19mm bar designed for hidden lugs. The brushed stainless steel finish and cut-out design perfectly complement the watch's rugged and dynamic appearance.

2. Vintage Seiko Gold Sushi 6119-7160

Continuing our exploration of Seiko 5 Sports watches and their Razor Bracelets, let's take a closer look at the Seiko Sushi Roll. This watch is named after its special three-dimensional high roller indices that resemble sushi rolls, filled with phosphorus for visibility in low light conditions. Produced around 1970, the Seiko Sushi Roll is available in several dial colors, including sunburst retro Gold Sushi, Blue Sushi, and Green Sushi. It features the original Seiko 6119C automatic movement with 21 jewels, ensuring reliable timekeeping.

Seiko Gold Sushi 6119-7160 watch is paired with a rally bracelet that has round and linear double slots, creating a strong and sporty motorcycle-inspired appearance.

The Seiko Sushi Roll has a large size, measuring 43mm in case width (excluding the crown) and 19mm in lug width. It also features an inner bezel that can be rotated by a crown and a UFO-style stainless steel case. The rally bracelet designed for this watch features round and linear double slots that give it a strong motorcyclist sporty look, perfectly complementing the watch's original and eye-catching design.

3. Vintage Seiko Blue Sushi 6119-7163

Let's now take a closer look at another unique watch from the Seiko Sushi 6119-7163 series. This Blue Sushi timepiece has a blue dial with an orange hand that adds a pop of color to the watch, making it an eye-catching addition to any collection. Its rally bracelet features a narrow, elongated opening resembling a rectangular slot with right angles at the corners perfectly complements this 70s bold watch, enhancing its distinctive and striking appearance on the wrist.

Seiko Blue Sushi 6119-7163 watch's rally bracelet, with its elongated rectangular slot and right angles at the corners, perfectly complements the watch's bold 70s design.

4. Vintage Seiko 5 Sports 6119-8310

Moving on to another Seiko watch, the Seiko 6119-8310 is a men's automatic timepiece with a stainless steel case measuring 40mm in diameter. The analog dial is protected by a hardlex crystal, ensuring durability and scratch resistance. This watch uses a 6119 caliber self-winding mechanical movement that cannot be manually wound or hacked. When fully wound, the watch can run for up to 46 hours. The hour marker of this watch is particularly interesting, as it displays minute or second markers only at counts of "5", such as 5, 10, and 15, instead of the traditional 1, 2, and 3.

The Razor Bracelet on the Seiko 5 Sports 6119-8310 watch has a cut-out slot that closely resembles a razor blade in shape.

As for the Rally bracelet designed for this watch, it features a cut-out slot that is closest in shape to a razor blade. This design gives the bracelet a sharp and edgy appearance, perfectly complementing the noteworthy design of the watch itself. Overall, the Seiko 6119-8310 is a stylish and reliable timepiece that is sure to impress.

5. Vintage Seiko Diver UFO Black Dial 6119-7160

Another black variant of the Seiko Sushi Roll design is the 6119-7160. While the case dimensions of this UFO-style watch remain identical to the series, there is a noticeable difference in the hour markers. The markers on this watch are more protruded and take the shape of towering wedges, giving them a remarkable style that sets them apart from the rest.

The original rally bracelet of the Seiko Diver UFO Black Dial 6119-7160 watch is thinner and less curved, and has triangular parallel slots that resemble cathedral windows.

In addition to its one-of-a-kind hour markers, the 7160 model features a rare razor bracelet with a cut-out slot resemble cathedral windows. Unlike its siblings, this bracelet is thinner, has triangular parallel slots, and is less curved, adding to the watch's distinctive appearance. The overall design of the Seiko 6119-7160 is sleek and stylish, making it a great addition to any watch collection.

6. Vintage Seiko 5 Sports 5126-8120 Blue 1969

The Seiko 5 Sports 5126-8120 Blue, produced in 1969, features a blue colored dial with a bright white luminous minute track and an orange accent. The dial is adorned with a printed "5" badge and a baby blue "Sports" designation, along with a Water 70m Proof designation. The hour and minute hands have painted tips that match the overlay caps, while the original orange-red sweep hand fluoresces under a blacklight. The watch is defined as a Rally watch by its racing flag pattern bezel insert.

Seiko 5 Sports 5126-8120 Blue 1969 watch's bracelet has triangular-shaped vent holes in the links near the case.

Despite being produced in the late 60s, the Seiko 5 Sports 5126-8120 Blue has a case diameter of 41mm, which would have been considered massive for its time. This vintage watch came on an unusual slotted bracelet with triangular shaped vent holes links near the case, which gracefully taper to flat links closer to the clasp, giving the watch a continuously smooth and stylish appearance on the wrist.

The Vintage and Modern Razor watch bands

Vintage Seiko Razor watch bracelets are a thing of rebelling beauty, with their funky design and unique style. However, finding an original one can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, contemporary designers have captured the essence of the Razor bracelet and created modern versions that are a perfect match for the latest Seiko models.

One of the oldest Seiko Razor bracelets adjustable link details close-up

One of the common features of vintage Seiko Razor bracelets is their non-solid links, which require a certain technique to adjust the length of the band. However, modern Razor bracelets are made from high-quality 316L stainless steel and have convenient screw details for length adjustment. These solid links not only make the bracelet more durable and long-lasting, but also add to the overall weight and feel of the watch.

The upper part of the image shows the assembled details of two vintage Seiko Rally bracelets, while the bottom bracelet displays the modern version with solid links and screw adjustment details.

A close-up comparison of Razor watch bands in vintage and modern styles.

With today's advanced technology, modern Razor bracelets are not only available in high-quality metal, but also come in a variety of color coatings and metal finishes. This allows for even more customization and personalization when it comes to finding the perfect match for your favorite watch. IP Gold, Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) Coating or metal finishing techniques such as brushed or polished finishes can add a special texture and shine to the bracelet, further enhancing its overall appearance.

The Seiko SKX013 20mm lug diver watch is a heavenly match with a brushed Retro Shaver Blade watch band that features a 3-D endlink design.

The legendary Seiko 6309-7040 diver watch has a 22mm lug
that is dramatically well-matched with a Retro Shaver Blade
watch band fitted to its curve.

A Retro Shaver Blade watch band with a curved fit elevates the
sporty look of the Seiko Mini Turtle watch to another level.

A black Seiko New Turtle watch definitely needs a Retro Shaver
Blade watch band in a matching color to complete its all black
look with consistency.

The Seiko Gold Turtle SRPC44 watch undoubtedly shines in
every moment when paired with a matching gold-tone
Retro Shaver Blade watch band.

If you have an adventurous spirit, love freedom, and are looking to show off your sporty heart and individuality, a modern replacement Razor bracelet is definitely the way to go. Its edgy and distinct design will complement any watch and make a bold statement on your wrist. And with the added convenience of solid links and easy length adjustment, it's a practical choice as well.

The Seiko 62Mas Reissue watch works well for both smart casual and sporty looks when paired with a Retro Shaver Blade watch band that has a fitted endlink.

The Retro Shaver Blade watch band fits the Seiko BabyMM MM200 dive watch nicely, upgrading both its function and appearance.

In conclusion, while vintage Seiko Razor bracelets are a rarity, modern versions offer the same signature style with added durability and convenience. Whether you're a collector or simply someone who appreciates notable and bold designs, a Razor bracelet is a great way to elevate your Seiko watch and showcase your personality. With a wide range of color and finishing options available, a modern Razor bracelet is a great way to customize your Seiko watch and make it truly your own.

The Retro Shaver Blade watch band's tool-free quick release allows for easy strap swapping and is ideal for 22mm lug watches such as the Seiko Professional Titanium 600m Ashtray Diver Watch 7C46-6010

If you own Seiko watches with a 20mm or 22mm lug size that were not mentioned previously, you have the option to upgrade the original watch band to a straight end Razor watch band. These bands are made from high-quality materials and are designed to fit comfortably on your wrist while keeping your watch securely in place.

Seiko Baby Tuna SRPA82K1 has a rugged all-black appearance with a PVD Black Retro Shaver Blade bracelet, giving it a masculine and tough look.

Of particular note is the 22mm lug size Razor watch band, which features an all-black design and offers a stylish and distinctive option that can elevate your everyday look or be paired with a particular outfit for a more polished appearance. Whether you're tired of the standard watch band or want to refresh your watch's style, Razor watch band is definitely worth considering.

Seiko Tortoise Land SRPG17K1 watch has been enhanced with a 20mm Retro Shaver Blade band featuring quick release pins, upgraded its overall appearance.

One important thing to note is that while the Razor watch bands may also fit other watch brands with the same lug sizes. However, it's always best to double-check the lug size of your watch before purchasing a new band to ensure a proper fit.

Additionally, it's worth noting that changing the watch band yourself may require some tools and technical skill, so it's important to take the necessary precautions and follow instructions carefully to avoid damaging your watch.

Written by Vienna C., images by Toni and others as noted

External References :

• Seiko 5 Sports RAZOR BRACELETS
• Seiko Sushi Roll
• Review: Seiko 5126-8090 "The Kamen Rider"
• Full set of Seiko 5126-6010 Sports Diver models
• SEIKO 5 6119-8310 Automatic Watch
• Review: Square Seiko 5126-8120 (8130) Daini Rally Divers