Seiko Dusts off the A829 Astronaut Watch With New “Rotocall” Model
While preserving the original feature of selecting its eight functions simply by turning the angular bezel.
Summary
- Seiko revived its 1980s Astronaut A829 model as the “Rotocall” digital watch
- The watch’s bi-directional bezel selects between eight functions for ease of use
- It’s powered by a quartz movement and is available in three colorways
Seiko’s new “Rotocall” digital quartz watch revives the brand’s iconic 1980s ‘Astronaut’ A829-6029 model, a design renowned for accompanying crews on more than 160 space missions despite never being officially issued by NASA. The watch’s history is rich with pioneering figures, having been the chosen timepiece for astronauts such as Sally Ride, the first American woman in space in 1983, Kathryn Sullivan, and Anna Lee Fisher.
The “Rotocall’s” aesthetic and operational continuity with those mission-worn pieces underscores Seiko’s emphasis on legibility, utility, and an object-led connection to space exploration. Central to the design is the rotating bezel, a tactile control that selects between eight functions with a single, intuitive motion. Mirroring the original toolbox, the Rotocall offers time, daily alarm, single alarm, dual time, stopwatch, counter, timer, as well as time set – all accessible by turning the bezel instead of navigating multiple small push‑buttons.
Mechanically, the “Rotocall” is powered by a quartz movement, echoing Seiko’s disruptive innovation that began in 1969 when the company first introduced quartz movements to the industry. Designed for lasting precision, the new model uses a battery-driven electrical current to make a quartz crystal vibrate at a stable frequency to regulate the digital display. The modern release translates the original’s unisex design into a 37mm diameter for contemporary wear, housed in a stainless steel case with a thickness of 10.6mm and a water resistance of 100 meters.
Offered in three color variants, the Rotocall is priced at £480 GBP (approx. $645 USD) and is available to pre‑order via Seiko UK’s online boutique, with deliveries beginning 1 November 2025.
