Seiko Spectrum, first watch with e-ink technology

A few more details about that E Ink wristwatch from Seiko Epson are coming in from Japan. The watch will be called the "Seiko Spectrum," and it's set to be released on January 27, 2006 in Japan. Save your money for this one — pricing is set at 262,500 yen, or around $2,200 USD. Or just, you know, wait until they get cheaper. At least it's a step in the right direction; there's not really much room to argue against the advantages electronic ink provides over conventional displays for these kinds of applications. By the way, if you do want one of these watches, get moving: only 500 will be produced.

[SGOlsen @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

I would love to have that watch...


..if I was Marty McFly in Back To The Future Part 2.

[Jason @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

he he "It's like a babies toy!"

The watch is a great idea. Maybe production is limited for e-ink, but I'm always ticked off by any sort of artifical scarcity created for marketing purposes. Why not make 500,000,000 of these and sell them for $10?

[John Doe @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

Damn. I was thinking sure I could drop some cash on that thing. It looks pretty cool..*reads* DAMN. :-(

[Orbberius @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

"Why not make 500,000,000 of these and sell them for $10?"

becaaause nobody will buy them?

[Martin @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

#2: ..if I was Marty McFly in Back To The Future Part 2.

Oddly enough, I had the same damn thought. ROFL

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

But what about the design? It's beautiful! I love how simple the watch is, I don't see any buttons or anything. Oh wait, this is engadget not designblog so I should probably complain about the price :P

[Rick @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

Pity the time isn't very readable. Like the original LED watches...

[Pal @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

Why so expensive? Because they have to set up machines to make a not-so-ordinary watch and to cover R&D. Why only 500? Because it's a risk (and what executive wants to buy a "common" watch?).

[Brian @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

Pal, I don't think this watch is for executives--it looks like a women's watch to me.

[ventivent @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

Seiko is really moving in new directions with wristwatch technology. Check out their ultra-accurate movement the new "Spring Drive." There are only five trained and certified watchmakers who can put this movement together, and the watch sells for $3500.

http://www.seikospringdrive.com

[Spanky McSpankshanker @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

Ouch Brian #10-

If you see any female executives coming your way, duck!
If you weren't making a very bad (as in lame, I can handle tasteless) joke, you need to wake up.

[Helo @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

Does it deflect bullets? Wonder Woman would be so proud.

[Kevin Montgomery @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

Seiko is doing it again. Remember the TV watch? The difference this time is that e-ink is going to catch on and these will eventually become affordable. It's taking a lot of will power not to jump and get this watch now. I've been waiting for e-ink for the past 3 years.

[saj @ Dec 19th 2005 2:28AM]

The image above isn't the best representation of the display, better image here:
http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20050401/103334/?SS=imgview_e&FD=-1278822007

maybe the display has various styles?

[Wout @ Dec 26th 2005 6:08AM]

#15, that's the mockup they made for their first announcement.



If you go to http://www.seiko-watch.co.jp/sp/ , you can see a flash movie of their watch in demo mode.



I want one :(