I never quite fancied the limited edition watches. I always found the looks vs. price vs. quality ratio going way beyond what I can possibly afford ; for good looks and quality in a single case, there were exorbitant prices to pay. Besides, I like to wear my watches on a regular basis. A very fine watch (like this Citizen Eco Drive Limited Edition; you need a suit and a limo to go with that) is not going to make through the oil, grease and the rest of the bumps and knocks of weekend vehicle cleaning and maintenances and playing with my rottie. I know, some of you might say if I hold the same outlook even towards the Casio 30 Aniv Limited Edition (GW-5530C-1JR), but I already got a couple of digitals (a Casio Classic Sports Chronograph and a G-Shock World Timer) and do not want to buy another one to stay mostly on my work desk and announcing a client’s arrival time online or the time at his place. If it’s a LE I’m going for, I must be able to wear it whenever, wherever and not get bothered about damaging it unknowingly.

So when I found the Seiko 5 World Time sport automatic LE, you may well guess my excitement. It’s inexpensive, but looks quite the opposite and unlike many of the Seiko sports automatic in the same price range, it doesn’t bear the basic watch look. I found it a good fit anywhere from the castle to the cleavage. Even the Hamilton Automatic Ventura XXL Elvis Anniversary does it; but oh, at a steeper price. Given you send me the dosh for an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak (it’s LE, but produced in large numbers) I’ll definitely buy one, but not when my own money is going into it.

Now, don’t cast me as a LE-hater and help me keep the record straight. There are certain LE-s that throw flowers at themselves or, is a part of a conglomerate and charging exorbitant prices mostly for the esthetics. The average watch-wearer won’t know – he is not even bothered – if there’s a pedestrian movement inside. Just a big wrist (or, a bigger wallet) isn’t enough to get you a good watch.

A limited edition is all about its rarity. They are a one-time game but there are many brands using it as a marketing gimmick. A LE, ideally, should be produced just once (or many years apart), and in short numbers. LEs are dedicated towards something or have some particular purpose to serve.  A planned series can’t be a LE; I’m happy Seiko’s Superior  is one. I’m eyeing the Seiko Superior Automatic SSA091K1 as well, which I think will be great for my motorcycling hobbies.

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