Seiko Rotocall SMGG17, SMGG19, SMGG21: Digital Quartz Watches With NASA Legacy

There's something refreshingly honest about digital quartz watches in our hyper-connected age - a reminder that great design doesn't need bells and whistles to command attention. My shelves groan under the weight of mechanical divers and chronographs, each one telling its own story. But lately? I've been drawn back to the crisp, no-nonsense world of digital displays and silent precision.

If you've been paying attention, you've noticed the quiet resurgence of digital watches in 2025. What was once dismissed as "quartz crisis" fodder is now a full-blown revival, fueled by Gen Z's love for retro aesthetics, the demand for ultra-precise timekeeping without the fuss of winding, and advancements that blend old-school charm with modern reliability. Quartz movements are outselling mechanicals in the affordable segment because they're accurate to within seconds per month, low-maintenance (hello, three-year battery life), and versatile for everyday wear - whether you're hiking a remote peak or navigating a boardroom. No more syncing with your phone every hour; these bad boys just work. For watch lovers who appreciate heritage without the heirloom price tag, it's a golden era.

Astronauts relied on this digital pioneer during shuttle missions - the original Seiko A829 Rotocall from the early '80s, where glove-friendly controls made all the difference.

My collection skews toward pieces with narrative punch - watches that whisper tales of exploration, resilience, and human ingenuity. I'm a sucker for space-inspired timepieces, those rugged companions that have stared down the void and come back ticking. In an era where we've landed on the moon and are eyeing Mars next, nothing beats a watch tied to the cosmos. It's not just about telling time; it's about feeling connected to the pioneers who pushed boundaries. That's why, when Seiko announced the return of the Rotocall - a digital quartz reissue straight out of the early '80s space race playbook - my inner geek lit up like an LED display at full brightness.

NASA's first mom in space, Anna Fisher, chose her Seiko A829 for shuttle missions - a testament to the watch's trusted performance when every second counted above Earth.

Picture this: It's the dawn of the shuttle era, and a cadre of intrepid astronauts - folks like Dutch trailblazer Wubbo Ockels, NASA's first mom-in-space Anna Fisher, Australia's Paul Scully-Power, and Germany's Ulf Merbold - are strapping on their suits for missions that redefine humanity's reach. They're not issued some fancy government chronometer; nope, they choose the Seiko A829, dubbed the "Rotocall" for its ingenious rotating bezel that lets you cycle through functions without fumbling buttons in zero gravity or with bulky gloves. This wasn't NASA-mandated gear - it was voluntary, a testament to its intuitive design and bombproof performance. Fast-forward four decades, and Seiko's breathing new life into that legend with the Prospex Rotocall reissues: the SMGG17, SMGG19, and SMGG21. In a sea of smartwatches that buzz and track your every step, this is analog soul in digital form - a nod to the quartz revolution that Seiko ignited back in 1969 with the Astron, the world's first quartz wristwatch, which upended Swiss dominance and democratized precision timekeeping for the masses.

Timeless elegance meets the Seiko SMGG19P1 Rotocall reissue as Black Buttero Italian calf watch strap wraps its fiery dial. Twin-stitching delivers durability worthy of space heritage.

Bold mission aesthetics amplify when Red FKM rubber watch band pairs with the SMGG19P1 Rotocall reissue. Waterproof flexibility built for pushing boundaries beyond any desk.

Seiko's legacy as a horological innovator runs deep. Founded in 1881 by Kintarō Hattori in Tokyo, the brand has always punched above its weight, blending Japanese craftsmanship with modern innovation and technology. The quartz breakthrough? That was Seiko's mic-drop moment, sparking a global shift where accuracy trumped tradition and affordability met aspiration. Today, under the Prospex banner - Seiko's line of professional-grade tool watches - the Rotocall reissues honor that spirit while evolving it for modern wrists. These aren't mere facsimiles; they're faithful homages with contemporary tweaks, like enhanced water resistance and a sleeker profile that slides under a shirt cuff without a fight.

Blue stitching on Yellow Sailcloth watch strap captures the Seiko SMGG17P1 Rotocall reissue's shuttle-sunrise vibe perfectly. Lightweight nylon comfort that never compromises explorer spirit.

The Seiko SMGG17P1 Rotocall reissue achieves vintage-modern perfection on brushed Rollball II stainless steel watch band. Security comes standard with baton diver clasp, ready for any countdown.

Let's zero in on the stars of the show: the SMGG17, SMGG19, and SMGG21. Each clocks in at a wearable 37mm case diameter - perfect for slimmer wrists - with a svelte 10.6mm thickness (10.9mm in some measurements) and a lug-to-lug of 43.5mm that hugs comfortably. Crafted from stainless steel, they boast 100 meters of water resistance, making them as at-home in a sudden downpour as they are on a shuttle deck. But the real magic? That bi-directional rotating bezel, a carbon copy of the original's "Rotocall" system. Twist it left or right to summon dual-time zones, set alarms, fire up the chronograph, or engage the countdown timer and counter modes. Powered by the Caliber A824 digital quartz movement, these deliver pinpoint accuracy (±20 seconds per month) and a three-year battery life, all illuminated by a crisp LED backlight that glows without the fade of traditional lume. No sub-dials or sweeping seconds here - just pure, function-forward digital readout with an AM/PM indicator and battery gauge for that extra layer of practicality.

Deep-space cool tones shine as Sky Blue FKM rubber watch strap embraces the Seiko SMGG21P1 Rotocall reissue. Quick-release lets you switch styles faster than this dual-timer changes zones.

Serious wrist presence radiates from the Seiko SMGG19P1 Rotocall reissue on Super-O Boyer's brushed stainless steel watch band. Tool watches deserve tool-grade V clasps that handle real punishment.

Colorways add the flair: The SMGG17 rocks a bold yellow/black bezel with orange accents against an anthracite display background, evoking shuttle sunrises. The SMGG19 flips to red/black with yellow pops for a fiery mission vibe, while the SMGG21's gray/ blue bezel and light-gray display with orange highlights channels deep-space cool. Priced at USD.550, they're accessible entry points into Seiko's space heritage without breaking the bank.

The versatility of these reissues truly shines when you customize them with the right strap. Whether you're after leather for a classic look or something more rugged for outdoor adventures, these watches transform into chameleons that pair with field jackets or suits alike.

For those craving more bezel-driven adventure in the Prospex lineup, don't sleep on the SBJG023 and SBJG024. These Japan Domestic Market limited editions (824 pieces each) stay true to the same 37mm case size and A824 movement, but add sapphire crystals and special Space Brothers manga-themed designs: the SBJG023 features a monochrome silver/black bezel inspired by Mutta Nanba, while the SBJG024 goes full gold-plated for Hibito Nanba's golden vibe. Same space-ready functionality, just with extra collector appeal and sapphire durability.

The Seiko X Space Brothers Rotocall SBJG023 and SBJG024 bring manga magic to JDM exclusivity at around USD.550 (824 pieces each). Mutta Nanba's silver/black meets Hibito Nanba's gold-plated glory in these limited collector gems.

Now, how do these stack up against other vintage-inspired digital quartz reissues in the same league? Compared to Hamilton's Khaki Field Quartz or Bulova's Computron LED revivals - both nodding to '70s space aesthetics - the Seiko Rotocall edges out with its glove-friendly bezel innovation and deeper astronaut lore, all at a fraction of the markup (often double for those competitors). Forum chatter on places like Watchuseek echoes this: collectors rave about the Rotocall's "tool-watch purity" over flashier LED gimmicks, praising its build quality and how it "feels like holding a piece of shuttle history." Bloggers, too, call it a "love letter to the quartz era," ideal for enthusiasts tired of mechanical servicing bills.

In a collection dominated by divers and pilots, the Rotocall has carved out its niche - reminding me that sometimes, the boldest stories come in the simplest packages. If you're a watch enthusiast hunting for a digital quartz reissue with genuine space cred, Seiko's got you covered. Grab one, twist that bezel, and let it launch your next chapter. What's your go-to space watch? Drop a comment below - let's geek out.

Written by Toni, images by Toni and others as noted