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TweetEmailThere aren't a lot of people who need a watch that can survive the airless void of space, but Richard Garriott happens to be one of them. He's headed for the International Space Station and some extra-vehicular activity (spacewalking). Garriott could have just chosen to wear the vacuum-rated Omega Speedmaster, or maybe a Fortis Cosmonaut, but instead he turned to one of my favorite watchmakers: Seiko.Seiko has a long tradition of creating limited-edition watches for explorers in extreme environments. They've made some extraordinary watches, and routinely use the lessons learned in later production models. For example, they made Landmasters for trips to both poles (the GMT hand goes counter-clockwise for the Landmaster South Pole!), an amazing shrouded diver for commercial divers, a ceramic and titanium masterpiece for Mt. Everest, and even a watch specifically designed for hikers of Japan's mountains. As most of these are limited editions, they are tragically hard to find, and rarely even seen.For Garriott, Seiko has designed a true masterpiece introduced this year at BaselWorld: the Seiko Spring Drive Spacewalk. Have a look at these features:Spring Drive 5R86 movement for accuracy under the extreme temperature swings of space (-20�� to +70�� Celsius, or about -4�� to 160�� Fahrenheit).Titanium case with the sides etched out by a new CNC (computer numerical control) machine that Seiko built in order to help get the weight down to only 92.5 grams.Completely air-tight case capable of surviving direct exposure to space.Oversized buttons for use while wearing space gloves.Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.Waterproof to 100m, or 330ft (in case of a water landing, I guess).12-hour chronograph.GMT hand for 24-hour UTC time (which is used in both space and aviation).New luminescent material that Seiko says is three times as bright as a typical luminescent watch.A special dial and hand design for maximum readability.53mm by 15.2mm which is huge.Limited edition of just 100 watches (price not yet announced).They made some interesting design decisions on this one, and I'm smitten by the results. The dial is ultra-readable, with unobtrusive chrono hands, a subtle but still readable "there if you need it" blue skeletonized GMT hand, and bold white hour and minute hands reminiscent of the 6S37 Flightmaster. The power reserve subdial is subdued, and the date window is symmetric with the 9 o'clock marker. Blue makes a low-key accent, carefully placed to be non intrusive. The sculpted case and top-mounted buttons and crown (referred to as a "bullhead" design) make for a stunning and unique timepiece.The Seiko Spring Drive Spacewalk is to space what the new Rolex Sea-Dweller DEEPSEA is to the ocean. Even at 53mm, I'd happily wear it. It's gorgeous, functional, and built like a titanium tank. Let's hope Seiko introduces a production model soon.Update (June 15): Richard Garriott gives us an update on how the Seiko Spacewalk is performing so far during training.By Paul Hubbard

Diamonds have always had a magnetic force on women and they have always been regarded as the ultimate statement of beauty, glamour and distinction. Seiko has tried to satisfy the exquisite taste of these particular women by dedicating one of its creations to them, an amazing timepiece that recreates the finest in design, while being capable of assuring the expected functionality. Ever since 1881, Seiko has been one of those pioneering brands that takes the tradition of watch manufacturing further than anyone could imagine, one of those brands that pushes the limits of traditional horology and proposes different and innovative techniques of manufacturing, designs and technical complications. The founding father of Seiko, Kintaro Hattori, dedicated his life to perfection, to the manufacturing of technical complications that would remain as landmark mechanisms in the long lasting tradition of this industry. By winning numerous prizes over the years, Seiko has its name and good reputation validated by not only the magazines specialized in watch manufacturing, but also by the incredible number of loyal customers worldwide. The new timepiece released on the market by Seiko goes by the name of Seiko Ladies Coutura Watch, a brilliant timepiece in every aspect due to its 55 Diamonds applied on it. As design has always be a top priority for the designers from Seiko, this timepiece recreates a feminine, yet extravagant design, appropriate to wear on special occasions or in fancy places. This is not your typical everyday watch, as its design features a stainless steel case, whose bezel is adorned with diamonds and so is the dial of the watch. The feminine design lines are completed by these diamonds adornments, 55 in their number, which add a touch of incredible sophistication. No woman could say no to this extraordinary timepiece proposed by Seiko, a timepiece that manages to combine beautifully simplicity with extravagance. The *** white dial of the new Seiko Ladies Coutura Watch features diamond set hour markers, traditional stainless steel hands and a date window located discreetly at 4 o'clock. The stainless steel case covered with sapphire crystal comes accompanied by an interlinked stainless steel bracelet, assuring the harmonious overall design of the watch.The mechanism equipping this Seiko Ladies Coutura Watch adorned with 55 diamonds can not only guarantee the best reliability of the traditional functions of hour, minute and second and the date function, but it can also guarantee an amazing water resistance of 330 feet. Seductive and functional, this watch seems to have it all, and for the special price of 825 dollars, you can be sure the new Seiko Ladies Coutura Watch won't stay long in the window displays.