Digital watches are making a comeback among watch enthusiasts. Mainstream brands like Casio never stopped offering them to the masses, but I'm seeing more enthusiasts buying and modding digital watches like the F91W and AE1200. Digital watches from microbrands such as Farr & Swit and RZE have also proven to be massively popular. Seiko doesn't have as many iconic digital watches in its history as Casio, but it found a really cool one to resurrect from its archives. The Seiko SMGG19 is a fairly faithful reissue of its astronaut-worn 1982 A829 Rotocall digital watch. Besides having a charming retro appearance, the octagonal rotary switch bezel makes it easier to operate than other digital watches.
I've wanted to get my hands on one for a review since they were released last fall. Luckily, long-time friend of StrapHabit, Levon of the Knife Nuts Podcast, sent me his to borrow. Big thanks to him, as he's helped out with a number of watches for review (and hooked up the Blade HQ collab).
Seiko Rotocall SMGG19 First Impressions
The Rotocall reissue is available in three colors: black/red, black/yellow, and blue/gray. The Black/Red version is my preference, and is called SMGG19. It is smaller in person than I expected, and definitely has a retro feel.
Seiko Rotocall SMGG19 Details
The bezel insert is anodized aluminum, which sits inside a polished and brushed octagonal bezel.
It spins around a Hardlex crystal that protects the LCD.
The case has brushed top surfaces with polished sides. The two pushers are located at 4 o'clock and 7.
Wearing the Seiko Rotocall SMGG19
Seiko used 1980s type dimensions, with a 37mm-wide case that is only 10.6mm thick. The lugs have a long appearance, but a 43.5 lug-to-lug height means that it will look appropriate even on smaller wrists.
The bezel is easy to grip and turn thanks to thick sides with deep grooves. It turns smoothly and has a positive click at each position.
The positive LCD is clear and easy to read from straight on. Some of the segments can tend to wash out when viewed at an angle, however.
It also features a backlight for nighttime reading. After the button is released, it glows for about two seconds.
Original bracelet and replacement straps for the Seiko Rotocall SMGG19
The Rotocall comes on a jubilee-style bracelet with five alternating brushed and polished links. A folded, flat endlink fills the space between the lugs.
It uses a slim clasp with a twin-trigger release and two micro-adjustment positions. The bracelet feels like it was built on a budget, but it matches the watch's vintage nature.
The lug width is 20mm. Because there are a few colors to work with on the bezel, it can easily be color coordinated with a black or red strap, like this CTS.
I found that a vintage-style Horween Leather Racing strap gives it an elevated look.
Here is a list of straps that would look great with this watch. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of some of our favorite combinations. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
-Deployant Rubber
-Deployant Sailcloth
-CTS
-Hook and Loop Single Pass
-Horween Leather
-Racing Leather
-Ridge Rubber
-Tropical Rubber
-Premium Sailcloth
-Smooth Rubber
-Rubber and Sailcloth Hybrid Straps
-Vented Rubber
-Waffle Rubber
-Elastic
Seiko Rotocall SMGG19 Movement
The Rotocall uses Seiko's caliber A824. This controls a digital LCD with a time, day, and date display, 1/100s chronograph, daily and single alarms, dual time (GMT), timer, and counter functions.
Most digital watches require pressing a confusing sequence of buttons to set the time and access the functions. This is often not intuitive and requires some memorization. The Rotocall replaces the mode and adjustment buttons with a rotary bezel. Wearers simply turn it until the mode arrow points to the desired function. Then two labeled buttons control everything.
A slim, solid caseback covers the movement. It is accurate to within ±20 seconds per month and has a 3-year battery life. A warning function alerts users when the battery is getting low.
Seiko Rotocall SMGG19 Conclusion
I think the Seiko Rotocall SMGG19 is a great-looking watch with a huge amount of charm. The bezel function makes it significantly easier to use, and it's more fun to turn than buttons. If you like the style, its main drawback might be cost.
I know that G-Shock and other brands like Casio do sell digital watches that cost more than this, but $550 feels a bit steep for this watch. The bracelet and case finishing are nothing special. What you're mostly paying for is nostalgia, and the cool functionality of the bezel. Perhaps the bezel costs more to make than I think.
While I was researching the specs for this article, I found that the Rotocall is already heavily discounted on some of the typical watch sites. If you are interested in buying one, I recommend shopping around a bit.
Seiko Rotocall SMGG19 Specifications
Name: Seiko Rotocall
Reference Number: SMGG19P1
Price: $550
Diameter: 37mm
Height: 43.5mm
Thickness: 10.6mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Weight: 107g
Movement: Caliber A824
Battery Life: 3 years
Accuracy: ±20s/m
Water Resistance: 100m
Crystal: Hardlex (mineral)
Bezel: Rotary switch
Bracelet: Stainless Steel with three-fold clasp and push-button release
Shop Other Straps for the Seiko Rotocall SMGG19
Deployant FKM Rubber
Deployant Sailcloth
Hook and Loop Single Pass
