Why Seiko Should Launch a Mega Man Watch Collaboration

Tyler Frederick

And other deep thoughts… by Tyler Frederick

I go on evening walks around my neighbourhood every night, and during the 35 minutes I have, I often find myself thinking about watches. The most recurring topic in my internal conversations? Watches I wish existed but that brands haven’t pulled the trigger on. I’m a huge fan of nostalgia—anything that taps into my inner child and triggers that uncontrollable “whoa, cool!” reaction.

Why Seiko Should Launch a Mega Man Watch Collaboration — ^{Coolest console ever made? @horologyobsessed}

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For example, those transparent Game Boy Colors and N64s are still, in my eyes, some of the coolest console designs ever made—especially in atomic purple. Seeing those see-through shells instantly brings me back to long car rides, angling the screen just right to catch enough light to play Pokémon or The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages.

Which brings me to the point of this article.

Dear Seiko: The collaboration I’ve wanted for years

Many watch brands have been designing with nostalgia in mind for years. We’ve seen countless vintage-inspired models and numerous collaborations—watches that channel the spirit of classic cars, iconic fashion, or cult media. Seiko, in particular, has leaned into the “nerd nostalgia” category with its Street Fighter and Naruto collections.

But here’s my gripe: where the hell is the Mega Man collection?

Yes, I know it’s a niche topic. But for me, it’s very on-brand. And here’s the kicker: Seiko already has the licensing rights to CAPCOM because of the Street Fighter watches. CAPCOM, of course, is also the creator of Mega Man—a franchise just as beloved and iconic as Street Fighter. You thought this was going to be just about watches? Nope. We’re diving into some gaming history to explain why a Mega Man x Seiko collab could be absolutely epic.

First released in 1987 on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Mega Man—known as Rockman in Japan—quickly became a worldwide phenomenon. Since then, it’s spawned over 50 games across multiple platforms and introduced multiple timelines and reimaginings: the original series, Mega Man X, Battle Network (.EXE), and more. The franchise has sold over 43 million units and remains one of the longest-running and most influential in gaming history.

This isn’t a competition between Mega Man and Street Fighter. They’re obviously different genres, with their own legacies. My point is that Mega Man would make an incredible watch collection, because of the sheer design potential it offers. I can already imagine models inspired by Mega Man X characters—X, Zero, Axl, Dr. Light, Proto Man—or themed after the memorable stage bosses like Flash Man and Crash Man. The possibilities are endless.

I know this kind of crossover isn’t for everyone. But if Seiko decided to go down this road, it could speak to a large audience of gamers who’ve long loved the blue bomber. And if done right, it could also appeal to collectors who might not care about video games but appreciate bold, creative design.

So Seiko, if you’re reading this—call me. I’ve got ideas.

About the author

Born into a family obsessed with motorsport, Tyler Frederick became enamoured with speed and beautiful cars at a young age. His love of Formula 1–and all things mechanical–eventually lead him to horology. You can follow him on Instagram.

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