A “panda dial” normally means dark chronograph counters on a pale background. Seiko’s Power Design Project takes the nickname at face value. The new HHK001P and pink HHK002P have ear-shaped pushers, drooping-eye counters, a nose and mouth at six, bamboo-leaf hands, a “SASAMETER” scale and even a panda tail on the back.

Seiko showed the concept in its 2024 exhibition and announced the production versions on 6 October 2026. The white model is limited to 3,000 worldwide and the pink “baby panda” to 2,000. Both go on sale on 7 November at ¥83,600 in Japan. The useful collector question is how far a familiar visual code can be pushed before function becomes costume.

The chronograph already supplied the face

Seiko Power Design Project HHK001P and HHK002P panda chronographs
HHK001P preserves the conventional white-and-black panda formula while making the animal visible.

The strongest decision is recognizing that a two-register chronograph already resembles a face. Seiko reshapes the counters into sleepy eyes and places a small nose and mouth at six, while the hour markers and central hands remain legible. Radial stamping gives the dial a fur-like texture instead of relying on a printed illustration.

Seiko Power Design Project HHK001P and HHK002P panda chronographs
Ear-shaped pushers change the case silhouette rather than merely decorating the dial.

HHK001P is the watch; HHK002P is the character

Seiko Power Design Project HHK001P and HHK002P panda chronographs
Pink changes the hierarchy: HHK002P reads as character before chronograph.

The white HHK001P is easier to read as a watch first: black counters, white dial and black ears preserve the classic panda shorthand. The pink HHK002P reverses that hierarchy. HHK001P lets the owner discover the joke after recognizing the chronograph; HHK002P asks the owner to enjoy the character first.

Seiko Power Design Project HHK001P and HHK002P panda chronographs
Both share a 43 mm case and calibre 8T61, despite their different emotional tone.

Specifications keep the concept grounded

Both use Seiko’s quartz calibre 8T61, rated to ±15 seconds per month at normal wearing temperatures, with a 1/5-second chronograph measuring up to 60 minutes. The partly grey-plated steel case is 43.0 mm wide and 14.6 mm thick, with Hardlex, calf leather and everyday water resistance.

References
HHK001P / HHK002P
Movement
Seiko 8T61 quartz chronograph
Case
43.0 mm; 14.6 mm thick
Crystal
Hardlex
Edition
3,000 / 2,000 worldwide
Japan price
¥83,600 including tax
Seiko Power Design Project HHK001P and HHK002P panda chronographs
SASAMETER uses a familiar instrument position for the bamboo joke.

At 43 mm and 14.6 mm, this is not a tiny novelty. The size gives the face room to read, but playful design does not imply unobtrusive wear. Horomag has not handled either model, so comfort and strap behaviour require an in-person check.

A collectible joke needs a second act

Seiko Power Design Project HHK001P and HHK002P panda chronographs
The panda-tail caseback continues the idea where only the owner normally looks.

The tail-shaped caseback, special packaging and unusual pushers extend the idea beyond the first photograph. Whether that remains charming depends on the owner: this is less a neutral chronograph than a commitment to one specific visual joke.

Choose HHK001P if you want a recognisable panda chronograph with a literal twist. Choose HHK002P if the character itself is the reason to own it. Skip both if novelty must disappear after the first week. Their success is making a collector decide how much personality a functional object may carry.