In the early 1990s, Seiko released a watch series that quietly stood apart, rich in storytelling, classical in design, and deeply rooted in a moment of global history. The Seiko Age of Discovery series was created to mark the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ 1492 landing in the Americas.
Inspired by exploration, the series captured Seiko’s vision of adventure through elegant details and navigational themes. Decades later, it remains a quietly treasured part of the brand’s vintage legacy.
-
What Is the Seiko “Age of Discovery” Series?
The Age of Discovery lineup, also known as AoD, was introduced by Seiko in the early 1990s to commemorate five centuries since Columbus’ historic voyage across the Atlantic. The design language of the collection captures the spirit of that era, think old-world maps, navigational elements, and traditional European elegance.
Rather than being loud or literal, Seiko expressed the theme through refined casework, intricate dials, and vintage-inspired detailing. The result? A watch that tells the time, but also acts as a timeteller, capturing a moment in history through design and detail.
With the tagline “Time is now – discover,” Seiko invited wearers to embrace a spirit of exploration in their own lives.
-
Seiko AoD case designs
The Seiko Age of Discovery line is primarily known for its classic round cases, typically measuring 36mm to 40mm, ideal for today’s neo-vintage tastes. These watches feature smooth contours and softly tapered lugs, offering a comfortable and timeless profile on the wrist.
While the majority of references follow the round format, Seiko introduced a subtle twist with tank-style cases. These rectangular designs bring an architectural elegance inspired by classic dress watches, reminiscent of well-known European models like the Cartier Tank. This blend of rounded and angular shapes gives the Age of Discovery range versatile appeal, balancing tradition with subtle design innovation. -
Seiko AoD dial designs
This is where the Age of Discovery truly comes alive. The dials are richly thematic, often featuring Roman numeral hour markers, parchment-colored or cream backgrounds, and classic design elements like moonphase sub-dials or multi-function registers. Some models include world time bezels or inner scales, while others showcase compass motifs or subtle map-inspired graphics that hint at Seiko’s tribute to global exploration.
Not all models are complex, there are also clean, time-only versions that let the vintage styling speak for itself. From chronograph functions to minimal layouts, Seiko managed to balance utility and design without overwhelming the dial. The result is a collection that appears elegant at first glance but reveals deeper visual and historical layers the longer you look.
Seiko Age of Discovery top picks
-
Discover 7T36-7A10Seiko Age of Discovery 7T36-7A10
A Seiko with a Chronograph design that was produced in 1991—from an era now classified as Neo-vintage (retro). The display is Analog, paired with a dial that is best described as "Cream with moon phase and Roman numerals". It has a case width of 40mm (excluding the crown).
-
Discover 6M23-8000Seiko Age of Discovery 6M23-8000
A Seiko with a Chronograph design that was produced in 1992—from an era now classified as Neo-vintage (retro). The display is Analog, paired with a dial that is best described as "White speckled with black Roman numerals". It has a case width of 40mm (excluding the crown).
-
Discover 7N89-5000Seiko Age of Discovery 7N89-5000
A Seiko with a Dress watch design that was produced in 1995—from an era now classified as Neo-vintage (retro). The display is Analog, paired with a dial that is best described as "White with black Roman numerals". It has a case width of 34mm (excluding the crown).
-
Discover 5Y22-6050Seiko Age of Discovery 5Y22-6050
A Seiko with a Dress watch design that was produced in 1990—from an era now classified as Neo-vintage (retro). The display is Analog, paired with a dial that is best described as "Dark grey/white bullseye". It has a case width of 35mm (excluding the crown).
-
-
NOS Age of Discovery watches
New old stock Age of Discovery watches
At WATCH WAVE, we’ve sourced a small but pristine selection of NOS Seiko Age of Discovery watches. These are untouched, unworn examples straight from the 90s. Each piece comes with its tags, just as it would have appeared on a store shelf three decades ago.
Whether you're a vintage collector, Seiko fan, or someone searching for a truly unique timepiece, the AoD collection deserves a spot on your wrist.
