Limited Edition (ahem) 'Pop Art' 7T12-0BP0 Ripley Spirit Re-issue

[Seiko7A38]

Back in the of summers of 2013 and 2014, Seiko produced a number of limited edition re-issues of the 'Ripley Aliens' and 'Bishop' in various colourways, under the 'Spirit Smart Giugiaro' banner. They were based on the 7T12 caliber, reasonably priced and were snapped up by collectors and speculators alike. Although not really my cup of tea, I wrote about them fairly extensively in this thread on the old archived forum. Even though I still occasionally come across them listed for sale, mostly on Japanese websites, often with grossly inflated asking prices, I hadn't written about them on this forum before. There simply hadn't been the need.

Then this morning, this abomination came up in my LiveAuctioneers search results on Seiko chronograph.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/209354720

SEIKO x Giugiaro KSJ7T12-A1303 Chronograph Watch– Limited Edition

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The opening bid price is $500 (subject to 25% Buyer's Premium); the auctioneer's estimate is an optimistic $1500 -$3000.

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If you zoom in on that last photo, you'll see where they got the 'model number' KSJ7T12-A1303 from - the instructions !

[Seiko7A38]

I had a snigger to myself at this sentence from their description:

The updated version boasts vibrant CMYK-style color blocks on the bracelet links, adding a pop-art flair to a cult-classic design.

In truth, this is just a 7T12-0BP0 SCED041 that someone has amateurishly slapped some brightly coloured paint on.

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[Seiko7A38]

The actual auctioneers are Auction Wallstreet of North Miami Beach, FL. They're plugging it on their Facebook page.

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[Seiko7A38]

Auction Wallstreet are also being busy fools, trying to plug it on Instagram to no avail.

[Seiko7A38]

Common sense (and good taste) prevailed. No bids were forthcoming and the lot was passed.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/209354720

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[Seiko7A38]

That 'Pop Art' 7T12-0BP0 SCED041 re-appeared on Live Auctioneers yesterday, to be auctioned again on 26th July. The opening bid price has been reduced from the previous $500 to $350 and the auctioneer's estimate is now $500 - $1200.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/21 ... d-edition/

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