The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya celebrates its 20th anniversary with a surprise gift for fans. In collaboration with the hit manga/anime brand, Seiko is launching a perfect commemorative watch for all those wishing to join the SOS Brigade.
2024 is a great year for Haruhi Suzumiya fans. The franchise marked its 20th anniversary with a concert in Japan last January, followed by a month-long event in March. Watchmaker Seiko now joins the celebrations with a commemorative wristwatch that could very well serve as the official timepiece of the SOS club. The Kodakawa store sells this item for 55,000 yen ($363), but the pre-order period is only open until May 31 or until sold out (orders will ship before September). As an early fan gift, all orders before April 30 will also include a B2-sized original mat featuring illustrations by Noizi Ito, the artist of the original manga.
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Featuring a pattern reminiscent of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Seiko's collaborative wristwatch is sophisticated and elegant, perfect for casual or formal wear. The watch has a blue/white color scheme with manga-inspired design details. Featured on the watch face is a red “H” (for Haruhi) at the 12 o'clock position and the clear initials of the SOS Brigade just above six o'clock. In the center of the dial is an illustrated map of Earth, whose fate constantly depends on Haruhi's whims in the manga. The minute and hour hands resemble ribbons, each accented with a thin line of gold. The crown also features Haruhi's signature color and a subtle “H” stamp on the cap.
Seiko's Haruhi Suzumiya watch covers the most divisive story arc in the manga
Inspired by the color of Haruhi's school uniform, a light blue strip runs around the edge of the watch face, lining the dial clockwise from the 12 o'clock position. This band ends at the 8-hour mark in regards to “The Endless Eight” arc, which sees the SOS Brigade trapped in a repeating time loop that Haruhi caused (after she He accidentally wants an “endless” summer vacation. During military times, 8pm was also 8pm — a subtle reference to the manga's 20th anniversary. A specially designed logo for the anniversary is also engraved on the back cover of the watch. The case and bracelet of the watch are made from stainless steel, while the face is covered by hardlex crystal glass.
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Written by Nagaru Tanigawa and illustrated by Noizi Ito, Haruhi Suzumiya debuted in 2003 in the light novel The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. The franchise has since grown to include 11 additional volumes, four manga series, film and animated television adaptations, and eight video games. The story is told from the perspective of Kyon, Haruhi's classmate, who accidentally inspired Haruhi to form a paranormal investigation club called the SOS Brigade. As it turns out, Haruhi Suzumiya is also a god who can change reality at will or involuntarily (with moments of intense emotion). The manga and anime revolve around the SOS Brigade's efforts to protect Haruhi while keeping her happy and ignorant of her true identity.
The Haruhi Suzumiya manga is published in the US by Little, Brown and Company and Yen Press. The anime is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Haruhi Suzumiya's sadness
The crazy adventures of the SOS Brigade, led by the crazy but charismatic Haruhi.
Release date April 2, 2006
Cast Tomokazu Sugita, Crispin Freeman, Wendee Lee
Seasons 1 season
Creator Nagaru Tanigawa
Production company Kadokawa Entertainment, Kadokawa Shoten Publishing, Kyoto Animation
Source: Kadokawa Store