The Rise of the Seiko Half Moon and the Asymmetrical Watch Revival

In the world of watch collecting, few trends have made as much noise in recent years as the resurgence of asymmetrical watches — and standing proudly at the center of this movement is the Seiko Half Moon.

Also known by its original name, the Seiko Rivoli, this quirky, crescent-shaped timepiece emerged in the late 1980s, riding the wave of post-Quartz-Crisis creativity. While most brands were cautiously recovering, Seiko leaned into bold experimentation, giving us one of the most distinctive and unexpectedly collectible women's watches of the era.

Once quietly tucked away in the “ladies’ watches” category on eBay and Etsy, the Half Moon has since exploded in popularity — thanks to a potent mix of nostalgic design, rising appreciation for shaped watches, and a viral presence on TikTok and Instagram.

In a recent GQ feature on the Seiko Half Moon, Kaitlin Koch recalls:

“Once I started exploring the ‘ladies’ category and realized the incredible, affordable variety available, it blew me away." This revelation led her to create the community rallying around “Little Old Watches,” where previously overlooked ladies’ watches like, say, the Half Moon, can be celebrated as a tool for self-expression in a way that clothing, handbags, jewelry, and shoes, have been for so long.

The Half Moon, with its asymmetric case that evokes crescent moons, broken hearts, or best-friend necklaces depending on who you ask, strikes the perfect balance between softness and attitude. Feminine without being dainty, stylish without being obvious — it’s a watch that knows exactly what it is.

A Quiet Cult Classic Turned Collectible

At Finchley Watches, we’ve been obsessed with the Half Moon since we opened in 2021. In fact, the very first one we sold went for just £80 — nearly ten times less than what they go for today. We always knew there was something special about these Seikos. With their slim quartz movements and distinctive silhouette, they had the markings of future cult classics. Back then, they were just beginning to stir curiosity among collectors. Today, they’re some of the most requested pieces in our shop.

What was once a hidden gem is now a full-blown collectible. Prices have skyrocketed — not only because of scarcity, but because of renewed interest in unusual watch shapes across the board.

The Crash Effect and the Rise of Asymmetry

Much of the excitement around asymmetrical watches can be traced back to the Cartier Crash, a surrealist masterpiece first introduced in 1967 and revived through limited editions in the 1990s. In the 2020s, celebrity sightings and social media buzz sent the Crash’s desirability into the stratosphere — and along with it, broader interest in shaped watches. The Salvador Dalí-inspired Softwatch also made a quiet resurgence, its melted contours echoing a collective appetite for timepieces that blur the line between art and function.

In the vintage world, collectors are circling back to shaped models from design-forward maisons like Piaget and Patek Philippe — and while Seiko plays in a very different league price-wise, its quirky asymmetrical creations like the Half Moon hold their own in terms of design charm and growing cult status. Long overshadowed by the dominance of men's tool watches, these playful and often overlooked ladies' pieces are finally getting their moment in the sun.

Why the Seiko Half Moon Matters

The appeal of the Half Moon isn’t just aesthetic. It represents a cultural shift — one that values design, individuality, and a touch of playfulness. These watches were made to be worn, loved, and styled — stacked with bracelets, slipped under shirt cuffs, or admired as tiny sculptures.

They’re accessible too. While prices have risen dramatically, they remain far more attainable than their ultra-luxury shaped-watch counterparts. That makes them the perfect entry point for new collectors or style-driven buyers who want something different without spending four figures.

From Underdog to Icon

In a sea of round cases and minimalist reissues, the Seiko Half Moon stands out — not just because of its looks, but because of what it represents: freedom, expression, and the joy of collecting for the sheer pleasure of it.

At Finchley Watches, we’re proud to be part of the wave that brought this model back to the spotlight. And we’re always on the hunt for the next one.

If you see one in the shop, don’t wait — like the moon itself, they come and go quickly.