- Shohei Ohtani, MLB superstar and Dodgers two-way phenom, joins Grand Seiko as a global ambassador.
- Ohtani has always had an affinity with the brand, releasing collections with Seiko, but the partnership had never been officially confirmed.
- Ohtani joins a select group of Grand Seiko collaborators, from cultural icons to innovators.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have heard the name Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers two-way talent who has taken Major League Baseball by storm.
He’s a once-in-a-century star: an MVP-level hitter and ace-level pitcher rolled into one, something the sport hasn’t seen at this calibre in nearly 100 years, claiming four of the last five MVP awards, sweeping all 30 first-place votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 2025; all while leading the Dodgers to back-to-back World Series titles. In short, he’s an absolute beast.
As with all elite athletes, Ohtani’s talent on the field has made him a magnet for global brands – more than 20 partnerships to date – including Oakley, Hugo Boss, Salesforce, Porsche, and New Balance. But there’s one that has always stood out, quietly sitting on the wrist during Ohtani’s most important career moments, all without formal announcement: Grand Seiko.
Of course, the Dodgers’ star was spotted wearing the Grand Seiko SBGJ217 during his introduction (and hefty US$700 million contract announcement).
He has also previously released limited edition Seiko Prospex watches, including remakes of the 1965 dive watches that predate the Quartz Crisis. But now, the brand has made it official: Shohei Ohtani joins Grand Seiko as a global ambassador through the Grand Moments Project, beginning April 1, 2026.
“To carry forward a part of Grand Seiko’s heritage, shaped through decades of dedication, is
something I deeply value,” Shohei Ohtani said. “Feeling that legacy as I wear the watch brings me real joy, and it is my hope that we will continue this journey together.”
It’s a natural move for a brand like Grand Seiko that often chooses its ambassadors and collaborators with the same precision as its most intricate complications, selecting those who reflect the brand’s values, ranging from artisans and cultural icons to innovators in design and performance.
“Elevating the quality of each moment is important. At the same time, the sustained
Shohei Ohtani, Grand Seiko Global Ambassador
pursuit of excellence is equally essential. Both truly matter.”
In joining Grand Seiko, Ohtani steps into a rarified circle of partners whose influence spans sports, fashion, and culture. For both Ohtani and Grand Seiko, it’s a natural partnership, uniting Japanese craftsmanship and sporting excellence on a global stage.
