You will be amazed! I invite you to discover two marvelous automatic chronographs. Both being limited to 1000 pieces, looking real good and on top offering an excellent price-quality-ratio.
Seiko really impressed me with these chronographs. The brand has developed and refined its mechanical watchmaking skills. Today, all this experience comes together in a new, all-mechanical, collection named Presage. The collection has already been successful in Japan and selected other markets for some time. From now on Presage goes global and takes center stage as Seiko’s leading mechanical watch collection.
The new Presage collection draws its inspiration from Seiko’s heritage in mechanical watchmaking, which stretches all the way back to 1913 and the celebrated Laurel which was Seiko’s, and Japan’s, first ever wrist watch.
This heritage is brought to life today in two very special Limited Edition automatic chronographs whose design echoes that of the 1913 Laurel and whose dials are made in the finest traditions of Japanese artistry, one in white enamel and the other with deep black lacquer.
Both chronographs use the Seiko Calibre 8R48, which features a vertical clutch and a column wheel, and incorporates Seiko’s three-pointed hammer to ensure the perfect synchronization of the hands’ fly-back.
Both limited Edition automatic chronographs are offered in editions of 1,000 in celebration of Seiko’s 60 years of automatic watch making and will be available in September.
Seiko Automatic Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Editions: SRQ019, SRQ021
Caliber 8R48, Automatic Chronograph
Chronograph counter up to 12 hours
Column wheel and vertical clutch systems
Vibrations: 28,800 A/h (= 4 Hertz)
Enamel dial (SRQ019), Urushi lacquer dial (SRQ021)
Diameter: 42.0 mm
Thickness: 15.2mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Fine enamel and deep black of Urushi lacquer
The two dials are particular, therefore Seiko assigned two specialist to make them. For Presage, obviously only perfection will do …
The beauty, depth and subtle texture of the enamel dial is self-evident, but what makes this chronograph so special is the fact that each dial is made by skilled craftsmen, led by Mitsuru Yokozawa who ensures that the color of the enamel will last for decades, just as the dial on the 1913 Laurel has done. The finishing of any enamel can easily be affected by weather and humidity, and it is very dif cult to control the precise thickness of the enamel as it is laid down on each dial. To meet these challenges requires the very highest levels of skill, and Seiko is honored to have Mr. Yokozawa in charge of the nish of every enamel dial for Presage. Only the most exclusive, traditional Japanese craftsmanship will do for this special Presage Limited Edition.
Craftsmanship of a very different nature but of the same high quality gives the lacquer dial its deep black luster. The dials are made in the studio of master craftsman Isshu Tamura in Kanazawa, on the western side of Honshu, Japan’s main island, using the centuries old art of Urushi which allows the creation of lacquer whose black color is almost magically deep and which gets harder and stronger as the years pass. The dials are painted and polished by hand several times. It is time-consuming and challenging work, but it is the traditional and best way to create the perfect black color.
Now I want your opinion! What do you think?
The black one simply looks stunning.
This deep black Urushi lacquer dial … I have never before seen a watch dial being so black …
Looks like the coating at the “date hole” is being worn off. An absolute nogo for such a watch in the 2,5k € range. Otherwise nice looks but I would still be reluctant to buy it for that price. 1,5k € and I would be tempted.
Alex,
in my opinion swiss made watches are overpriced. Especially ETA technically clones. Best confirmation top Seiko & Grand Seiko models.
What do you think?
Compared with some Longines watches the details of the dial are better realised here in the Seiko watches. I specially like the way they placed the round date window.
I nice line with beautiful Japan ladies, which one to pick will be difficult.
During my student days (late 1960s and early 1970s), I used Seiko watches, as these were much cheaper than the Swiss mechanical watches.
After I became established, I have not used a Seiko watch for many years, but I still have some soft corner for Seiko and have followed their progress through websites and online forums.
Really nice watches. I personally favor enamel one although it (quite) reminds me to some of Longines timepieces. Nevertheless, I assume both might be sold out quickly.