Proving themselves once again as a solid contender against even the most revered Swiss watch brands, Seiko have introduced four new three-hand-and-date references under the signature Seiko Presage “Sharp Edged Series”. Each dressy sports watch is described as “a powerful and fresh expression of Japanese artistry” with remarkable dial finishing paired with extraordinary case design and movement work.
Seiko show no signs of slowing down this year, having already delivered new and exciting developments in its higher-end Grand Seiko Spring Drive series, a new entry-level Seiko 5 Sports collection and a never-ending supply of new Prospex diver watches – a forever favourite with collectors. Despite its later release in 2016, the Seiko Presage line is catching up to its sister collections in both popularity and esteem and the new Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series appears to be a beacon for the future of the brand’s three-hand dress designs.
There are four Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series watches in total, each offering a dial in a different traditional Japanese colour. The first is reference SPB167 nicknamed Aitetsu for its deep blue textured dial, the second SPB165 is named Shironeri with an unbleached silky white face and reference SPB169 is known as Tokiwa and features a green dial inspired by the colours of evergreen trees. These first three references all feature a stainless steel case and bracelet. The last reference, however, stands out with a rose gold plated case and brown leather strap. Reference SPB170 is nicknamed Susutake and showcases a handsome brown-toned smoked bamboo dial.
Just as the name of the collection suggests, the cases of each Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series watch incorporates many flat and sharp surfaces that allow them to shine and sparkle from every angle. Measuring to 39.3mm in diameter, the stainless steel cases feature contoured angular lugs that flow directly into the case sides allowing for an almost razor sharp 90 degree angle between flat planes. Yet despite its sharpness, each design comfortably conforms to the wrist thanks to a sweeping inward curve towards the case back which also helps the 11.1mm thickness feel even slimmer. The cases are 100 metre water resistant and feature a super-hard coating for protecting the case and bracelets from scratches.
Like most Seiko Presage watches, the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series makes the dial its central talking point. Inspired by their birthplace, the dials incorporate a Japanese Asanoha or hemp leaf pattern. The Asanoha leaf has been used since the Heian period over a thousand years ago and holds a special importance in Japanese culture for its associations with strong growth and good health. The imagery on the dial is further bought to life by a choice of handsome colours, a rich texture and sharply edged geometric patterns which create a subtle colour graduation and light play. The dial continues the sharp trend with pointed sword-shaped hands coated in lume and faceted applied indexes finished in a mix of matt and polished surfaces.
Powering each Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series watch is the in-house 6R35 mechanical automatic calibre. Promising a power reserve of 70 hours and a 21,600 beats for hour frequency, the Japanese movement provides central hands for hours, minutes and seconds and a classic date window at 3 o clock. The in-house calibre is modestly decorated with a striped rotor and bevelled edges along the plates and bridges, all of which can be witnessed through the stunning sapphire crystal glass exhibition case back.
Retailing at only £860, we have no doubt that the new Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series watches will continue to push the Presage collection to acclaim. All four models, including the Seiko Presage SPB167, Seiko Presage SPB165, Seiko Presage SPB169, and Seiko Presage SPB170 are available to order on the Jura Watches website here with interest free finance and free delivery.
Specifications: Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series (SPB167, SPB165, SPB169, SPB170)
- Case Size: 39.3mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel or rose gold PVD
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Case Back: Screw down with sapphire crystal
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: 6R35 automatic winding in-house
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Jewels: 24
- Frequency: 21,600vph
- Accuracy: +25 to -15 seconds per day
- Dial: Blue, white, green or brown with Lumibrite on hands and indexes
- Strap: Metal bracelet or brown calfskin leather
- RRP: £860
- Release Date: September 2020
