Horologii

Introducing the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel 110th Anniversary Watches

In celebration of the 110th anniversary of Seiko’s and Japan’s first ever wristwatch, the Seiko Laurel, the Japanese watchmaker has launched a collection of new Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel 110th Anniversary watches. In honour of the original wristwatch, the four limited edition designs combine one of Seiko’s own in-house movements with a rare Japanese handcraft dial for the perfect balance of beauty and accuracy.

The Seiko Presage watch collection has always been a line of beautiful watches. Whether it’s the divine Seiko Presage Sharp Edged family with sharp, angular cases and textured dials or the popular Seiko Presage Cocktail Time series which brings to life different cocktails through refined, colourful displays, this family of dress watches shines a light on Japanese traditions. The Presage Craftsmanship Series is no different, honouring rare materials and techniques that take a special master and a talented team to perform. Each of the unique dials seen within the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel 110th Anniversary collection cannot be created by just any individual, but one who has mastered their practice over decades with an ability to apply it to a miniature canvas like the Presage dial. In this instance, there is a limited edition Presage watch in each of the following four materials: enamel, Urushi lacquer, Arita porcelain, and Shippo enamel.

Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel Dial SPB393J1 Limited Edition

Starting off the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel 110th Anniversary watch collection is this pristine white enamelled masterpiece under reference SPB393J1. The dial, which is created by master craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa and his team, is handcrafted entirely from pure white enamel and set with a single red Roman numeral at 12 o’clock in honour of the original Lauren wristwatch of 1913. The overall case shape of the Seiko Presage SPB393J1 watch also mimics the purity of its predecessor with refined angles, a round smooth bezel and a slim height of 12.8mm. The stainless steel case measures to 40.2mm in diameter and is joined by dual-curved sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating and a water resistance of 100 metres. Beneath the dial of the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel Dial SPB393J1 is the brand’s Calibre 6R24 automatic winding movement which displays the date of the week at 2 o’clock, the date at 6 o’clock and its power reserve out of 45 hours at 10 o’clock. The design is completed by a black leather strap and is limited to 1,500 pieces.

Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Urushi Lacquer Dial SPB395J1 Limited Edition

Offering all the same spec as its white-enamelled sister above, the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel 110th Anniversary SPB395J1 watch stands out for its rare Urushi lacquer dial. Urushi lacquer is a centuries-old decorative art synonymous with Japanese craft. The technique is typically applied to fine objects such as furniture and crockery, but in this case, a coppery brown hue is employed on the flat surface of a watch dial. The colour of the Seiko Presage SPB395J1 watch is inspired by the streetscape of Kanazawa, which otherwise translates to “marsh of gold” and so suitably, Urushi master Isshu Tamura and his team have paired the deep brown display with a golden Roman numeral at 12 o’clock and a golden seconds hand. The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Urushi Lacquer Dial SPB395J1 Limited Edition boasts the same 40.2mm stainless steel case as the white-enamelled edition and the same Caliber 6R24 movement. It secures to the wrist by a dark brown leather strap and is also limited to just 1,500 pieces.

Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Arita Porcelain Dial SPB397J1 Limited Edition

The final two watches in the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel 110th Anniversary watch collection are slightly different in their layout, powered by a different movement and providing a little less functionality. Their displays however are no less breathtaking with the Seiko Presage Arita Porcelain Dial SPB397J1 watch showcasing an elegant ivory-coloured porcelain dial created by master craftsman Hiroyuki Hashiguchi and his team. The execution of a porcelain dial like this is a multi-stage process and requires immense skill and patience. The dial must undergo several firings in a scorching kiln, to lock in its rich colour and texture. Its creamy hue is joined by black hardware for the hours, minutes, date and power reserve indicator and a golden 12 o’clock numeral and seconds hand. The super-hard coating stainless steel case measures to 40.6mm in diameter and 14.12mm high and is equipped with a 100 metre water resistant rating and domed sapphire crystal glass. The movement inside is the Calibre 6R27 with a 41 hour power reserve. The Seiko Presage SPB397J1 watch is completed by a dark brown leather strap and is limited to 1,500 pieces.

Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Shippo Enamel Dial SPB399J1 Limited Edition

Last but certainly not least, the Seiko Presage Shippo Enamel Dial SPB399J1 watch is the rarest in the entire collection limited to just 800 pieces. It is also the only model adorned in a rich blue dial crafted using the art of Owari Shippo. At just 1mm thick, the Shippo enamel dial is carefully glazed by hand by master craftsman Wataru Totani and his team before being fired and polished to create its distinctive wave pattern. The final result is a dial that conjures up images of the ocean with the waves having their own magical iridescence. The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Shippo Enamel Dial SPB399J1 Limited Edition has the same golden accents as the other Arita Porcelain model as well as the same 40.6mm super-hard coated stainless steel case, domed sapphire crystal glass, 100 metre water resistant rating and Calibre 6R27 automatic winding movement. The date is displayed in the same way at 6 o’ clock while its 41 hour power reserve is presented at 10 o’clock. The Seiko Presage SPB399J1 watch is completed by a dark blue leather strap and folding buckle.

If you’d like to learn more about the new Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel 110th Anniversary watch collection and secure one of the four limited editions for yourself, head over to the Jura Watches website here. Alternatively, get in touch with the team by calling 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.