“Akebono” is a term used in Japan to describe when the darkness of night begins to give way to dawn. This image, of the golden sun breaking up the dark blue night sky, is the inspiration behind the two new Presage Sharp Edged Akebono Limited Edition watches launched by Japanese watchmaker Seiko. Pink gold hands and markers contrast elegantly against a sapphire blue hemp-leaf decorated dial framed by the sophisticated architecture of the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged case. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Akebono watches under references SPB363J1 and SPB361J1…
Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Akebono SPB363J1 Watch
A classic time-and-date model, the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Akebono SPB363J1 watch lives up to its name with a stunning black, navy and golden palette inspired by the moment when dawn’s early light penetrates the dark of night. The dial is the obvious centrepiece, electing a gorgeous gradient effect which sees the deep, sapphire blue colour darken as it nears the perimeter. The dial also incorporates the traditional Japanese asanoha, or “hemp leaf” pattern, a bold three-dimensional finish which has been utilised on several Seiko Presage Sharp Edged watches before today. The mass of intersecting straight lines creates star-like motifs which reflect the light at every angle. The rich blue textured dial is then joined by pink gold hands and indexes to represent the morning sun.
For the case and bracelet, the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Akebono SPB363J1 watch opts for black hard-coated stainless steel with namesake sharp edges, flat surfaces and mirror-polished finishes. The case measures to 39.26mm in diameter and 11.1mm in height and is joined by sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective treatment and a screw in crown allowing for a water resistant rating of 100 metres. Through the sapphire crystal case back, you can admire the automatic winding calibre 6R35 movement which provides hours, minutes, seconds and date, a power reserve of 70 hours and an accuracy of -15/+25 seconds per day. The Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Akebono SPB363J1 watch is a limited edition of 2,000 pieces and retails at £830.
Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Akebono GMT SPB361J1 Watch
For those that prefer a touch more functionality on their watch, meet the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Akebono GMT SPB361J1. Electing the same dial colour and case metal, this model provides additional complications including GMT function with locally jumping hour hand, a power reserve indicator and a pointer date subsidiary dial. There are also three central hands for the hours, minutes and seconds. This mass of functionality is powered by the automatic winding calibre 6R64 movement with a power reserve of 42 hours and an accuracy of -15/+25 seconds per day. Other key differences between the time-and-date model and the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Akebono GMT SPB361J1 watch is the larger case size of 42.2mm and the 24 hour scale on the bezel.
Like its counterpart, the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Akebono GMT SPB361J1 watch shows off its movement through its sapphire crystal glass case back alongside its serial number and the words “Limited Edition” to mark it is one of 2,000 pieces. The case remains crafted from black hard coated stainless steel with an undeniably reflective silhouette and a black steel bracelet to match. The all-black look reinforces the theme of akebono by calling to mind the darkness that surrounds the first light of morning. In the same way, the dark blue hemp-leaf pattern dial with graduation effect mimics the night sky while the rose gold trapezoidal-shaped indexes and sharp sword-shaped, Lumibrite hands evoke the golden sunshine peeking through the morning sky. The Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Akebono GMT SPB361J1 watch retails at £1,220.
If you’d like to learn more about the new Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Akebono Limited Edition watches and shop the collection 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.
