State of Grace: The New Seiko Presage Classic Series
In sync with the traditional Japanese artistry that inspired the Presage line, these five recently debuted timepieces present elegant time-keeping that you might even say is as smooth as silk.
The subtle, elevated use of silk textiles, especially dyed silk, is an age-old tradition that is as much associated with Japanese culture as its cuisine, art, or poetry, to name a few. Fortunately for us, it turns out that the signature curved dial of Seiko’s Presage collection presents a marvelous platform to bring textures inspired by silk artistry to your wrist.
That is why we’re so jazzed about the brand’s new trio of three-handed watches that explore the traditional colorways of Japanese silk, along with the two additional “open heart” designs with dials that are more reminiscent of the texture of raw silk yarn.
Paired with Seiko’s famous mechanical watchmaking precision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail, the new Presage Classic Series is eye-grabbing across the board (and maybe even a little educational).
Color at Play
In addition to all being three-handed watches with a date aperture at 3 o’clock, the SPB463, SPB465, and SPB467 timepieces from the new Presage Classic Series share several characteristics: a 40.2mm stainless steel case, the 6R55 automatic movement with its 72-hour power reserve, a see-through caseback, and a new multi-row steel bracelet with ergonomically shaped links.
Then there are the dials, which could be pedestrianly (and unfairly) described as white, black, and salmon. But there is definitely more to these dials than what you see at first glance, so let’s zoom in a bit, shall we?
First, you will notice the deep curvature of the dial that is echoed by its sloping indices and hands that supply sweep along the falling edge. Then there are the dial colors.
The “white” dial version (SPB463) is called shiro-iro because it is the color of the unbleached, natural color of raw silk.
The “black” dial (SPB465), which on closer inspection is more of a dark brown/deep green hue called sensaicha, was inspired by a dyed silk worn by the fashionable set during Japan’s Edo Period (17th to 19th century).
Finally, the “salmon” dial execution (SPB467) takes its chromatic queue from araigaki, a light persimmon color.
Interestingly, each of these dials also has a surface carrying an intricate textured pattern that is designed to reflect ambient light and create an enhanced sense of depth.
Beating Hearts
While the two open-work models, the SPB469 and SPB471, offer less real estate on the dial for that wash of silk-inspired goodness due to their small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock and view into the movement’s escapement at 9 o’clock, their dial texture is more dramatic because it has a distinct radial pattern inspired by raw silk yarn.
Again, the shiro-iro color from above is used in this pair, specifically, on the SPB469.
But there is also an additional darker colorway used on the SPB471. Called sumi-iro, this hue has a black-grey tone that traditionally appeared on monks’ garments.
These two models, which also have a 40.2mm stainless steel case and sapphire crystal caseback, are powered by the modern 6R5J calibre that also delivers a 72-hour power reserve.
Plus, along with the view through the sapphire crystal caseback, the aperture at 9 o’clock that shows off the escapement gives you a kind of one-two punch on movement visibility and, paired with the recessed small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock, the SPB469 and SPB471 both present something of a more technical look along with the lovely dial artistry.
Pricing & Availability
The new Seiko Presage Classic Series will be available at select Seiko boutiques, retailers, and the brand’s e-commerce store starting in June 2024, with the three-hand models (SPB463, SPB465, and SPB467) listing for €1,050 and the open-work executions (SPB469 and SPB471) retailing for €1,230. To learn more, check out Seiko’s website.
(Images © Seiko)