Seiko releases a new model on the Presage line with a urushi lacquer dial with subdued gold elements and GMT.
Press release with commentary in italics.
New: Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Urushi Lacquer Dial Model
The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Urushi Lacquer Dial Model Ref. SPB447J1 retails at EUR 1,840 inclusive of VAT.
Commentary
A new execution of the urushi Pressage. The artist is Isshu Tamura, who had supervised the urushi dials used in other Seiko watches in the past.
Of those we have reviewed are the Seiko Presage 60th Anniversary Automatic Limited Edition Chronograph with Urushi Lacquer and the Seiko Presage, Urushi Byakudan-nuri.
In this novelty, the base watch is the caliber 6R54 which is an automatic movement that is part of what Seiko refers to as the high performance 6R series caliber. This movement is based on the workhorse 6R35 framework. The Prospex GMT powered by the 6R54 was announced in March 2023, as seen on the Seiko Prospex Land SPB411, the first Prospex dive watch to feature a mechanical GMT movement.
Release details
The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series highlights traditional skills of Japan by showcasing Japanese beauty in mechanical wristwatches. Seiko introduces a new model in the series with a glossy urushi lacquer dial and a GMT function that displays two different time zones. In doing so, the watch combines practical functionality with a dial whose depth invites repeated glances.
Urushi lacquer has been used since ancient times for bowls, plates, and other utensils because of its characteristics as a highly durable natural material, making it an integral part of people’s lives. The lacquer dials in the Craftsmanship Series are carefully crafted by combining an innovative manufacturing method that directly combines metal and lacquer with traditional techniques to create a smooth surface. The lacquer applied to the dial must have a beautiful luster yet be thin enough not to interfere with the movement of the hands, which requires a high level of skill. Under the supervision of lacquer artist Isshu Tamura, craftsmen repeatedly applied and polished the lacquer dozens of times to produce the unique glossy depth.
The new model expresses the glamorous and elegant side of Kanazawa lacquerware by using a subdued gold color for the GMT hand and the 24-hour layout on the outer edge of the indexes, which harmonizes with the glossy, deep black lacquer dial. The brush-like shape of the GMT hand, extending to the edge of the dial, adds an even more elegant impression. In addition, the white three-dimensional bar indexes, hour and minute hands, and mirror-finished seconds hand maximize the contrast with the black lacquer dial, achieving high legibility.
The strap is made of leather produced by a tannery certified by the Leather Working Group*.
*The Leather Working Group (LWG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to responsibly made, sustainable leather production. Since 2005, LWG has designed standards to certify all actors in the supply chain.
Lacquer Artist: Isshu Tamura
Born in 1957, Isshu Tamura trained in the traditional Kaga Maki-e gold lacquer technique of Kanazawa. After honing his skills in the method, Mr. Tamura set out to produce unparalleled original works of art. He has executed his technique in Kaga Maki-e not only in traditional lacquerware objects but also in the creation of luxury fountain pens and wristwatches that have received worldwide acclaim for their elaborate detail and fine beauty.
Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Urushi Lacquer Dial Model specifications
Movement Caliber Number: 6R54
Movement Type: Automatic with manual winding / Precision: +25 to -15 seconds per day / Power reserve: Approx. 72 hours(3 days) / Jewels:24
Functions: 24-hour hand (dual time display function) / Stop second hand function
Case/Band
Case Material: Stainless steel (super hard coating)
Case Size
Thickness:1 2.4mm / Diameter: 40.2mm / Lug-to-lug: 48.0mm
Crystal: Dual-curved sapphire crystal / Crystal Coating with Anti-reflective coating on inner surface
Band Material: Calfskin / Clasp: Three-fold clasp with push button release / Distance between lugs20mm
Other Details
Water Resistance: 10 bar / Magnetic Resistance: 4,800 A/m / Weight: 87.0g
Features: See-through case back / Urushi lacquer dial / See-through & Screw case back
