Presage: New Shippo Enamel Dial and thinner caliber.

Mar 03, 2018,05:59 AM
 


Presage explores fine Japanese craftsmanship and
introduces a new, thinner caliber


Shippo enamel dial, crafted especially for Presage


Since it was first presented to the world in 2016, the Presage collection has showcased two central aspects of the character of Seiko, our respect for traditional Japanese craftsmanship and our long-established skill in mechanical watchmaking. The 2018 Presage collection again provides a vivid demonstration of Seiko’s ability to explore new avenues of development in both these areas.


The Shippo Enamel Limited Edition
Shippo is a particular type of enamel that was developed in Japan in the 17th century. Its main difference from porcelain enamel lies in the way it is polished after firing, a process that is particularly challenging on a watch dial that is no more than 1 mm high. The Presage Shippo enamel dial is made by Ando Cloisonne, a specialist manufacturer in Nagoya with over 100 years of history. Craftsman Wataru Totani paints the glaze by hand onto the surface of the dial. To ensure that the dials comply with Seiko’s high ecological and safety standards as well as the EU’s RoHS Directive, he uses a lead-free glaze specially developed for these watches. The
dial is then fired at 800 degrees Celsius. The painting and firing processes are repeated several times to ensure the evenness of the enamel. Only when Totani is completely satisfied is the dial polished so that the delicate pattern emerges and a perfect, smooth surface is achieved.

The dial on this new Presage creation is in a deep blue that mirrors the color of the ocean. It is via the ocean that Japan has absorbed elements of the cultures of other nations but it is equally true that the ocean has also isolated Japan from outside influences. Thanks to this ambivalence, many aspects of Japanese life, from art to industry, have arrived from across the oceans but, once in Japan, have developed in a uniquely Japanese way. Shippo enamel craftsmanship is a perfect example; it arrived from across the seas but, once here, evolved and matured in a Japanese way. Seiko proudly shows its respect to the role of the ocean in shaping
Japanese traditions in the Presage Shippo Enamel Limited Edition. The deep, long-lasting blue of the enamel reflects the everlasting blue color of the seas around Japan and the dial pattern echoes the continuous motion of the waves that break on our shores.



A new caliber and a new profile for Presage.

The new, slim Presage made possible by a new caliber and a new case construction


We are proud to announce the creation of a new automatic caliber, 6L35, in the Presage collection. This new caliber has been designed for slimness. It has higher specifications than our trusted and much admired 6R15 caliber but is just 3.7 mm in depth, or 1.3 mm slimmer. This new watch is offered in a limited edition of 1881, in recognition of the year in which Seiko was founded.

Not only is the movement itself thinner, but the new case construction allows the slimness to be accentuated. The movement is inserted from the front of the case which allows the sides to be angled inwards and for the watch to sit more comfortably on the wrist. Of course, this construction requires that the bezel is removed when the watch is opened for servicing so, to ensure the watch’s durability, the bezel is screwed down and covered with a secondary bezel to preserve the perfect lines of the case. The watch itself is truly worthy of this remarkable new caliber. The case is polished using Seiko’s Zaratsu technique and is protected by a super-hard coating. The sapphire crystal has a super-clear coating to ensure high legibility in all conditions. The second hand is in blue tempered steel and the dial has a delicate, textured pattern.



The Shippo Enamel Limited Edition

Automatic with power reserve indicator: SPB073
Caliber 6R27 (SPB073)
Three hands with calendar and power reserve sub-dial
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Number of jewels: 29

Automatic: SPB075
Caliber 6R15 (SPB075)
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 50 hours
Number of jewels: 23

Specifications
Stainless steel case, Shippo Enamel dial
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw see-through case back
Diameter: 40.6 mm (SPB073) 40.0 mm (SPB075)
Thickness: 14.1 mm (SPB073) 12.4 mm (SPB075)
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe:
1,650 Euro (SPB073) 1,450 Euro (SPB075)
Limited edition of 2,500 each


Automatic: SJE073
Caliber 6L35
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Number of jewels: 26
Specifications
Stainless steel case with super-hard coating
Sapphire crystal with super-clear coating
Screw bezel, See-through case back
Diameter: 40.7 mm Thickness: 9.8 mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Stainless steel bracelet with super-hard coating
with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: 2,200 Euro
Limited edition of 1,881





Live Pics

Another big "bang for the buck" models.  This is global offering, so they are available for me, too!!!




























What more can one ask for at this price point?


More posts: Big Bang

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

CEO's Message

 
 By: KIH : March 3rd, 2018-05:22
March 22, 2018 Dear friends of Seiko, Welcome to Baselworld 2018. When you visit our pavilion this year, you will be met by the very best in both our brands. You will see that the Grand Seiko collection is wider than ever, with more sports and more formal...  
login to reply

Credor: New Eichi in Rose Gold

 
 By: KIH : March 3rd, 2018-05:46
The tenth anniversary of Credor Spring Drive Eichi is celebrated in rose gold The original Eichi, created in 2008, and its successor Eichi II, 2014, won high praise worldwide for their simplicity of design, the exquisite finishing of the movements, the in...  
login to reply

Presage: New Shippo Enamel Dial and thinner caliber.

 
 By: KIH : March 3rd, 2018-05:59
Presage explores fine Japanese craftsmanship and introduces a new, thinner caliber Shippo enamel dial, crafted especially for Presage Since it was first presented to the world in 2016, the Presage collection has showcased two central aspects of the charac...  
login to reply

I’m really tempted

 
 By: Alkiro1 : March 22nd, 2018-04:08
Best wishes Alkiro
login to reply

Me too!

 
 By: g_schroder : March 22nd, 2018-07:53
I must admit that the wave design doesn't speak to me as much as the prior simple dark-blue enamel did, but I'm tempted to buy one and try it out (re-sell if it isn't for me). Great watch for the price!
login to reply

Indeed! Another stunner from Seiko

 
 By: Alkiro1 : March 22nd, 2018-07:56
Best wishes Alkiro
login to reply

That picture don't do justice.

 
 By: jomni1 : March 28th, 2018-05:36
The wave is subtle and not obvious which makes it more intriguing. www.youtube.com
login to reply

Luckily i need to visit my AD today 😉

 
 By: Watchonthewrists : March 22nd, 2018-03:39
Will ask him to order one . Would love to have the one without the power reserve
login to reply

At that pace my friend, you’ll become a Seiko AD very soon 😁

 
 By: Alkiro1 : March 22nd, 2018-04:07
Best wishes Alkiro
login to reply

😂 .

 
 By: Watchonthewrists : March 22nd, 2018-04:51
👍🏻
login to reply

😁😉

 
 By: Alkiro1 : March 22nd, 2018-05:00
Best wishes Alkiro
login to reply

Great! Let us take a look! [nt]

 
 By: KIH : March 22nd, 2018-05:53
login to reply

Great report!

 
 By: jml_watches : March 22nd, 2018-03:40
Really like the new blue enamel dials, especially the simpler one. Good to have the opportunity to have a second bite at the blue enamel cherry. The new movement looks interesting - especially how it helps reduce bulk of watch. Look forward to hearing mor... 
login to reply

Good idea :-)) You'd better hurry! [nt]

 
 By: KIH : March 22nd, 2018-05:53
login to reply

Seiko Presage Shippo Enamel dial supercedes previous blue dial models

 
 By: MTF : March 22nd, 2018-07:59
Ken, Thanks for the Live photos, which look the same as the press release images. That gives confidence that the artistic effect is real. The new shippo enamel blue dial really superceded the 2017 blue dial Presage model; no question about that! Plus it i... 
login to reply

I've just checked with NY and Presage release dates are shown as "September 2018"

 
 By: cazalea : March 22nd, 2018-09:34
But it never hurts to be on the list in advance because the press info implies NOW Cazalea
login to reply

Yup, the earlier, the better, I say :-)) [nt]

 
 By: KIH : March 22nd, 2018-15:10
login to reply

Thanks for the report. This is awesome! [nt]

 
 By: mj23 : March 22nd, 2018-08:46
login to reply

My pleasure, thanks! [nt]

 
 By: KIH : March 22nd, 2018-15:09
login to reply

Very very nice selection!

 
 By: halkcb : March 22nd, 2018-19:40
Just when you thought your wallet was safe---BANG!! Great pieces at the price love the blue wave enamel pattern. thanks for showing best henry
login to reply

Looks fantastic

 
 By: benlee338 : March 23rd, 2018-20:04
I am certain up for the PR version. However, have to say the dial looks strangely similar to my UN Classico Blue Enamel... Coincidence? ...  
login to reply

Prospex: Six new Prospex Diver's including 1968 Automatic Diver's Revival

 
 By: KIH : March 3rd, 2018-06:33
Seiko’s expertise in diver’s watches is celebrated in the new Prospex collection A Seiko classic is revived in Prospex Six new Prospex creations honor two landmark Seiko Diver’s watches. Since 1965, Seiko has continuously pushed back the boundaries in div...  
login to reply

The Japanese Hulk is great.

 
 By: zabreg1 Mr White : March 22nd, 2018-02:46
Thank you for all this info, very interesting.
login to reply

I think so, too! [nt]

 
 By: KIH : March 22nd, 2018-05:53
login to reply

I am seriously thinking about ordering the green one ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : March 22nd, 2018-05:05
Thank you for the great coverage! Pics are great, too! Marcus
login to reply

I just placed the order - they will be delivered in June [nt]

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : March 27th, 2018-03:11
login to reply

Astron: Adds Executive Sports Series.

 
 By: KIH : March 3rd, 2018-06:47
Astron GPS Solar adds an executive sports series. Active wear for off-duty professionals. The new Astron executive sports series. SSE167 Released in 2017, the Astron executive series was the first Astron designed specifically for those who want a versatil...  
login to reply

Awesome report Ken 🙏

 
 By: piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1) : March 22nd, 2018-07:20
Eichi's dial is so flawless and essential that you might look at it for hours, just wandering with peaceful mind. Blue dials are becoming their trademark. I appreciate the thickness reduction, it seems they are reading us 😜
login to reply

Premier: Automatic Skeleton, Designed by Novak Djokovic

 
 By: KIH : March 3rd, 2018-06:53
The Premier automatic skeleton, designed for Novak Djokovic The first mechanical watch we have designed for Novak. A tennis inspired mechanical watch for Novak’s Seiko collection Following on from the success of the Kinetic Perpetual Premier watch that wa...  
login to reply

Superb coverage!!!

 
 By: sham1 : March 22nd, 2018-02:28
The Eichi II in rose gold looks nice but I am not sure it is preferable to the platinum version. A warmer watch nevertheless.
login to reply

Arguably

 
 By: sham1 : March 22nd, 2018-02:43
the best finished and most accurate 3 handed watch in the market! One day, one day........
login to reply

Yeah

 
 By: tom2517 : March 22nd, 2018-03:44
I wish Seiko maybe should have given it a different dial like what they did for GS 8 days RG.
login to reply

Very attractive watches

 
 By: Watchlover78 : March 22nd, 2018-05:17
Best regards, Baxter
login to reply

I concur! [nt]

 
 By: KIH : March 22nd, 2018-15:08
login to reply

Phenomenal post! [nt]

 
 By: Miranda : March 22nd, 2018-13:24
login to reply

Thanks, yours, too! [nt]

 
 By: KIH : March 22nd, 2018-15:09
login to reply

Ken, thanks for thr Quick and extensive report! (nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : March 22nd, 2018-13:38
NT
login to reply

No problem, my friend! [nt]

 
 By: KIH : March 22nd, 2018-15:09
login to reply

Thank you Ken for this great report, as usual [nt]

 
 By: Gnkt : March 22nd, 2018-16:03
login to reply

Anything that got your attention? :-) [nt]

 
 By: KIH : March 24th, 2018-04:10
login to reply

Many interesting models here.

 
 By: Gnkt : March 25th, 2018-12:46
I must confess I'm more interested in what I see here, than on Grand Seiko side. The rose gold Eichi II seems to be gorgeous. It looks warmer than the Platinium Eichi II. SJE073 is also very interesting with the new slim caliber. This is the way GS should... 
login to reply

Thanks, Jay! [nt]

 
 By: KIH : March 24th, 2018-04:10
login to reply

I would love to ask the upper echelons if they will complete production of the blue enamel SPB069 before having the first one of these new Presage enamel models be shipped from the factory.

 
 By: remarque : March 22nd, 2018-18:37
I am still waiting for my SPB069 from a Seiko boutique, and the employees at that boutique tell me they know nothing about when their guaranteed allotted pieces will be delivered to the store, which of course means they can give me no timeline for deliver... 
login to reply

Just my guess (no insider information)..

 
 By: KIH : March 24th, 2018-04:12
Since the new Shippo Enamel will be launched in September, until then, the current production will continue, so you still have some time. When they say they will deliver, they will (at least that is my experience - this is not a Patek!).
login to reply

Abundance stock of SPB069 within SEA region

 
 By: Andru Ekaputra : March 25th, 2018-08:56
Actually there’s lots of them, and with lower price tags compared to US and EU. And i agree with you, the hands and simpler minute track without arabic numerals on SPB069. Simply oozes more mature aura than overall design of 075. If only... there’s no cha... 
login to reply

Eichi II calls out to me.(nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : March 24th, 2018-12:23
NT
login to reply

Some really impressive stuff!

 
 By: KMII : March 25th, 2018-02:54
Not much needs to be said about the delectable Eichi II. As for the new Presage lines, they are really impressive indeed. Especially like the new thinner movement - once it spreads across the lines it will help with more elegant case shapes, to match the ... 
login to reply

Credor Eichi II is now warmer and more rounded.... great contrast with the cold looking porcelain dial.. oh and the strap for it is to die for.....

 
 By: KIH : March 25th, 2018-05:22
... Yes, although it is to be launched in September, I have already contacted my AD and placed a pre-order! The simple one is my favorite. I will take a closer look at the new thinner movement once I get it. Thanks for your comment, KMII! Ken
login to reply

I wish I could order one.... (nt)

 
 By: Ronald Held : March 25th, 2018-13:13
NT
login to reply

OMG another fancy and creative blue dial from Seiko.

 
 By: jomni1 : March 28th, 2018-05:31
Seiko is really putting out some really great dial designs that set them apart from the big names. And to think it's the more affordable Presage line.
login to reply

Absolutely [nt]

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : March 28th, 2018-15:14
login to reply