Cazalea prompts a discussion on the aesthetic choice between enamel and Urushi lacquer dials in Seiko's new Presage models. His post highlights three affordable new additions to the Presage Craftsmanship Series, each featuring a three-hand movement, leaf hands, date, slim stainless steel case, and dual-curved sapphire crystal. The core of these watches lies in their meticulously hand-crafted dials, inviting collectors to consider the unique artistry of each material.
Good Morning, Seiko fans.
I ask this question because we are now offered a choice of three new Presage models at relatively affordable prices, featuring three-hand movements, leaf hands, date, slim SS case with the dual-curved sapphire crystal, and hand-crafted dials.
Traditional craft dials in enamel, urushi lacquer, Shippo enamel, and Arita porcelain are at the heart of the Presage Craftsmanship Series. Three creations arrive with a newly refined dial layout, and enamel or urushi lacquer harmonize perfectly with the overall watch designs. In the first creation, a pristine white enamel dial is brought to life by the hands of master craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa and his team. The new dial incorporates grey metal bar indexes designed to stand out on the exquisitely crafted enamel.
The second creation has a deep black (or dark forest green) urushi lacquer dial created by hand by lacquer master Isshu Tamura and his team, who practice a centuries-old art – (older than watchmaking) – to craft urushi that gains in strength as the years pass. As with the enamel dial, this creation has a newly designed dial layout that enhances the beauty and appearance of this traditional craft. The metal bar indexes in white contrast perfectly with the urushi lacquer, enhancing legibility.
For more info on the various dial finishes, you can visit either or both of these Seiko specialty pages to see what the human hand can produce:
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Caliber 6R55
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 72 hours (3 days)
Number of jewels: 24
Specifications
Stainless steel case with super-hard coating
Enamel dial (SPB403) OR Urushi lacquer dial (SPB405, SPB407)
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back with sapphire crystal
Diameter: 40.2mm, Thickness: 12.1mm (SPB403) OR 11.6mm (SPB405, SPB407)
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Stainless steel bracelet with super-hard coating (SPB403, SPB405) OR Leather strap with three-fold clasp with push button release (SPB407)
(Leather material sourced from LWG-certified tanneries)
Recommended retail prices in Europe: €1,500 (SPB403), €1,750 (SPB405), €1,800 (SPB407)
Let us know which one you like best, ok?
Cheers,
Cazalea
PS - I'm thinking it's finally time to go green in my watch case...
