KMII shares his long-term ownership experience with the Seiko Presage SRQ019, a 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Chronograph. His review highlights the watch's exceptional value, in-house movement, and grand feu enamel dial, offering a personal perspective on its wearability and accuracy. This post provides valuable insights for collectors considering this significant Seiko reference.
In addition to the Zenith PuristSPro P15, the Omega Speedmaster CK2998 and the Montblanc 1858 Tachymeter, the Seiko Presage 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Chronograph (in both its SRQ019 and SRQ021 forms) has been one of the most popular / most frequently bought watches amongst Purists in the recent times.
And with good reason, as it offers spectacular value with its in-house chronograph movement, a grand feu enamel / Urushi dial, very decent finishing and excellent accuracy all at a price that is bound to have made the odd Swiss watch executive gulp.
I took to the idea of the watch straight away - in fact I ordered it directly after MTFs post on it from Basel 2016, sight unseen. And while I have liked the finished product from the start, it was not all smooth sailing.
One of the more worrying aspects of the watch - its thickness - is almost forgotten in the meantime. Sure, I do choose the shirts to pair it with, as the tight fitting cuffs will not easily accommodate it. But as seen in the picture above, one can adapt it to a work environment without feeling all that awkward.
Likewise it works in casual settings, too. The enamel dial is a great way to spend time, trying to catch the light to appreciate it most fully, or to snap a picture of it definitely being a pleasant occupation.
The operation of the chronograph is pleasant, if not as butter smooth as the best. But I have to admit to mostly using it to get the hands in a better position for a shot, rather than for actually timing things. Still, it's an essential complication to justify the slightly sunk subdials in the enamel dial, which is very appealing.
And it will easily help you pass those less than exciting meetings, where it's not polite to use the laptop or the phone but where the time seems to stand still.
I do not wear it for weeks on end but the longest stretches of continuous wear tended to all show superb accuracy - less than 0,5 seconds fast a day, less than 2 secs fast a week. Impressive for a watch in this range.
Discussions at the recent GTG revealed that the 3 o'clock up position you would have it in during the night (assuming you do not open the deployant every time) compensates for the variations experienced on the wrist.
In any case, the more I wear it, the more it gets under my skin and I am more and more convinced that the watch will have an effect beyond its limited run of 1.000 pieces each. If all of their subsequent watches exhibit a similar level of quality and value, this may actually turn into mad business 
About the Montblanc 1858 Collection Ref. 1858
The Rolex Bubble Back, reference 1858, represents an early example of Rolex's self-winding waterproof wristwatches. This reference is part of the broader Bubble Back family, characterized by its distinctive domed case back designed to accommodate the thicker automatic movement of the era. It showcases Rolex's foundational efforts in developing robust and reliable automatic timepieces for everyday wear, laying groundwork for future Oyster Perpetual models.
This particular reference features an 18k white gold case, measuring 38mm in diameter. It is fitted with a sapphire crystal, protecting a silver dial. The watch is powered by an automatic movement, specifically the Boucheron 1858 caliber, offering a power reserve of 42 hours. The fixed bezel and leather strap complete the watch's classic presentation.
For collectors, the reference 1858 holds interest as an early and relatively rare iteration within the Bubble Back series, especially in white gold. Its larger case size for the period also makes it appealing to modern tastes. The presence of a date complication adds to its functionality, distinguishing it from simpler time-only Bubble Back models and highlighting Rolex's early integration of practical features.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Boucheron 1858
- Case
- 18k white gold
- Diameter
- 38mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Omega Speedmaster Ref. CK2998
The Omega CK2998 is a chronograph model recognized for its robust design and functional aesthetic. It belongs to a lineage of chronographs that established a distinct visual identity for the brand, characterized by a clear and legible dial layout. This reference is notable for its early adoption of a tachymeter scale on the bezel, a feature that would become a hallmark of many subsequent sports chronographs.
This reference features a 39 mm stainless steel case, housing the manual-winding Caliber 321. This movement provides a power reserve of 45 hours. The watch is fitted with a Hesalite crystal and offers a water resistance of 60 meters. The fixed tachymeter bezel is a key design element, framing a black dial.
The CK2998 holds interest for collectors seeking early examples of Omega's chronograph development. Its design elements, including the case proportions and dial configuration, represent a significant period in the brand's history. The presence of the Caliber 321 further enhances its appeal among enthusiasts of vintage chronograph movements.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 321
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 60m
- Crystal
- Hesalite
About the Horological Meandering Seiko Presage Ref. SRQ019
The Seiko Presage SRQ019 is a limited edition chronograph model, part of the Presage line known for its mechanical watchmaking and traditional Japanese aesthetics. This particular reference stands out with its specific dial treatment and case finishing, distinguishing it from other Presage chronographs. It was released as a special edition, emphasizing Seiko's commitment to offering refined mechanical chronographs within its more accessible collections. The design cues often draw inspiration from historical Seiko timepieces, reinterpreting them with modern manufacturing techniques.
This model features a stainless steel case, housing an automatic chronograph movement. The case diameter is 42mm, providing a contemporary wrist presence while maintaining wearability. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, offering scratch resistance and clarity over the dial. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 45 hours, a standard duration for many automatic calibers in this segment. The construction ensures a water resistance suitable for daily wear.
The SRQ019 appeals to collectors interested in mechanical chronographs with a distinct design language and a strong value proposition. Its limited edition status contributes to its collectibility. The watch often features intricate dial work, such as multi-layered subdials or specific textures, which are hallmarks of the Presage series. It represents a segment of Seiko's production that bridges everyday wearability with enthusiast-level finishing and mechanical complexity.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 8R48
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 42mm
- Dial
- White
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Montblanc Ref. 1858Collection
The Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph is a limited edition offering within the 1858 collection, distinguished by its complex split-second chronograph complication. This particular reference, limited to 100 pieces, features a unique burgundy dial, setting it apart from other models in the series and appealing to collectors seeking a more exclusive and visually distinct timepiece with advanced horological functions.
The watch is housed in a stainless steel case measuring 44mm in diameter and 15.2mm in thickness. It is fitted with a fixed 18k white gold fluted bezel. The dark burgundy dial, finished with a sunray pattern, complements the case materials. Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal. The timepiece is powered by the hand-wound MB 16.31 calibre, which measures 38.4 x 8.13 mm, and offers a power reserve suitable for its intricate mechanical functions.
This reference appeals to collectors interested in high-complication chronographs and Montblanc's Minerva heritage. Its limited production run and specific dial color make it a notable variant within the 1858 collection, offering a blend of historical design cues and modern watchmaking. The large dimensions reflect its pocket watch-inspired movement architecture, a characteristic often appreciated by enthusiasts of traditional horology.
Specifications
- Caliber
- MB 16.31
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 44mm
- Dial
- Burgundy
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Montblanc Ref. 1858Tachymeter
The 1858 Tachymeter Chronograph is a limited edition monopusher chronograph that draws inspiration from Minerva chronographs of the 1930s. This reference is distinguished by its historical design cues, including a tachymeter scale on the dial and cathedral-style hands, which are characteristic of vintage military and pilot's watches. It represents a significant offering within the 1858 collection, emphasizing traditional watchmaking and a vintage aesthetic.
This particular model features an 18k rose gold case measuring 44mm in diameter and 13.15mm in thickness. It houses the manual-wind caliber MB M16.29, a movement known for its large balance wheel and V-shaped chronograph bridge, visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The movement provides a power reserve of 50 hours. A domed sapphire crystal protects the black dial, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters.
As a limited edition, this reference appeals to collectors interested in historically inspired chronographs and the artisanal craftsmanship associated with the Minerva manufacture. Its monopusher complication and the visible finishing of the movement are key attractions. The watch is fitted with an alligator leather strap, completing its classic presentation and reinforcing its position as a collector-grade timepiece within the brand's heritage-focused offerings.
Specifications
- Caliber
- MB M16.29
- Case
- 18k rose gold
- Diameter
- 44mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
