Seiko Unveils The Seiko Watchmaking one hundred and tenth Anniversary Seiko Presage Restricted Version SPB359 Watch

To have a good time the one hundred and tenth anniversary of its very first wristwatch, Seiko has launched a brand new addition to the Presage assortment that reimagines the model’s well-known inaugural mannequin from 1913. Though Seiko’s historical past dates all the best way again to 1881, when the corporate was first based, pocket watches have been nonetheless very a lot the usual. The primary Seiko wristwatch really didn’t make an look for greater than three many years. Often known as the Laurel, the pioneering mannequin isn’t simply Seiko’s first-ever wristwatch, however slightly it additionally holds the excellence of being Japan’s very first wristwatch. To have a good time the landmark anniversary of this vital mannequin and the official begin of Japanese wristwatches, Seiko might be releasing a collection of commemorative items, with the primary one being the Seiko Watchmaking one hundred and tenth Anniversary Seiko Presage Restricted Version SPB359. Whereas the brand new mannequin faithfully recreates the core design of the unique 1913 Laurel, it options just a few up to date updates and is constructed utilizing fashionable supplies and manufacturing strategies, bringing Seiko’s first-ever wristwatch straight into the trendy period.

Crafted from stainless-steel, the case of the Seiko Watchmaking one hundred and tenth Anniversary Seiko Presage Restricted Version SPB359 includes a round profile and it measures 37.5mm in diameter by 12.6mm thick. Along with being bigger than the unique Seiko Laurel watch from 1913, the brand new mannequin additionally includes a extra up to date case design that makes use of a normal screw-down caseback, slightly than the hinged type of case (just like pocket watches from the period) that may be discovered on the classic model. Moreover, slightly than that includes an acrylic crystal, the brand new one hundred and tenth Anniversary Seiko Presage mannequin has a box-shaped sapphire crystal defending its dial to offer it with superior scratch resistance. With that in thoughts, regardless of the quite a few updates and use of recent supplies, the brand new mannequin options the identical type of hinged lugs fitted to its spherical case. The massive onion-shaped winding crown from the unique model has additionally been recreated for the anniversary version. Whereas the 1913 Laurel was not water-proof in any respect, the push-pull crown and stable screw-down caseback on the brand new mannequin work collectively to offer it with 50 meters of water resistance. That ought to imply that it’s sufficiently protected towards any incidental contact or transient immersion.

Similar to the unique 1913 Laurel, the brand new one hundred and tenth Anniversary Seiko Presage Restricted Version SPB359 includes a white enamel dial with Arabic numeral hour markers. This dial is produced by grasp craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa and his crew at a specialised workshop devoted to enamel manufacturing. The looks of the hour markers has been solely recreated within the new one hundred and tenth Anniversary Version, proper right down to the brilliant purple 12 o’clock marker and the distinctive type of font used for the numeral 4. Like the unique model from 1913, the brand new Seiko SPB359 includes a subdial on the 6 o’clock location, though slightly than functioning as a show for the working seconds, the subdial on the brand new mannequin now shows the date. Moreover, an influence reserve indicator has been added to the dial at 9 o’clock, and because the subdial at 6 o’clock not shows the working seconds, a 3rd hand has been added to the middle of the dial to show the accompanying seconds for the time. Just like the classic mannequin that serves as its inspiration, the brand new Seiko Presage SPB359 options blue spade-shaped palms, though when you depend the 2 further palms for the ability reserve indicator and date show, the brand new mannequin now options 5 palms in comparison with three palms just like the classic Laurel from 1913.

Whereas the unique Laurel watch was powered by a easy hand-wind caliber, the brand new Seiko Watchmaking one hundred and tenth Anniversary Seiko Presage Restricted Version SPB359 is powered by the Caliber 6R27 automated motion. That includes 29 jewels, the Cal. 6R27 represents a step up from the usual self-winding actions that Seiko makes use of to energy its watches, and it runs at the next frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz) whereas providing customers an influence reserve of roughly 45 hours. Finishing the brand new Seiko Presage one hundred and tenth Anniversary Version SPB359 is a pull-through type strap that intently follows the design of the strap that was fitted to the unique Laurel watch from 1913. Crafted from darkish brown deer leather-based, the strap might virtually be described as a combination between a bund strap and a easy pass-through type, though it includes a two-piece building that wraps across the wrist and closes with a stainless-steel pin buckle, slightly than simply having a further pad that sits under the case. As a result of slender hinged lugs, third-party strap choices are going to be considerably restricted, though I think about that most individuals will persist with the included strap since its distinctive type is a part of the general design of the watch.

On condition that the Seiko Watchmaking one hundred and tenth Anniversary Seiko Presage Restricted Version SPB359 has the phrases “restricted version” in its identify, you may assure that this new watch won’t be becoming a member of the catalog as a standard-production mannequin. As an alternative, the Seiko SPB359 might be restricted to 2,500 examples worldwide, and every watch could have its distinctive restricted version quantity engraved on its caseback. As a result of its enamel dial and extra superior motion, the Seiko Presage one hundred and tenth Anniversary Version is positioned as a premium possibility inside the model’s lineup and is accompanied by an official retail value of $1,800 USD. Admittedly, that is fairly a bit costlier than different Seiko Presage fashions which might be powered by this identical motion, though it’s vital to recollect that you’re additionally paying for the enamel dial and the distinctive limited-edition design. Moreover, whereas Seiko has beforehand produced watches that pay tribute to the unique 1913 Laurel, the brand new SPB359 is the primary one that actually reimagines that inaugural mannequin, slightly than simply providing small nods to its design codes. Realistically talking, this can be a look ahead to die-hard Seiko followers and deep lovers, slightly than one thing supposed for mass-market sale, and it was created for many who need the aesthetic of Seiko’s very first wristwatch however in a extra useful and sturdy package deal that may stand as much as the pains of on a regular basis put on and use. For extra data, please go to the model’s web site.