The new Seiko Presage Classic Series Urushi Dial SPB499

With its Presage Basic Collection Craftsmanship, Seiko has been exploring a number of aspects of Japanese tradition. Whether or not it’s in regards to the supplies used to create the dials, the designs impressed by vintage Japanese textiles or ceramics or among the earliest watches finished by the model, Presage is all about refined execution. On the subject of conventional crafts, and moreover enamel, Arita porcelain and guilloché, Seiko has lengthy used urushi lacquer to create deep, wealthy dials in varied darkish colors. New to the sequence is the reference SPB499, which relies on the identical technical structure because the Enamel SPB495 we’ve coated earlier this 12 months.

As its enamel sibling, the brand new Presage Basic Collection Craftsmanship Urushi SPB499 is the model’s imaginative and prescient of a sublime watch that pays tribute to its nation of origin and its tradition – a minimum of for the dial. The case is extra on the modern facet, with proportions that may very well be barely decreased, regardless that Seiko has already made an effort on this matter. Manufactured from chrome steel with tremendous laborious coating, the case measures 40.2mm in diameter, with a size of 48mm and a thickness of 12.1mm. As stated, a millimetre or two much less in some areas could be welcome. It’s topped by a curved sapphire crystal with AR coating and includes a see-through caseback. The case is moderately elegant, with alternating brushed surfaces and polished accents, and but it comes with a cushty water-resistance of 100m.

What actually issues with this new reference SPB499 is the dial. It’s actually not the primary time that Seiko Presage depends on urushi lacquer, as we’ve seen with these watches. Made out of the sap of the lacquer tree, urushi lacquer has a sublime lustre that’s achieved by means of layering and repeated sharpening. The end result here’s a deep black dial with a gloss floor, laborious to copy with fashionable methods. The wealthy color of the dial is complemented by gilt tracks and printings, in addition to leaf fingers in the identical gold color. Curiously, the hours and minutes leaf-shaped fingers are completed with a grained floor, enhancing distinction and legibility. Identical to the enamel SPB495 and the Arita porcelain SPB445, this new urushi Presage includes a 24h sub-dial at 6 o’clock. I’d want a small second counter.

Contained in the case is the fashionable calibre 6R5H. Like all actions from the sequence, it now advantages from a full 3-day energy reserve whereas retaining a 3Hz frequency. The claimed accuracy remains to be on the low facet, at +25 to -15 seconds per day, however these typically carry out higher. The view by means of the again brings a gold-coloured rotor and minimal ornament.

Worn on a black leather-based strap with a folding clasp, the Seiko Presage Basic Collection Craftsmanship Urushi SPB499 is launched as a part of the everlasting assortment and will likely be accessible as of July 2025. Will probably be priced at EUR 1,750. For extra particulars, please go to Seikowatches.com.