Try our newest merchandise
The Seiko Presage Basic Collection Craftsmanship pairs attainable Japanese watchmaking with spectacular conventional crafts. We just lately noticed the introduction of a model with an enamel dial and one other with an unglazed porcelain dial. Immediately, we see one more model, this time with a dial that includes urushi lacquer. That is the SPB499.
The brand new Seiko Presage Basic Collection Craftsmanship SPB499(J1) is a non-limited version and obtainable for pre-order now. Supply is scheduled to begin in July of this 12 months. The urushi-dial Presage prices €1,750 / US$1,650. Let’s have a more in-depth look!
Urushi lacquer
Let’s begin with the spotlight of the present, the SPB499’s dial and its urushi (漆) lacquer. Urushi is a pure lacquer derived from the sap of the Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree, historically present in Japan, China, and Korea. Lacquering is a labor-intensive and time-consuming course of. When utilized to a watch dial, urushi creates a wealthy, deep floor with unparalleled depth and refined gloss.
The method begins with getting ready the bottom dial, typically made out of brass. The floor have to be completely easy and clear to make sure correct adhesion of the lacquer. A number of layers of uncooked urushi are then utilized by hand utilizing a effective brush. Every layer is extraordinarily skinny — typically simply microns thick — and have to be allowed to treatment in a managed atmosphere the place the temperature and humidity are fastidiously maintained to facilitate polymerization by means of publicity to moisture.
After every layer cures, the floor is gently polished to attain a fair end. This cycle of lacquering, curing, and sharpening is repeated many occasions, typically as much as a dozen or extra layers, till the specified depth, shade, and texture are achieved. The result’s a dial with a outstanding visible depth and a delicate, natural sheen that subtly modifications with the sunshine.
The Seiko Presage SPB499
The urushi course of, on this case, results in a good looking black dial with gold-painted Roman numerals. This dial lives inside a 40.2mm chrome steel case with a 12.5mm profile, together with the crystals. Talking of these, you get a sapphire sandwich with a double-domed crystal on prime. It options an antireflective coating on the within. Seiko charges the case’s water resistance at an ample 100 meters.
The show case again presents a view of the 6R5H computerized caliber inside. This motion ticks at 21,600vph (3Hz) and presents a royal 72-hour energy reserve. On this model, the caliber shows a 24-hour indicator in a sub-dial at 6 o’clock. On this approach, SPB499 deviates from the just lately launched SPB497, which has simply three arms. In any other case, the calibers are equivalent.
The Seiko Presage SPB499 comes on a black leather-based strap with refined gold stitching and a folding deployant clasp.
Preliminary impressions
I do know the Seiko Presage sequence fairly properly, and I notably love the craftsmanship-focused fashions. The SPB497, with its unglazed porcelain dial, was a winner, and I like this SPB499 much more. Sadly, I’ve not but had the possibility to see the urushi dial in actual life, so I’ve to order judgment.
Nonetheless, I can say that the deep, shiny black works nice towards the grainy, matte gold dial printing and arms. It reveals that distinction doesn’t at all times have to come back from the colours, however it may possibly come from floor texture as properly.
I applaud Seiko for making crafts like urushi lacquerwork obtainable on this worth phase. You don’t discover many related choices from the Swiss, so I feel this places Seiko in a league of 1. I, for one, can not wait to see this watch in actual life.
What do you consider the brand new Seiko Presage Basic Collection Craftsmanship SPB499 with an urushi lacquer dial? Tell us within the feedback part beneath!
