The 36mm Seiko Presage Classic Series SPB521, SPB523 and SPB524

Whereas the identify Presage has been round for the reason that Sixties, it stays one among these hidden gems that solely Japan might get pleasure from, being one of many quite a few JDM-only (Japan Home Market) ranges. Issues modified in 2016, as Seiko determined to revamp the gathering completely and open it to the world. Since then, this assortment has turn into the traditional, mechanical-only, craft-oriented portfolio, someway the precise reverse to the professional-oriented Prospex vary. Initially centered on Japanese creative crafts and cocktail-inspired fashions, the vary has grown considerably to now be dwelling to a large assortment of chic, vintage-oriented fashions. And as an extension to the not too long ago launched Seiko Presage Basic Sequence, the model introduces the SPB521, SPB523 and SPB524, good-looking 36mm “Edo Silk” fashions. 

The Basic Sequence is the most recent addition to the ever-growing and broadly appreciated Presage assortment – a variety so extensive that Presage might nearly turn into a stand-alone model, with its personal sub-collections, such because the Cocktail Time vary of accessible, vibrant fashions, the Craftmanship Sequence with enamel, porcelain or lacquered dials, the edgy and fashionable Sharp Edged Sequence or the vintage-inspired Type 60’s. What the Presage Basic Sequence brings to the equation, and as you’ve most likely guessed by its identify, is classicism and magnificence, with an off-the-cuff aptitude. Not too dressy, not too sporty, not too classic or too fashionable… In a single phrase, traditional. However with the correct twist.

First seen in 40mm case, with closed textured dials or Open-Coronary heart show, the Basic Sequence expands now with 36mm fashions that shouldn’t be seen as female choices, however as unisex fashions which have a extra compact aptitude. Regardless of the small-ish case, the same old traits of the Presage assortment have been retained within the new SPB521, SPB523 and SPB524 fashions, similar to the sleek surfaces of the case and bezel, the discreet aspect contained in the lugs or the conical crown. But additionally the relatively thick profile of most Seiko watches, solely bolstered right here by the smaller case. 12.5mm isn’t what I’d name slender for a time-only computerized watch.

Being a part of the mid-range assortment (the SPBxxx), these new Presage Basic Sequence “Edo Silk” watches are fitted with a domed, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, a see-through caseback and retain a beneficiant water-resistance of 100 metres. The 41.4mm lug-to-lug measurement may seem too small on paper, however as soon as on the wrist, it brings a sure old-school feeling that solely classic watches supplied, and the fantastic thing about a bracelet that wraps across the wrist, and never of a watch that sits on prime of the wrist. There’s an simple magnificence and outdated feeling to such a compact watch on a steel bracelet. Two of the fashions are in traditional brushed and polished metal, whereas one model (SPB524) provides a contact of luxurious with a gold PVD therapy.

The brand new Presage Basic Sequence SPB521, SPB523 and SPB524 are nicknamed “Edo Silk” for a motive. Not solely have they got a no-date show (nice!), however additionally they include a brand new texture impressed by conventional Japanese silk crafts, in addition to colors impressed by the Edo interval in Japan. The dials have a discreet sunray-like material texture, accessible in Aijiro (gentle blue – SPB521), Fushi-iro (gradient gentle brown, my favorite – SPB523) or Shiro-iro (white, paired with gold PVD – SPB524). Basic polished alpha-shaped fingers and utilized baton markers full the show.

An incredible a part of the enchantment of this new Presage Basic Sequence comes from its 7-row chrome steel bracelet, which is carried over in these 36mm fashions. The brief hyperlinks are rounded and ultra-flexible, making for a snug sporting expertise. The bracelet is closed by a hid triple-fold clasp with push-button launch. As anticipated, the reference SPB524 comes on an identical PVD gold bracelet.

Contained in the case is a contemporary computerized in-house motion, the calibre 6R51 – the no-date model of the calibre 6R55. Seen below the see-through caseback, this motion is wound by a gold-coloured rotor and advantages from a stable 3-day energy reserve. The ending is minimal, nonetheless.

Accessible as of June 2025, these new 36mm Seiko Presage Basic Sequence “Edo Silk” references SPB521, SPB523 and SPB524 are priced at EUR 990 in metal and EUR 1,050 in gold PVD-coated metal. For extra particulars, please seek the advice of www.seikowatches.com.