In 1956, Seiko created their first self winding wristwatch. In 1969 they produced their first automatic chronograph. To mark the 6oth anniversary of their first automatic wristwatch, Seiko have produced two limited edition Presage Automatic Chronographs.
The new Presage collection draws its inspiration from Seiko’s heritage in mechanical watchmaking, which stretches all the way back to 1913 and the celebrated Laurel which was Seiko’s, and Japan’s, first ever wrist watch. One of the limited editions has an enamel dial just like Seiko’s first wristwatch in 1913. The other has a Urushi lacquer dial. Both have 42mm stainless steel cases.
Mr Mitsuru Yokozawa leads the skilled craftsman who produce the enamel dials for Seiko Presage collection. He is in charge of the finish of every enamel dial for Presage. The finishing of any enamel can easily be affected by weather and humidity, and it is very difficult to control the precise thickness of the enamel as it is laid down on each dial.
The enamel dial features black Arabic numerals with the number 12 in red. The date is located between 4 and 5 o’clock. The hour, minute and chronograph seconds hands are blued while the minute and hour counter and the running seconds hands are black.
Seiko Presage 60th Anniversary Automatic Limited Edition Chronograph with enamel dial.
Craftsmanship of a very different nature but of the same high quality gives the lacquer dial its deep black luster. The dials are made in the studio of master craftsman Mr Isshu Tamura in Kanazawa, on the western side of Honshu, Japan’s main island, using the centuries old art of Urushi which allows the creation of lacquer whose black color is almost magically deep and which gets harder and stronger as the years pass. The dials are painted and polished by hand several times. It is time-consuming and challenging work, but it is the traditional and best way to create the perfect black color.
The lacquered dial features sliver Arabic numerals. The date is in the same position as the enamel dial. All hands except the chronograph seconds are white. The chronograph seconds hand is sliver with a red tip.
Seiko Presage 60th Anniversary Automatic Limited Edition Chronograph with lacquer dial.
Both models use the 8R48 caliber, which has vertical clutch and column wheel systems, and incorporates Seiko’s unique three-pointed hammer to ensure the perfect synchronization of the hands when they are reset.
The 8R48 caliber self winding chronograph movement found in both models
These two limited editions offer value for money and variety. For those wanting a slightly sportier version the white enamel dial makes a good choice. The black lacquered dial looks more formal but is equally as good looking.
Approximate recommended retail price is €2,500 for the enamel dial version and €2,800 for the lacquered dial.
Each model is a limited edition of 1,000 pieces.
For more information please visit Seiko
Technical Specifications
Seiko Automatic Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Editions: SRQ019, SRQ021
Caliber 8R48, Automatic Chronograph
Chronograph up to 12 hours
Column wheel and vertical clutch systems
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: approximately 45 hours
Jewels: 34 jewels
Specifications:
Stainless steel case
Enamel dial (SRQ019), Urushi lacquer dial (SRQ021)
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Diameter: 42.0 mm
Thickness: 15.2mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: 2,500 Euro (SRQ019) / 2,800 Euro (SRQ021)
Limited edition of 1,000 pcs each
