The Presage collection has been a cornerstone of Seiko’s luxury watch offerings since its inception in 2016. With each new release, the Presage watches have evolved, incorporating new materials, techniques, and design elements that reflect both Seiko’s rich heritage and its forward-thinking approach to watchmaking.

The recent introduction of the Classic Series marks a significant milestone in the Presage collection’s journey. It represents a refinement of the collection’s core values while introducing fresh design elements that appeal to both longtime Seiko aficionados and newcomers to the brand. One of the most notable aspects of the Presage collection’s evolution is its increasing focus on Japanese craftsmanship and aesthetics. From enamel dials inspired by traditional porcelain to Urushi lacquer finishes, the collection has consistently drawn upon Japan’s rich artistic heritage. The Classic Series takes this concept even further, incorporating elements of traditional textiles and colors into its design language.

At the heart of the Classic Series lies a deep appreciation for the softer, more subtle aspects of Japanese design. Unlike previous Presage models that may have focused on bold, striking elements, this new series embraces a more understated elegance. It draws inspiration from the textures, colors, and materials found in traditional Japanese crafts, creating watches that exude a sense of calm sophistication.

The Classic Series debuts with five distinct models, each offering a unique interpretation of Seiko’s design philosophy. These timepieces are more than just variations on a theme; they represent different facets of Japanese aesthetic sensibility, from the purity of unbleached fabric to the depth of monastic robes. Each watch in the series tells its own story, inviting the wearer to connect with Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

At the core of the dial design is a unique curved shape that adds depth and dimension. This curvature is not merely aesthetic; it serves to capture and reflect light in intriguing ways, creating a dynamic visual experience that changes subtly as the watch moves with the wearer’s wrist. The curved design also enhances the overall elegance of the timepiece, giving it a softer, more organic appearance.

Two distinct textures are featured in the Classic Series, each inspired by different types of silk. The three-hand models with date feature a dial texture reminiscent of lustrous silk fabric, with a subtle sheen that catches the light delightfully. The open-heart models, on the other hand, showcase a radial pattern that evokes the texture of raw silk yarn, adding a more rustic, organic feel to the dial.

Color plays a crucial role in the dial design of the Classic Series. Seiko has chosen a palette of traditional Japanese colors, each with its own cultural significance.

Shiro-iro: The color of unbleached natural fabric, representing purity and simplicity. By incorporating Shiro-iro into the collection, Seiko pays homage to these values, creating watches that embody the essence of Japanese aesthetic principles. The subtle, off-white hue of Shiro-iro dials provides a versatile backdrop that complements a wide range of styles and occasions.

Sensaicha: A dark brownish-green color brings a touch of historical elegance to the collection. This color was particularly fashionable during the Edo Period (1603-1867), a time of great cultural and artistic development in Japan. The Sensaicha dial option offers a more subdued, mature aesthetic that appeals to those who appreciate understated luxury.

Araigaki: A washed and bleached persimmon color, bringing warmth and vibrancy to the collection. The Araigaki dial option adds a pop of color to the series, appealing to those who want a watch that makes a bolder statement while still maintaining a connection to Japanese tradition.

Sumi-iro: A greyish black inspired by the garments worn by Buddhist monks, symbolizing depth and contemplation. The Sumi-iro dial option appeals to those who appreciate the philosophical aspects of timekeeping and desire a watch that reflects a sense of mindfulness and contemplation.

These colors are not merely applied to the surface of the dial but are integral to its construction, resulting in a rich, nuanced appearance that changes subtly under different lighting conditions.

The case design of the Presage Classic Series appears deceptively simple, but closer inspection reveals a sophisticated design that incorporates several innovative features. The most notable aspect is the soft, curved surfaces that define the case profile. The rounded edges ensure that the watch sits comfortably on the wrist without any sharp edges digging into the skin. The curved surfaces interact with light in interesting ways, creating subtle reflections and shadows that add depth to the overall appearance.

From a side view, the case has a remarkably slim profile. This sleek appearance is achieved through careful engineering and design choices. The case back is kept as thin as possible without compromising durability, while the bezel and crystal are designed to flow seamlessly into each other, creating an illusion of thinness. The dual-curved sapphire crystal echoes the contours of the dome-shaped dial beneath.

The case measures 40.2mm in diameter and 13.0mm in thickness. It is constructed from stainless steel and features a super-hard coating. This coating not only enhances the durability of the watch but also gives it a luxurious finish that resists scratches and maintains its luster over time. The crown, while not overly prominent, is designed for easy operation. It’s knurled for better grip and positioned for comfortable winding and time-setting. Water resistance is rated at 100 meters, making the watch suitable for swimming and snorkeling.

The bracelet design draws inspiration from Seiko’s rich heritage, particularly the designs from the 1970s. However, this is not a mere reproduction of a vintage design. Instead, Seiko has taken the best elements of these classic bracelets and reimagined them with modern manufacturing techniques.

One of the most notable features of the new bracelet is its 7-link, multi-row design. Each link of the bracelet has been ergonomically shaped to maximize comfort. The top surface of each link is gently curved, mirroring the natural curvature of the wrist. A key innovation in the bracelet design is the reduction of contact points around the wrist. By minimizing the areas where the bracelet directly touches the skin, Seiko has created a bracelet that feels incredibly light and airy on the wrist.

The links of the bracelet are also notably short in length. The shorter links make it easier to achieve a precise fit by adding or removing links. The bracelet is secured by a deployment clasp with a push-button release mechanism. Like the case, the bracelet is made from stainless steel with a super-hard coating.

Seiko has equipped these watches with two newly developed movements from their 6R family. The three-hand models with date in the Presage Classic Series are driven by the Caliber 6R55. It has an impressive 72 hours (3 days) power reserve. The open-heart models in the collection are powered by the Caliber 6R5J. This movement shares many characteristics with the 6R55, with the added view of the escapement through an opening on the dial at the 9 o’clock position.

In developing these movements, Seiko has paid close attention to both performance and aesthetics. Both the 6R55 and 6R5J movements feature a gold-colored oscillating weight, visible through the exhibition case back. The movements are equipped with Seiko’s Diashock system, which protects the balance wheel from shocks and impacts. With a rating of 4,800 A/m, these movements offer strong protection against magnetic fields encountered in daily life.

Seiko has always been known for offering excellent value for money, and the Presage Classic Series continues this tradition. In the $1,000 price category, they offer a compelling alternative to entry-level Swiss luxury watches, providing similar or even superior craftsmanship and technical specifications at a more attainable price point.

To discover the Seiko Presage collection, visit the Seiko Luxe website.

Tech Specs: Seiko Presage Classic Series

Movement: 6R55, in-house automatic, 72-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Dial: Grained silk texture in four colors
Case: 40.2mm x 13mm stainless steel with super-hard coating, 100m water-resistance
Strap: 7-link bracelet with folding butterfly clasp
Price: USD 950 for time only, USD 1,125 for Open-Heart