Explaining the two brands, Seiko president Akio Naito shares, “I believe these two collections best express the essence of Seiko. Prospex has proven itself time and time again in the most challenging environments on Earth, which we continue to develop with new materials, technologies, and designs. Presage is very different. It’s an all-mechanical watch whose design is inspired by the culture of Japan, both traditional and modern. Together, Prospex and Presage tell the Seiko story through their technology, their design and their heritage.”

Prospex: Back to its Polar Roots

“A light blue dial graces our modern interpretation of the landmark 1968 diver’s watch. This was the first Seiko watch to offer 300m water-resistance. It was also the first diver’s watch to be equipped with a 10-beat automatic movement. And here, a white dial is encased in the same distinctive case of the 1970 Prospex, that happened to have proved its strength and endurance, almost half a century ago, when Japanese adventurer, Naomi Uemura completed a brutal 2,500-kilometer snow dog sled run from Greenland to Alaska. All three new watches are powered by our calibre 6R35, which delivers a power reserve of 70 hours. They are water resistant to 200m.”

Tech Specs

Seiko Prospex Save the Ocean Special Editions

Prospex Speedtimer at the 2022 World Athletics Championships

However, the Speedtimer story starts a little earlier than its 1969 launch. Ishimaru-san shares, “Seiko’s heritage as a pioneer in sports timing began in the 1960s. Back then the company introduced a range of timing devices to an international sporting competition, which set a new global standard for precision. This tradition of highly precise measurement of elapsed time has continued to this day. Since 1985, Seiko has been the official timekeeper for the World Athletic Championships. And in July of this year, Seiko will provide its state-of-the-art timing services to the World Athletic Championships in Eugene, Oregon.” This would be the 17th time that the brand has served as the official timekeeper for the competition.

Tech Specs

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph World Athletics Championships Oregon22 Limited Edition: SRQ041

Presage Sharp Edged

First up, a new version of the well-received Sharp Edged GMT, SPB303. Limited to 900 pieces, this 42mm steel watch, which, like the entire collections straddles the line between dressy and sporty features the textile pattern stamped dial. This time it is in a rich deep blue, inspired by the hue Ukiyoe artists used to represent Mt Fuji in the summer. The bezel matches the dark tone, and along with the generally serious steel vibes, adds up to a watch that looks like it means business and has the stats to back it up. Calibre 6R64 offers twin timezones and 45 hours of power reserve, in a case that comes in at 13.7mm, and is rated to 100M. In addition to the bracelet with polished centre links, it comes with an additional Cordovan strap.

Continuing onto the calendar models, the colours at play are Geppaku — the white of the full moon, and Kuritobi — taken from the black of a kite. The unusual calendar layout of these specifically coloured dials is appealing too, with a pointer date subdial at six, a day subdial at three and a power reserve at nine completing the trifecta.

The Presage Shar Edged line is one full of promise, offering a compelling middle ground between elegance and action. The style and value proposition of these watches was already strong, but with a further refined case, and mechanical improvements, they’re only getting better with time.

Tech Specs

Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT SPB303

Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Calendar SPB305 and SPB307

Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Open Heart SPB309 and SPB311