The New Seiko Presage Classic Series SPB463, SPB465, SPB467, SPB469 & SPB471 Make An Entrance

Seiko’s current lineup is one of the strongest in its price range. From the accessible 5 Sports series to the popular Prospex diver designs and the reintroduction of the King Seiko name, Seiko has consistently introduced impressive new timepieces since the turn of the century. The all-new Presage Classic line deserves significant attention as it highlights the brand’s expertise in dial finishing, movement craftsmanship, and bracelet design, all in a distinctly Japanese style. Let’s delve into the new Seiko Presage Classic series, which includes references SPB463, SPB465, and SPB467, featuring a three-hand configuration with a date, and the open-heart models SPB469 and SPB471.

the sporty-chic SPB463, SPB465, & SPB467

The new time and date Seiko Pressage Classic models come in stainless steel, measuring 40.2mm in diameter and 13mm in thickness. The fluted crown is signed with a large S, and the shape appears similar to the crown on one of the most historically significant Seiko models, the Laurel. The case is mainly polished with some fine satin finish. The sapphire crystal is domed, and the bowl-shaped caseback certainly adds to the watch’s thickness. Still, the rounded case construction makes it appear quite slim, so many will consider the series more dressy than casual, with the dial designs supporting the former.

The trio of new references, SPB463, SPB465, and SPB467, stands out with their elegantly curved dials, showcasing intricate textured patterns inspired by traditional Japanese silk fabrics. Each model embraces a distinct hue drawn from Japan’s rich cultural palette. The dial of SPB463 portrays shiro-iro, reminiscent of unbleached natural fabric. At the same time, SPB465 represents a colour inspired by sensaicha, a deep brownish-green shade popular during the Edo Period (1603-1868), characterized, among other things, by stability and flourishing arts and culture. SPB467 adopts araigaki, a washed and bleached persimmon colour (sure to be called salmon among us), lending it a unique and vibrant appeal.

Adding to the allure are the bar-shaped metallic hour indices, a design introduced last year with the launch of Seiko Presage featuring enamel and Urushi dials, elegantly curved to match the rounded contours of the dials. Complementing this aesthetic, the hour and seconds hands, finished in a matching style, gracefully bend towards the markers, creating a harmonious visual balance. The outer minute ring is crisp, and the central seconds hand (note the counterweight shape) at the pointer end seems as thin as the printed markings on the track. The tiny date window at 3 o’clock coexists with the logo above the centre, balanced by the series name and Automatic 3 Days reminder below. Another subtle yet informative detail lies in the calibre mention, discreetly located at the dial’s bottom near the 6 o’clock mark.

These three new Presage Classic timepieces with time and date functionality are driven by the 6R55 automatic movement, visible through the display caseback. Operating at 21,600 vibrations/hour, the calibre 6R55 ensures a substantial 72-hour autonomy and features a gold-coloured rotor for bi-directional winding. The closed dial variations of this sleek Presage Classic series will retail for EUR 1,050.

Quick Facts – 40.2mm diameter x 13mmm thick stainless steel case – exhibition caseback – 100m water-resistance – textured dials with three colour options – hours, minutes, central seconds, date window at 3 o’clock – calibre 6R55, automatic – 21,600 vibrations/hour – 72h power reserve – steel multi-row bracelet with deployant clasp featuring a push-button release mechanism – EUR 1,050

the open-heart SPB 469 & SPB471

While the new Seiko Presage Classic open-heart watches share the same case as the new time and date models, their dials exhibit a distinct finish featuring a radial pattern designed to emulate the texture of raw silk yarn. Despite maintaining identical indices and hands, what sets them apart are the deeply recessed sub-dials for the 24-hour display at 6 o’clock and the aperture into the movement at 9 o’clock, offering these timepieces a different character and feel. The dial of the SPB469 boasts a shiro-iro hue, a tone it shares with the new Presage Classic SPB463 watch, while the SPB471 features sumi-iro, a greyish-black shade historically associated with the garments worn by monks.

The SPB468 and SPB471 are powered by calibre 6R5J with 73 hours of power reserve. Beyond the dial variances, attention is drawn to the newly designed, 1970s-inspired multi-row bracelet adorned with short links, which promises ergonomic comfort with its curved top surface across all five new references. Crafted to please aesthetically and prioritize wearer comfort, the bracelet is equipped with a deployant clasp featuring a push-button release mechanism for secure closure. The open-heart models will be available for a price of EUR 1,230.

Quick Facts – 40.2mm diameter x 13mm thick stainless steel case – exhibition caseback – 100m water-resistance – textured dials with two colour options – hours, minutes, central seconds, 24-hour sub-dial at 6 o’clock – calibre 6R5J, automatic – 21,600 vibrations/hour – 72h power reserve – steel multi-row bracelet with deployant clasp featuring a push-button release mechanism – EUR 1,230.

For more information, visit SeikoWatches.com.