The Seiko Presage Classic Series x Tradman’s Bonsai Limited Edition HCC009J1

Since its international relaunch in 2016, the Seiko Presage collection, for decades available only to Japanese customers, has become the brand’s showcase of the country’s traditional aesthetics and craftsmanship, offering enamel, porcelain, and urushi-lacquer dials. The recently introduced Presage Classic Series comprise vintage-inspired everyday watches, and the new Seiko Presage Classic is created with Tradman’s Bonsai, the Tokyo-based collective dedicated to reinterpreting bonsai for a contemporary audience. The new HCC009J1 takes its inspiration from a Japanese black pine illuminated by moonlight, translating this iconic scene into colour, texture and carefully considered details.

The watch is housed in the compact 38mm Presage Classic Series case, with a coin-edged bezel and oversized fluted crown, finished in gold-coloured PVD-coated stainless steel. Measuring 12.9mm in height with a 43.8mm lug-to-lug distance, the case combines polished and brushed surfaces with softly rounded lines that give the watch an elegant, vintage character. A domed sapphire crystal, the exhibition caseback, engraved with “Limited Edition” and the individual serial number, complete the package. Water resistance is 100m.

The dial of this special edition is finished in matsuba-iro, or pine needle green, a traditional Japanese colour associated with longevity and good fortune. It features an entirely new texture inspired by the rugged bark of an aged Japanese black pine. The elaborate relief catches the light differently at different viewing angles, creating noticeable depth while maintaining the understated elegance of the Presage Classic Series. Gold-toned applied bar-shaped indices (double index at 12) and polished alpha-shaped hands complement the warm colour palette. The flange bears the markings for the minutes/seconds, and the central seconds hand features a spearhead-shaped counterweight.

The watch is powered by Seiko’s in-house calibre 6R51, which runs at 21,600 vibrations/hour and delivers a generous 72 hours of power reserve. The seven-row gold PVD-coated bracelet follows the Classic Series design, with short, rounded links and a concealed triple-fold clasp for excellent comfort. Seiko also includes an additional brown leather strap, embossed on its underside with the traditional sanko-matsu pine needle motif.

Combining the restrained elegance of the Presage Classic Series with the symbolism of bonsai, the HCC009J1 offers another thoughtful interpretation of Japanese culture through watchmaking. Limited to 2,000 pieces, the price is EUR 1,400.

For more information, please visit SeikoWatches.com.