Seiko Adds New And Bolder Watches To The Presage Style 60s Collection (Live Pics & Price)

While most are familiar with the rugged and purpose-built watches of the Prospex collection, Seiko also knows how to make more elegant and classically-designed watches. This is the mission of the Presage collection, a range that became global in 2016 and that has expanded drastically over the years. As a departure from the traditional “Japanese artistry” models we’ve come to expect from this collection, Seiko launched a sportier and retro-styled range last year named Presage Style 60s, a more accessible follow-up to the watches inspired by the 1964 Crown Chronograph. After the Power Reserve model we’ve seen earlier this year, it’s time now for the classic Date and Open Heart version to meet new colours, with the references SRPH93J1, SRPH95J1 & SSA453J1.

Background

The Seiko Presage Style 60s Collection is directly modelled after a series of higher-end limited editions, namely the SRQ031 of 2019 and the SPB127J1, SPB131J1 and SPB129J1 of 2020. All of these watches have something in common, and that’s their inspiration. All watches with this style are modelled after a historically important piece, the Seiko Crown Chronograph of 1964. Japan’s first wrist chronograph, equipped with the Calibre 5719, it was the first step in the construction of a collection of sports timing wristwatches, which culminated with the launch of its first automatic chronograph in 1969.

The Crown Chronograph was a rather surprising model, with a monopusher style and a dial with no sub-counters, only displaying the elapsed seconds centrally. This 38mm steel watch featured a blackened rotating bezel and, to measure intervals of more than one minute, the wearer first had to rotate the bezel to point the 12 o’clock triangle in front of the minute hand. What remained though in the different 2020 and 2021 limited edition watches, is the overall look of the dial with its distinctive applied markers and hands, its multi-textured surface, its sharp case and its black bezel.

The Presage Style 60s SRPH93J1

The date version of the Seiko Presage Style 60s has already been released in 4 different editions – SRPG03J1 (white dial, black bezel, gold accents), SRPG05J1 (blue dial and bezel), SRPG07J1 (green dial and bezel) and SRPG09J1 (black dial and bezel). Seiko adds this year a new edition that can be seen as a variation around the SRPG03J1, yet with a bit more audacity in the style.

Basically, nothing has changed on the technical side, with the same specifications as before. The Presage Style 60s SRPH93J1 shares the same case as previous versions, with a pleasant 40.8mm diameter, a 12mm height and a L2L of 47mm. The design is classic and pays tribute to the Crown Chronograph, with its angular lugs, its brushed surfaces and a box-shaped Hardlex crystal on top. Its external bezel with a 60-minute scale is, however, fixed. The water-resistance is rated at 50 metres.

The dial is where the Presage Style 60s impresses the most. Directly inspired by the 1964 Chronograph, it shows several textures and a nice combination of faceted markers and sharp luminous hands. The new SRPH93J1 differs from the rest of the collection with its silvery-white dial, its silver-coloured accents and a bezel with a metallic insert coloured in burgundy. Overall, a very nice colour combination.

Inside the case is Seiko’s entry-level automatic calibre 4R35, with a 3Hz frequency and 41h of power reserve. It’s visible under a see-through caseback, with a rather industrial look (in line with the price range). This version is worn on a 3-link stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp and push-button release. This new reference SRPH93J1 is now available from retailers and isn’t limited. It is priced at EUR 540.

Quick facts: 40.8mm x 12mm – steel case, brushed – Hardlex crystal – 50m water-resistance – silver dial, burgundy bezel – Calibre 4R35, automatic – steel bracelet with folding clasp – now available – EUR 540

The “Stealth” Presage Style 60s SRPH95J1

In addition to the nice red-coloured model presented above, Seiko adds another new member to the Presage Style 60s family, this time with a dark and bold look. The SRPH95J1 “Stealth” is all about black, from head to strap. The case, which is identical in proportions at 40.8mm x 12mm, has a black “titanium carbon” coating, matched with an equally black metallic insert for the bezel.

The dark theme continues on the dial, entirely black-toned, even the date disc. Hands and markers are silver-coloured, for good contrast and the watch is worn on a NATO-like black leather strap. Altogether, a quite tasty look that adds a touch of modernity to an otherwise retro-styled watch. Inside is the same movement as above, the Calibre 4R35. This new Seiko Presage Style 60s Stealth SRPH95J1 is now available, isn’t limited and retails at EUR 590.

Quick facts: 40.8mm x 12mm – steel case, brushed, black coated – Hardlex crystal – 50m water-resistance – black dial, black bezel – Calibre 4R35, automatic – NATO-like leather strap with black coated hardware – now available – EUR 590

The Presage Style 60s Open Heart SSA453J1

In addition to the 4 Date versions presented last year, Seiko also introduced 3 models with so-called open-heart dials, revealing the watch’s regulating organ. Previously available with an ivory dial (SSA423J1), a black dial (SSA425J1) or in brown with a gold PVD case (SSA426J1), there’s now a more modern and sportier edition joining the family.

The new SSA453J1 remains identical to last year’s models when it comes to the specifications. Its case is 40.8mm in diameter with a thickness of 12.8mm, with a box-shaped Hardlex crystal and a 50m water-resistance. Design-wise, it shares a lot of elements with the date versions above, however, the dial has been transformed so the balance wheel of the movement is now visible. Inside is the same base movement too, but here named 4R39 and still running at 3Hz and with 41h power reserve. One important difference, it features a 24-hour sub-counter, used as a night/day indicator.

For this year, the Presage Style 60s Open Heart is now available with a blue dial and blue bezel, and worn on a rather cool distressed NATO-like beige leather strap. This new reference SSA453J1 is now available from retailers, isn’t limited and retails for EUR 590.

Quick facts: 40.8mm x 12.8mm – steel case, brushed – Hardlex crystal – 50m water-resistance – blue open-heart dial, blue bezel – Calibre 4R39, automatic – NATO-like leather strap in beige – now available – EUR 590

For more details, please visit www.seikowatches.com.