The New Seiko Presage Style60’s GMT Limited Edition SSK015

The history of Seiko comprises multiple milestones. Founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori, and primarily manufacturing pocket watches, the first wristwatch from Japan was presented in 1913. Named the Laurel – a watch re-edited in a modernized way recently with the SPB359 – this watch was the first of a long series of important models. This year, the Japanese brand is celebrating the 110th anniversary of its first wristwatch. To commemorate this, Seiko is today releasing several timepieces from the Presage, Prospex, Astron, and 5 Sports collections. And we start by looking at the new Seiko Presage Style60’s GMT Limited Edition SSK015.

While the connection between the 1913 Laurel and its re-edition, the reference SPB359, was easy to understand, this new Presage Style60’s GMT only mirrors its design to a very limited degree. It’s more about the tone of the dial, the accents on the hands or the style of the strap than anything else. Nevertheless, Seiko is giving us here a nice new take on a watch that was introduced earlier this year, with the GMT references SSK009, SSK011 and SSK013.

This new model is part of the Presage Style60’s collection, released in 2021 and intended to become the brand’s vintage-inspired, slightly elegant offer in a relatively accessible price range, next to the more high-end Craftsmanship and Sharp Edged series. First presented with a time-and-date or an open-heart movement, this watch modelled after the important 1964 Crown watch, has since been updated with more style and functions, including a practical GMT function.

Technically speaking and design-wise, the new GMT Limited Edition SSK015 is identical to the three models mentioned above. This means an angular, relatively compact case with vintage flair thanks to its slim lugs, straight casebands, sharp bezel and box-shaped (Hadlex) crystal on top. Brushed with polished accents, the case measures 40.8mm x 13mm, with a 47mm lug-to-lug distance – compact enough for daily wear – and incorporates a fixed bezel. Replacing the contrasting 24h insert of the 3 standard models, the SSK015 comes with a monotone metallic 24h scale that, however, features two different textures (brushed and honeycomb) to differentiate day and night. Overall, a brighter, slightly more instrument-like look.

The dial, with its two-tone effect, is here presented in a nice warm silver tone. Legibility has been at the heart of the design with contrasting elements and large luminous sections. The hour markers are faceted and polished, and applied over a contrasting chapter ring. Blocks of LumiBrite are found next to them. The main distinctive element of this SSK015 is the blue tone of the hours and minutes hands, a colour that is also found on the tip of the GMT hand. Note that we’re here talking about an office or caller GMT function, with the 24h hand independently adjustable.

Inside the case is the well-known and reliable in-house calibre 4R34. This automatic movement, visible under a transparent back, beats at 3Hz and stores up to 41 hours of energy. This new GMT limited edition is worn on a NATO-style brown leather strap, which echoes the strap found on the 1913 Laurel watch.

Released in 3,500 pieces and available from October 2023, the Seiko Presage Style60’s GMT SSK015 will be priced at EUR 670. For more details, please consult www.seikowatches.com.