Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Seiko Presage Prestige Line Enamel Dial, now with Spring Drive
Classic design, Japanese artistry and state-of-the-art innovation!
Seiko‘s footprint on classic watchmaking is growing quickly. When the brand launched the Presage collection in 2016, the focus was both on watchmaking, relatively accessible prices and Japanese artistry (with enamel or lacquered dials). Since then, the collection has expanded dramatically with multiple editions and complications. Today marks a strong evolution, with the introduction of the Seiko’s proprietary Spring Drive technology in the Presage line. Meet the new Seiko Presage Prestige Line Enamel Dial Spring Drive SNR037 & SNR039.
The design of these new Seiko Presage Prestige Line watches isn’t the biggest surprise offering the well-balanced recipe of classicism, elegance and heritage that has defined Presage since its introduction. The goal of this collection, which is far from the robust and highly masculine Prospex line, was to showcase Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship – something that could also be said about Grand Seiko, yet in a higher price range.
The case of the references SNR037 and SNR039 is made of steel with super-hard coating, combining polished surfaces and brushed details (top of the lugs). The shape of the case is fairly new though, with straight lugs attached to the case and not integrated into the case bands – as seen for instance on the Shippo Enamel or Arita Porcelain. The design is even more classic and restrained, with a 40mm diameter. The watches are secured to the wrist thanks to handsome Cordovan leather straps with a three-fold clasp and push-button release.
The dials of the Seiko Presage Prestige Line once again pay tribute to Seiko’s origins – with the Laurel watch – and to Japenese craftsmanship. Available in white (SNR037) and black (SNR039), they are simple and vintage, but not the kind of 1960s vintage we’re used to seeing. Stylized Arabic numerals and hands are here to indicate the time. The enamel dials are a tribute to Riki Watanabe, with whom Seiko had collaborated in several projects in the past and who passed away in 2013. To create these watches, Seiko worked with a long-time colleague and friend of Watanabe’s, Mitsuru Yokosawa, to whom he had entrusted the design direction of his work.
As always, the dials are lively and present rich, deep colours, as well as natural imperfections that emphasize the manual work done to create them. Displayed over this enamel plate are the hours, minutes and seconds (centrally), a date at 3 o’clock and a power reserve indicator.
The main novelty for these Seiko Presage Prestige Line is the introduction of Spring Drive technology. We’ve seen it incorporated in the Prospex line recently and it’s clear now that Seiko will deploy it across most of its collections. What is Spring Drive? Basically, a hybrid technology that merges the beauty of a mechanical movement and its perpetual motion, thanks to an automatic winding system, with the precision and reliability of a quartz regulator – with an accuracy of ±1 second per day or ±15 seconds per month. More details about Spring Drive in this review.
The Seiko calibre 5R65 provides 72 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The movement is visible through the case back, with a simple decoration that is much cleaner than the rest of the Presage watches.
The Seiko Presage Prestige Line Enamel Dial Spring Drive SNR037 & SNR039 will be available from October 2019 in selected Seiko boutiques and selected retail stores around the world (non-limited editions). Retail price is expected at EUR 4,650. More details at seikowatches.com.
10 responses
Hhmmm. Too pricey. Unfortunately we are beginning to expect this from New Seiko.
If only they could stop using that power reserv indicator, both on Seiko’s and GS’s.
You certainly did predict this kind of price shenanigans, JAGOTW.
I much prefer the porcelain Presages.
I came extremely close to buying a JDM Presage. Tried it on my wrist, got 12.5% discount and went out to see what else I could get. Wish I’d bought it now! I really think the shine has gone off Seiko for me.
I don’t dislike the dial-side power reserve indicator of the 5R65/9R65(I own a SBGA001 and love it), but it really clashes with this distinct artful style; so does the date with the standard font.
I agree. Of all aspects of watch design, I simply cannot understand why a friggin date wheel is so difficult to get right. I’d estimate that just under 2/3 of all watches get it wrong. This inexplicable problem is present at all levels of watch-making and it drives me nuts.
p.s. It is also one reason why I love digital watches. I know that is Heresy on this site, that a digital watch is supposed to be the preserve of children and people who speak Klingon (side-stepping the whole every-soldier-owns-a-Casio-issue), but I do not ask forgiveness. “I am what I am and what I am….”
🙂
I struggle a bit to know why you would want one of these. It’s really a mechanical /quartz hybrid. I have a seiko kinetic which I bought as a repair project, also a mechanical/quartz hybrid. Now that it’s working it’s a quartz watch which is charged by a weight driving a generator. I got it fully charged and then just left it. It ran for 7 months. It keeps good time. Its appearance as with all watches is personal taste so hard to compare with Presage (which I think looks good).
I personally have great respect for the Spring Drive. I mean, every watch on earth is adjusted and regulated using a piece of computerised kit. Seiko just gave you a nano-sized one with every watch. The techical challenges were enormous. I just don’t think it should by quite so expensive by now. Two grand I can live with. Setting a Presage against Omega, Cartier, Tudor in-house et al is not only ludicrous, but also insulting. Seiko have nothing I need at these prices.
@Phil Spring drive and Kinetic are far different. Sure it’s not an everybody’s thing, but so aren’t mechanical watches.