Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Kabuki SPB329 & SPB331 (Live Pics & Price)
A new series that adapts the traditional Japanese art of Kabuki to the modern age.
Since its introduction in 2020, the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series has featured a creative combination of Japanese culture and modern design. The classic models, materialized with these watches, came in various colours inspired by Japanese nature, and mostly with a texture taken from Asanoha, or hemp leaf pattern, a popular motif used in Japanese culture. Now, Seiko launches two new models that pay homage to the enduring longevity of Kabuki, a Japanese form of theater that has its roots in the 17th century Edo period and is still popular today, and done in collaboration with Ebizo Ichikawa, one of Japan’s most influential Kabuki actors. Meet the bold, colourful and new Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Kabuki Limited Editions SPB329 and SPB331.
There are many known elements in the new Kabuki series, these two new models being based on existing watches – precisely the classic time-and-date that was first launched in 2020, and the calendar/power reserve edition presented earlier this year. As such, we find the common traits of the collection, with sharp cases and textured dials. There’s a certain Grand Seiko vibe in this collection, which can be seen in the overall shape of the case as well as in the details of the dial and hands. Modern and powerful, this is an appealing collection that today gains in audacity with two boldly coloured limited editions.
The first in line is the reference SPB331, also known as the time-and-date version. The most compact of the two, it comes in a 39.3mm case with a relatively thin case of 11mm. Classic features of the collection are still present, such as the neatly defined lines of the case, the thin bezel, the combination of brushed and polished surfaces and the presence of a sapphire crystal as well as a comfortable 100m water-resistance.
This new Kabuki series is all about contrasting colours. The case is here treated with black hard coating and matched with a smooth black leather strap. The strap features discreet touches of colours, with red stitching and lining, a subtle nod to the Edo period when it was forbidden to wear vivid colours in public. The dial, on the other hand, doesn’t hide its vivid tones. The classic Japanese hemp leaf pattern known as Asanoha is still present, and combined with a deep red-brown colour known as Kakiiro, often used in Kabuki costumes. The dial has a gradient effect with darker periphery and the hands and applied markers are gold-coloured. On this time-and-date version, the inner flange with minute scale is also gold toned.
Inside this version is the calibre 6R35, a mid-range automatic movement running at 3Hz and storing 70 hours of power reserve. It is visible under a see-through caseback. This Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Kabuki SPB331 is a limited edition of 2,000 pieces. It will be available in October at a price of EUR 1,050.
The second watch in this new Presage Sharp Edged Kabuki series is the reference SPB329. Visually, it shares most elements with the aforementioned time-and-date watch – black coated case, red-brown gradient dial, gold-coloured hands/markers, black leather strap with red accents. However, it brings more complications on its dial, and also slightly different proportions.
This Sharp Edged Kabuki SPB329 relies on Seiko’s classic power reserve and calendar display, with a date by hand at 6 o’clock, a week-day indication at 3 o’clock and a power gauge at 9 o’clock. The case is also slightly larger, now measuring 40.2mm in diameter and 12.2mm in height. Inside the case is the automatic calibre 6R21, which runs at 4Hz and stores up to 45 hours of energy when fully wound. This Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Kabuki SPB329 is a limited edition of 2,000 pieces. It will be available in October at a price of EUR 1,200.
For more details, please visit www.seikowatches.com.
