Jamie Weiss
One of the things that makes Seiko an interesting brand is that they’re not afraid to flaunt their Japanese identity. This is most evident in their watch dials, which often pay homage to different elements of Japanese nature and culture. One of their finest watches is the Presage Arita ware, which features a dial made from a single piece of lustrous white porcelain – a modern celebration of Japan’s long tradition of producing fine ceramics.
Seiko has released a number of Arita porcelain watches in the past, but the new SPB445 may be their best yet. Complex yet focused, its symmetrical layout and clean aesthetic make for a very appealing package.
Incident
If I found anyone unhappy with the Seiko Presage case, I’d be considered an incorrigible watch skeptic. Seiko Presage cases feature a classic look and a beautiful mix of polished and brushed finishes that are not inoffensive. At 40.6mm, the SPB445 is fairly versatile, but the lugs are quite long, at 49.1mm lug-to-lug. However, it does feature a deep curve that helps the watch sit comfortably on the wrist.
Dial
The dial of the Seiko Presage SPB445 is made from a single slab of Arita ware and is the star of the show here. Arita is a city in northwest Kyushu that has been considered the spiritual home of Japanese porcelain craftsmanship for over 400 years. The porcelain used in these Presage dials is unique. Developed by master craftsman Hiroyuki Hashiguchi, the porcelain is extremely durable, thick, and glossy, and the dials are triple fired and hand glazed.
The dial of the SPB445 in particular has beautiful fluting between the indexes and hands, and a recessed 24-hour subdial at 6 o’clock – a design never before seen on an Arita porcelain watch. The dial is a pleasure to look at, with the thick porcelain glaze creating a cream enamel effect, and the blued hands and appliqués reminiscent of the fine porcelain exported from Arita to Europe at the height of porcelain’s popularity.
bracelet
The Seiko Presage SPB445 has two rows of thin polished links flanked by brushed links, with the outer links having polished ends. There’s not much to complain about here. Some Seiko bracelets can be a bit disappointing, but the SPB445’s bracelet is impeccably beautiful. The butterfly clasp keeps the watch securely on your wrist.
motion
The Seiko Presage SPB445 is powered by Caliber 6R5H, a new movement from Seiko that debuted in the Presage Kintaro Hattori SPB441 released late last year. This movement features a funky 24-hour hand, vibrates at a rather leisurely 3Hz, and has a weekend-ready power reserve of 72 hours or 3 days (as indicated on the dial). The 24-hour hand is a bit of a weird complication; it’s not completely useless, but I think a movement with a second time zone (or date hand) in the 6 o’clock subdial would make more sense. Oh well.
Verdict
I’m already a big fan of Seiko’s Arita-yaki Presage watches, and I particularly love the symmetry of the SPB445’s dial. The fluted pattern also complements the beautiful rounded depth and finish of the porcelain dial, adding to its appeal.
Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Arita Ware SPB445 Price and Availability
The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Arita Ware SPB445 is expected to be widely available from July 2024. Price: USD 1,900, AUD 2,990
Brand Seiko Model Presage Craftsmanship Series Arita ware Reference number SPB445 Case size 40.6mm (D) x 12.5mm (T) x 49.1mm (LTL) Case material Stainless steel with super hard coating Water resistance 100m Crystal Sapphire crystal front and back Dial White “white porcelain” Arita ware Lug width 20mm Bracelet Multi-row bracelet, butterfly clasp Movement Caliber 6R5H, in-house, automatic Power reserve 72 hours Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, 24-hour hand Expected release date July 2024 onwards Price US$1,900, A$2,990
