Inspiration comes from tradition and the bottom of a glass. Seiko has taken inspiration from both. The SPB447 from the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series features a lustrous lacquer dial and a GMT function that displays two time zones. Seiko will also launch two new Presage Cocktail Time models, inspired by Tokyo’s night view and featuring a dial depicting “Nighttime Tokyo,” an original cocktail created by Star Bar owner Kishi Hisashi.
It’s important to do things in the right order, so before we savor the two new Presage Cocktail Time models, let’s first examine the fine craftsmanship that made the SPB447 possible, part of the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series, a watch from a collection that highlights traditional Japanese techniques by showcasing the beauty of mechanical wristwatches. The SPB447 combines a functional GMT complication with a rich, intricate dial that will have you coming back to it again and again.
Introducing the Seiko Presage SPB447 with a lacquer dial
Long before Seiko had the grand idea of using lacquer on watch dials, the technique has existed since ancient times. Most commonly, this lacquer was used as a coating for bowls, plates and other tableware. Not only does lacquer have attractive qualities, it is also an extremely durable natural material. Seiko produces the lacquer dials of its Craftsmanship Series using innovative manufacturing methods that combine metal and lacquer with traditional techniques. The result is an incredibly smooth surface that reflects light most delicately.
Kazuhide Tamura at work
The lacquer for the watches needs to be thick enough to give them a beautiful shine, yet thin enough not to interfere with the movement of the hands. This can only be achieved with skilled craftsmanship. So Seiko turned to lacquer artist Tamura Kazuhide, an expert in the traditional Kaga Maki-e technique from Kanazawa, 500 kilometers northwest of Tokyo.
The dial of the SPB447 is made of multiple layers of lacquer that are polished dozens of times, which gives it a unique depth of luster. The muted gold color of the GMT hand enhances the delicate brilliance of the luxurious lacquer dial, as does the gold-tone 24-hour scale on the outer edge of the hour markers. The white raised bar indexes, hour and minute hands, and mirror-finished seconds hand ensure the best contrast with the black dial.
Specs and sustainable leather
The SPB447’s hard-coated steel case is 40.5mm in diameter and comes with a leather strap produced by a Leather Working Group certified tannery. LWG is a non-profit organization committed to sustainable leather production. Inside the watch, an automatic 6R54 movement ticks away. This 3Hz caliber has a 72-hour power reserve and is the so-called Office/Cohler GMT. Other details to know are the use of Lumibrite on the hands and indexes, as well as the dual-curved sapphire glass with an anti-reflective coating on the inside. In addition, the watch comes with a screw-down see-through caseback and the strap has a folding clasp with push-button release. The SPB447 from the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series is priced at 1,850 euros.
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar Limited Edition (2 servings)
If you are a Seiko aficionado, Seiko House in Tokyo and Ginza is a must-visit place. After visiting the flagship store with its distinctive clock tower, you will want a drink. How about a nice cocktail to digest the overwhelming number of watches you have just seen? It is only a 7-minute walk from Seiko House to Star Bar at 1-5-13 Ginza. The bar serves an original cocktail called “Night Time Tokyo” created by the owner, Hisashi Kishi. Kishi is the first bartender to win the prestigious Contemporary Master Craftsman Award in Japan. You may have seen two watches inspired by this drink at Seiko House. By the way, Night Time Tokyo is made by mixing 2 parts rum, 1 part triple sec, 5 parts orange juice, a dash of lemon-lime soda, and 2 parts orange bitters.
SRPK93
SRPK93
The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar Limited Edition features a midnight-inspired dial. It is connected to a subtle pattern and a slightly lighter gray gradient. And for contrast, the gold-colored hands and indexes mimic the night lights of Tokyo. Seiko will produce 9,000 pieces of the 40.5mm SRPK93, priced at 560 euros each. The watch uses the automatic caliber 4R35. The 30.5mm SRE015 will be limited to 6,000 pieces and will cost 660 euros. The inside of its steel case is better than the automatic caliber 2R05. If you look closely, you will notice faceted cuts on the inside of the box-shaped glass around and on the dial. It is debatable whether it imitates ice cubes in a tumbler or diamonds. Both Presage Cocktail Time Star Bar Limited Editions are water resistant to 50 meters and use Hardlex crystal.
SRPK93
SRE015
Coming soon
The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series SPB447 and Cocktail Time Star Bar LE SRPK93 and SRE015 will be available worldwide from October 1, 2024. So, is it time to master the art of lacquer, or are you interested in something inspired by the artistic creations of master bartenders?
