Seiko's Presage Automatic Chronograph Enamel Dial Limited Edition, has been shortlisted in the pre-selection for the prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve 2016 in the 'Petit Aiguille' category. The final selection will be announced at the Awards ceremony in November this year.

The Presage Automatic Chronograph Enamel Dial, draws its inspiration from Seiko’s and Japan’s first ever wrist watch, the Laurel, which was released in 1913. Both its overall design and its enamel dial echo this famous original. It uses the 8R48 chronograph caliber, which has both vertical clutch and column wheel systems, and incorporates Seiko’s unique three-pointed hammer to ensure the perfect synchronization of the hands’ return-to-zero. It is offered in an edition of 1,000 in celebration of Seiko’s 60 years of automatic watch making.

For over a century, Seiko has developed and refined its mechanical watchmaking skills. Today, all this experience comes together in a new, all-mechanical, collection named Presage. Presage has already been successful in Japan and selected other markets for some time. Now Presage has gone global and takes centre stage as Seiko’s leading mechanical watch collection.

In 1913, Seiko made its first mechanical watch. In 1956, Seiko made its first automatic watch. In 1958 Seiko created its shock resistant system, Diashock, to preserve precision when the movement is subject to impact. In 1959, Seiko invented the Magic Lever spring winding mechanism, and in 1964, it started producing balance springs in-house, utilizing its own specially developed alloy, Spron. In 1967, Seiko created Japan’s first hi-beat caliber. In 1969, Seiko made the world’s first automatic chronograph with vertical clutch and column wheel systems and in 2014 Seiko’s mechanical watchmaking skills were rewarded with a prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève for its hi-beat caliber.

The long-lasting beauty of fine enamel
The beauty, depth and subtle texture of the enamel dial is self-evident, but what makes this model so special is the fact that each dial is made by skilled craftsmen, led by Mitsuru Yokozawa who ensures that the colour of the enamel will last for decades, just as the dial on the 1913 Laurel has done. The finishing of any enamel can easily be affected by weather and humidity, and it is very difficult to control the precise thickness of the enamel as it is laid down on each dial. To meet these challenges requires the very highest levels of skill, and Seiko is honoured to have Mr. Yokozawa in charge of the finish of every enamel dial for Presage. Only the most exclusive, traditional Japanese craftsmanship will do for this special Presage Limited Edition.

The pure, deep black of Urushi lacquer

Craftsmanship of a very different nature but of the same high quality gives the lacquer dial its deep black luster. The dials are made in the studio of master craftsman Isshu Tamura in Kanazawa, on the western side of Honshu, Japan’s main island, using the centuries old art of Urushi which allows the creation of lacquer whose black colour is almost magically deep and which gets harder and stronger as
the years pass. The dials are painted and polished by hand several times. It is time-consuming and challenging work, but it is the traditional and best way to create the perfect black colour. For Presage, only perfection will do.

Presage: A wide range of calibers, designs and tastes Presage is a collection of broad appeal. It comprises 60 models and uses the full range of Seiko’s mechanical calibers, from the accessible 4R, through 6R to the exclusive 8R. Highlights include the 6R27 multi-hand power reserve model and a series using an entirely new version of the 4R57 caliber. This new caliber is Seiko’s first ever with a center power reserve indicator, and is available in a series of five designs, including a limited edition. Every Presage watch has 10 bar water resistance and a sapphire crystal.
Japan is a land with a long and unbroken cultural history and therefore values tradition very highly. Long-lasting beauty and long-lasting performance express the deep desires of Japanese culture and are therefore at the heart of Japanese craftsmanship. Both in design and manufacturing values, Presage belongs firmly in this tradition and offers the very highest levels of reliability and durability over time. Each Presage watch is built to last for generations.

Seiko Automatic Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Editions: SRQ019, SRQ021

Caliber 8R48, Automatic Chronograph
Chronograph up to 12 hours
Column wheel and vertical clutch systems
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: approximately 45 hours
Jewels: 34 jewels

Specifications:
Stainless steel case
Enamel dial (SRQ019), Urushi lacquer dial (SRQ021)
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Diameter: 42.0 mm
Thickness: 15.2mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Limited edition of 1,000 pcs each

Multi-hand Automatic: SPB041
Caliber 6R27
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: approximately 45 hours
Jewels: 29 jewels
Specifications:
Stainless steel case
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Diameter: 40.5mm, Thickness: 13.1mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release

Automatic with center power reserve indicator: SSA303
Caliber 4R57
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: approximately 41 hours
Jewels: 29 jewels
Specifications:
Stainless steel case
Sapphire crystal
Diameter: 42.00mm, Thickness: 14.0mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release