As a brand, Seiko is undeniably prolific. Its well accepted that the Japanese watch brand surprises its fans and critics with new and exciting models often. As one of their last launches of the year, the brand has presented a new feminine take on Presage. Though Seiko has previously brought out women’s Presage models, the new Seiko Eternal additions truly embody the philosophy of the Presage line.
At the core of Seiko’s Presage collection lay the principles of Japanese design and sensibility. Coupled with precise Japanese mechanical timekeeping, Seiko’s presage watches achieve a look many other watchmakers strive for but often fail to reach. The models from the line stand out with their timeless silhouettes and understated, yet elegant, designs. The Seiko Presage Eternal models are no different. There are three Eternal watches in total, with a legend-inspired limited edition spearheading the series.
Seiko is once again working with talented craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa and his team to create the enamel dials for the watches. The team’s skill and expertise is evident from the level of detail and care put into each dial. Treating each piece individually is the secret behind the longevity and high quality of the dials.
Inspired by a Story of the Moon
Seiko is known for taking inspiration from Japanese culture. For the creation of this delicate moon-inspired limited edition, the brand has once again turned towards traditional Japanese media. The watch’s design is based on “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”. The story is considered the oldest surviving work in the monogatari form.
The story tells of a bamboo cutter and his wife who find a tiny baby inside a bamboo stalk. Eventually, the baby grows into a beautiful young woman who reveals she is a princess and returns to her kingdom on the moon.
Seiko Presage Eternal Limited Edition Watch SPB236J1
The limited edition watch from the Eternal series showcases these celestial motifs through the choice of dial design and colour scheme. The model’s showstopping dial shows two types of hour markers. A crescent moon shape is positioned on the dial between 1 and 7 o’clock. The hour-markers which fall within the crescent shape are gold-coloured Roman numerals, while the rest of the indices are white batons. The blue night sky-inspired dial has many subtle whimsical elements. One of them is that when the Roman numerals partially extend past the moon shape they become white batons. In addition the gold second hand has a crescent moon as a counterweight. To add to the sense of depth the outline of the crescent moon and the gold hour-markers have been printed more than 9 times.
The case of the watch is gold-plated. It measures 34.3 mm in diameter. The crown of the watch is set with a 0.05 carat diamond. A dual-curved sapphire crystal covers the eye-caching dial. To highlight the luxurious nature of this limited edition, the watch has a blue crocodile leather strap. The strap closes with a three-fold clasp and has a push button release. Powering the timepiece is an automatic movement with calibre 6R31 and a power reserve of 70 hours. In addition the watch has a magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m as well as a water resistance up to 5 bars.
The watch is limited to 1000 pieces.
The Main Presage Eternal Watches
Though the watches from the main Presage Eternal line do not have as many overt celestial-inspired elements, the models are still eye-catching. Throughout the line, Seiko has chosen to emphasise the model’s delicate nature through more subtle colour choices and lines. As with the limited edition model, all watches withing the main line also feature a diamond set into the crown.
Both models are powered by an automatic movement with a power reserve of up to 70 hours. The models are also water resistant up to 5 bars or 50 meters.
Seiko Presage Eternal Blue Leather Strap SPB234J1
This model is similar in appearance to the limited edition. The enamel dial is in the colour “Shiro” meaning “white”. With this colour choice, the brand is seeking to represent authenticity. A set of blue leaf-shaped hands and blue Roman-numerals contrast the dial. The watch also has a gold-coloured second hand with a crescent moon as a counterweight. The dial is protected by a dual-curved sapphire crystal. The case, similarly to the limited edition, is plated in a yellow gold colour. A blue leather strap made of calf leather secures the watch. The watch features a three-fold clasp with push button release.
Seiko Presage Eternal Brown Leather Strap SPB233J1
This model from the series has a much more subtle aesthetic. The case of the watch is stainless steel. A classic brown calf leather strap guarantees comfort to the wearer. It also closes with a three fold clasp. The iconic Japanese elegance the Presage collection is known for is accentuated by the “Sakura” coloured dial. The colour means “cherry blossom pink” and is used to represent optimism as well as renewal. Brown Roman numerals and brown leaf-shaped hands tie in the design. The watch also has a dual-curved sapphire covering the dial.
What do you think of Seiko’s new feminine take on Presage? Let us know in the comments below.
