Today, Seiko has announced a surprise Seiko Prospex and Presage launch. This release will be very exciting to fans of the brand as it includes four limited-edition timepieces. Today’s launch features new additions to both the Prospex and Presage families, ensuring that there is something for everyone. All six of the latest models are now available for pre-order for official release in June. If you are excited about this surprise Seiko Prospex and Presage launch, keep reading to learn more about these exciting new additions!
Brand New Prospex Models
Seiko has introduced three new models to its iconic Prospex collection. Each of the timepieces is a modern re-interpretation of the 1968 diver’s watch. It is inspired by Japan’s first hi-beat one-piece diver’s watch created by Seiko. The success of the original model paved the way for over sixty years of Seiko’s diverse watch development. The brand has a history of producing wearable, precise watches for recreational and professional divers.
Each of the new timepieces features a bracelet that is sure to fit comfortably due to a low centre of gravity. They are the first of Seiko’s diving watches to feature a mechanical GMT functionality, allowing this timeless design to appeal to a whole new audience. A high-quality scratch-resistant Japanese diving scale and water resistance of up to 20 bar solidify the diver’s watch status of these watches. Each timepiece is equipped with a calibre 6R54 automatic movement that provides up to 72 hours of power reserve.
The New Prospex Models
This new GMT Prospex style is available in three bold colourways. The first is aptly named ‘Marine Green’ (SPB381J1) and exhibits a striking shade of green that is sure to stand out on the wrist. The second is a classic and timeless shade of black that Seiko is calling ‘Dark Depths’ (SPB383J1). The final model is limited to just 4,000 pieces worldwide. It is named ‘Glacier Blue’ (SPB385J1) and is inspired by the ice of Antarctica, expressing the accumulation of time. The dial exhibits a three-dimensional pattern and colour with over 2,000 surfaces to express the natural formations of glaciers. This limited edition model also comes with a grey fabric NATO strap that is made from 100% recycled bottles.
New Limited Edition Presage Watches
These three brand-new Presage models commemorate 110 years of Seiko wristwatch-making expertise. They are inspired by Japan’s – and Seiko’s – first-ever wristwatch, The Laurel. The new enamel watches are all inspired by the 1913 original in different ways. The original was a class timepiece with an enamelled dial and a signature red marker at 12 o’clock.
Seiko watchmakers pride themselves on drawing on local history, culture and their surroundings. The Prresage Craftsmanship Series celebrates the Japanese ‘Takumi’. These are timepieces which are individually hand-crafted by master artisans to combine Seiko’s latest watch-making techniques with traditional artistry. The enamelling on each limited edition dial is undertaken by Japanese Takumi craftspeople by hand.
Each of the new models features sapphire glass to protect the handmade dials. The stainless steel case of each watch houses a calibre 6R24 automatic movement that provides up to 41 hours of power reserve. Each of the three watches features a leather strap that is sourced from Japan’s Leather Working Group. This is a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to responsibly made sustainable leather production. Each of the three timepieces is limited to just 1,500 pieces worldwide.
The New Limited Edition Presage Models
The first of the three new models, the Laurel Enamel (SPB393J1) has the most similar design to the original Laurel. It features a white enamel dial with a red marker at 12 o’clock. The dial also exhibits day and date sub-dials. This timepiece is finished with a black leather strap.
The Laurel Urushi (SPB395J1) exhibits a unique copper-toned ‘Kanazawa Urushi’ dial. This is created using an Urushi lacquering technique. This involves layer upon layer of lacquer being applied by hand to create a sense of depth. Urushi lacquer is obtained from the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree. This model is completed with a brown leather strap.
The final of the three new models is named the Laurel Arita (SPB397J1). The porcelain dial of this model is created using a method of traditional Japanese craftsmanship that was formed in the mountainous area of Arita, Japan. This technique began over four centuries ago when high-quality porcelain clay was discovered. The porcelain is prized for its unique white-blue colour. The technique requires great patience through a multistage process and several phases of firing. This model is secured using a brown leather strap.
What are your thoughts on the surprise Seiko Prospex and Presage launch? Which of the new models has caught your eye? Let us know in the comments!