Early Baselworld 2017: Seiko’s Presage Enamel Collection

Seiko earned accolades last year when it debuted its Presage series of well-priced chronographs with enamel and Urushi (lacquer) dials. This week, with an eye on creating a similar buzz at the upcoming Baselworld (which opens on March 23), Seiko launches a new Presage collection using the same enamel dials and a range of Seiko’s own mechanical calibers.

Unlike last year’s models however, these new steel-cased Presage pieces are not limited in number. Available in September 2017, the four new Presage watches replica use three different Seiko calibers. One 42mm model utilizes an automatic column-wheel chronograph, the second (a 40.5mm model) features a multi-hand automatic caliber and automatic three-hand movement power two additional models. All draw their design inspiration from two early Seiko creations, namely the Seiko 1913 enamel-dialed Laurel (Seiko’s and Japan’s first wristwatch) and a Seiko “Time Keeper” pocket watch from 1895.

To echo those earlier watches replica, this new Presage series offers collectors white dials made of enamel by Seiko’s master craftsman Mitsuru Yokozawa and his team. Seiko’s enameling process is fascinating, and you can learn more about at: seikowatches.com.

Prices, still only set in euros, begin at approximately $1,170 for the round-cased automatic model and rise to about $2,800 for the column-wheel chronograph. iW will have much more about the Seiko Presage collection and all Seiko’s 2017 debuts in March during and following Baselworld.

Seiko Presage Enamel Collection
Specifications and Prices (in euros)

Automatic Chronograph: SRQ023
Seiko Caliber 8R48
Chronograph up to 12 hours, column wheel and vertical clutch
system. Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 45 hours. Number of jewels: 34
Specifications
Stainless steel case, Enamel dial
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw see-through case back
Diameter: 42.0mm, Thickness: 14.9mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: 2,650 Euro

Multi-hand Automatic: SPB045
Seiko Caliber 6R27
Three hands with calendar and power reserve sub-dial
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Number of jewels: 29
Specifications
Stainless steel case, Enamel dial
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw see-through case back
Diameter: 40.5mm, Thickness: 12.8mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: 1,300 Euro

Automatic: SPB047, 049
Caliber 6R15
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 50 hours
Number of jewels: 23

Model: SPB047
Stainless steel case, Enamel dial
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw see-through case back
Diameter: 40.5mm, Thickness: 12.4mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: 1,100 Euro

Model SPB049
Stainless steel case, Enamel dial
Dual-cylinder sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Vertical: 46.0mm, Horizontal: 35.9mm, Thickness: 12.5mm
Water resistance: 5 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: 1,300 Euro