Enamelware, lacquer, Arita porcelain, cloisonne, and other traditional craftsmen are combined in the Seiko Presage craftsmanship series in a watch. Four new limited edition models will be released on June 23, 2023.
Limited edition of 4 pieces incorporating traditional Japan techniques
2023 will mark 110 years since the completion of Japan’s first wristwatch “Laurel” in 1913. Since then, he has released a number of innovative watches.
Under such circumstances, the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series, which shines a light on the traditional crafts of Japan and transmits the beauty of Japan with mechanical watches, features a distinctive dial. The dials that are expressed by making full use of the techniques of the traditional crafts of enamelware, lacquer, Arita porcelain, and cloisonne, which have developed together with the local community, are all tasteful.
Enamelware dial model
Enamelware was also used in the dial of Seiko’s first wristwatch “Laurel” made in Japan. It has a warm white color and a fresh luster, and continues to maintain its beauty even after 110 years.
Enamelware, which is durable enough to be used in cooking utensils, is fired at a high temperature by applying a glaze made from year, pure water, glass, etc. with very few impurities to the dial of an iron-based material.
The enamelware dial, which requires high skill, such as mixing the ratio of each component of the glaze depending on the temperature and humidity, is handled by enamelware craftsman Mitsuru Yokozawa. It has the ability to see through the finish in increments of only 0.01 mm on the coating surface.
Seiko Presage “Craftsmanship Series Enamelware Dial” SARD017
Automatic winding (Cal.6R24). 31 stone. 28,800 vibrations per hour. Power reserve about 45 hours. SS case (length 48.0mm, width 40.2mm, thickness 12.8mm). Water resistant to 10 ATM. Limited edition of 1,500 bottles worldwide (including 300 in Japan). 198,000 yen (tax included).
Lacquer dial model
Lacquer has a long history and is said to have existed in Japan for about 9,000 years. In the Jomon and Yayoi periods, lacquer was used for earthenware and agricultural tools, but in the Asuka and Nara periods, it came to be used as Buddhist utensils and ornaments due to the introduction of Buddhism, and it is said that lacquerware production began as a result. Overseas, lacquer is called “JAPAN”.
The lacquer dial is completed by repeated painting and sharpening. The townscape of Kanazawa, where remnants of the feudal government era remain, is expressed in the glossy color of lacquer. Using lacquer dials carefully made in Kanazawa, this work combines an innovative manufacturing method that directly connects metal and lacquer with the ancient technique of creating a smooth surface.
It is supervised by Kazufune Tamura. After mastering the traditional craft “Kaga Maki-e”, he is known for creating a unique meticulous technique that is unparalleled in the world.
Seiko Présage “Craftsmanship Series Lacquer Dial” SARD019
Automatic winding (Cal.6R24). 31 stone. 28,800 vibrations per hour. Power reserve about 45 hours. SS case (length 48.0mm, width 40.2mm, thickness 12.8mm). Water resistant to 10 ATM. Limited edition of 1,500 bottles worldwide (including 300 in Japan). 242,000 yen (tax included).
Seiko “Seiko Presage” Arita porcelain dial model
The history of the Izumiyama magnet field in Saga Prefecture, the birthplace of Japan porcelain, dates back to 1616. Arita porcelain was born as the first porcelain in Japan, and the craftsmanship of craftsmen has been passed down for 400 years as a traditional craft. Since the shipment was carried out from Imari Port, it is also called Imari ware.
The names of the works change depending on the time and style of manufacture, and are divided into the early Imari, Kokutani style, Kakiemon style, etc. His unique artistry is widely appreciated, and there are collectors overseas.
This work expresses the scene of Izumiyama Magnet Field in Arita, which brought the blessings of nature, with the glossy colors and three-dimensional shapes peculiar to porcelain. In order to achieve the durability required for watches, a reinforced porcelain material that is more than four times stronger than conventional watches is used, and it is fired at a high temperature of 1300°C after a casting process using a high-precision mold.
It is a difficult and complicated process that involves glaze (applying glaze to pottery) and multiple firings. This work is supervised by potter Hiroyuki Hashiguchi, who has mastered meticulous and precise techniques and sophisticated dyeing after joining Shin Kiln, a long-established company founded 190 years ago, and has won numerous awards, including the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award at the Kyushu Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition.
Seiko Presage “Craftsmanship Series Arita Yaki Dial” SARW067
Automatic (Cal.6R27). 29 stone. 28,800 vibrations per hour. Power reserve about 45 hours. SS case (length 49.1mm, width 40.6mm, thickness 14.1mm). Water resistant to 10 ATM. 242,000 yen (tax included). Limited edition of 1,500 bottles worldwide (including 300 in Japan).
Seiko “Seiko Présage” cloisonne dial model
In Buddhist scriptures, gold, silver, agate, shako, ruri, glaze, and coral are collectively called “cloisonne.” It is said that the origin of the name cloisonne ware is that it is a beautiful pottery like these seven treasures.
The origins of cloisonne ware date back to ancient Egypt BC, and the impetus for the widespread production of cloisonne ware in Japan began in 1833 when a man named Tsuneyoshi Kaji, who lived in Nagoya City, discovered how cloisonne was made.
The dial of this work is a uniquely evolved Owari cloisonne, and uses a difficult glaze that does not contain lead to express the color and transparency of the sea. The dial, which evokes the image of waves sparkling through the glaze, expresses a tribute to the sea.
This work is supervised by Mr. Wataru Toya, a glaze master who, after getting a job at the long-established Owari Cloisonne store “Ando Cloisonne”, is responsible for the important process of “glaze jug”, which is the basis of Owari Cloisonne’s technique.
Seiko Presage “Craftsmanship Series Cloisonne Dial” SARW069
Automatic (Cal.6R27). 29 stone. 28,800 vibrations per hour. Power reserve about 45 hours. SS case (length 49.1mm, width 40.6mm, thickness 14.1mm). Water resistant to 10 ATM. Limited edition of 800 bottles worldwide (including 100 in Japan). 275,000 yen (tax included).
Contact info: Seiko Watch Customer Service Center Tel. 0120-061-012
