Seiko Presage SPB295J1, the Magical Beauty Of Lacquer Dial

You may have heard about the recently released Seiko Presage SPB295J1, and the fuss about it from watch collectors. Everyone wants one, and of course, they can't be faulted because the Seiko Presage is a limited edition timepiece with only 2000 pieces available.

This latest release saw Seiko decorate the watch in traditional Japanese lacquer and an exceptional triple retrograde display in a symmetrical layout though the craft and complications aren’t unique.

What is a Seiko Presage

Seiko's mechanical watchmaking skills and Japanese aesthetic sense combine in Presage's original collection of Japanese beauty, quality and long-lasting performance. Presage is a collection that appeals to a wide audience; the collection consists of 60 models and uses the full range of Seiko's mechanical calibers, from the more accessible 4R to the more exclusive 8R.

Highlights of the collection include the 6R27 multi-hand power reserve model and a series using a brand new version of the 4R57 caliber. Seiko's new caliber is their first-ever with a center power reserve indicator, and is available in five designs, including a limited edition. Presage watches are water-resistant to 10 bars and come with sapphire crystals.

The Magical Beauty Of Lacquer Watch Dial

Lacquer Artist Isshu Tamura, the mastermind of the craftsmanship of Seiko Presage SPB295J1 was born in 1957; he trained in the traditional Kaga Maki-e-gold lacquer technique of Kanazawa under master craftsman Ikko Kiyose.

The artist went on to produce works of art of unparalleled originality after honing his skills in the technique. In addition to lacquer-ware, Kaga Maki-e has been utilized to create luxury fountain pens and wristwatches that have received worldwide acclaim for their elaborate detail and fine beauty.

Seiko Introduces the Presage SPB295J1 in Green Urushi

Here is everything you need to know about our take on the Seiko Presage SPB295J1 which is combined with a dial-in dark olive Urushi and gold-powder details.

This latest presage model is one of the most high-end watches in the Presage collection that has a unique branding.

Although, it is neither the first green watch ever produced, nor the first Urushi model; still, it is the first watch with both styles combined in addition, it comes with a display that Seiko hasn’t used in almost forever — the double retrograde. The date is at 6 o’clock while the days of the week are at 2:30, and they both make up the double retrograde motion.

• Watch Case

The Seiko Presage SPB295J1 has a steel case with a 40.5mm diameter, twisted lugs, brushed and polished surfaces, a conical crown and a domed sapphire crystal on top. The case has a comfortable 100-meter water-resistance rating. The back of the case is see-through, marked with the words “Limited Edition” and the watch's serial number.

• Watch Dial

The dial of this model is made with an extract of a Chinese lacquer tree, or urushi in Japanese called Urushi lacquer. The craftsmanship was masterminded by Tamura in Kanazawa, in the centre of Honshu on Japan’s main island; he used the centuries-old art of Urushi that he learned from his father.

The dial which was painted and polished by hand several times has a green colour that pays tribute to “Kanazawa in summer and the gold accents echo the warm light of the sunshine that penetrates the lush, moss-covered forests of the region.”

Urushi lacquer is the traditional and best way to create deep colours, and it is time-consuming and challenging work, but it. However, it has the advantage of getting harder and stronger as the years go by, and this advantage will keep the green colour’s rich glossy for years.

Urushi lacquer dials exude the charm through another black  Seiko Presage SARD011J1 classy looks enhanced by a Beige Leather Watch Band accent by forest green stitching

The Seiko Presage SPB295J1 combines its rich glossy green colour with classic baton indexes, logos and markers printed in white. The main hands, for the hours and minutes, are also white painted for more contrast and most elements combine this bright colour with golden accents.

• Watch Movement

The movement is lightly decorated with brushed bridges and stripes on the oscillating weight. It is a Calibre 6R24, in-house, automatic, 31 jewels, 45h power reserve with 28,800 vibrations/hour.

• Watch Straps and wearability

This Seiko Presage model is worn on a black buffalo leather strap with a three-fold clasp and push-button release.

• Availability And Price

The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Urushi Green Dial Double-Retrograde SPB295J1 has a limited edition of 2,000 pieces and was priced at EUR 1,950.

Some Fabulous models from the Seiko Presage Family

Before the Seiko Presage SPB295J1 was manufactured, there were other wristwatches in the presage collection. Here are a few of them below:

• Seiko Presage SSA379J1, image credit : @watchwatch88/carousell

• Seiko Presage Cocktail SRPC99J1 stylishly complemented by a Stewart Camel Tartan Pattern Watch Strap

The watch caliber for the Seiko Cocktail champagne is running on a 4R35 movement (23 jewels) with manual winding and has a power reserve of approximately 41 hours when fully charged.

• Seiko Presage Cocktail Time "Grasshopper" Open Heart Automatic SSA441, image credit : relojesexclusivos

• Seiko Presage SRPG05J1 is a mechanical automatic movement watch and is Made in Japan,  image credit : reddit

• Seiko Presage SRPD42J1 Automatic, the dial has the depth and rich texture of a Zen garden pricing USD 460 up, image credit : @timelife

Conclusion

The Seiko Presage SPB295J1 watch is definitely worth every dime of yours. If you are looking for a stylish watch model within your budget and want to flaunt all the chic and class on your wrist, then this will be the model for you.

Seiko Presage Continue Reading 

• Seiko Presage SSA349J1 Automatic Power Reserve Watch
• Seiko Presage x Studio Ghibli Castle in the Sky 35th Anniversary SPB215 / SARX087
• Seiko’s Cocktail Beauties SRPE45 & SRPE47
• Matching Our Bracelets With Your Seiko Cocktails!

Written by Victor, images by Toni and others as noted