Seiko Celebrates 145th Anniversary with New Presage Classic Series Limited Editions

Experience Timeless Elegance: Seiko's 145th Anniversary Unveils Exquisite Presage Editions.

The Legacy of Presage: A Journey Through Japanese Artistry in Watchmaking

For over a decade, the Presage collection has served as a vibrant platform for Seiko to demonstrate its profound appreciation for traditional Japanese artistry. Moving beyond the dynamic world of Prospex, Presage has consistently explored and incorporated various time-honored Japanese crafts. This includes the exquisite integration of enamel, Urushi lacquer, Shippo enamel, and Arita porcelain into its mechanical watches, making high-quality artisanal timepieces more accessible to enthusiasts worldwide.

Celebrating 145 Years: New Presage Classic Series Limited Editions Emerge

In anticipation of its 145th anniversary in 2026, Seiko unveils two new limited editions within its Presage Classic Series. These new references underscore the brand's enduring capability to unite traditional craftsmanship with modern industrial watchmaking. Each model presents a distinct aesthetic: one captivates with the profound depth and intricate details of Arita porcelain, while the other exudes a refined elegance through silk textures and perfectly proportioned dimensions.

The Arita Porcelain Dial HCC007: A Deep Dive into "Seiko Blue"

Undoubtedly, the standout piece among these anniversary models is the new Arita porcelain edition, reference HCC007. This marks a significant milestone, as it's the first time Seiko has introduced a deep cobalt blue glaze, a shade inspired by the historic "Seiko Blue" developed during the brand's transformative years in the 1960s. This vibrant hue adds a new dimension to the already revered Arita porcelain dials.

Crafting the Cobalt Blue Dial: A Collaboration of Mastery and Innovation

The creation of this exceptional dial is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, overseen by master artisan Hiroyuki Hashiguchi and brought to life by Toshiaki Kawaguchi and his dedicated team in Arita. Building on previous porcelain Presage models, the material has been specially fortified for enhanced durability. The true innovation lies in the glaze, where Seiko invested considerable effort to ensure the radiating relief pattern remains visible beneath the surface, creating subtle tonal shifts as light plays across the dial. The applied hour markers and hands are carefully chosen to provide optimal contrast against the rich blue background, ensuring both beauty and legibility.

The HCC007's Refined Design and Mechanical Excellence

Encased in a newly designed 39.6mm diameter and 12.8mm thick stainless steel case, the HCC007 exudes a contemporary yet classic appeal. Its sleeker profile is complemented by a dual-curved sapphire crystal, enhancing its refined aesthetics. With a water resistance of 30 meters, this timepiece blends classical elegance with everyday practicality. Powering the HCC007 is the automatic calibre 6R51, an in-house movement offering a substantial 72-hour power reserve and operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. This limited edition comprises 1,500 pieces, priced at EUR 1,800.

The 36mm HCC004: Understated Elegance with a Silk-Textured Dial

The second anniversary model, reference HCC004, offers a more understated charm. Its dial features a delicate, woven-like texture in pristine white, a tribute to 'shironeri,' the pure white achieved during silk refining. A particularly exquisite detail is the use of blue hands and markers, drawing inspiration from the iconic "Seiko Blue," adding a touch of vibrant contrast to its subtle design.

Compact Proportions and Robust Performance: The HCC004's Appeal

Presented in a compact 36mm case, the HCC004 possesses a distinctly classical character. Its gently curved surfaces and intricately decorated bezel accentuate the elegant, understated design synonymous with the Presage Classic Series. Similar to its Arita porcelain counterpart, this watch is powered by the reliable 6R51 automatic calibre, providing a three-day power reserve. This makes it a highly practical choice, despite its dressier positioning. The Presage Classic Series Ref. HCC004 is a limited edition of 2,500 pieces, available at EUR 1,050.