Seiko began in 1881 with the opening of the Hattori Watch Store. Ever since its founding, the company has developed numerous world-first products. This innovative spirit originated with company founder Kintaro Hattori, whose motto was “Always one step ahead of the rest.” The Laurel, released in 1913, was the first wristwatch produced in Japan and spurred major strides in design technology and the development of machine tools.

Since then, the company has earned global renown through a succession of innovative and finely crafted wristwatches, including the world's first quartz wristwatch, the Quartz Astron, in 1969, and the world's first GPS solar watch, which revived the Astron name in 2012.

The building with the huge clock tower emblematic Tokyo’s tony Ginza district, today known as SEIKO HOUSE GINZA, was also created by Seiko.

Presage is a watch collection based on the aesthetic traditions of Japanese craftsmanship. To learn more, we spoke with Mr. Yo Kobayashi, Presage’s product planner, who told us all about the collection's latest additions and how Presage appeals to consumers.

According to Kobayashi, “Japanese people have long enjoyed designing everyday objects to be at once practical and whimsical. We incorporate that spirit into the designs of the Presage collection. The dial and bracelet are imbued with the playful essence of Japanese craftsmanship, yet it's still very easy to tell the time.”

Speaking of Japanese craftsmanship, it's important to note that Seiko is a manufacturer.

“As a manufacturer, Seiko produces watch components in-house,” says Kobayashi. “In fact, we are one of the few companies in the world that produce their own hairsprings, a part that modulates the watch's rate. As a manufacturer, we can produce watches quickly, as well as set and maintain high standards from development to launch. The quality and beauty of the Presage collection is a testament to the dedication of the Japanese craftsmen and women who create each watch.”

Seiko is a manufacturer dedicated to its motto, “Always one step ahead of the rest .” Its state-of-the-art technological capabilities are evident in the movements used to power Presage watches. Of note is the TRIMATIC technology developed by Seiko to improve usability and accuracy.

“The TRIMATIC name refers to three technologies, says Kobayashi. “The Diashock structure improves shock resistance and maintains the watch's precision. The Magic Lever is a central component of the automatic winding system that utilizes the motion of the wrist to wind the hairspring. The third component, Spron, is Seiko's proprietary alloy.”

“Spron, being an alloy made with the aim of never breaking, rusting, or fatiguing, is vital to the unwavering accuracy sought in mechanical watches. Diashock, the Magic Lever, and Spron each play an important role in ensuring the longevity of a Presage watch.”

The long-awaited Classic Series from Presage will be released in June 2024. There are two configurations in the series: a three-hand model with date display, and an open-heart model in which the inner workings of the watch can be seen through a cut-out. We asked Kobayashi about this series.

“The series incorporates Japanese aesthetics without compromising the usability of the watch,” he told us. “Obviously, a watch's most important job is to tell the time. For this series, the hands, hour markers, minute markers, and dial contrast well to improve legibility. The watch is appropriate for any environment, from casual to business settings. It's a loyal companion for your day-to-day life.”

The Classic Series features colors inspired by the dyes used to make traditional kimonos. The dial is available in four colors: shiroiro, sensaicha, araigaki, and sumiiro.

“Shiroiro is the gentle off-white color of un-dyed fabric, sensaiicha is a deep greenish brown, araigaki is a pale orange, and sumiiro is the grayish black used for monks' clothing. It's said that during the Edo period, common people, who couldn't wear flashy kimonos, enjoyed the minute differences in shades of these more muted colors. The carefully selected dial colors reflect that culture of self-expression through subtlety.”

Metal, being a highly versatile material, allowed for the dials of the Classic Series to be carefully designed to the smallest detail.

“The slight bulge of the outer surface gives the dial a soft, welcoming appearance,” says Kobayashi. “Intricate patterning is added to the surface of the dial using a finishing process called stamping. For the Classic Series, the delicate pattern mimics the texture of silk. In Japan, silk has long been treasured for its light weight, strength, and soft touch. As with silk, we hope this watch will feel and look good, and endear itself to the wearer.”

Another special feature of the Classic Series is that the two types have different dial textures.

“The texture of the three-hand model with date display resembles soft, smooth silk, while the open-heart model has a more random, fluctuating pattern, resembling raw silk,” says Kobayashi. “For both, the combination of the curved dial and silk texture allows for more light to play across the surface and enhance the dial's color. We're proud of how beautifully the Classic Series watches display the time.”

The bracelets on Classic Series watches were also carefully designed.

“The length of the individual links in the bracelets have been shortened to allow the bracelets to curve naturally and fit more comfortably around the wrist. The links have a coffee bean-like shape to reduce skin contact and prevent the accumulation of sweat, resulting in a light, ideal fit. Try it on for yourself and you'll be surprised by how comfortable it is.”

“The Classic Series watches are orthodox and easy to use, yet detailed and brimming with a Japanese sense of whimsy. If you're interested in mechanical watches but not sure what to buy, this series is a great choice.”

The incomparable watches of the Classic Series are the perfect timekeepers you can wear for a lifetime. Enhance your daily life with the precision and detail of Japanese craftsmanship.

To experience the exquisite design and comfort of the Classic Series for yourself, the best places to visit are the SEIKO DREAM SQUARE or a SEIKO BOUTIQUE, which stock a wide range of products. The SEIKO DREAM SQUARE is located in the heart of Ginza, where Seiko was founded, and there are SEIKO BOUTIQUE locations in Osaka at Shinsaibashi or Grand Front Osaka, as well as in Kyoto. For more information about these shops, check out the articles below.