Seiko Presage Unveils Two Limited Editions Marking Seiko’s 145th Anniversary

Seiko Watch Corporation will release two limited-edition models from the Seiko Presage Classic Series to commemorate the 145th anniversary of Seiko’s founding. The limited model featuring an Arita porcelain dial finished with lapis lazuli-colored glaze will be limited to 1,500 pieces worldwide, with a suggested retail price of 242,000 yen. It is scheduled for release on Friday, July 10. A second classical limited model inspired by silk will be limited to 2,500 pieces worldwide, with a suggested retail price of 132,000 yen. It is scheduled for release on Wednesday, June 10. Seiko founder Kintaro Hattori established Hattori Watch Shop, now Seiko Group Corporation, in 1881. Guided by the belief of staying “always one step ahead of the times,” Seiko completed Japan’s first domestically produced wristwatch in 1913 and went on to make major contributions to the development of Japan’s watch industry. In the 1960s, Seiko introduced a series of world-first and Japan-first products, including Japan’s first mechanical chronograph in 1964, Japan’s first diver’s watch in 1965, and the world’s first quartz wristwatch in 1969. Around the same period, the company expanded seriously into overseas markets, continuing a history of innovation and challenge that became the foundation of today’s Seiko. The 145th anniversary limited models, including these releases, use blue accents inspired by “Seiko Blue,” a color established in the 1960s and refined over time. The Arita porcelain model is the first Presage watch to use lapis lazuli-colored glaze. It highlights the depth unique to Arita porcelain and the transparency of the glaze, creating a delicate visual expression. The radial molded pattern at the center of the dial was designed to emphasize subtle shadows created by the glaze, while the balance of the raised and recessed pattern was carefully adjusted so the texture would neither appear too strong nor become difficult to see. The development was supervised by Arita porcelain artisan Hiroyuki Hashiguchi of Shin-gama, a kiln with more than 190 years of history, and completed through the combined expertise of Toshiaki Kawaguchi and Arita craftspeople. The case uses a new design intended to enhance the depth of the Arita porcelain dial. It expresses a restrained, subtractive beauty characteristic of the Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship line, which presents Japanese aesthetics through mechanical watches. A dual-curved sapphire crystal further contributes to a clean and refined form. The watch is powered by the Caliber 6R51 mechanical movement, offering an approximately 72-hour power reserve, and comes in a paulownia wood presentation box. The second anniversary limited model is inspired by the beauty of silk, a material long familiar in Japanese traditional culture. Its fine stamped dial pattern and coloring express a silk-like texture. The dial color, “shironeri,” refers to the pure white created by refining silk thread, evoking a new beginning and gently supporting the wearer’s next challenge. The hands and indexes are curved to follow the dial surface, creating a soft sense of unity. Their blue coloring, inspired by Seiko Blue, provides a strong contrast with the white dial. The compact 36mm case is formed with soft curves, while the bezel features delicate decoration and a carefully crafted finish suited to a limited edition. Both HCC007J and HCC004J use cow leather straps produced by tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group. Seiko says it aims to raise the share of leather straps made with LWG-certified leather to 90% or more in the future. Key specifications: HCC007J is the Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Arita porcelain dial limited edition, with a stainless steel case treated with DiaShield, a 39.6mm diameter, 12.8mm thickness, daily water resistance, and a worldwide limited run of 1,500 pieces, including 400 for Japan. HCC004J is a Classic Series limited edition with a 36.0mm diameter, 12.5mm thickness, enhanced daily water resistance to 10 bar, and a worldwide limited run of 2,500 pieces, including 500 for Japan. Both models use the automatic Caliber 6R51 movement with manual winding, accuracy of +25 to -15 seconds per day, an approximately 72-hour power reserve, 24 jewels, and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour.