Inspired by the moon and the night sky, Seiko’s newest release, the Presage Blue Enamel Limited Edition, is expressed for the very first time in a rich blue dial.
Japan’s fascination with the moon dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). The country’s reverence for the moon’s beauty found expression in the creation of a ceremony at which the Japanese nobility would gather in the open air when the moon was at its height and recite poetry that extolled the beauty of the full moon, especially when reflected in the water of lakes, rivers and the sea. These ’Tsukimi’ ceremonies would often be accompanied by orchestral music, the eating of traditional foods and sake.
The Dial
For the new Presage Blue Enamel Limited Edition, Seiko has collaborated once again with enamel craftsman Mitsuru Yokozawa and his team. Because the surface of a watch dial is so small and as it is viewed at such close distances, Yokozawa had to make sure the depth and evenness of the enamel are exact. Only by controlling every stage of the process and even adjusting the composition of the enamel in line with atmospheric conditions, can a truly perfect dial be created. Enameling is definitely an art and with the creation of this new blue dial, Yokozawa has achieved an even more impressive feat of craftsmanship. As the viscosity of blue enamel is much higher, the skill required to achieve prefect evenness is all the greater.
The Design
Personally, we love how all the little details just fit the entire profile of the watch and more importantly the inspiration. For example, the shape of the hour markers is drawn from Seiko’s first pocket watch, the ‘Time Keeper’, made in 1895. The tip of the second hand is in a crescent shape coated in gold color powder giving it a special texture that resembles the surface of the moon and the crescent shape is also seen on the sapphire case back, affixed by vapor deposition. Finally, the crocodile strap is in deep blue to match the dial and has a delicate sheen that subtly reflects the light, just like the dial.
The Case
Presented in a 40.5mm stainless steel case, this new release will be offered in a limited edition of 1,500 pieces. The sapphire crystal is dual-curved so that the dial can be seen without distortion from any angle. The hour markers are painted ten times to lift them in relief from the dial and the tips of the hands are curved by skilled craftsmen and women so that they follow the contours of the curved crystals and to minimise the depth of the watch.
Powered by the 6R15 caliber, the watch features a sensational power reserve of 50 hours and a high level of torque that is a joy to experience when the specially sculpted crown is turned.
Availability
Seiko’s Presage Blue Enamel Limited Edition is now available at their Melbourne and Sydney boutiques and Seiko’s elite retail partners in selected markets and worldwide in early 2018.
Price in Australian Dollars
RRP AUD $1,850