With the Presage range of timepieces, Japanese mega brand Seiko reiterates its fine watchmaking that is inspired by traditional craftsmanship.
Seiko’s Presage range combines a Japanese aesthetic sense with traditional handiwork. The line presents the brand’s mechanical watchmaking skills in an original collection that offers Oriental beauty, quality and long-lasting performance.
The inspiration for each series of Presage comes from different aspects of Japan – from traditional culture to engineering craftsmanship, and from fine art to industrial design. In shaping the Presage, Seiko collaborates with artisans in all these fields and integrates classic designs, techniques and advanced technology to create a unique collection of fine wristwatches.
The new Presage limited editions feature deep blue Shippo enamel dials which mirror the colour of the ocean. As an archipelago surrounded by the sea, Japan is a nation with great affinity to the oceans across which ideas, industry, materials, culture, food and art, including Shippo enamel, have travelled to its shores over the centuries. The range of finely crafted watches reflects the serenity of the blue seas.
Each dial is made by Ando Cloisonne, a specialist manufacturer in Nagoya, with history dating back over 100 years. Manufacturing these dials is a complex process requiring sophisticated techniques and experience. First, craftsman Wataru Totani hand paints the surface of the dials with a special lead-free glaze, specially developed for these watches, to ensure that the dials comply with Seiko’s high ecological and safety standards as well as the EU’s RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive. Careful skill is needed at this stage as the glaze is fragile and easily damaged. The dial is then fired at 800 degrees Celsius.
The painting and firing processes are repeated several times to ensure the evenness of the enamel. Only when Totani is completely satisfied is the dial polished, so that the delicate pattern emerges and a perfect, smooth surface is achieved. These dials are offered in two designs, each in a limited edition of 2,500 pieces – Multi-hand Automatic 6R27 with date and power reserve sub-dials, and Automatic 6R15 with a date window at the three o’clock position. Both dials have a delicate wave pattern and a minute track that echoes the design of Seiko’s very first pocket watch, the 1895 Timekeeper. The crystals are dual-curved sapphires and the tips of the minute and second hands are shaped by hand to reach right to the edge of the dials, providing increased legibility. The beautifully engraved oscillating weights are clearly visible through the sapphire case backs.
Seiko watches are exclusively available at Ambassador Stores in Bahrain. The shop showcases high-end brands like Yamaha, Audio Technica, Shure, Hercules and Proel, and is also the sole distributor of Alba watches in the Kingdom. Ambassador Stores offers its discerning customers in Bahrain the best brands in musical instruments, high-quality home entertainment systems, elegant and much sought-after watches and clocks, and the very latest high-tech gadgets and accessories.
Call 17 225-513.
