EXQUISITE DIALS

Craftsmanship is key in fine watchmaking, with the Seiko Presage limited editions leading the way in extraordinary accessibility

- ASHOK SOMAN

Watch novelties are popping up everywhere, like horological blossoms, which makes the Seiko 2023 novelties the equivalent of cherry blossoms. The Japanese watchmaker divided its publicity into two parts, one focussing on the sporty tool watch, and the other on artisanal craftsmanship, which is what the four new Seiko Presage novelties are. To begin with, we want to dive into this second area, which for the moment consists of the following four watches, all limited editions honouring the 110th anniversary of Seiko: the SPB393 (with fired enamel dial); the SPB395 (with traditional Urushi lacquer dial); the SPB397 (with Arita porcelain dial), and the SPB399 (with Shippo enamel). Since there are four watches here, we will include the relevant specification in the story rather than in a separate box.