Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Urushi Lacquer Black Ref. HCC006J

In the early 1910s, the Japanese watch manufacturer debuted its first mechanical watch. In continuation of its development, Seiko launched its automatic calibre in the 1950s, alongside a true horological marvel, the creation of its proprietary shock absorbing system for movement protection known as the Diashock system.

Seiko has gone through decades of refining and perfecting its mechanical watchmaking skills. These tireless efforts eventually led to the creation of Seikos completely all mechanical collection, the Presage series.

Serving as a pillar for accessible Japanese horology, the Presage family showcases Seiko's complete in house manufacturing capabilities across its 4R, 6R, and 8R calibre series. Through its specialized Craftsmanship collection, Seiko merges time honoured Japanese artisan traditions with modern mechanical watchmaking. The new Presage Craftsmanship Urushi Black Lacquer Ref HCC006J highlights this approach, pairing a fully in house construction with a urushi black lacquer dial. Using traditional methods, its luminous surface directly echoes the design language of the landmark 1913 Laurel timepiece.

Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Urushi Lacquer Black Ref. HCC006J

Seiko is both a genius watchmaker and master in craftsmanship, not just in reliability and quality of their timepieces, but also in their aesthetics and craftsmanship. Urushi lacquer has been used since ancient times for bowls, plates and other utensils due to it's highly durable quality. Integrating urushi lacquer in this watch requires a careful crafting manufacturing method that combines metal and lacquer with a traditional technique to create a smooth surface. The precision in this process cannot be understated due to the careful balance between a beautiful luster on the dial without it being thick enough to disturb the hands and movement of the watch. Under the supervision of lacquer artist Isshu Tamura, craftsmen repeatedly applied and polished the lacquer dozens of times to produce the unique glossy depth.

Born in 1957, Isshu Tamura trained in the traditional Kaga Maki-e gold lacquer technique of Kanazawa. He hones his skills in this particular technique, setting out to produce unparalleled original works of art. He has executed his technique in Kaga Maki-e not only in lacquerware, but also in the creation of other products like both luxury fountain pens and wristwatches in which have received worldwide acclaim, thanks to their elaborate detail and fine beauty.

Urushi lacquer dial giving the watch a lustrous and flawless look

The Presage Craftsmanship measures 39.6mm in diameter with a thickness of 12.4mm and lug-to-lug distance of 46.8mm, making it very wearable as an everyday watch on any occasion. The dial featured here is a Urushi lacquer black dial, giving the watch a lustrous and flawless look. Do note that slight difference in color distortions may occur, which has been a trademark of the craftsmanship series as each piece is unique and no two are exactly alike. Featuring a mixed of brushed and polished finished case, once can spend hours admiring this beauty.

Underneath the dual curved sapphire crystal, the dial faithfully echoes the 1913 Laurel through elegant gold Arabic numerals. The layout is fitted with a gold leaf handset that sweeps across the glossy black surface with exceptional clarity. Balancing out its details beautifully from the Seiko logo below the 12 to a 24 hour scale subdial at 6 which subtly covers the hour numeral 6, anyone can see the effort Seiko has put into this excellent dress watch, withstanding very close scrutiny and passing with flying colours.

The elegant touch is completed with its 20mm black leather strap fitted with Seiko's deployant clasp system.The integrated deployant clasp allows for smooth operation on the wrist while extending the overall lifespan of the leather.

Caliber 6R5H. Seiko Automatic.

Driven by continuous engineering refinement, Seiko introduces the automatic Calibre 6R5H movement. Running at 21600 vibrations per hour or 3 Hertz, the 24 jewel movement supports complete hand winding alongside a hacking feature for exact time setting. Designed to power subdial indicator displays, it delivers a robust 72 hour power reserve, offering 3 full days of autonomy and gaining a impressive 22 hours over previous automatic platforms like the 7R and 6S.

While Japan is synonymous with a longstanding cultural history, its design and manufacturing traditions remain deeply valued to this day. The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Urushi Lacquer Black is an everyday, elegant dress watch that remains remarkably accessible. Taking the landmark 1913 Laurel as its starting point, the watch reinterprets its design roots through a respectful historical lens. It showcases Seiko's ability to blend its advanced manufacturing capabilities with the enduring heritage of Japanese culture. This timepiece offers authentic traditional craftsmanship through a urushi lacquer black dial created by master Japanese artisans, perfectly paired with a state of the art in house automatic movement.

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