Presage Automatic Sharp Edged “Akatsuki” 140th Anniversary - Ltd Ed 4000 pcs Ref. SARX085

The world has come to develop a deep appreciation for Japanese innovations and their incredibly fine craftsmanship. From cars, electronics, and something that we unequivocally love the most; wrist watches. Renowned Japanese watch manufacturer Seiko demonstrated advanced techniques in the fine art of watchmaking since its founding back in 1881, producing exquisite timepieces that went head-to-head with even the Swiss. Since then, Seiko has grown to be an illustrious name associated with watches of remarkable precision, quality and value. 


Seiko Presage Automatic Sharp Edged “Akatsuki” 140th Anniversary - Ltd Ed 4000 pcs Ref. SARX085 / SPB205

During Baselworld 2016, Seiko announced the Presage collection, a series of sporty dress watches to international markets, bringing to the table a range of premium models that were a significant step up from their entry-level offerings. This captivating line up became a fan-favourite amongst avid watch collectors for their impressive value, premium materials and amazing dial work usually only found in higher-tier Grand Seiko models. Part of Seiko’s Presage collection, the Sharp Edged Series showcases a powerful and fresh interpretation of beautiful Japanese artistry embodied in its unique sharp case designs. 


Through Seiko’s founder Mr. Kintaro Hattori’s clear vision of being one step ahead of the rest, and the corporation’s undying determination to create excellent timepieces, the past 140 years has been a marvelous journey for a brand that certainly became a legend in Japan, and perhaps the rest of the world.  To commemorate 140 years of fine Japanese watchmaking, Seiko has unveiled a special addition to the Presage Sharp Edged series that displays a refined design and a spirited dial that reveals unbelievable brilliance. 


Intricate finishing on the multi faceted case and bracelet

The Seiko Presage Automatic Sharp Edged “Akatsuki” 140th Anniversary Ref. SARX085 is housed in a 316L stainless steel case with an outer treatment of black PVD coating for an alluring yet sleek appearance. For a watch that sits in-between a dress piece and a casual everyday driver, Seiko nailed the dimensions perfectly with a case diameter of 39.3mm, a lug to lug distance of 47.2mm and case thickness of only 11.1mm. Its slim profile and tasteful dimensions allows for a versatile size that looks right in place on a wide variety of wrist sizes. 


Executing great case finishings is definitely no stranger to Seiko. On the SARX085, finishing is carried out meticulously to a high level of detail, presenting a polished mirror finish around the bezel and the top of the lugs, harmoniously transitioning to fine satin brushing on the side of the case. Despite having an all-black look, the intricate mix of finishes adds a classy presence on the wrist.

Seiko's LumiBrite at its best

One of the distinguishing characteristics of the watch that sets itself apart from other Presage models lies in the angular case shape exhibiting a sharp and crisp design, portraying magnificent Japanese craftsmanship with exceptional refinement. The attention to detail is carried down to the matching 20mm black PVD coated stainless steel bracelet, displaying a brushed finish with intricate polishing on the edges of the middle link. This special release is accompanied with a second black Seiko calfskin leather strap with a black PVD treated milled deployant clasp to complement the overall aesthetic. 


Amidst the stealthy black case, the dial of the Presage Automatic Sharp Edged “Akatsuki” 140th Anniversary Ref. SARX085 brings forth a spark of excitement with a stunning coffee brown textured dial. This spectacular dial beautifully incorporates a Japanese Asanoha pattern, a pattern inspired by the hemp plant grown in Japan ever since the Heian period over a thousand years ago. Traditionally used as a material for fabrics, this distinctive pattern holds great significance in Japanese culture symbolizing rapid growth and good health. The geometric pattern aligns seamlessly with the angular nature of the piece while bringing an additional layer of dimension to the dial.


6R35 automatic movement

The name “Akatsuki”, meaning dawn or daybreak is given to this special limited edition of 4000 pieces as a metaphor to represent success. Guilt sword-style hands and raised indices elevate the dial, pairing with the Asanoha pattern to represent rays of dim light at the break of dawn which marks the end of a dark period. In literal darkness, hands and indices glow brightly with a treatment of Seiko’s proprietary LumiBrite lume. 


Seiko showed a delicate attention to detail in the dial work, utilizing a black date wheel to match the dial at the 3 o’clock position and an applied Seiko logo at the 12 o’clock position. The beauty of this dial can be appreciated to its fullest extent under a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal treated with anti-reflective coating. While this is not a watch you would bring with you for underwater diving, it is equipped with a capable water resistance of 100m, providing ample protection against splashes. 


Limited Edition 4000 pieces

The Presage Automatic Sharp Edged “Akatsuki” 140th Anniversary Ref. SARX085 runs on Seiko’s in-house caliber 6R35 automatic movement, their latest upgrade to the 6R15 movement featuring hacking and hand-winding capabilities. The 24 jewel movement has a beat rate of 21,600 beats per hour with an astounding power reserve of about 70 hours. As a higher-tier offering from the 4R family of movements, this movement features carefully finished Geneva stripes on the rotor seen through the see-through display case back.

Combining the deep culture and artistry of the Japanese with their finest watchmaking capabilities, the Presage Automatic Sharp Edged “Akatsuki” 140th Anniversary Ref. SARX085 is a piece that packs a gorgeous design in an attractive case bearing so much character. For 140 years, Seiko created a legacy for themselves with countless timepieces encapsulating their founding vision. With such an incredible new release to the Presage collection, it becomes more evident why Seiko is one step ahead of the rest for over a century.