Presage Craftsmanship Series Urushi Red - Ltd Ed 1500pcs Ref. SARD019

Seiko needs no introduction as a champion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The brand’s Presage Craftsmanship Series exalts the Japanese ‘Takumi’ – timepieces which are individually handcrafted by master artisans who combine Seiko’s latest watchmaking techniques with centuries of traditional workmanship.

Recently, Seiko released a new watch bedecked with traditional Japanese lacquer, the Presage Craftsmanship Series Urushi Dial Limited Edition ref. SARD019. Like its previous iterations, the watch measures at 40.5 mm wide, 47.8mm lug-to-lug, and 12.8 mm tall. Sitting only marginally thicker than its time-only counterpart, it is reasonably sized for most wrist and considering the triple retrograde displays, this men's watch is well balanced. Outlined by a thin bezel, the case is made up of stainless steel with high satin and mirror polishing throughout. Topping off with a domed sapphire crystal on top, and a exhibition screw-down case-back that guarantees a proper 100m water-resistant.

One of the more elegant timepieces in the Presage Cratsmanship line, the SARD019 is unique for its triple retrograde display in a symmetrical format with a dial detailed with gold-powder and coated in deep red urushi. The one-of-a-kind color of the timepiece augments the charm of the balanced dial layout, with the red color applied in an understated manner alluding to Japanese artisanal crafts. The dash of gold, emblematic of traditional Japanese lacquerware, gives a welcoming pop to the red hue of the dial. Besides its color, the symmetrical dial layout is noteworthy as this model showcases fan-shaped scales for all its retrograde displays - the power reserve at 9’o clock, day display at 3, and balanced off with the date display at 6’o clock. Indeed, this triple-fan dial reflects a great price-to-value ratio.
 

Moreover, the urushi dial ( metal disc covered in lacquer) is almost completely handmade. Isshu Tamura, a third-generation, Kanazawa-based master lacquer artist oversees the meticulous dial production process. Firstly, the dial is blasted so that its eventual rough surface would sustain the liquid lacquer. Various layers of urushi undercoat are then added and fired in an oven, before leaving the dial to dry on its own for a fortnight. Subsequently, an intermediate coat of urushi is painted onto the dial before leaving the dial to dry out again. After the intermediate stage, the top coat that is polished to a high gloss when dry is added. The process culminates with the addition of a thin and distinct layer of urushi that functions as a layer of protection.  as a protective varnish. The satisfying result of this long-drawn process is a dial rich in depth and texture, very much unlike other dials produced by machine.

A workhorse caliber that is part of the 6R family, the cal. 6R24 (with two retrograde indications for the weekday and the date) powers the watch with a power reserve of 45 hours. Because this movement was seldom used previously, the dial layout appears new.
 

Completing the elegant package, Seiko pairs the SARD019 with an 20mm full-stitched mocha brown leather strap with a three-fold clasp with push button release.

While Japan is synonymous with longstanding cultural history. Valuing their tradition till today, in terms of design and manufacturing values. The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Urushi Red - Ltd Ed 1500pcs Ref. SARD019 is an every day, elegant dress watch that is reasonable priced. It showcases Seiko's ability to combine their manufacturing capabilities with Japan's own everlasting culture. This beauty from the Presage collection has offered authentic traditional craftsmanship, in this case, in the form of a white enamel dial fired by true Japanese enameler, pairing with Seiko’s reliable automatic in-house movement. What a great way to celebrate Seiko’s 110th birthday!