Baselworld 2016: Seiko Presage Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Editions.

You will be amazed! I invite you to discover two marvelous automatic chronographs. Both being limited to 1000 pieces, looking real good and on top offering an excellent price-quality-ratio.

Seiko really impressed me with these chronographs. The brand has developed and refined its mechanical replica watchmaking skills. Today, all this experience comes together in a new, all-mechanical, collection named Presage. The collection has already been successful in Japan and selected other markets for some time. From now on Presage goes global and takes center stage as Seiko’s leading mechanical replica watch collection.

The new Presage collection draws its inspiration from Seiko’s heritage in mechanical replica watchmaking, which stretches all the way back to 1913 and the celebrated Laurel which was Seiko’s, and Japan’s, first ever wrist replica watch.

This heritage is brought to life today in two very special Limited Edition automatic chronographs whose design echoes that of the 1913 Laurel and whose dials are made in the finest traditions of Japanese artistry, one in white enamel and the other with deep black lacquer.

Seiko Presage Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Seiko Presage Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Seiko Presage Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Seiko Presage Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Both chronographs use the Seiko Calibre 8R48, which features a vertical clutch and a column wheel, and incorporates Seiko’s three-pointed hammer to ensure the perfect synchronization of the hands’ fly-back.

Seiko Presage Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition. Calibre 8R48

Seiko Presage Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition. Calibre 8R48

Both limited Edition automatic chronographs are offered in editions of 1,000 in celebration of Seiko’s 60 years of automatic replica watch making and will be available in September.

Seiko Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Editions: SRQ019, SRQ021

Caliber 8R48, Automatic Chronograph
Chronograph counter up to 12 hours
Column wheel and vertical clutch systems
Vibrations: 28,800 A/h (= 4 Hertz)

Power reserve: approximately 45 hours
Jewels: 34 jewels

Specifications:

Stainless steel case
Enamel dial (SRQ019), Urushi lacquer dial (SRQ021)
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Diameter: 42.0 mm
Thickness: 15.2mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release

Recommended retail price in Europe:
Enamel dial (SRQ019) 2500 Euro 
Urushi lacquer dial (SRQ021) 2800 Euro 

Limited edition of 1,000 pieces each

Fine enamel and deep black of Urushi lacquer

The two dials are particular, therefore Seiko assigned two specialist to make them. For Presage, obviously only perfection will do …

The beauty, depth and subtle texture of the enamel dial is self-evident, but what makes this chronograph so special is the fact that each dial is made by skilled craftsmen, led by Mitsuru Yokozawa who ensures that the color of the enamel will last for decades, just as the dial on the 1913 Laurel has done. The finishing of any enamel can easily be affected by weather and humidity, and it is very dif cult to control the precise thickness of the enamel as it is laid down on each dial. To meet these challenges requires the very highest levels of skill, and Seiko is honored to have Mr. Yokozawa in charge of the nish of every enamel dial for Presage. Only the most exclusive, traditional Japanese craftsmanship will do for this special Presage Limited Edition.

Seiko Presage Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Seiko Presage Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Craftsmanship of a very different nature but of the same high quality gives the lacquer dial its deep black luster. The dials are made in the studio of master craftsman Isshu Tamura in Kanazawa, on the western side of Honshu, Japan’s main island, using the centuries old art of Urushi which allows the creation of lacquer whose black color is almost magically deep and which gets harder and stronger as the years pass. The dials are painted and polished by hand several times. It is time-consuming and challenging work, but it is the traditional and best way to create the perfect black color.

Seiko Presage Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Seiko Presage Automatic Replica Watch 60th Anniversary Limited Edition.

Now I want your opinion! What do you think?

The black one simply looks stunning.

This deep black Urushi lacquer dial … I have never before seen a replica watch dial being so black …