In 1868, Japan opened its doors to the world. So began a period of rapid modernization that affected every aspect of Japanese life. Seiko was at the heart of this revolution. Founded in 1881 as a company importing, retailing and repairing clocks and pocket watches made in other countries, it soon started to manufacture its own timepieces at a factory that the founder, Kintaro Hattori, called “Seikosha” which is best translated as “the house of exquisite workmanship.” Hattori’s goal was to create timepieces that were as precise and reliable as possible. Today’s Presage collection embodies this spirit. Inspired by the idea of “Japanese beauty, crafted into a mechanical timepiece,” Presage is a broad collection of mechanical watches, each of which expresses a different facet of Japanese culture. Presage offers a uniquely Japanese aesthetic combined with an attention to detail that only true craftsmanship can deliver. The Sharp Edged Series is quintessentially Presage. Each dial has a traditional Japanese design motif and every case displays the strength and precise workmanship characteristic of Japanese Katana swords.
SPB221 $1,400
The dial features the Asanoha, or hemp-leaf, pattern that, ever since the Heian period (794-1185), has been used to decorate kimonos and other traditional fabrics. It is a symbol of health and strength, reflecting the rapid and vigorous growth of the plant itself. The pattern is often seen in the Ukiyo-e prints that were first popular in the 18th century and made such an impact in the West in the late 1800s. From a distance, the dial looks simple, but close up the beauty of the pattern appears. The rich texture and intricacy of the sharply edged geometric pattern create a subtle color gradation as each angle captures the light. The case and bracelet incorporate many flat surfaces with a contemporary sharpness that allows the watch to shine and sparkle from every angle. The precisely engineered and polished surfaces and the crisp edges of the case’s silhouette contrast with the subtle hairline finish to create a distinctive multi-dimensional effect. The Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series. Powerful, but understated. Cosmopolitan, but distinctly Japanese. Modern, yet rooted in tradition.
SPB167 $1,000
Powered by FlippingBook