Carrying Forward the Beauty of Japan
Nature’s Palette: Weaving with the Colors of Life In the world of kusaki-zome —a centuries-old dyeing tradition that extracts vibrant hues from plants—color is more than mere ornament; it embodies life, culture, and memory. For Shoji Shimura of Atelier Shimura, each thread infused with plant-based pigments carries the very soul of nature. “ Kusaki-zome captures the colors of life from plants and transfers them to threads,” Mr. Shimura explains. “It’s not just about color—it’s about wearing the essence of nature.”
The Seiko Presage Classic Series pays tribute to the timeless elegance of traditional Japanese artistry. Inspired by centuries-old crafts, textiles, and cultural traditions, each timepiece embodies the Japanese philosophy of beauty in everyday crafts. With its thoughtful use of color, texture, and form, Presage captures a distinctly Japanese aesthetic and reimagines it for the modern world. Join us on a journey to Kyoto—where heritage meets innovation—and discover how the Presage Classic Series brings new life to enduring values and timeless traditions.
SPB478
Shoji Shimura Atelier Shimura Director
Mr. Shimura sees a striking parallel between his reverence for nature’s palette and the dials of the Seiko Presage Classic Series. “Traditional Japanese colors come with a rich spectrum of names, each imbued with cultural significance. By using these colors and names in the Classic Series, the watches subtly evoke a sense of Japanese culture.” Mr. Shimura describes this as more than just an elegant design touch—it’s the continuation of a story that began many centuries ago. Each color in the Presage Classic Series carries deep meaning. “The color shiro-iro , for example, is not a pure white, but the gentle, raw color of undyed silk. It suggests simplicity and new beginnings,” Mr. Shimura said. Or consider sumi-iro , a smoky gray. “During the Edo period (1603— 1868), there was a prominent color aesthetic known as Shijuhaccha Hyakunezumi , meaning 48 shades of brown and 100 shades of gray. Gray has an infinite spectrum of shades. Sumi-iro , one of these nuanced grays, has a rich depth that made it popular among men.” Mr. Shimura also highlights araigaki , once used in kimono linings to bypass sumptuary laws that restricted luxury. “People couldn’t flaunt wealth outwardly, so townspeople created stylish linings using araigaki , a soft, washed persimmon color. By showcasing the chic spirit of Edo fashion in this way, araigaki was a secret rebellion in silk.” Another tone, sensaicha, blends deep green and brown, embodying wabi-sabi —the Japanese appreciation for imperfection and impermanence. During our exploration of how Japanese traditions fare in today’s world, we also experienced Kyoto’s cultural heritage: a 150-year-old kaiseki restaurant, a traditional Kyoto sweets shop, and a storied Uji tea house, to discover how traditions are maintained and revitalized while adapting to modern lifestyles. The Seiko Presage Classic Series shares this spirit. By expressing cultural traditions in a contemporary form, it transforms a simple object into a lasting tribute to a uniquely Japanese aesthetic.
A Bold Vision for Traditional Craftsmanship
In an era of ongoing change, traditional crafts stand at a crossroads, at once challenged to evolve and yet remain devoted to preserving their essence. Clinging to tradition risks obsolescence, yet too much innovation threatens tradition. With over 500 years of history, which includes producing silk textiles for the Imperial Court in Kyoto during the Heian period (794—1185), Nishijin textiles have long symbolized refinement and mastery. But how can such a legacy remain vibrant in the modern world?
SPB480 Complementing Kyoto’s refined cuisine
Yusuke Maeda Arisugawa Textile N’s 1182 Fashion Designer
Enter Yusuke Maeda, the third-generation head of Arisugawa Textile, a Nishijin weaving workshop.
With deep respect for tradition, Mr. Maeda is reshaping the narrative by transforming Nishijin-woven kimono obi sashes into fashion-forward designs. His creative approach offers a bold vision for what may represent a path forward for traditional crafts. Mr. Maeda recognizes a kindred spirit in the Seiko Presage Classic Series, which is the current expression of a watchmaking legacy that spans more than a century. Like Nishijin weaving, the series fuses heritage with modernity, expressing Japan’s unique philosophy of yo no bi (beauty in everyday crafts) — where elegance arises from utility. With its softly curved case, finely detailed dial, and intricate texture, each watch evokes the refined precision of Japanese craftsmanship. “I work with silk threads to express beauty,” Mr. Maeda said. “But this watch captures the beauty of silk using different materials. Its luster changes with light and movement, just like woven silk.” Mr. Maeda said the bracelet’s small links provide a good fit, and the gentle curvatures of the case and crystal perfectly mirror the graceful lines seen in Japanese crafts. “As a traditional craftsman, I feel a close connection to this watch. A kimono obi can only be worn with traditional attire. But a watch like this? It allows anyone, anywhere in the world, to wear Japanese artistry on their wrist.”
SPB478 Paired with a Nishijin kimono obi sash
SPB467
For Mr. Maeda, the Presage Classic Series is more than a watch—it’s a reminder that beauty, when rooted in tradition, is truly timeless.
SPB471 Traditional Japanese sweets inspired by Presage
SPB463, SPB469 Set beside silk threads dyed with nature’s colors
SPB465 With a cup of Uji matcha
20 | RICHTER & PHILLIPS JEWELERS MAGAZINE
21 | RICHTER & PHILLIPS JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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