Dolce Steel Ref. SACM171

Throughout the years, characteristics defining what can be accepted as a dress watch has expanded with the addition of various complications, designs and even the size. It was during the late 90s when the popularity of larger sizes started booming. Prior to this, dress watches were traditionally defined as minimalist timepieces to compliment a formal attire, especially a tuxedo. The sleek and simple style of a dress watch is undoubtedly the most elegant among all watch types.

As one of Japan’s most prestigious watchmakers, Seiko has excelled in the art of producing fine dress watches. In the mid-1980s, the Seiko “Dolce” range first appeared adjacent to their Grand Quartz line, which were equipped with high-accuracy quartz movements that became the foundation of what we know today as “Grand Seiko”. The hallmark of the Dolce range of watches lies in the combination of Seiko’s high precision quartz movement with subtle, yet elegant aesthetics.

Seiko Dolce Steel Ref. SACM171

The Seiko Dolce Steel Ref. SACM171 flaunts a simple time-only layout that embodies the minimalist look of a true dress watch. Evidently, the fully polished stainless steel case displays opulence with a strong luxurious charm of dress watches from the 60s. Having a graceful diameter of 33.5mm and a lug to lug distance of 38.9mm, the watch bears a conventional size to be ideally worn with formal attires. Even at this price point, Seiko went the extra mile to coat the stainless steel case with their proprietary Dia-Shield hard coating for added protection against scratches, keeping this exquisite piece looking fresh and pristine for your enjoyment.

However, the main attribute that truly takes the Dolce Steel Ref. SACM171 to another level is its incredible slenderness. Measuring a thickness (or slimness) of only 5.3mm, the wafer thin profile of the watch perfectly expresses the virtue of a traditional dress watch, allowing it to effortlessly slide under a cuff. At the 3 o’clock position, the delicately sized crown is decorated with a black onyx inlay, matching the supplied 17mm black caiman leather strap.

Seiko's Caliber 8J41

Taking a closer look at the mesmerising silvery white dial, the Dolce Steel Ref. SACM171 features a dial with an unique grained pattern reminiscent of many Grand Seiko models such as the Kabuki Kimono dial present on the U.S. Limited Edition Grand Seiko ‘Kira-Zuri’ inspired by interwoven threads in kimono fabrics worn by kabuki theatrical actors. This dial also bears a close resemblance to the textured starlight dial on the Grand Seiko ref. 6145-8030.

Without any unnecessary clutter, the dial is kept minimal with only the Seiko logo and the Dolce text cleanly printed on the simple but elegant dial, drawing focus to the beautifully crafted dial that shimmers in the light. All the elements on the dial are executed to a high level of detail, from the polished dauphine hands to the intricate baton hour markers. The dial is protected by a piece of sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on the underside.

33mm watch size ideally worn with formal attires

Producing high-performance quartz movements has been Seiko’s forte since their first ever quartz watch produced in 1969. After all, Seiko were the ones who brought the Swiss down to their knees with the innovation of quartz technology during the quartz crisis. The Dolce Steel Ref. SACM171 houses the Seiko Cal. 8J41 quartz movement which achieves an astonishing accuracy of +/-10 seconds a year and a battery life of 3 years. The quartz movement is also one of the main contributing factors for Seiko to pull off such a thin case profile.

With dress watches getting significantly larger over the years, a sub-35mm dress seems to be almost extinct in the market. However, Seiko executed the Dolce Steel Ref. SACM171 perfectly with a gorgeous dial and refined details that packs remarkable value for its price. The timeless qualities of this piece tastefully demonstrated pure class, simplicity and Japanese craftsmanship all in one elegant package.

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