Presage Craftsmanship Urushi GMT Lacquer Black Ref. SARH001

In the early 1910s, the Japanese watch manufacturer debuted its first mechanical watch. In continuation of its development, Seiko has launched its automatic caliber in the 1950s, along with its marvel, which is the creation of its shock absorbing system for the movement; known as the "Diashock" system.
 
Seiko has gone through a decade of refining and developing its mechanical watchmaking skills. These had led to the creation of Seiko's all-mechanical collection; the Presage.

Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Urushi GMT Lacquer Black Ref. SARH001 / SPB447

In the Presage line consist of Seiko's leading mechanical watch collection at nearly every price point imaginable, like the caliber 4R, 6R and 8R, and lately, Seiko introduced the Presage Craftsmanship series, where Seiko integrates traditional skills of Japan into beautiful mechanical wristwatches. Today we reveal the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Lacquer Black Ref. SARH001 or international code SPB447. This is a classic dress watch entirely made in-house by Seiko and features an glossy urushi lacquer dial fit with a GMT function.
 
Seiko is both a genius watchmaker and master in craftsmanship, not just in reliability and quality of their timepieces, but also in their aesthetics and craftsmanship. Urushi lacquer has been used since ancient times for bowls, plates and other utensils due to it's highly durable quality. Integrating urushi lacquer in this watch requires a careful crafting manufacturing method that combines metal and lacquer with a traditional technique to create a smooth surface. The precision in this process cannot be understated due to the careful balance between a beautiful luster on the dial without it being thick enough to disturb the hands and movement of the watch. Under the supervision of lacquer artist Isshu Tamura, craftsmen repeatedly applied and polished the lacquer dozens of times to produce the unique glossy depth.

Seiko 6R54 automatic caliber

Born in 1957, Isshu Tamura trained in the traditional Kaga Maki-e gold lacquer technique of Kanazawa. He hones his skills in this particular technique, setting out to produce unparalleled original works of art. He has executed his technique in Kaga Maki-e not only in lacquerware, but also in the creation of other products like both luxury fountain pens and wristwatches in which have received worldwide acclaim, thanks to their elaborate detail and fine beauty.

The Presage Craftsmanship measures 40.2mm in diameter with a thickness of 12.4mm and lug-to-lug distance of 48mm, making it very wearable as an everyday watch on any occasion. The dial featured here is a dark black urushi lacquer dial, giving the watch a lustrous and flawless look. Do note that slight difference in color distortions may occur, which has been a trademark of the craftsmanship series as each piece is unique and no two are exactly alike. Featuring a mixed of brushed and polished finished case, once can spend hours admiring this beauty.

Further, underneath the dual-curved sapphire crustal belies the hour markers are stark white batons, painted directly onto its urushi lacquer dial surface repeatedly at least 10 times, so to achieve great depth and contrast. Fitted with a unique arrow like handset which contrasts beautifully with it's gold coloured second and GMT hand.  Balancing out its details beautifully from the Seiko logo at the 12, specification at the 6 and a date window at the 3, anyone can see the effort Seiko has put into this excellent dress watch, withstanding the very close scrutiny, and able to pass with flying colors.

Enamel dial with gold tone case

A gentlemen's mechanical watch like this is an uncanny resemblance to its pedigree "Grand Seiko" cousins. Part of the Presage lineup of dress watches means that this is a step above the Spirit collection (SARB033) in terms of built and finishing. The elegant touch is completed with its 20mm leather strap with Seiko's deployant clasp system. The strap is certified by Leather Working Group which means that the design process is deemed sustainable.
 
Always seeking to improve, Seiko unveils its latest engine, the 6R54 caliber. It features Seiko's new automatic caliber with a GMT function. Maintaining operation at 21,600 BPH (3 Hertz) with hacking and hand winding capabilities, this engine has 24 jewels and a longer power reserve of 72 hours (3 days), a whopping 22 hours more than the 7R and 6S.
 
While Japan is synonymous with longstanding cultural history. Valuing their tradition till today, in terms of design and manufacturing values. The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship urushi Lacquer Black GMT Ref. SARH001 is an everyday, elegant dress watch that is reasonably 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 black urushi lacquer dial made by true Japanese craftsmen, pairing with Seiko's state-of-the-art in-house movement.

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