Presage Classic Series Open-Heart Grey Ref. SARJ009

The Seiko Presage Classic Series Open-Heart Grey Ref. SARJ009 is the latest from the house of Seiko in 2023 that brings a new caliber into its stable. This new 3-days power reserve Presage follows the SARX055's elegance with an all-rounder built, debuted since Baselworld 2017. The Presage Classic Series has been one of the most anticipated Presage models from Seiko. It showcases Seiko's expertise with an excellent design and effort of refinement of its watch inside-out. All that even with a reasonable price tag.
 
Delving into the heart of Seiko's JDM watches, we marvel at the new engine that this renowned company has built. 2005 marks the year in which Seiko made the 6R5J engine, derived from its 6R15 movement. Using these stellar in-house manufactured calibers to create their JDM timepieces, Seiko's 7S and 6R movements are popular among Seiko collectors.

Seiko Presage Classic Series Open-Heart Grey Ref. SARJ009 / SPB471

Evidently reliable, the accurate 6R15 movement powered the SARX055 and 057 ever since their launches three years ago. Always seeking to improve, Seiko unveils its latest engine, the 6R5j caliber, an upgrade from the workhorse 6R15. This movement is used here to power the Presage, making this men's timepiece the first to feature Seiko's new automatic caliber. 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, a whopping 20 hours more than the 7R and 6S.
 
A sporty-yet-elegant styled mechanical watch can be worn on any occasion and feel proud of it, especially for it's an uncanny resemblance to its pedigree "Grand Seiko" cousins. Part of the Presage lineup of dress watches means that this is a solid step above the Spirit collection (SARB033) in terms of built and finishing. The Share Edge is fitted in a modest 40.2mm case with an even more slim profile of 13mm, along a lug to lug distance of 46mm. The case continues to hold Seiko's proprietary "super-hard" treatment onto the whole case for greater scratch resistant. Unlike the titanium case and bracelet of the SARX055, the new Presage is built-in stainless steel material that feels much substantial on the wrist with a well-balanced size for everyday wearing.

Sporting an all-new grey textured dial with open heart

In reflecting its moniker, the case shape re-defines Seiko's classic appeal with a much "sharper" look. Chiefly the wedge-shaped angular lugs that bend at an almost 90-degree angle, giving the classic series much-refined looks. The sharp, yet flat case lines flow seamlessly into the case sides, with a prominent bend inward towards the case-back, in which it helps to keep the perfect proportion as an everyday watch for most wrists.  Besides, the case gets a high-level polishing, with a satin-finished surface and mirror-finished polish on both the case sides and bezel. Since there are not bevelings on the watch, the satin-brushed top transits instantaneously to the polished sides with precision. In this manner, Seiko has, in fact, relive its 60s grammar-of-designs - whereby only to incorporate flat lines to shine and sparkle from every angle, that are found the early King Seikos and Grand Seikos; with the elimination of any bevels on the sides to reflect a cleaner look, in which shows off the brand's impeccable multi-finishings.
 
Sporting an all-new grey textured dial, Seiko incorporates yet another dial patterns that reflects the Japanese tradition. The Presage Classic Series punches above its weight, blowing other contemporaries out of the sea once again. With the creative printed patterns, the Presage incorporates a dial that dances effortlessly with the surrounding lights, even more, due to the irregular surfaces. That said, the grey dial does tone down the playfulness just a bit, in the effort to harmonize both a certain elegance with the right amount of flair.

Intricate finishing on the multi faceted case and bracelet

Whats new here got to be its open-heart display at 9o'clock with a beautiful motif, only to be overlapped slightly by its 24 hours display sub-dial located at 6 o'clock. The markers on the sub-dial are raised while the 24 hour markings sit within gracefully.
 
For the handset, Seiko emphasized the "sharp edging" ethos by establishing a set of broad dauphine hands. What's unique here is that the handset is then done in both matte and polished finishing on each hand, accentuating the refined look with more excellent legibility. And in rare circumstances on its more elegant Presage collection, Seiko has imbued its Lumibrite on both sharp-edged hands and its applied hour markers for better night readability, which is a welcoming touch. The rest of the faceted markers and date frames continue the SARX line spirit that resemble its premium GS brethren.

Seiko's 6R5J automatic movement

This remarkable timepiece comes on a retro multi-linked stainless steel bracelet that extends seamlessly from its case made from the same material, allowing it to form a single perfect timepiece that ensures comfortable wear while withstanding the harshest conditions. The faceted links from case to folding buckle enjoy a brushed finish with polished bevels.
 
Staying true to the Presage collection's classic style, the Seiko Presage Classic Series Open-Heart Grey Ref. SARJ009 subtly showcases Seiko prowess in both design and watchmaking. It refreshes the Presage collection with much-needed refinement and looks while staying true to Seiko's design grammar. From the open heart part at 9 o'clock, you can enjoy the mechanical movement ticking through the hemp leaf motif that matches the design of the dial. The multi-layered dial and gradation colors combine to create a high-quality feel. An impeccable companion for any occasion, this timepiece charms you with the satisfyingly crisp design that graces it with an all-new attractive look.

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