Seiko made history when it produced the first-ever made-in-Japan wristwatch in 1913. Known as the Laurel, the 1913 wristwatch was typical of the era when pocket watches were evolving into wristwatches.

To mark the 110th anniversary of its first wristwatch, Seiko debuts the Presage Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary ref. SPB359. Featuring a fired enamel dial, the Presage 110th Anniversary is modelled on the 1913 original, right down to the case reminiscent of a pocket watch.

Initial thoughts

Seiko regularly rolls out Presage limited editions with dials ranging from porcelain to Japanese lacquer, but all share the same case style despite the diversity in dials. In contrast, the Presage 110th Anniversary is refreshingly different and unique within the Presage line-up.

Not only is the case executed in the style of an early 20th century watch, it is also more compact than the typical Presage, measuring at 37.5 mm in diameter instead of the usual 40.5 mm. That said, the new Presage is still fairly thick at over 12 mm high as a consequence of the movement inside.

Both the case design and dimensions give it a distinctly different look and feel from past Presage models. This means the anniversary edition has appeal even for someone who already owns a past Presage model.

And as expected for Seiko, the Presage 110th Anniversary is solid value with a retail price of about US$2,000.

The 1913 Laurel in the Seiko Museum

Retro styling

Entirely polished and stainless steel, the case of the Presage 110th Anniversary takes after the Laurel of 1913. It has narrow, short lugs along with an onion-shaped crown. And the deer leather strap of the new Presage is also similar to the strap found on the 1913 Laurel in the Seiko Museum.

The new Presage is fitted with a domed, “box-shaped” sapphire crystal

The dial of the Presage 110th Anniversary is fired enamel with a gently recessed centre just like the 1913 original. Made by the workshop of Mitsuru Yokosawa, who has long supplied Seiko with enamel dials for the Presage line, the dial also reproduces the numerals on the 1913 original.

But because the movement inside is the cal. 6R27, the dial has printed registers for the power reserve indicator at nine and the date at six o’clock.

A mainstay of the Presage and other mid-priced lines, the cal. 6R27 is automatic and has a 45-hour power reserve. Like Seiko’s other mid- to high-end movements, the cal. 6R27 runs at a higher frequency of 4 Hz.

Key Facts and Price

Seiko Presage Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary
Ref. SPB359

Diameter: 37.5 mm
Height: 12.6 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Cal. 6R27
Functions: Hours, minutes, date, and power reserve indicator
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 45 hours

Strap: Deer leather

Limited edition: 2,500 pieces
Availability: Starting January 2023 at Seiko boutiques and retailers
Price: €1,900

For more, visit seikowatches.com.