This is the latest addition to Seiko Presage's "Classic Series," featuring a 38mm case diameter. This time, we'll be reviewing the Ref. HCC003J, which boasts a "cherry blossom pink" dial, a color long loved by the Japanese. The base model is the limited edition Ref. HCC010J, inspired by the silk culture of Tomioka, and this model also features a stamped pattern inspired by the drape of high-quality domestic silk. The cherry blossom pink of the dial has a delicate paleness reminiscent of real cherry blossom petals, making it a model with an appeal that makes you want to incorporate it into various outfits.
Due to the lighting, this watch appears closer to white in the photos than the others included in this article. The cherry blossom pink of this model has such a pale and delicate hue, which is part of its charm. Automatic movement (Cal. 6R51). 24 jewels. 21,600 vibrations per hour. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 38.0mm, thickness 12.9mm). 129,800 yen (tax included).
Text & Photographs by Shin-ichi Sato
[Article published on January 28, 2026]
Seiko Presage introduces a regular model with a 38mm case diameter.
This time, we'll be reviewing the latest addition to Seiko Presage's "Classic Series." This model is a regular model that adopts the same silhouette and stamped pattern as the limited edition "Classic Series Tomioka Silk Promotion Organization Limited Model" Ref. HCC010J. In addition to this model (Ref. HCC003J) with a "cherry blossom pink" dial, there are also Ref. HCC001J, which features a dial representing "shironeri," the pure white produced by refining silk, and Ref. HCC002J, which has a dial in "watake-iro," a color that has been familiar as a dye color for kimonos. Notably, the limited edition model and these three regular models feature a 38mm diameter case, a first for Presage.
Automatic movement (Cal. 6R51). 24 jewels. 21,600 vibrations per hour. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (38.0mm diameter, 12.9mm thickness). Limited to 500 pieces in Japan. 148,500 yen (tax included).
Automatic movement (Cal. 6R51). 24 jewels. 21,600 vibrations per hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (38.0mm diameter, 12.9mm thickness). 129,800 yen (tax included).
Automatic movement (Cal. 6R51). 24 jewels. 21,600 vibrations per hour. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (38.0mm diameter, 12.9mm thickness). 129,800 yen (tax included).
Therefore, in addition to the design aspects such as the notable stamped pattern on the dial and the soft, delicate cherry blossom pink color, we will also discuss the wearing comfort provided by the 38mm diameter size and how it matches various outfits.
The supple drape of pure domestic silk is expressed through a pattern-stamped design.
Before beginning this review, let me briefly explain the Classic Series Tomioka Silk Promotion Organization Limited Edition Ref. HCC010J, which served as the inspiration for the stamped pattern on the dial of this watch. The Ref. HCC010J is a model inspired by the Tomioka Silk Mill, which was established by the Meiji government in 1872 and supported Japan's subsequent modernization, as well as the Japanese silk culture that developed starting from the Tomioka Silk Mill. The stamped pattern on the dial is based on the silk produced by "Gunma Hoso," a rare and top-grade silkworm variety among the purely domestic "Tomioka Silk." The wavy pattern represents the drape created by high-quality silk, and the reflection of light from this wavy pattern and the luster of the surface expresses the lustrous quality of silk.
The regular model Ref. HCC003J, which we will be reviewing, retains the draped pattern and glossy surface, but its distinguishing feature is the use of a pale pink cherry blossom color, reminiscent of the cherry blossom petals that have been cherished by the Japanese people since ancient times.
A delicate, pale cherry blossom pink with exquisite color tones.
The dial, which incorporates cherry blossom pink, is lighter and more delicate than what one might imagine when they hear the word "pink." Readers who enjoy photography will be able to imagine this, but while it appears as a soft pink to the naked eye, it has such a delicate, cherry blossom-like quality that it appears almost white in photographs.
In bright outdoor light, it's a shade that you might classify as white, although you can faintly sense a pinkish tint. On the other hand, in the shade or under colored indoor lighting, you can perceive a cherry blossom pink hue. This exquisite shade was truly a challenge for reviewers, as it was difficult to capture accurately in photographs.
The watch is paired with a dark chocolate leather strap inspired by the trunk of a cherry tree. Its glossy finish gives it a classic look that perfectly complements the watch's chic design.
When wearing this watch, a casual glance at the time reveals a simple and essential look, with the embossed pattern, inspired by the texture of silk such as Tomioka silk, appearing smooth and unobtrusive. However, upon closer inspection, this embossed pattern evokes a sense of supple drape and luster, creating a striking presence. This dramatic shift in appearance is likely due to the skillful adjustment of wave shapes and the depth of the indentations. Furthermore, when light hits the dial, the embossed pattern creates radial rays of light, adding to the watch's unique elegance. Thus, this watch, while seemingly simple, possesses a charm that reveals the quality of its materials, befitting its story of being inspired by high-quality silk.
Let's take a closer look at the dial design. It features alpha-shaped hour and minute hands combined with a straight second hand, and the minute and second hands reach all the way to the edge of the dial, ensuring excellent legibility. Furthermore, the tips of the minute and second hands are slightly curved towards the dial, further enhancing visibility. These details are reminiscent of vintage dress watches and are important elements that contribute to the classic impression of this timepiece.
A highly refined design that is expected to be useful in a variety of situations.
As mentioned earlier, the dial of this watch is a pale pink that can appear white depending on the lighting, and it is paired with a dark brown strap that is almost black. Therefore, when considering how to coordinate it, it would be good to treat it as a classic white and black timepiece.
On the other hand, the strength of this piece lies in its color palette, which differs from simple "pure white" or "pure black." When considering how to match it with clothing or other items, pure white or pure black color schemes are neat, but they have a strong visual impact and tend to stand out unless the entire outfit is dressed up. In contrast, items like this one, which have a subtle hint of color, blend well with other colors and skin tones. Because of these advantages, this piece has the appeal to be worn not only with formal suit styles but also with casual outfits.
Therefore, I tried pairing it with an off-white cut-and-sew top. It blends well even in a casual and relaxed outfit, and I think you can see the appeal of this piece that makes you want to take it with you to various occasions. Of course, it also matches well with a glossy broadcloth shirt and a heavy dark suit.
The 38mm diameter silhouette provides a comfortable fit.
This model is the first Presage model with a 38mm case diameter. Presage offers a wide variety of case designs, and from what I've researched, the sizes range from 42.2mm to 30.3mm in diameter. Within this lineup, there are models with diameters of 40.2mm and 39.5mm, which are close to the standard for dress watches these days, and the next size down is 36.0mm in diameter. This 38mm model fills the gap between these two sizes.
For me, with a wrist circumference of approximately 18cm, which is considered thicker than the average Japanese person, the watch felt "a little compact" but offered a good fit and received high marks. It seems likely to fit users with thinner wrists as well. Its compact size makes it lightweight, which also contributes to its comfortable fit. The watch is not particularly thin at 12.9mm, but thanks to its compact design, it fit well under a sleeve, and I felt it had a good visual balance.
The movement is the automatic Cal.6R51. The Cal.6R51 has a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, and by fully winding the mainspring, it can be used on Monday even if not worn over the weekend, making it a practical choice that matches modern lifestyles. Although rigorous testing was not possible through this impression, its performance was satisfactory.
A captivating watch that you'll want to take with you in your daily life.
This new addition to the Seiko Presage Classic series boasts a richly expressive stamped pattern, an exquisitely toned dial, a classic design, and a highly practical movement, resulting in a highly refined timepiece. The only thing that bothered me during the test was that the leather strap was stiff and pinched my wrist. This is because the strap is made of thick, firm leather, which wasn't performing to its full potential when new.
Therefore, I suggest that once you acquire this watch, don't keep it as a "special occasion" item, but take it with you in your daily life. This watch has a design and color scheme that is easy to match with casual attire, so you won't have any trouble coordinating it with your outfits. As you use it, the watch, along with the leather strap, will become a familiar part of your life and will become an irreplaceable item.
