This review focuses on the Presage Prestige Line SARX095, a model from the Presage series, the core of Seiko's informal watches, that features a unique Arita porcelain dial. The dial is not only a talking point, but also an important element in creating the watch's appeal. Its texture changes depending on the color of the light, a unique feature that cannot be achieved with paint.
Text & Photographs by Shin-ichi Sato
Article published on June 2022, 12
About Presage Prestige Line SARX095
Seiko's Presage is a collection of informal watches that are suitable for both business and casual occasions.
With a diverse lineup ranging from traditional dress styles to sportier models, the brand caters to a wide range of needs. The collection is divided into the "Basic Line" equipped with a 4R series movement and the "Prestige Line" equipped with a higher-end 6R series movement.
The Prestige line to which this watch belongs includes models that use lacquer dials and dials with textured surfaces, which are not found in the Basic line. Among these, the Arita porcelain dial used in models such as the SARX095 is unique even when compared to other brands.
The Arita ware dial is described in detail in Yoko Koizumi's impressions of the SARW049, published on webChronos.
http://www.webchronos.net/features/79647/
Arita porcelain dial with excellent appearance and visibility
The most distinctive feature of this piece is the dial, made of Arita ware. It has a pale ivory color with a slight blue tint. I felt that the appearance of this dial was more influenced by the color of the ambient light than by the color of the material or the way people see things.
It's interesting how the watch's appearance changes dramatically depending on the time of day outdoors, and the color of the lighting indoors. This is something that a painted dial cannot replicate.
It also has a three-dimensional shape with a depression in the center and a slight rise around the edges. This creates a change in the way light is reflected. Upon closer inspection, you will see that this is a skillful finish that improves visibility and looks good at the same time. This is exactly the key point of this piece.
The tip of the hour hand is raised, and the hour index and hour hand are positioned at a similar height. It's a small detail, but it improves both visibility and appearance.
Furthermore, the minute hand is closer to the dial, which has the same effect as shortening the axis length and bending the tip of the minute hand to bring it closer to the dial, as seen in high-end watches. As a result, visibility is improved and the watch looks better, appealing to watch lovers.
When Arita ware was first used, the dials of the models were flat and did not reflect light as well as this model. Many of the models also had a date window.
This model's raised dial likely makes it difficult to include a date window, but eliminating the date window creates a sense of unity with the three-dimensional dial, which is a positive thing. Some people may find the lack of a date display a negative, but I appreciate this compromise.
The movement is the long power reserve Cal.6R31.
It is equipped with the Cal. 6R31 movement. It has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, and the automatic winding section is equipped with Seiko's traditional Magic Lever, which provides excellent winding efficiency. Perhaps because of this, I was able to spend the two weeks or so I used the watch without worrying about the power reserve.
The impression unit I used had a daily rate of +14 to +18 seconds, half while worn and half while laid flat. This may seem a bit lacking, but it should be taken into account that it was a cold season with temperatures below normal, and the worn model was merely a sample. Additionally, the accuracy was within the range of the nominal accuracy stated in the specifications.
In my opinion, Seiko's recent low-priced watches seem to be leaning too far to the positive side, perhaps to avoid complaints that their accuracy is on the negative side.
The fit is not bad, but the waist feels high.
The case diameter is 40.5mm, and when it fits tightly to my wrist, which is about 18cm in circumference, the lugs do not protrude, and the bracelet is thin, has a wide range of movement, and fits well to the wrist.
There is a slight lug lift, but it's within the acceptable range. The weight balance is good, but it feels like it's just barely there. The weight and size make the head move around a bit when used in a loose fit. The thickness of 12.4mm is also a bit of a concern, and it feels a bit high-slung.
The middle section is a three-part structure with different finishes.Impressions of the Grand Seiko "Elegance Collection SBGJ251"The structure is similar, but the latter is more substantial.
The buckle doesn't have a length adjustment mechanism to change the position of the spring bar, which makes it difficult to get a tight fit and difficult to fine-tune depending on the day. While I understand that this is difficult to achieve with a thin buckle, it's something I'd like to see improved.
