Seiko Presage launches new series "Ocean Traveler" inspired by elegant sea voyages

Seiko's Seiko Presage collection, which incorporates Japanese aesthetics, has added a new design series, "Ocean Teaveler." A Japan-exclusive model in collaboration with Japan's largest cruise ship, the Asuka II, and three regular models have been announced at the same time. The watches are scheduled to go on sale from Friday, September 24, 2021.

Collaboration with the cruise ship "Asuka II"

　Seiko Presage, a mechanical collection by Seiko with the concept of spreading Japanese aesthetics to the world, has announced a new series called "Ocean Traveler." Based on the theme of "enjoying a glamorous time on a cruise around Japan's beautiful ocean," the series incorporates various features that make it perfect for wearing on an elegant cruise.

　For this latest release, Presage collaborated with the cruise ship Asuka II, reflecting its commitment to the philosophy of "sincere Japanese craftsmanship." To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Asuka Cruises this year, the watch embodies the charm of the beloved Asuka II, with a design that incorporates traditional techniques and ingenuity.

　The dial, which resembles the pure white hull of the Asuka II, was produced under the supervision of enamel artisan Mitsuru Yokozawa and has an appealing glossy texture. The bar index at 12 o'clock, which stands out in vivid red, is inspired by the two lines "Nitiki" (two lines) on the funnel (a ship's smokestack), which indicates that the Asuka II is a ship owned by NYK Cruises.

　The other bar indexes and hands are blue and gold, the same colors as the hull of the ship, giving it a more Asuka II-like color scheme. The number "30" on the calendar display at 6 o'clock is gold because this is a model celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Asuka II's launch.

　Additionally, the transparent case back boldly features the Asuka Cruises logo, featuring the letter "A" evocative of the functional and mechanical beauty of a ship, and a motif of an albatross, the largest bird native to Japan.

A regular model that expresses the beautiful seascape

　In addition to the limited edition Asuka II model mentioned above, three other limited edition models were also announced. All models feature a curved titanium case reminiscent of a cruise ship, a polygonal bezel inspired by the glittering interior decor of a ship, and the same functionality.

　The dial color, evocative of the ocean's ever-changing patterns, and the extremely detailed dial pattern, inspired by waves, are the charms of the regular model. The model on the left depicts the ocean in the daytime, with the sun shining down on it, the model in the middle depicts the ocean at dusk, and the model on the right depicts the ocean at night, after the sun has set.

　Not only the dial, but also the color of the bezel, hands, and strap combinations are all different for each model, creating a watch that matches each individual image.