Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Launches First Enamel Ladies' Watch

Seiko's Presage collection has announced three ladies' watches with enamel dials, a first for the brand. Two regular models and one limited edition model are available, with the limited edition model featuring a crescent moon-inspired dial.

A sophisticated case and a lustrous dial made of enamel

　Seiko Presage will release three ladies' watches (two regular models and one limited edition model) that feature the brand's first enamel dials.

　The new model features a streamlined and refined design that complements the everyday lives of women who are not influenced by others, have their own values, and live each day carefully. The dial was fired under the supervision of enamel artisan Mitsuru Yokozawa, and maintains a soft luster and warm texture, ensuring that the color will not fade for a long time.

　The regular model comes in two colors: one with a new cherry blossom pink dial and brown indexes, and one with a white dial and deep blue hands and indexes. These new dial colors evoke the beauty of Japanese color.

　When we think of cherry blossom pink, we usually imagine a baby pink color, but the cherry blossom color of this enamel dial truly expresses the transience of real cherry blossom petals. It is a natural pale pink color that is almost white.

Seiko's enamel dial requires high-level technical skill

　Enamel is a technique originally introduced from the West, in which a glassy glaze is baked onto the surface of materials such as metal. In the West, it is called "enamel," and in Japan, it is called enamel or shippo. The difference between the two is that enamel is made on a base of metal such as iron or aluminum, and is used for everyday items such as tableware.

　On the other hand, cloisonné, which uses gold, silver, or copper as a base, is used as decoration and art. The warm texture of enamel, with its unique soft luster, adds a rich look to watches.

　The enamel dials used by Seiko are small, measuring around 3cm, and there are restrictions on thickness, etc. There are very few craftsmen in Japan who can apply enamel to such delicately crafted dials. Yokozawa, who oversees Seiko's enamel work, says that the most difficult and arduous part of the enamel application process is the undercoat, which determines the finish of the product.

　This is the most important step, as if it is too thin, defects are more likely to appear, and if it is too thick, the finished product may not meet the standards.It can also be difficult to achieve the desired color, so this is a task that requires careful attention.

　Furthermore, within the range of thicknesses from 0.10mm to 0.12mm, applying it at 0.12mm seems to produce the best finish. The difference of 0.02mm can be measured by the application time, but it can also be sensed by looking at it. This type of enamel dial is difficult to manufacture, and production numbers are limited. Very few brands use it, making it a valuable dial.

A limited edition model with a graceful moon motif floating in the night sky

　A limited edition model will also be released with a motif of the moon, which continues to fascinate people and is depicted as a fascinating being in "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter," said to be the oldest story in Japan.

　The navy blue enamel dial, reminiscent of the night sky, and the crescent-shaped gold-colored indexes create a unique asymmetrical dial, and the crocodile strap adds a touch of elegance. The crescent moon's outline and indexes are finished in three dimensions using more than nine layers of paint, creating a floating feeling as if they are floating in the night sky. Combined with the luster of the fresh enamel, this gives the dial depth.

　The caliber 6R31 installed in this watch omits the calendar function, allowing the individuality of the dial to be highlighted simply.With a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, if you wind the mainspring to its maximum on Friday of the weekend, it will still be usable on Monday morning even if you don't wear it.

　The dual-curved sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating on the inside makes it easy to see the time from any angle, allowing you to enjoy the soft look of the dial.