Presage Classic Series 145th Anniversary - Ltd Ed 1450pcs Ref. SARX136

In the early 1910s, Japan's pioneering watchmaker debuted its first mechanical timepiece. This set the stage for decades of innovation, leading to the launch of Seiko's automatic calibers in the 1950s. Among these milestones was the creation of the "Diashock" system—a marvel of engineering designed to protect the movement's most delicate components from impact.

After a decade spent refining these mechanical skills, Seiko unveiled the Presage collection: a series dedicated entirely to the art of traditional watchmaking.

In honor of Seiko's 145th anniversary, the brand has released four limited-edition models across various series. Each piece incorporates warm gold accents, symbolizing success, abundance, and a bright horizon. Since 1881, Seiko has accompanied the journey of people's lives, remaining dedicated to adding color to the everyday while serving as a beacon for the future.

Seiko Presage Classic Series 145th  Anniversary - Ltd Ed 1450pcs Ref. SARX136

Today, we look at a physical expression of that enduring commitment: the Presage Classic Series Limited Edition. This model draws its elegant inspiration from the "Timekeeper," the landmark pocket watch produced during the founding era of Seikosha.

Crafted as a tribute to the dawn of Japanese horology, this stainless steel timepiece serves as a bridge between eras. Its 35mm diameter and 12.3mm thickness are shaped by the spirit of the Timekeeper, Seiko's inaugural pocket watch, manifesting in a lugless design that celebrates the pure, uninterrupted geometry of a circle. This unique silhouette is crowned by a bezel of meticulous, three-dimensional decoration that mirrors the ornate artistry of a century ago. Every detail, from the rounded onion shaped crown at the 3 o'clock position to the warm gold finish, is chosen to symbolize a future illuminated by success and the quiet abundance of time.

While its soul is rooted in the archives of Seikosha, the construction remains thoughtfully suited for the modern collector. The gold tones act as a luminous accent, reflecting Seiko's enduring commitment to coloring the daily lives of those who wear their history on their wrist. Beneath this heritage exterior, the watch maintains a practical 50m water resistance, ensuring that its artistic proportions are matched by a quiet, reliable resilience. 

Crafted as a tribute to the dawn of Japanese horology

The limited edition piece is further enhanced by the glossy luster and warm texture of the enamel dial, a signature material that honors the original Timekeeper. Under the boxed sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating, this canvas is graced by sophisticated, slender Roman numerals, which have been thoughtfully updated with a refined typeface to ensure high visibility without compromising its heritage aesthetic. The composition is completed by the graceful sweep of gold-tone spade hands, a choice that anchors the dial in a bygone era of elegance. Every element works in perfect harmony to evoke a truly vintage character, transforming the watch into a sophisticated work of art that captures the classy, timeless spirit of early mechanical watchmaking.

Beneath its heritage-inspired exterior, the watch is powered by the dependable 6R51 automatic caliber, a 24-jewel movement that reflects Seiko's modern mechanical prowess. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz), it provides a generous power reserve of approximately 72 hours, ensuring the watch remains running even after a weekend off the wrist. The artistry continues through to the reverse side, featuring a secure screw-in caseback elegantly engraved with "LIMITED EDITION" to mark its place within this historic 145th-anniversary celebration.

Caliber 6R51. Seiko Automatic.

Perhaps the most captivating detail is how the timepiece transforms in the hand; without the strap, the case feels like a precious miniature pocket watch. This seamless transition is achieved through a movable pull-through structure inspired by the "Laurel," Japan's very first domestic wristwatch, allowing the case to sit with a unique and flexible grace on the wrist. To complement this historical architecture, the strap is crafted from premium cowhide leather sourced from a Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tanner.

In its final impression, this limited edition piece feels wonderfully compact and intimate on the wrist, staying true to the smaller, sophisticated proportions that define authentic vintage horology. With a worldwide release limited to just 1,450 pieces, it masterfully captures the soul of the original "Timekeeper" while meeting the demands of modern craftsmanship. There is something truly remarkable about seeing Seiko reach so deep into its archives to bring a design of this caliber back to life; it is a bold, nostalgic statement that successfully bridges the gap between 1881 and the present day.

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