Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel White - Ltd Ed 1500pcs Ref. SARD017

Seiko needs no introduction as a champion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The brand’s Presage Craftsmanship Series exalts the Japanese ‘Takumi’ – timepieces which are individually handcrafted by master artisans who combine Seiko’s latest watchmaking techniques with centuries of traditional workmanship.

Recently, Seiko released a new watch bedecked with traditional Japanese artisanal dial materials, the Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel White Limited Edition ref. SARD017. Like its previous iterations, the watch measures at 40.5 mm wide, 47.8mm lug-to-lug, and 12.8 mm tall. Sitting only marginally thicker than its time-only counterpart, it is reasonably sized for most wrist and considering the triple retrograde displays, this watch is well balanced. Outlined by a thin bezel, the case is made up of stainless steel with high satin and mirror polishing throughout. Topping off with a domed sapphire crystal on top, and an exhibition screw-down case-back that guarantees a proper 100m water-resistant.

This is a classic dress watch entirely made in-house by Seiko, and features an impeccable fire-treated enamel dial crafted in the land of the rising sun. One of the more elegant timepieces in the Presage Cratfsmanship line, the SARD017 is unique for its triple retrograde display in a symmetrical format with a dial detailed with markers mostly painted in black on the iridescent enamel dial.  The one-of-a-kind reflectiveness of the timepiece augments the charm of the balanced dial layout, with white color applied in an understated manner alluding to Japanese zen culture.
 

The prevalence of the art and practices of enameling is customary in the heart of Switzerland since the 17th century. Geneva’s timepieces have been highly sought after with different Grand Feu (where enameling is called there) style paintings and portraits on their dials. However, a majority of these unique enamel timepieces are tagged with a high price for consumers, but not anymore.  Seiko brings this concept by no means a random consideration. In fact, it is based on the watch that brings us the Presage line today, which is the 1913 Seiko Laurel, while being the first wristwatch with a white enamel dial.

In celebration of the company’s 110th anniversary, Seiko has painted the 12 hour marker in vivid red, in which resembles back to the aforementioned Seiko Laurel. Besides its color, the symmetrical dial layout is noteworthy as this model showcases fan-shaped scales for all its retrograde displays - the power reserve at 9’o clock, day display at 3, and balanced off with the date display at 6’o clock. Indeed, this triple-fan dial reflects a great price-to-value ratio.
 

A workhorse caliber that is part of the 6R family, the cal. 6R24 (with two retrograde indications for the weekday and the date) powers the watch with a power reserve of 45 hours. Because this movement was seldom used previously, the dial layout appears new. Completing the elegant package, Seiko pairs the SARD017 with an 20mm full-stitched black leather strap with a three-fold clasp with push button release.

While Japan is synonymous with longstanding cultural history. Valuing their tradition till today, in terms of design and manufacturing values. The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Enamel White - Ltd Ed 1500pcs Ref. SARD017 is an every day, elegant dress watch that is reasonable priced. It showcases Seiko's ability to combine their manufacturing capabilities with Japan's own everlasting culture. This beauty from the Presage collection has offered authentic traditional craftsmanship, in this case, in the form of a white enamel dial fired by true Japanese enameler, pairing with Seiko’s reliable automatic in-house movement. What a great way to celebrate Seiko’s 110th birthday!

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