SpotlightThe Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Gets A New Arita Porcelain Dial SPB445 Model
Known for high precision and impeccable craftsmanship, Seiko have introduced the new Presage Craftsmanship Series SPB445 model, featuring an exquisite handcrafted Arita porcelain dial
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Legendary Japanese watchmaker, Seiko are revered for precision, elegant designs, and remarkable craftsmanship. The Presage Craftsmanship Series is a testament to Seiko’s dedication to traditional Japanese artistry, featuring stunning dials crafted using age-old techniques. From the intricate Urushi lacquer to the vibrant Shippo enamel, Seiko’s bouquet of beautiful dials continues to grow. Following last year’s release of Presage watches with enamel and Urushi lacquer dials, the brand has now introduced the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series SPB445, showcasing a stunning Arita porcelain dial.
Introduced in 2016, the Presage collection has quickly become a cornerstone of Seiko’s portfolio. Renowned for its elegant and traditional designs, this collection features classic timepieces that celebrate Japan’s rich cultural heritage and mastery of age-old crafts. Each watch in the Presage line showcases meticulous craftsmanship, incorporating traditional Japanese techniques such as Urushi lacquer, Shippo enamel, and Arita porcelain. These techniques are employed in collaboration with some of the country’s finest artisans, ensuring each timepiece is a work of art. The Presage collection stands out for its dedication to quality and detail, making it a favorite among watch enthusiasts, who appreciate the fusion of heritage and innovation.
All About Arita Porcelain
Known for their handcrafted dials, the newly released Presage Craftsmanship Series SPB445 features a ‘Hakuji’ dial that showcases the pure white colour of Arita porcelain through a transparent glaze, also giving it a unique depth and soft luster. Although it may appear similar to enamel, Arita porcelain is distinctly different.
Master craftsman Hiroyuki Hashiguchi and his team in Arita meticulously produce these dials. The process begins by moulding a clay-based material to the exact shape required for the dial’s surface, ensuring uniformity in size, depth, and recesses. Once dried, the dials are baked at a high temperature of 1300 °C, followed by hand glazing and a second firing. This second firing bonds the glaze to the dial and brings out a subtle blue tint. Holes for the hands and date window are then created, and a third baking smooths the surfaces. The resulting dial has greater depth and a more ‘milky’ surface than enamel, with a unique, soft luster.
The Newest Kid On The Block: Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series SPB445
The new Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series SPB445 is a testament to the blend of traditional artistry and modern design. The watch’s minimalist aesthetic is deliberately chosen to emphasise the beauty of the Arita porcelain dial, crafted by master craftsman Hiroyuki Hashiguchi and his team.
Simple bar indexes are meticulously applied to maintain focus on the dial’s radiant surface, complemented by a precision minute track encircling the dial. The inclusion of a 24-hour sub-dial adds to the depth and complexity of the design, offering a functional and visual highlight that a simple time-only watch could not achieve. Blue-toned hands and printing provide a striking contrast against the white porcelain, enhancing legibility and elegance.
The SPB445 retains the signature style of the Presage collection while introducing a contemporary case design. The stainless-steel case measures 40.6mm in diameter and 12.5mm in thickness, providing a substantial yet comfortable presence on the wrist. The case is treated with a super-hard coating, ensuring durability and resistance to scratches.
The watch is secured with a 5-link stainless-steel bracelet, known for its comfort and flexibility, and is fastened with a sturdy folding clasp. The watch is brought to life by the calibre 6R5H, an automatic movement based on the reliable 6Rxx series. This movement operates at a frequency of 21,600vph and offers a robust power reserve sufficient for an entire weekend.
