Editor’s note: While we have been covering Grand Seiko watches for a while, this quick introductory Seiko Presage review is brought with the assistance of Linda & Co Designer Jewellers Broadway. For our usual detailed hands-on reviews, please head to our dedicated reviews section here. This is NOT a sponsored post.
What is it: The Seiko Presage SPB170J1 is part of the relatively new Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series released half-way through last year. Initially, 4 new date/time-only watches were introduced, followed by a GMT line and subsequently new colour ways were added recently, including a very nice fume red, the ref. SPB227J1.
Why: These advance the Japanese traditions and the art of watchmaking, with 4 initial dial colours — green, white, brown, and blue — featuring a geometric pattern based on the traditional Asanoha hemp leaf motif of the Heian Period that symbolises hope for growth.
When released: August 2020
Where: The Seiko Presage Sharp Edged series is available globally, and is not limited edition. These watches are also available through their authorised dealer Linda & Co Designer Jewellers Broadway.
Who is it for: Those who wished that the world of Grand Seiko was brought a bit closer to the watch enthusiast community at a more pocket friendly pricing.
Basic Specs: 39.3mm diameter, 11.1mm thickness, 84g (with strap) weight; Sapphire crystal on back and front; Calibre 6R35 featuring 27 jewels, date display at 3’o clock, stop seconds, +25 to -15 seconds per day accuracy, 70-hour power reserve; 100m water-resistance; RRP of 1’495 AUD; gold-plated stainless steel case with a complementing horse skin brown strap and three-fold clasp with push button release
The Hands-on Experience With Seiko Presage
With a lug-to-lug spacing of only 47.2mm, these Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series watches on my ~16cm wrist fit perfectly. The inclusion of the 20mm lug interhorn spacing means that one can find after market strap options with ease as well.
The watch dimensions are in fact very similar to the popular Tudor Black Bay 58, with its measurements reading 39mm diameter, 12.5 thickness, and the same 47.2mm lug-to-lug spacing.
The Susutake or the brown-toned smoked bamboo dial of the Seiko Presage SPB170J1 is framed nicely by a gold-plated steel body, and especially on my skin tone, this combination works like a charm.
One of the most immersive features is the inclusion of an enigmatic dial; these angular and three-dimensional dials are a work of art, taking nature’s beauty and scaling it down to perfectly fit a wrist. Given the shape, light is caught and reflected, as if twinkling of a million stars on clear night.
Japanese traditional and classic beauty is taken and interpreted with a new case design that boasts of modern features like sharp edges and angular case construction. This is especially visible in the way the lugs are designed.
I also like that despite following some of the design codes of a conventional dress watch, the Seiko Presage SPB170J1 also features Lumibrite on hands and index(es) thereby ensuring both day and night-time legibility.
The inclusion of 100m water-resistance and a screwed case-back also means that the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series can be worn for more than simply formal/dressy occasions. It adds a welcome touch of versatility which I appreciate.
That and the presence of almost 3-days of power reserve also means that the watch can be easily worn as part of a regular rotation or can be taken off after a week of work and still be ticking once you get back to formal life again after a weekend.
That’s All Folks!
The tapisserie pattern style dial is the obvious star here. But it is the combination of various factors for a bargain price that ensure why you should be seriously considering the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged series.
Just like the meaning behind the Asanoha hemp leaf motif, the Seiko Presage SPB170J1is one sure shot way of ‘growing’ your watch collection in a way it is an envy of others.
To find out more about the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series watches or other Seiko timepieces, please visit their website here. You can also check them out at the Linda & Co website here or visit their authorised retailer Linda & Co Broadway at Shop 321 Level 3/1 Bay St, Ultimo NSW 2007 (02 9212 3633). All images unless otherwise specified are ©Watch Ya Gonna Do About It.
