BY DHANANJAY PATHAK
Seiko introduced the Presage Sharp Edged collection in 2018 and following the success of the initial models, the brand has been diversifying the collection by adding compelling new watches regularly. Recently the brand expanded the Sharp Edge family with five new watches which include – one GMT(SPB303), two watches (SPB305 & SPB307) with calendar and power reserve complication, and two (SPB309 & SPB311) open heart three handers. Let’s have a quick look.
SPB303
Like previously released Sharp Edge GMT watches, the SPB303 features the capability of tracking a second time zone. The dial remains highly textured but has been presented in a deep shade of blue in this instance. Placed on top of the dial are faceted applied hour markers that provide a nice sense of depth. At 6 o’clock position is a sub-dial for the date, and the 9 o’clock position is a power reserve indicator.
The minute track on the outer periphery is bi-colored, and the extra time-zone can be tracked using the white arrow tipped along with the fixed bezel on top that features a blue aluminum insert with 24-hour markings in white. Packed inside the 42mm steel case is the in-house calibre 6R64 that operates at 4 Hz and offers a power reserve of around 45 hours. The watch comes mated to a steel bracelet and retails for EUR 1,540.
SPB305 & SPB307
Measuring 40mm in diameter and having a thickness of around 12mm, the case on the SPB305 and SPB307 is well proportioned and maintains the design DNA of the Sharp-Edged family intact. It features a nice mix of brushed and polished surfaces and, like the other new models, is water-resistant to a healthy 100 meters. There are two dial colors on offer- cool icy Geppaku blue and deep and dark Kuritobi black.
Both dials feature the hemp leaf texture placed on top of which are three subdials at 3, 6, and 9 to track the calendar functions and power reserve. There is lume applied to both hands and the markers to ensure readability in low-light situations. Ticking inside these watches is the Seiko calibre 6R21 that operates at 4 Hz and offers a power reserve of around 45 hours. The watches once again come attached to a stainless bracelet, and retail for EUR 1,100.
SPB039 & SPB311
The simplest of the lot, the SPB039 & SPB311, are also the sleekest. The stainless case on these three-hand watches measures 40.2mm in diameter and has a thickness of around 11.8mm, which should make them slide easily under a shirt cuff. The SPB039 comes with a textured white dial, steel hour and minute hands, a blued seconds hand, and applied steel indices. The SPB311 features a blue textured dial with golden tone applied indices and hands. Both watches come with an open-heart circular display at 9 o’clock that gives way to the balance wheel of the calibre 6R38 that powers them. This movement operates at 3 Hz and offers a healthy autonomy of around 70 hours when fully wound. The SPB309 is accompanied by a stainless-steel bracelet, whereas the SPB311 is completed by a brown leather strap. The retail price has been set at EUR 1,000.
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