BY DHANANJAY PATHAK
The Presage collection from Seiko comprises tastefully done, sensibly priced watches that prove that you do not always need to make a hole in your pocket to enjoy a good mechanical timepiece. The latest addition to the Presage collection comes in the form of the new Seiko Presage Style 60’s watches. Offered with two different dial layouts and several exciting colorways, these are vintage-inspired watches influenced by a Seiko chronograph reference from the 1960s.
Let’s begin by talking a little about the case, which is a major contributing factor towards the retro vibe of these watches. Measuring 40.8mm in diameter and a thickness of 12mm or 12.8mm (Open heart models), the stainless-steel case is modestly sized and should sit comfortably on a variety of wrists. It features a nice rounded design with angular faceted lugs reminiscent of the lugs on some vintage Seiko’s. Placed on top of the case is a domed hardlex crystal that mimics acrylic crystals from the past. Surrounding the crystal is a fixed bezel that once again features an aluminum insert sticking to the vintage-inspired theme of these watches. The case is water-resistant to 50 meters which seems sufficient for an everyday watch.
The dial, like the case, continues to exhibit a vintage charm. Common to all models is a sharp lume filled sword-style handset and the applied striated markers, which seem to have been picked straight from the 1964 Seiko crown chronograph. Small rectangular lume plots have been placed at every hour to enhance low light visibility. And finally, on the outer periphery is a minute track to help read the time accurately. However, there are a few noteworthy layout differences between the two models. One variation offers a cleaner look and comes with a date window at the 3, and the other model looks slightly complex with an open heart showing off the balance at 9, along with a 24-hour circular display.
As there are different complications on offer, there are two different movements that power these watches. Ticking inside the date-only model is the calibre 4R35, whereas the Open-heart model features the calibre 4R39. Both are low-beat automatic movements and offer a power reserve of around 41 hours. The decoration is quite industrial but considering that this could be someone’s first mechanical purchase, it is good that the movement can be viewed through the exhibition case back.
The new Seiko Presage style 60’s watches can be purchased on either a nato strap or a stainless bracelet. The date-only models will retail for USD 525, whereas the open-heart models will cost slightly more coming in at USD 575.
