In 2005, SEIKO unveiled new Spring Drive watches equipped with automatic movements for the first time. This edition was comprised of two distinct models, each with three references.
The first automatic spring drive model features a power reserve indicator and a centre seconds hand. This timepiece is equipped with the Seiko spring drive calibre 5R65. The three references introduced in 2005 were SNR001J, SNR003J & SNR005J.
The second automatic spring drive watch is equipped with the Seiko 5R64 movement. This model features a small-seconds dial at 9 o’ clock and a power reserve indicator. This model was initially introduced in three references SNS005J, SNS001J and SNS003J.
Both Spring Drive watch models have centre hour and hands as well as a date window, placed at 3 o’ clock. Made of stainless steel, the case feature polished finish and topped with an AR coated flat sapphire crystal glass. The case measures 41mm X 12mm for the version with small-seconds hand and 42mm X 12.50mm in case of the small-seconds variant.
The cases combine three circles, prominently visible in their side profile and the circle motif is also reflected in the engraved crown. Similarly, the dials express the circle concept, with the round sub-dials harmonizing with the overall case shapes. The circular motion itself is visible through the case back where the rotor and the glide wheel are clearly visible, moving evenly and smoothly.
The references featuring centre-seconds hand (SNR001J, SNR005J and SNR003J) are fitted on a stainless steel bracelet with deployant clasp. The versions with small-seconds hand (SNS001J SNS003J & SNS005J) have genuine crocodile leather straps. Al the models are water resistant to 100 meters.
Technical details
Collection: Seiko Spring Drive
Models
Spring Drive Automatic Power Reserve Indicator and Centre Seconds (references SNR001J, SNR003J and SNR005J)
Spring Drive Automatic Power Reserve Indicator and Small Seconds (references SNS001J SNS003J & SNS005J)
Movement
Spring Drive Calibre 5R65 for centre-seconds version
Spring Drive Calibre 5R64 for small-seconds version
Power reserve of 72 hours
Dials
- SEIKO SNR001J: Silver
- SEIKO SNR003J: Blue
- SEIKO SNR005J: Black
- SEIKO SNS001J: Silver
- SEIKO SNS003J: Salmon
- SEIKO SNS005J: Black
Case
Stainless steel case with highly polished finish
Flat sapphire crystal glass
Water resistance: 100 meters
Screw-in case back with exhibition case back
Strap
Stainless steel bracelet or alligator leather strap
International launch of SEIKO Spring Drive watches
The year 2005 also marked the international market launch of SEIKO Spring Drive watches. Until then, these horological marvels were available in the Japan domestic market only.
During the Baselworld exhibition in 2005, SEIKO WATCH CORPORATION unveiled their Spring Drive watches. In celebration of the announcement, SEIKO held an auction of the first production Spring Drive timepiece, engraved with the designation “MANUFUCTURE 001”.
The watch was purchased by Mr. Peter Deering and Mr. Noel Wall, the founding partners of Timemark Ltd. in Dublin, Ireland. The proceedings of this auction were donated to a Basel based children’s charity called “Stiftung für das leukämiegefährdete Kind.” This organization provides support and recreational facilities to children suffering from cancer and leukemia.
The Musée d’Orsay in Paris was the venue for the worldwide launch of SEIKO Spring Drive on September 14, 2005. In the presence of hundreds of guests, the President and CEO of SEIKO Watch Corporation, Mr Shinji Hattori, announced the launch of the first Spring Drive watch, and, the following day, Spring Drive went on sale.
During this event, the very first Spring Drive watch, with the engraved mark ‘Manufacture 001’ was presented by Mr Hattori to Mr Deering and Mr Wall of SEIKO’s representative office in Ireland, as had been arranged at the charity auction held at the Baselworld exhibition in March.
On September 15, Spring Drive was made available to the public at the SEIKO Center in Paris. On the first morning, two Spring Drive timepieces were purchased from the SEIKO Center and Mr Hattori was present during this historic moment.
