Seiko Presage Urushi Byakudan-nuri Limited Edition

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The new Seiko Presage Urushi Byakudan-nuri mechanical watch pays tribute to Japan’s everlasting fascination with the moon. It boasts a night sky inspired dial crafted with traditional and ancient art-craft techniques such as Urushi, Byakudan-nuri and Maki-e. The crescent moon shaped power reserve indicator adds further elegance to the dial.

As with the Byakudan-nuri technique, the crescent is first coated with a layer of Urushi lacquer that acts as the adhesive to the fine, gilt-colored powder that is then applied to it. Once the powder is on the dial, the craftsman gently taps it to disperse the powder evenly across the surface and then uses his own specially chosen material to perfect the surface.

The result is an indicator that not only reflects the shape of the crescent moon but has the moon’s shimmering, granular texture and contrasts with the smoothness of the sky against which it stands out.  Each dial is the result of painstaking efforts over a number of weeks.

Every step of these three complex processes, Urushi, Byakudan-nuri and Maki-e, is completed by hand by the craftsmen and women in the studio of Urushi master Isshu Tamura in the Hokuriku region of Honshu, Japan’s main island.

Seiko Presage Urushi Byakudan-nuri Limited Edition Watch Reference SPB085J1

The crystal is a dual-curved sapphire crystal, the exhibition case-back reveals the fine finishing of the 6R movement and the watch offers 10 bar water resistance.

The Seiko Presage Urushi Byakudan-nuri watch (reference SPB085J1) is available from early December in selected Seiko outlets worldwide in a limited edition of 2,000 pieces. Each timepiece has its own serial number and comes in a specially designed presentation case.

Crescent shape also can be seen on the sapphire case back, affixed by vapor deposition. The watch comes in a special paulownia wood box.

Model: Seiko Presage Urushi Byakudan-nuri Limited Edition, Reference SPB085J1/ SARW045*

*Corresponding JDM (Japan Domestic Model) reference

Movement
Caliber 6R21
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Number of jewels: 29

Case and dial
Stainless steel case
Urushi Byakudan-nuri dial with Maki-e
Dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw see-through case back
Diameter: 40.5mm, Thickness: 12.8mm
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Strap
Crocodile strap with three-fold clasp with push button release

Price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: 2,500 Euro

Edition
Limited edition of 2,000