Celebrating its 140th anniversary, the Japanese Watchmaking Empire presents two new limited edition watches inspired by Ginza, the Tokyo district where the Seiko story began.
The Ginza district in central Tokyo was where the company’s founder, Kintaro Hattori, opened a shop selling and repairing clocks and watches in 1881. The company is still located here.
The two 140th anniversary limited editions introduced into the Prospex and Presage collections capture both the classic and modern faces of Ginza.
Both automatic timepieces have dial patterns that echo the district’s traditional cobblestone streets but are in a blue-gray tone that also evokes the contemporary feel of the many modern and architecturally interesting buildings which define Ginza today.
Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Modern Re-interpretation: SPB259J1
The Seiko 140th Anniversary Prospex limited edition (reference SPB259J1) is based on the modern re-interpretation of the 1959 Alpinist watch introduced earlier this year. The intricate pattern of the dial incorporates two different sunray patterns which, as the viewing angle changes, create ever-changing impressions that capture the texture and feel of Ginza’s cobblestones.
The seconds hand pays homage to the district’s history with Komparu, a traditional Japanese color named after Komparu Street. This blue color with a soft green tone was first used in the middle Meiji era (1868 – 1912), instantly found favor among the many geishas who lived there and then gradually became a popular color among the public.
The Prospex Seiko 140th anniversary limited edition watch is powered by Caliber 6R35, which delivers a power reserve of 70 hours. Fitted with a curved sapphire crystal glass, the watch is water resistant to 200 meters.
Limited to 3,500 pieces, this special series timepiece will be available in Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide in October 2021.
Seiko 140th Anniversary Presage Reference SSA445
The Presage creation features the same cobblestone-inspired dial pattern and Komparu color seconds hand, but the watch has the distinguished aspect of the recently released “Style60’s” design series inspired by the 1964 Seiko Crown Chronograph.
The box-shaped glass, sharp hands and faceted indexes are inherited directly from the Crown Chronograph and create a retro feel that matches perfectly with the classic dial pattern.
The opening at the 9 o’clock position affords the view of the beating of the escapement. The open-heart window is overlapped by a 24 hour sub-dial. The Presage SSA445 watch is offered as a limited edition of 4,000 and will also be available in Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide in October 2021.
Technical details
Collection: Seiko 140th Anniversary Limited Editions
Model: Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Modern Re-interpretation: SPB259J1
Movement
Caliber 6R35
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 70 hours
Number of jewels: 24
Other specifications
Stainless steel case
Curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
See-through screw case back
Diameter: 38.0mm, Thickness: 12.9mm
Water resistance: 20 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Stainless steel bracelet with three-fold clasp with push button release
Edition
Limited edition of 3,500
Price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €750
Model: Seiko Presage SSA445
Movement
Caliber 4R39
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 41 hours
Number of jewels: 24
24-hour indicator
Other specifications
Stainless steel case and bracelet
Box-shaped Hardlex crystal
See-through screw case back
Diameter: 40.8mm, Thickness: 12.8mm
Water resistance: 5 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Three-fold clasp with push button release
Edition
Limited edition of 4,000
Price
Approximate recommended retail price in Europe: €590
