Seiko presents two new Presage Sharp Edged Series watches inspired by the Japanese tradition of Kabuki theatre. These new timepieces have been designed in collaboration with Ebizo Ichikawa, one of Japan’s most prominent and influential Kabuki actors.
Dials with “Asanoha” hemp leaf pattern
The dials incorporate the Japanese hemp leaf pattern known as Asanoha, which has been used in the fabric of Kabuki costumes for centuries. The sharply edged geometric pattern of the dial with its rich Asanoha texture presents an ever-changing aspect as the light plays across it at different angles.
The dial’s reddish-brown persimmon color is known as Kakiiro and is a traditional Japanese color that originated with the Ichikawa family who first used it generations ago in their Kabuki costumes. Still today, Kakiiro remains a Kabuki favorite. The dial edge is a darker shade so that the gold color hands and indexes stand out clearly.
Case
Both watches feature stainless steel cases with black hard coating. Each model comes with a leather strap whose back is also Kakiiro. This is a subtle nod to the Edo period when it was forbidden to wear vivid colors in public and so they were only used on the reverse side of garments.
Both watches share the same crisp and angular case design that gives the series its distinctive and modern look. The indexes are textured on the top and polished on the sides so as to create a sharp and contemporary feel. The hour and minute hands feature Lumibrite coating to enhance legibility even in dark conditions.
Movements
Both Seiko Presage watches come with Seiko’s high performance 6R series movements. The first model (SPB329J1) features Caliber 6R21, which has day, date and power reserve indicators at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions respectively. The second model (SPB331J1) has Caliber 6R35, which delivers a power reserve of 70 hours.
Fitted with sapphire crystal glasses with an anti-reflective coating, both versions are 10 bar water resistant.
The new Kabuki-inspired Seiko Presage watches will be available as limited editions of 2,000 from October 2022 at the Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide.
Technical details
Model: Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series Kabuki-inspired Limited Editions
References SPB329J1 and SPB331J1
Case
Stainless steel case with black hard coating
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Screw see-through case back
Diameter: 40.2mm, Thickness: 12.2mm (SPB329)
Diameter: 39.3mm, Thickness 11.1mm (SPB331)
Water resistance: 10 bar
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Strap
Leather strap with three-fold clasp with push button release
Price
Approximate recommended retail prices in Europe: €1,200 (SPB329) / €1,050 (SPB331)
Edition
Limited editions of 2,000 pieces each
Movements
Seiko Presage Kabuki Ref. SPB329J1
Caliber 6R21
Vibrations: 28,800 vibrations per hour (8 beats per second)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Number of jewels: 29
Functions: Hour, minute, centre seconds, day, date and power reserve indication
Seiko Presage Kabuki Ref. SPB331J1
Caliber 6R35
Vibrations: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 70 hours
Number of jewels: 24
Functions: Hour, minute, centre seconds and date
