Seiko Watch Corporation has announced a new limited edition Presage Kintaro Hattori watch (Reference SPB441) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Seiko brand name.
Seiko (initially known as Seikosha) was founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori’. His philosophy was “Always one step ahead of the rest.”
In 1924, the company introduced the first wristwatch with “Seiko” on the dial, signifying the beginning of the Seiko brand. Next year, 2024, marks the 100th anniversary of this landmark event. The celebration starts with an exclusive Presage watch model that pays homage to this milestone.
The original watch from 1924 was the first creation to be introduced by the Seiko Company after the Seikosha factory was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.
The Seiko Presage Kintaro Hattori Limited Edition (SPB441J1/ JDM Reference SART001) captures the vintage character of the original watch in every detail. The Seiko letters at the 12 o’clock position take the wearer back in time by recalling the distinctive typeface of that era, and the Arabic numerals, whose font pays homage to the original, incorporate both thick and slender lines to create a bold and dynamic font.
Just as with the 1924 original, the new watch features a white enamel dial made by master craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa and his colleagues, who specialize in enamel production.
The Seiko Presage Kintaro Hattori Limited Edition houses the new Caliber 6R5H, which features a 24-hour sub-dial at the six o’clock position. Its Arabic numerals are designed faithfully to those of the small seconds sub-dial that occupied the same position on the original.
The case back and the large crown carry the trademark “S” that Kintaro registered in 1900 as a symbol of the Seikosha factory. Despite the destruction of his company by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, he persevered and managed to launch the 1924 wristwatch the following year.
On the new creation’s caseback, just above the trademark, appear his name and the quote ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE REST, representing Kintaro’s philosophy for the company. The watch features movable lugs and a pull-through leather strap, which was common at the time of the original watch’s release. They have been crafted to ensure the comfort and durability necessary today.
A special pin badge with the same trademark “S” is included in the special box that accompanies the watch.
The Seiko Presage Kintaro Hattori watch will be available from January 2024 at the Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide as a limited edition of 1,000 pieces.
Technical details
Model: Seiko Presage Kintaro Hattori Limited Edition, Reference SPB441
Collection: Seiko Brand 100th Anniversary
JDM Reference SART001
Movement
Caliber 6R5H
Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
Power reserve: 72 hours
Number of jewels: 24
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Case
Stainless steel case with diamond-shield coating
Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
Screw-in case back in steel with limited edition number and the texts ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE REST and KINTARO HATTORI
Diameter: 35.0mm
Thickness: 12.3mm
Length: 37.0mm
Water resistance: 5 bar/ 50 meters
Dial
Enamel dial
Strap
Leather strap
Edition
Limited edition of 1,000 pieces (including 300 pieces in Japan)
Availability
Scheduled to be released in January 2024
Recommended retail price
Europe: €2,000
Japan: 253,000 yen (tax included)
