The Presage Craftmanship Series revives the design and form of the classic Laurel.
As Seiko celebrates 110 years of watchmaking, the iconic Japanese brand also opens its 10th boutique in the country. Located at the Mitsukoshi Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the Seiko Premium Boutique offers commemorative models, which take their place alongside the marque’s regular model runs.
Before it became a byword in horology, Seiko started as a small shop in Ginza, Tokyo in 1881, where founder Kintaro Hattori sold and repaired timepieces prior to getting into designing them in 1913. It has been more than a century since Hattori produced Japan’s first wristwatch, dubbed the “Laurel.”
This year, the brand’s Presage Craftmanship Series revives the design and form of the classic Laurel in the SPB359. The original white housing, Arabic numerals, retro-style blue hands, and large onion crown have been recreated and paired with an automatic movement. Limited-edition pieces featuring four materials will be available: enamel (SPB393), Urushi lacquer (SPB395), Arita porcelain (SPB397), and Shippo enamel (SPB399).
According to Timeplus Vice President for Marketing Edric Dy, the store “marks a significant step in (the company’s) continuous effort to serve patrons and expand offerings for the needs of deserving customers.”
The latest King Seiko collection is also available, including the SPB365, a piece designed after a Japanese geometric pattern called Kikkoumon, that resembles the shape of a tortoise’s shell. Other available models—all wrought in stainless steel yet have differently colored dials—are the SPB369 (white), SPB371 (dark blue), and SPB373 (green).
New to the Prospex range is the SPB333, a diver’s watch said to be inspired by the polar landscape—specifically the Arctic and Antarctic polar glaciers. Fun fact: Seiko watches were actually tested by researchers and explorers during the ‘60s and ‘70s in their expeditions in the North and South Poles. SPB385 is part of the Save the Ocean series, which is made in support of the Seiko Prospex mission to contribute to a greater understanding of the world’s oceans and their preservation.
By May, Prospex collectors in the country can view and buy the SLA069, the modern interpretation of the 1970 diver’s watch. The dial depicts Mont Blanc, the first of legendary Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura’s many conquests—which includes Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Aconcagua. In 1970, Uemura became the first Japanese mountaineer to summit Mt. Everest. Three months later, he ascended to the peak of Alaska’s Denali (then known as Mt. McKinley).
New to the Prospex range is the SPB333, a diver’s watch said to be inspired by the polar landscape—specifically the Arctic and Antarctic polar glaciers. Fun fact: Seiko watches were actually tested by researchers and explorers during the ‘60s and ‘70s in their expeditions in the North and South Poles. SPB385 is part of the Save the Ocean series, which is made in support of the Seiko Prospex mission to contribute to a greater understanding of the world’s oceans and their preservation.
By May, Prospex collectors in the country can view and buy the SLA069, the modern interpretation of the 1970 diver’s watch. The dial depicts Mont Blanc, the first of legendary Japanese adventurer Naomi Uemura’s many conquests—which includes Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Aconcagua. In 1970, Uemura became the first Japanese mountaineer to summit Mt. Everest. Three months later, he ascended to the peak of Alaska’s Denali (then known as Mt. McKinley).
Expected in June is a new movement in Seiko’s 6R family, bearing a GMT function and power reserve lasting a full 72 hours. Caliber 6R54 will be presented in three new Prospex creations that are all modern reinterpretations of a Seiko classic from 1968.
Meanwhile, distinguished by “an intricately textured ice-blue dial” is the SPB385, inspired by polar glaciers. This limited-edition watch comes with an additional strap made entirely of recycled plastic bottles using a traditional Japanese braiding technique called Seichu. The SPB385 is part of the Save the Ocean series, which is made in support of the “Seiko Prospex mission to contribute to a greater understanding of the world’s oceans and their preservation.”
The Seiko 5 Sports line also marks a milestone as it turns 55 by collaborating with television program “Masked Rider” through the SRPJ91 model. Expected to be in stores by April, the watch is an homage to the original piece worn by the show’s main character Hongo—given upgrades in terms of technology and materials. Buyers will additionally receive a specially designed box with overlapping acrylic plates indicating the watch specifications.
To meet even more discriminating tastes, the new Seiko Premium Boutique—open from 10 am to 10 pm—also carries Grand Seiko pieces. For more information, email info@seikophilippines.com.
