Porter Classic x Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series SPB449

Whereas collaborations between watch producers and lifestyle-oriented manufacturers have been a factor for the previous years, it’s not usually that Seiko groups up with an exterior designer or vogue model. We’ve seen a number of collaborations within the Seiko 5 Sports collection, however with Presage, that is extra shocking. And much more shocking than the joint work carried out with Porter Basic, it’s the watch itself ensuing from this collaboration that staggers. A small, black enamel, Laurel-inspired wristwatch that seems like a transformed pocket watch, right here’s the Presage Craftsmanship Sequence Porter Basic Restricted Version SPB449.

Earlier than discovering this objectively interesting and placing new watch, let’s speak concerning the events concerned on this collaborative creation. On one facet is Seiko, with its Presage Craftsmanship Series, the higher-end and basic facet of the model, a group that brings to the forefront conventional Japanese crafts similar to Urushi lacquer, Arita porcelain or Shippo enamel. On the opposite facet is Porter Basic, a Japanese vogue model famend for its high-quality merchandise that mix conventional craft strategies with fashionable design. Established in 2007 by Katsuyuki Yoshida and his son, Leo Yoshida, Porter Basic has created numerous objects which are made in Japan and will be handed down from technology to technology.

So, what about this new watch, the Presage SPB449. At first, it feels extremely acquainted, being impressed by the Laurel, Japan’s and Seiko’s first wristwatch born in 1913. Second, there’s a sheer resemblance at first with the Presage SPB359 released in late 2022, a fairthful re-creation of the Laurel watch carried out for its a hundredth anniversary. Nevertheless, the brand new black Presage SPB449 carried out with Porter Basic isn’t only a new dial… It has a number of distinctive points to make it really particular.

All of it begins with the case, and largely its dimensions. The diameter is on the really small facet, measuring 35mm, with a top of 12.3mm (that may be my important grief with this watch, as it is going to actually really feel fairly thick). The design is clearly impressed by early twentieth century wristwatches, which had been for a lot of of them transformed pocket watches. It thus has a basic spherical case with articulated wire-like lugs that really feel like a later addition. An onion crown sits at 3 o’clock, a box-shaped sapphire crystal provides appeal and the caseback is stable metal, screwed and marked with the silhouette of Katsuyuki Yoshida, Porter Basic’s founder.

The dial of this SPB449 is, just like the Laurel, made from enamel. But right here, Katsuyuki Yoshida chosen a chic black enamel to create a timeless and refined look. The dials are made by grasp enamel craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa and his workforce at a workshop specializing in enamel manufacturing. Opposite to the Presage SPB359, there’s solely right here a 24h sub-dial at 6 o’clock (no energy reserve indicator) the place the seconds hand was positioned on the unique Laurel – too unhealthy Seiko isn’t making a small seconds motion specifically for these vintage-orientted applcations.i Good printed Breguet-like numerals remind of the unique mannequin and provides nice rm. The “Automated 3 Days” is once more debatable.

Contained in the case is a contemporary computerized motion, the in-house calibre 6R5H. Operating at a 3Hz frequency, it brings a cushty 3-dat energy reserve. The watch is delivered with a black cordovan pull-through strap was developed particularly for this creation and feels reminescent of classic bands used on transformed pocket watches. An extra brown strap can be included. The Seiko x Porter Basic collaboration watch is accompanied by a particular Jubako-style presentation field that may maintain each the watch and the extra strap.

Accessible from November 2024, the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Sequence Porter Basic SPB449 is a restricted version of 500 items and it’ll retail for EUR 2,400. For extra particulars, please go to seikowatches.com.