Following the launch of the Prospex GPS Solar Chronograph Seiko are continuing to explore adding new complications to existing collections. Admittedly this new launch is less extreme than smashing the Astron into the Prospex line with the force of a Large Hadron Collider. Instead, they’ve added a GMT hand to the Presage Craftsmanship series for the first time. The resulting watch is the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Urushi GMT.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Craftsmanship series, it’s Seiko high end line of Presage watches that have dials produced using traditional Japanese crafts. Previous models feature dials made from materials like porcelain but this one is made Urushi lacquer. It’s a form of traditional lacquer made from sap from urushi trees and is often used on dials with dark colours. It gives an exceptional smoothness to the black dial.
It’s been paired with understated baton hour markers and spade shaped hands to add a classical edge. As a touch of luxury the seconds hand and GMT 24-hour hand are in a sparkly golden colour, which matches the 24-hour scale around the periphery of the dial. A GMT function allows you to keep track of two time zones at the same time, the main hour hand tracks one while the GMT tracks another. Typically, this is local time and home time, making it the ultimate travel companion.
Powering the watch is the calibre 6R54, which is one of Seiko’s top grade movements with a 72-hour power reserve and an accuracy of -15/+25 seconds per day. In addition to the hours, minutes, seconds and GMT complications it also has a date window at 3 o’clock. It’s housed inside the 42.2mm x 12.35mm stainless steel case with an exhibition caseback.
The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Urushi GMT is priced at £1,590, which seems about right for the traditional crafts on display with the dial as well as the good specs of the movement. A few years ago that would’ve been on the higher end for Seiko but these days it’s more of a mid-range price. It’s also nice to see the craftsmanship range expand its horizons beyond time and date models turning it into more of a sub-collection in its own right rather than a novelty at the fringes of what Seiko does.
Price and Specs:
More details at Seiko Boutique.
The strap is the wrong way around. I’ll gladly take one to fix.