Two new Seiko Presage models honour Japanese craftsmanship through distinctive dial-making techniques.

Seiko’s history in wristwatches began in 1913 with the creation of the Laurel, Japan’s first wristwatch. The legacy of this landmark timepiece continues to shape Seiko’s approach to mechanical watchmaking. It is closely reflected in the Presage collection, which combines mechanical watchmaking expertise with distinctive expressions of Japanese culture and artistry. Within the collection, the Classic Series “Craftsmanship” line highlights traditional Japanese crafts, expressing the beauty of Japanese aesthetics through its dials.

Today, two new creations are introduced featuring enamel and urushi lacquer dials inspired by the Laurel. Shaped by human hands, each dial reflects the beauty of its respective craft while expressing a distinct character through texture and depth.

By incorporating dials made through traditional Japanese craftsmanship into mechanical watches designed for daily life, the creations contribute to the appreciation and continuity of these specialized techniques. This reflects Seiko’s commitment to preserving horological culture and technical skills for future generations as part of its broader sustainability efforts.

An enamel dial echoing the Laurel’s design

The enamel model draws on the design of the Laurel, featuring Arabic numerals in an original typeface that balances elegance and legibility. The distinctive red “12,” a defining detail of the original, adds a subtle yet striking accent to the pristine white dial.

The model is faithful to the spirit of the Laurel in its use of enamel, a material prized for its enduring beauty and resistance to fading over time. The dial is crafted by master artisan Mitsuru Yokosawa and Kazunori Uchiyama, the latter of whom refined his skills under Yokosawa’s guidance. Their mastery of enamel work ensures a pristine white finish made to endure for generations to come. Creating an enamel dial requires extraordinary precision and adaptability in the face of changing conditions, including adjusting the glaze composition to suit variations in temperature and humidity.

Expressing the Laurel design for the first time in urushi lacquer

The model with the urushi lacquer dial combines design elements inspired by the Laurel with the rich aesthetic of traditional urushi lacquer craftsmanship. Gold-coloured accents are used throughout the dial, lending it a sense of depth and refinement while enhancing the contrast with the deep black lacquer. The hands and indexes are rendered with rich texture and dimensionality that harmonize with the Laurel’s original design and the expressive character of urushi lacquer.

As a centuries-old technique, urushi lacquer is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and prized for its rich lustre and long-lasting durability. Through repeated hand-painting and hand-polishing in a process that demands extensive time and skill, the lacquer develops a deep, rich colour and a surface that gains strength as the years pass.

Under the supervision of urushi lacquer master Isshu Tamura, each dial is meticulously crafted by Toshikazu Tsuji, his daughter Mitsuki Tsuji, and their team. Rooted in Echizen urushi lacquer, one of Japan’s oldest lacquerware traditions, Mitsuki Tsuji has begun to expand the scope of her craft by studying with the Kanazawa-based Tamura.