PRESAGE

Seiko Presage The Shippo Enamel Limited Edition

Shippo enamel dials,
crafted especially for Presage

Two new limited editions add further depth to the Presage collection by blending Japanese aesthetics, traditional craftsmanship and Seiko’s skill in mechanical watchmaking.

The Shippo enamel

Shippo is a particular type of enamel that was developed in Japan in the 17th century. Shippo is distinguished from porcelain enamel by its transparency and in the way it is polished after firing – a process that is particularly challenging on a watch dial that is no more than 1mm thick.

The Presage Shippo enamel dial is made by Ando Cloisonne, a specialist manufacturer in Nagoya with over a century of experience. Craftsman Wataru Totani paints the glaze by hand onto the surface of the dial.

The signature of Shippo enamel is the way in which a clear, single color, through repeated painting, can take on a new depth and can carry a complex pattern engraved on the base. To ensure that the dial complies with Seiko’s strict ecological and safety standards as well as the EU’s RoHS Directive, Totani uses a lead-free glaze specially developed for these watches.

The dial is then fired at 800 degrees Celsius. The painting and firing processes are repeated several times to ensure the evenness of the enamel. Only when Totani is completely satisfied is the dial polished so that the delicate pattern emerges and a perfect, smooth surface is achieved.

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Island blue

The dial on this new Presage creation is a deep blue that mirrors the color of the ocean. As our home is a group of islands, the sea has come to have a special meaning for the people of Japan. Over the millennia, the sea has brought the world’s cultures, arts and technologies to Japan, where they have evolved under the influence of Japanese sensibilities and become unique expressions of the nation’s identity. Enamel is a perfect example; when brought to Japan from overseas, it was adapted and refined into a unique art form. The long-lasting blue of the Shippo enamel expresses the everlasting blue of the ocean, while the dial pattern echoes the continuous motion of the waves that break on the shores of our islands.

Other features

There are two limited editions. One has power reserve and date indicators, while the other offers a more simple dial. Both feature the markers and minute track used on the 1895 Time Keeper that is an essential part of Seiko’s history. Their Shippo enamel dials are protected by dual curved sapphire crystals and stainless steel cases. The crocodile leather strap has a three-fold clasp.

Lineup

The Shippo Enamel Limited Edition