Latest news with #Seiko
Rakyat Post
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Rakyat Post
So Classy It Hurts! Seiko's Presage Classics Series Is Quiet Luxury With A Japanese Soul
Subscribe to our FREE When most people think of art, they probably picture intricate carvings in museums or delicate ceramics behind glass, not something you'd actually wear on your wrist. But Seiko's Presage Classic Series flips that idea on its head. Instead of admiring traditional Japanese craft from afar, why not carry it with you? (Credit: freepik) Designed for both men and ladies, the Presage Classic Series is Seiko's love letter to Japanese craftsmanship. These watches don't just look inspired by art, they are art! Made using time-honoured techniques like Arita porcelain and Urushi lacquer. The result? A sleek, wearable design that turns heritage into something you don't just admire but carry with effortless style. SPB497: Arita Porcelain, Reimagined Let's start with the SPB497. It features a dial made of unglazed Arita porcelain (yes, real porcelain) with a soft matte finish that feels refined. Arita porcelain has been around since the 1600s, from a little town in Kyushu, Japan. It was Japan's first-ever ceramic porcelain product, and over time, its signature stylistic expression made its way around the world. Sounds familiar, right? That same aesthetic shows up in our own Peranakan and Baba-Nyonya porcelain, too (think of those nice pinggan mangkuk sets in your grandma's cabinet). (Credit: freepik) What makes this watch special is the raised rhombus pattern on the dial, a symbol of good health and prosperity. Combined with warm gold hands and indexes, it's got an understated, classy vibe that feels timeless. And don't worry, this thing is far from fragile (this isn't your average teacup, lah !). The porcelain is a custom blend that's four times tougher than regular ceramic, fired and finished by artisans who've been doing this for generations. Only 1,200 pieces of the Seiko Presage Classic Series Arita Limited Edition SPB497 exist, so if you manage to get one, just know it's something rare. And really, really cool. SPB499J1: Urushi Lacquer, With an Edge Prefer something bold and classy? The Seiko Presage Classic Series in Urushi Black, or SPB499J1, might be more your style. This one's all about Urushi lacquer, a natural tree sap that's been used in Japan for over 9,000 years. Traditionally, it's found on beautiful old furniture, soup bowls, and statues of deities. It's kind of like the lacquer used in traditional Malaysian wood carvings, where the shine isn't just for show, but also for protection. (Credit: freepik) But here, it's layered (by hand, OK!) onto the dial until it becomes this smooth, jet-black surface that catches the light like nothing else. The design draws inspiration from Seiko's first-ever pocket watch, introduced in 1895, complete with gold Roman numerals, a clean rail-track chapter ring, and a glossy finish that exudes effortless elegance. Underneath it all, you've got Seiko's trusty 6R5H automatic movement, a 3-day power reserve, a 24-hour subdial, and a slim case with a scratch-resistant coating. Oh, and similar to the SPB497, its leather strap is sustainably sourced and certified by the Leather Working Group, so it's kinder to the planet, too. Something Worth Wearing With the Presage Classic Series, Seiko gives you more than just a watch. You get real, living craft where centuries of skill and culture, wrapped up in a beautiful, wearable package. The Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Man of Many
5 days ago
- General
- Man of Many
The $1,995 Seiko That Every Watch Collector Needs in Their Collection
By Ben McKimm - News Published: 24 Jul 2025 Share Copy Link 0 Readtime: 4 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Seiko launched the 150m 62MAS Diver's watch in 1965 Advanced swiftly with 300m in 1968, titanium 600m 'Tuna' in 1975 New 1965 Diver reimagined packs Calibre 6R55, 72-hour power reserve, 300 m rating Fan vote decides 2026 Diver's model colour addition No watch collection is complete without a Rolex, OMEGA, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and at least one Seiko. We'd happily throw in a Casio G-Shock too, but what we're trying to say here is that at its core, true watch enthusiasts appreciate history, craftsmanship, and performance before they even consider what anyone thinks about the watch on their wrist. If a watch tells a story, has history, and the performance numbers to back up any claims a manufacturer wants to make about its intended use, we watch nerds think that's pretty cool too. While its famous for its Speedmaster Moonwatch, OMEGA was the first brand to release a commercially available divers watch in 1932 with the release of the cork-sealed, double-cased Marine, which was tested in Lake Geneva to a depth of more than 70 metres. Then, twenty years later, after learning from the Swiss, Seiko released the first Japanese dive watch in 1965, the self-winding 150M Diver's called the 62MAS. Seiko 1965 Diver 62MAS | Image: Supplied / Seiko We can't forget that at this time, these watches weren't worn for style: they were concerned with function only. Divers were making personal requests to the brands, and Seiko was the one that became known for meeting these requests in Japan. They could be trusted to deliver a product that would meet or exceed those of the professional divers, and they proved it by making watches that could be used with a diving capsule and saturation diving techniques at depths of up to 600 metres by 1975. However, we have to trace our steps back to 1965 to get a better picture of just how quickly Seiko innovated in this space. A Brief History of the Seiko 62MAS Three years after debuting the 62MAS, which was capable of 150 meters of water-resistance, they released the 1968 Professional Diver 300m. Then, less than ten years later, they released the world's first professional Diver's 600M with titanium case (nicknamed the Tuna) that was corrosion-proof, shock resistant, and airtight. It featured more than 20 patents on the exterior alone, and three years after its release it was updated with a quartz movement, making it the world's first saturation diving watch to feature that style of battery. Seiko 1965 Diver ref. SPB453J | Image: Supplied / Seiko Seiko 1965 Diver Specifications Movement : Automatic Calibre 6R55, +25/‑15 s per day, : Automatic Calibre 6R55, +25/‑15 s per day, Power reserve : 72 hours : 72 hours Case : Stainless‑steel : Stainless‑steel Case diameter : 40 mm (46.4 mm lug‑to‑lug) : 40 mm (46.4 mm lug‑to‑lug) Case thickness : 13 mm : 13 mm Weight : 168 grams : 168 grams Band : Stainless‑steel bracelet : Stainless‑steel bracelet Water resistance : Diver's 300 m : Diver's 300 m Dial: Black with Lumibrite hands & markers; date display; timer scale on bezel Many watches followed, but the 1965 Seiko Diver's watch probably remains the most iconic of all divers on the market to this day. It's hard to acquire in good condition these days, but there's good news: Seiko has re-released the 1965 Diver's and updated it for the modern day with one of the latest in-house automatic movements, the Calibre 6R55 with 72 hours of power reserve, and they've even upgraded the water resistance to 300 metres, which is a first for Prospex non-saturation diver's watches. Seiko 1965 Diver | Image: Supplied / Seiko Seiko 1965 Diver | Image: Supplied / Seiko Seiko 1965 Diver | Image: Supplied / Seiko Seiko 1965 Diver | Image: Supplied / Seiko It's not a replica of the original, but it's what Seiko would've released back in 1965 if they had today's capabilities. You'll notice how they've moved the date window to the space between four and five o'clock to allow for a more symmetrical design and to allow more Lumibrite in the space for high legibility in dark conditions. We also love how they've slimmed the 40.0mm case down (46.4mm lug-to-lug) to 13.0mm, which is remarkably thin for a diver at this price point and these specs. Even the bracelet links are shorter for comfort, and the clasp has a conformed shape. This watch celebrates 60 years of Seiko diver's, and next year, the brand will release one of the colourful colourways teased above. You can choose the watch they release through a fan vote that is currently running on the brand's website. Alternatively, pick up one of the existing Seiko 1965 Diver watches available right now for AUD$1,995 at the retailers listed below.
Rakyat Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
Still Ticking, Still Diving: Seiko's Diver Hits The Big 6-0
Subscribe to our FREE You know, 60 years is a lifetime… and quite a milestone. Back in 1965, the world was changing fast. Malaysia was heading into a decade of independence. The first commercial satellite had just gone into orbit. The Beatles were rewriting the music scene, miniskirts were flipping fashion on its head. And in Japan, something quieter but just as revolutionary was rising to the surface. (Credit: tawatchai07/freepik) That year, Seiko introduced Japan's first professional diver's watch built for one purpose: survival . Because, when you're deep underwater, a watch isn't just for telling the time. It tells you when to surface. When to breathe. When to live. The original,1965 and 1968 diver's watches, the 62MAS. Complete with automatic mechanical movement and 150m water resistance. Fast-forward to 2025, and Seiko's Prospex line is marking its 60th anniversary not just by looking back at its deep-sea legacy, but by diving headfirst into the future. The Letter That Changed Everything Seiko's longstanding legacy in the seas, believe it or not, started with a simple letter. As the story goes, a diver from Hiroshima wrote to Seiko, saying that most watches just couldn't survive a saturation dive—a kind of deep-sea mission where divers live in pressurised environments for days or weeks. See, helium gas would slip past the seals, build up inside the watch case, and eventually blow the glass clean off. Which, you know, is not great when you're hundreds of metres underwater. (Credit: freepik) Now, Seiko didn't just ignore him. They did what few brands would: they listened and then they went to work. After years of research, they unveiled the world's first 600m professional diver's watch with a titanium case. It was lighter, stronger, smarter. A watch that didn't just handle the pressure, it mastered it. A Legacy Forged in the Deep Now, Seiko's dive watches didn't just tell the time, they defied it. They went places. Cold, high, and impossibly deep places. In 1966, their first diver's watch joined four Antarctic expeditions. By 1970, one was strapped to the wrist of the first Japanese climber to summit Everest. (Credit: In 1983, Seiko watches dove with Japan's Shinkai 2000 submersible to depths of 1,062 metres, far beyond their official 600m rating. Then in 2015, Seiko's 1,000m saturation divers were sent on a mission with Kaiko 7000 II, a remote submersible, where they hit over 3,000 metres deep, and the watches still kept ticking. (Credit: Seiko Prospex – Marinemaster 1000m Depth testing 2015/YouTube) Now Surfacing: The 2025 Marinemaster SLA081 To celebrate 60 years of conquering the deep, Seiko's diving back in… literally. Their Prospex line (short for Professional Specifications) is going back to its roots with the release of the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster Professional, SLA081. Now, this watch isn't meant to be just a tribute piece. It's a modern masterpiece made to be worn in style. Inside you'll find the Calibre 8L45, a premium mechanical movement with 72 hours of power reserve and elite-level accuracy. Its components are made from Spron—a proprietary Seiko alloy that resists breakage, corrosion, and wear. Outside, a one-piece titanium case rated to 600m, built tough without needing a helium escape valve, thanks to Seiko's unique L-shaped gasket. It's a quiet flex referencing their game-changing 1975 model, complete with the word 'PROFESSIONAL' inscribed on the dial. The dial itself is a rich, ocean-deep gradient of blue, inspired by shinkai , the Japanese word for 'deep sea.' And it's finished with glossy textures and raised, wavy markers, making it a dashing looker. And if you want one, you'll have to move fast. Only 600 pieces will be made, launching in July 2025. One of them is already headed to the Arctic on JAMSTEC's (Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology) latest research mission. Vintage Spirit, Modern Masterpieces Also joining the 60th anniversary lineup are two more limited editions, each drawing from different moments in Seiko's diving history. First up, the SPB511, Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch. A tribute to the 1965 original. It comes with a clean silver dial, modern Calibre 6R55 movement, and a 72-hour power reserve. Its 300m water resistance is a nod to how far we've come since the original's 150m rating. Then there's the Seiko Prospex 1968 Heritage Diver's GMT Watch, SPB509. Inspired by its bold predecessor. This one adds a GMT complication, powered by Calibre 6R54, with an independently adjustable 24-hour hand that's perfect for those tracking multiple time zones. The blue dial, with its wave motif, pays homage to the signature Prospex feel. Both models are limited to 6,000 pieces each and feature upgraded bracelets with adjustable clasps that can be tweaked on the go. 60 Years, Still Making Waves The world has changed a lot since 1965. But Seiko's core values of precision, resilience, and purpose have stayed remarkably consistent. Because some things don't get old. They just get better. Dive deeper into the collection here: Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Mint
19-07-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
For the best wristwatches, you need to look beyond Switzerland to German and Japanese brands
In my last column, I had written about the importance of the Junghans Max Bill wristwatch and its ties with one of the most important design movements of the 20th century—Bauhaus design. Writing it got me thinking about the diversity of world-class watchmaking outside Switzerland, specifically in Germany and Japan. When we think of watchmaking, we (rightly) immediately think of the Swiss. That is historically fair, since Geneva has been a hub of the manufacture of timepieces since the 16th century, including the establishment of a watchmaking guild in 1601. The industry became even bigger with the Industrial Revolution. However, in this, the Swiss weren't alone. Since the 16th century, at various points, watchmaking has flourished in Germany, France, England and the US. Whether it is Nuremberg in Germany in the early 16th century, or Blois in Renaissance-era France, the art of watchmaking has had many founding centres. England made significant strides in the 18th and 19th centuries in precision timekeeping, and the US experienced a watch manufacturing boom in the mid-19th century, with new industrial processes posing a serious competition to Swiss manufacture for a while. And then there is Japan, where some of the best watches in the world are made these days. For watch lovers, Japanese high-end watchmaking, particularly that of the country's two powerhouses, Seiko and Citizen, has always been more about purpose than flex. Seiko has been making watches since 1892, and since the 1960s, it has been at the forefront of some of the most meaningful innovations and changes in global watchmaking. From the everyday Seiko 5 line of budget automatics to legendary dive watches like the Turtle and the Willard, Seiko filled every niche. It then beat the Swiss at their own game by releasing the world's first quartz watch in 1969, the Astron, causing the 'Quartz Crisis", where mechanical watchmakers either had to innovate or perish. Meanwhile, the brand continues to offer mechanical pieces that punch far above their price point. Seiko's crown jewel has been Grand Seiko, which began life in 1960 as the manufacture's attempt to make high-end wristwatches. It is perhaps the most precise articulation of the Japanese approach to craftsmanship. Created to rival the very best Swiss chronometers, Grand Seiko watches are not really about flash, but embody the Japanese principle of monozukuri—making things with a deep sense of pride and precision. A post shared by Watchout (@watchoutblog) Grand Seiko movements—whether mechanical, quartz or the uniquely hybrid Spring Drive—are built entirely in-house, often by individual watchmakers. A Grand Seiko always tells a unique story, and in the narrative-driven world of wristwatches, that is no mean feat. Meanwhile Citizen, which has been making watches since 1924, took quartz movements and spun out excellent watches—from legendary quartz divers to the class-leading solar quartz watches using the Eco-Drive technology. But this isn't all that Citizen does; it also creates the widely used Miyota automatic movements. Moreover, its high-end quartz watches are ridiculously accurate. The Chronomaster is accurate to within five seconds a year, while the Caliber 0100 is accurate to within one second per year! I started this column talking about the Junghans Max Bill. Well, Junghans is a storied old German watchmaker which began making timepieces back in 1861. In 1903, it had the largest watch factory in the world, and even till the 1950s, it ranked only behind Rolex and Omega when it came to manufacturing high-accuracy chronometer movements. But these days, when it comes to high-end German watches, you have to look to the secluded Saxon town of Glashütte, where you'll find some of the most lionised watch manufactures outside of Switzerland: A. Lange & Söhne and Nomos Glashütte. A. Lange & Söhne makes watches that are spoken of in the same breath as Audemars Piguet or Patek Philippe. The company's history dates back to 1845, when Ferdinand Adolph Lange set up shop in Glashütte to bring precision timekeeping to the Kingdom of Saxony. The company was nationalised after World War II and disappeared behind the Iron Curtain, only to be spectacularly reborn in 1994 after German reunification. It has since become one of the most respected names in global haute horlogerie. Lange watches are unapologetically German: sober, precise, almost architectural in their beauty. Think of the Lange 1 with its off-centre dial and outsized date window—an instant classic when it debuted, and still one of the most distinctive watches in the world. Or the Datograph, widely regarded as one of the finest chronographs in production. Every Lange movement is built, then dismantled, then built again—a double assembly process that ensures perfection. And their hand-engraved balance cocks, unique to each watch, are like signatures whispered rather than shouted. A post shared by Sean Song (@ At the other end of the Glashütte spectrum is Nomos. Where Lange is baroque precision and gravitas, Nomos is Bauhaus minimalism and youthfulness. Founded in 1990, Nomos is a modern brand with old-school ideals: in-house calibres, precise engineering, and clean, thoughtful design. Nomos watches like the Tangente or the Neomatik don't try to dazzle—they sit on the wrist like well-cut clothing. And beneath that stripped-down aesthetic lies serious horological ambition. Nomos designs and manufactures its own escapement—the 'Swing System"—a feat few watchmakers in the world attempt. When it comes to Japanese and German watches, these four brands make an incomplete list. Which goes to show that while the Swiss are the leaders in the world of watchmaking, they are certainly not alone in making the best watches in the world. Handwound is a monthly column on watches and watchmaking.
Hype Malaysia
16-07-2025
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
SEIKO's Presage Classic Series Welcomes The Stunning Arita Porcelain Dial Timepiece
Since its introduction in 2016, Presage has melded Japanese artistry with Seiko's longstanding mastery of mechanical watchmaking. Several Presage timepieces have showcased these artisanal crafts through dials made with enamel, urushi lacquer, Shippo enamel, and Arita porcelain. Today, the Presage Classic Series, known for designs that draw from the colours, materials, and textures of traditional Japanese craftwork, welcomes a new creation distinguished by the refined beauty of its unglazed Arita porcelain dial. A New Aspect Of Arita Porcelain Dial Making Unglazed porcelain, introduced for the first time in Presage, is a comparatively new technique within the four-century-old tradition of Arita porcelain. The new technique allows for a wider range of expression and exceptionally refined designs. Typically, Arita porcelain is glazed, imparting it with a smooth and glossy finish. However, when left unglazed, the porcelain exhibits a matte texture, giving it a warm, white hue and a soft and distinct impression. This technique enhances the delicate ridges characteristic of Arita porcelain ware and allows for intricate, three-dimensional dial patterns to stand out more prominently. For the new creation, a textured rhombus pattern adorns the area around the indexes. Historically, this pattern has been considered an auspicious motif symbolising the prosperity of descendants and good health and has been widely used in Arita porcelain ware. The gold-coloured indexes and hands stand out beautifully against the matte white dial, creating a striking contrast. The production of each watch dial consists of a multi-stage process that requires precisely controlled moulding and firing procedures and involves great skill and patience. To give the dials the strength required for a watch, the artisans use a type of Arita porcelain specially formulated to be more than four times harder and more durable than traditional porcelain. A very precise casting mould is used to achieve the difficult task of giving each dial the meticulous pattern required for this wristwatch. Under the supervision of Arita porcelain master craftsman Hiroyuki Hashiguchi, the dials are created by Toshiaki Kawaguchi and his colleagues at a manufacturing firm in Arita that has been making porcelain since 1830. Kawaguchi acquired his expertise in the intricate process through Hashiguchi's guidance. The use of Arita porcelain watch dials is one facet of Seiko's commitment to preserving horological culture and technical skills for future generations, keeping in mind Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations: 'Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.' This limited-edition watch is powered by Calibre 6R51, one of the newest additions to the mechanical 6R series. The wearer can view the movement's gold-coloured oscillating weight through the sapphire crystal case back. The watch will be available as a limited edition of 1,200 at Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide from July 2025.
