Reintitan introduces the Seiko Presage x Riki Watanabe automatic watches, SARX065 and SARX067, highlighting their enamel dials and the new Caliber 6R35 movement. This post offers a valuable look at Seiko's commitment to traditional craftsmanship and design, continuing the legacy of Riki Watanabe with more accessible automatic movements. It provides context for collectors interested in Seiko's Presage line and its unique aesthetic.
Sadly, Japanese designer Riki Watanabe passed away in 2013. There was another set of Riki Watanabe inspired watches from Seiko's Presage line released not to long ago (a few months?) featuring black and white enamel dials with Arabic numerals and powered by Spring Drive. These are the SARR001 (white dial) and SARR003 (black dial) with a MSRP of ¥480,000 each. Not cheap.
These two new watches also feature enamel dials, but are equipped with the latest automatic movement from Seiko, the cal. 6R35 with 70-hour autonomy. They also feature sapphire crystals and 10 bar water resistance.
SARX065 (white dial)
SARX067 (brown dial)
Note: These are the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) reference numbers. I'm sure there will be separate reference numbers for the International Market versions.
Price: ¥120,000 and scheduled for release in January 2020.
I'm liking the brown enamel dial version, although the white dial is iconic for a Watanabe watch IMHO. Seiko's website mentions "black glazes which may be visible" and other imperfections on the dials due to the baking technique. This is something that I have noticed around the date windows of these enamel dials from Seiko. I guess it's part of their "charm".
From the Seiko website:
* The dial is smoked and baked at high temperature. For this reason, distortions peculiar to wrinkles, minute depressions, and partially black glazes may be visible.
Read more about the watches
HERE and specs can be found
HERE and
HERE
Images from Seiko Japan
Seiko Presage x Riki Watanabe
