Seiko Presage SRQ019J1 Long-Term Review

KMII · 2016-10-27T08:34:03Z

KMII reviews the Seiko Presage SRQ019J1 after extended wear, covering accuracy, case wearability, and the grand feu enamel dial.

KMII

WPS member · Seiko forum

35 replies9032 views3 photos

KMII provides an in-depth follow-up review of the Seiko SRQ019J1, detailing his extended experiences with the watch. This post delves into the nuances of living with the timepiece, from its grand feu enamel dial to its surprising accuracy, offering a candid long-term perspective that complements initial impressions.

My first impressions of the SRQ019J1 have been generally positive but I definitely still had some reservations. After having spent a bit more time with the watch, I also have more experience and I have to say it is largely encouraging. First the title shot - could not help myself to dig out some old Herbert Kahn books on Japan from the late 1960s / early 1970s as the background

I am certain that Presage will not shake the Swiss watch industry nearly as much as the Quartz Crisis did but I find a more concerted push by Seiko and Citizen welcome for us as consumers. Even if the two Japanes giants do not really gain much in market share with their push, they may well get the Swiss to up their game in terms of price performance ratios - something we all can benefit from.

In my previous post on the watch (here: http://www.watchprosite.com/seiko/-span-style-color-gray--seiko--span-the-odd-one-out--a-quick-look-at-the-seiko-presage-60th-anniversary-edition-srq019j1/876.1087333.8030003/0/ ) I have had quite some difficulties capturing the grand feu enamel dial and the blued hands. While this is still far from easy, a handful of shots kind of worked. Nowhere near Jocke or Nilo material but at least one can see the slightly lowered subcounters in the enamel and the blued hands to an extent.

I also found that I do very well have shirts, where the rather high 16mm case will slip under - not as seamlessly as with a dress watch but still - better than I initially feared.

In addition the clasp appears to be more solid now that I got better used to it. This was a theoretical nightmare - the watch simply dropping to the floor in spite of the deployant - but it now seems nicely secure. I guess after a couple more weeks I will forget I ever mentioned it

Another aspect I have been wary about in the beginning is the accuracy. The only thing promised is a rather shockingly unspectacular +25 / -15 seconds a day (what I found online - happy to be corrected here). I fervently hoped this was sandbagging on the part of Seiko and regarding my example that seems to be the case. After five days of wearing it, it never deviated from Watchville's atomic clock by more than a second - in total.

Most days it was spot on when I checked it in the morning. Sure, not a scientific test but definitely one giving some peace of mind. So I guess underpromise and overdeliver is the order of the day

The longer I have it, the happier I am with the choice. Can only thank MTF for his great coverage from Baselworld, which had me committ to it sight unseen. Spectacular price / performance ratio!

Key Points from the Discussion

The author's experience suggests that Seiko's stated accuracy ratings can be conservative, with real-world performance often exceeding expectations.
The 16mm case height of the SRQ019J1 can still slip under shirt cuffs, contrary to initial fears, making it more versatile than expected.
The grand feu enamel dial and blued hands, while challenging to photograph, are key aesthetic features that contribute to the watch's appeal.
A collector passed on his SRQ019J1 to his father, highlighting the sentimental value watches can hold, even if not always worn.
The readability of the enamel dial is a strong argument in its favor when compared to other Seiko Presage models like the Urushi.
Long-term ownership allows for a clearer understanding of a watch's qualities, as the initial euphoria of a new acquisition subsides.

The Discussion

TheMadDruid

Oct 27, 2016

Your photo on the wrist is terrific. You really showed the depth of the dial. Once again, congratulations for getting this piece. I still can't get over an enamel dial for that price.

KMII

Oct 27, 2016

Is all I can say - at least going to an AD and having a look. Thanks, Padj!

KMII

Oct 27, 2016

Yet to see the Urushi live...

KMII

Oct 27, 2016

Very different from my other watches but definitely fun!

KMII

Oct 27, 2016

And the dial is still quite mesmerising

Dr No

Oct 27, 2016

. . . 'til I decided to pass it up to Dad for Father's Day this summer. Sad, because I don't believe he's worn it once. :-( Any suggestions?

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