Seiko Presage Craftmanship Urushi Lacquering automatic black dial steel bracelet 40,2 mm

Presage Craftmanship Collection: Journey to Kanazawa

Since its launch in 2016, Seiko Presage has showcased two of Seiko's signature strengths: respect for traditional Japanese craftsmanship and its longstanding expertise in mechanical watchmaking through its "Craftmanship" series. Witness this novelty, which highlights artisans whose fine traditional Japanese craftsmanship finds new life on the miniature canvas that is the dial of a Seiko watch.

With SPB405, we set off to discover Kanazawa - the historic center of Japanese lacquerware known as Urushi - to explore the land, culture and craft tradition behind this one-of-a-kind timepiece.

A new design

This creation features a newly updated case with refined angles and an elegant sense of proportion designed to highlight the craftsmanship of each dial. Thanks to the double-curved sapphire crystal, the watch is designed to highlight the traditional technique used, while offering a slimmer look on the wrist. Combining polished and brushed surfaces, the steel case features faceted lugs, adding a subtle touch of refinement. The case measures 40.2 mm in diameter and is 11.6 mm thick. Last but not least, this case is adorned with a brand-new five-link steel bracelet giving it a little vintage look, which we particularly appreciate!

A dial: "Urushi lacquer"

Here's the most important and striking element on this Seiko Presage! This creation offers a dial in deep black urushi lacquer, crafted by master lacquerer Isshu Tamura and his team, who practice an age-old art - older than watchmaking itself - to make urushi lacquer that gains strength over the years. This highly respected Japanese lacquerer, born in 1957, was trained in the traditional "maki-e" golden lacquer technique from Kanazawa by master craftsman Ikko Kiyose. After perfecting his skills in this technique, Isshu Tamura set out to create incomparable original works of art. He applies his kaga maki-e technique not only to lacquer art objects, but also to the creation of luxury fountain pens and wristwatches recognized worldwide for their superb level of detail and delicate beauty.

As far as this craftsmanship is concerned, Urushi is a type of lacquer that comes from the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree. The history of Urushi dates back to the Jōmon period (13,100 - 400 BC). It is said to have been used not only as a coating and ornament, but also as an adhesive for gluing handles onto stone axe handles. Urushi was later used for its antiseptic and preservative properties, to protect precious objects such as furniture and musical instruments from wear and tear, before finally being elevated to aesthetic use in works of art. Traditional Urushi lacquer techniques are still employed in Japan.

Urushi lacquer crafts from the town of Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture, formerly known as Kaga estate, are particularly renowned. Maeda Toshitsune, third feudal lord of the Kaga estate who lived during the last phase of the turbulent Sengoku period and into the Edo era, brought renowned craftsmen of all trades from all parts of Japan to the Osaikusho workshops. It is said that the techniques employed by the illustrious Urushi craftsmen who arrived in the Kaga area in this way are at the origin of Kanazawa lacquerware. Kanazawa still produces many master craftsmen with a unique tradition of Urushi lacquered objets d'art that blend samurai culture with a golden lacquering technique known as "maki-e".

To make this unique dial, no less than 6 highly complex steps are required, taking several weeks to complete.

A new caliber with 72 hours of power reserve

This Presage Craftmanshio embeds the self-winding Manufacture caliber 6R55. This is a new mechanical movement proposed by the Japanese firm, which is now used on top-of-the-range models in the brand's Presage and Prospex collections. It beats at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers a comfortable 72-hour power reserve, enabling you to alternate with your other watches without having to wind it systematically. Designed to be reliable and robust, its construction is intended to be as simple as possible.

Exclusive LEPAGE

This special edition model is offered exclusively by LEPAGE on the French market!

In brief:

• A superb "Urushi" lacquer dial handcrafted by Isshu Tamura and his team
• An exclusive LEPAGE edition for the French market
• An automatic caliber with 72-hour power reserve