Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. Seiko Presage Green Enamel Dial SPB111J1
A new, relatively accessible green enamel Presage watch inspired by the Japanese forest.
When Seiko internationally launched its Presage sub-collection a couple of years ago, the goal was clear: offering a classic approach of watchmaking and a focus on traditional craftsmanships, still at a relatively accessible price. To do that, the brand introduced several classic, elegant and discreet pieces, with dials made of enamel or using ancient Urushi lacquer. A few years later, we’ve seen some very nice editions in white or blue enamel and today, Seiko brings a slightly different and no often seen colour. Meet the new Seiko Presage Green Enamel Dial SPB111J1.
This new green enamel watch is based on the classic attributes of the collection and shares its case and movement with other pieces, such as the desirable and acclaimed Shippo Enamel SPB075. it is thus an elegant, discreet time-and-date watch with modern proportions, reliable automatic movement and overall nice execution. The main difference in today’s context is the launch of a new colour, cypres green to be precise, which is hardly seen when it comes to enamel dials – even though, technically, enamel can be made in any colour.
This new Seiko Presage Green Enamel Dial is inspired by Japanese landscapes and traditional craftsmanships.
This new Seiko Presage Green Enamel Dial is, as often with watches in this collection, inspired by both Japanese landscapes and artistry. The green colour is here a reference to some of the superb forests that can be found on the island, at the heart of Japan, and composed of Japanese cedars, which is seen in many forests and is known to stay green all year round. Based on the idea of recreating the same long-lasting green of the Japanese cedar, by using equally long-lasting enamel, Mitsuru Yokosawa, an enamel artisan, has created a new green-coloured enamel dial.
The result is a deep and rich green dial that reflects the work of the artisan, given the small imperfections and the irregular surface of enamel. The surface has a glossy, slightly grained texture. Its colour can change from green to almost black depending on the light conditions. The date, positioned at 3 o’clock, is framed by a thin white line.
New to this Seiko Presage Green Enamel Dial Limited Edition is the design of the indexes and numerals. No painted Roman numerals here, neither leaf-shaped blued hands. The SPB111J1 relies on a more modern combination of triangular metal applied indexes and stylized Arabic numeral. The hands are also more modern and dauphine-shaped. They are faceted and polished, offering nice reflections and a good contrast with the dark green dial. The watch is worn on a matching green crocodile strap with steel three-fold clasp.
Regarding the case, no evolutions here, as we have the same 40.5mm steel case as the rest of the time-and-date Presage watches. The lugs are nicely executed, with a slight twist and alternation of polished and satin-brushed surfaces. The thickness of the watch is 12.4mm, which could be a tad too much for such an elegant piece.
We also have an evolution inside the case of the Seiko Presage Green Enamel Dial SPB111J1, as it features the calibre 6R35, an automatic movement with 70h power reserve (vs. 50h in the previous models with 6R15) and the same movement as used in the new Sumo. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back.
The Seiko Presage Green Enamel Dial (reference SPB111J1) will be a limited edition of 2,000 pieces worldwide and it will be priced at EUR 1,500.
More details at seikowatches.com.
14 responses
Hope one day Seiko can stop making a date window on these artisanal dials.
Was going to write exactly the same thing. You can see the overall effect of the enamel is compromised.
No lume and a plain Dial equal boring… Come on Seiko, why so boring
Of course the datewheel is a mistake but for me the dial looks too Celtic, which cheapens it. Hopefully in real life it will be darker. I’m intrigued by the central texture on the numerals but the cynic in me suspects this is a cost-cutting exercise.
I expect this to sell well in Boston, New York, Dublin and Parkhead.
Hmmm, it’s closer to Racing Green. Now imagine that new green Tag Heuer, but with every alternate horizontal dial stripe in white…
Aargh!
Tiocfaidh ar la.
Haha!
Green it seems, is the new black. I’m fine with that. In theory. If I remember correctly, Oris released a stunning bronze/green model. Done right, green is good. But, like a pink shirt on a man, it is fraught with peril! I think the problem is, many manufacturers seem to lack the subtlety needed for this dial colour. Colours have their own space and context. Dayglo green works on Mizuno running shoes. It does not work on a watch. British railway green works on a metal sign. It does not work on a watch.
Imperial jade, very very dark, organic green or very light, pastel green might work.
But I do want to see the 37mm Vanta GS!
The date is too small, just looks out of proportion. Apart from that there is nothing there that would make want to wear it let alone pay for it
@JAGOTW
Wholeheartedly agree. anOrdain’s Midnight Green enamel is a good example of it working well.
Just checked it out Gil. Yep, that’s what I mean. And the pairing with that heavily-grained strap is bordering on genius. You know you’ve bought the right watch when you have no need to buy a Hirsch for it.
So why can a tiny boutique company get it right but the giants of the watch world can’t? I’d venture that “The Committee Mindset” is the problem.
I can’t understand these colours… What outfit would it be suitable for?? Forest ranger’s?? Certainly nothing from my wardrobe.
@Maciej:
According to Adobe Illustrator’s colour wheel dark green can be combined with dark lilac or jeans blue as well as other hues of green. It can also be paired with any neutral colour like white, black, grey or dark brown.
There are watches, for example the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date, that have a dark red dial. Would anyone ask whether these watches are designed for communists or people with a deep sunburn?
I’d rather have a large array of colours to choose from that a simple black/white palette.
But, alright, if you do not like the colour, it is perfectly okay. What would you have preferred: navy blue like the Shippo Blue Enamel?
Seiko fan says they got a winner ! Love the dial and the date function