Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT
A useful function in a stylish package
Somehow inspired by Grand Seiko’s design cues and offering a nice combination between elegance and casualness, the Seiko Sharp Edged Series was presented in 2020. Like all Seiko Presage timepieces, these celebrate Japanese craftsmanship. Yet, as its name suggests, the Sharp Edged watches stand out with dynamic, angular lines that create a more casual look. The collection now expands with GMT models featuring a larger case and a new movement, the new Presage Sharp Edged GMT SPB217J1, SPB219J1, SPB221J1 and SPB225J1.
This new addition to the Presage Sharp Edged series comes in a 42.2mm x 13.7mm round steel case. If it is larger than the three-hand iteration (39.3mm x 11.1mm), it retains the same design with sharp and angular lines. A super-hard coating protects the case from scratches and endows it with a long-lasting brilliance. The water resistance is comfortable and allows daily use, as rated at 100 meters.
The dial still features its characteristic Japanese Asanoha or hemp leaf geometric pattern, which was introduced on the time-and-date models. It is paired with dynamic faceted hands and applied markers. Importantly, this new iteration adds the useful GMT functionality to the mix, with a central 24-hour hand and a 24-hour fixed bezel with a contrasting insert, matching the colour of the dial – no indication has been given by Seiko yet concerning the material of this bezel, which appears on the images as made of ceramic (to be confirmed).
Flip the Presage Sharp Edged GMT over, and you’ll have a view of the Calibre 6R64, a new automatic calibre that can be seen via behind a transparent sapphire crystal glass. It indicates the hours, minutes, seconds, the date on a subsidiary dial at 6 o’clock and the power reserve between 9 and 10 o’clock. Last but not least, a coloured GMT hand points to a 24-hour scale while the dual-coloured flange represents night and day. Running at 4Hz, it delivers a power reserve of 45 hours.
The Seiko Presage Sharp Edge GMT comes in 4 different variations all inspired by the Japanese tradition: Aitetsu or indigo iron, Tokiwa, the colour of evergreen trees, Sumi-iro or Japanese black ink, and Hihada-iro, a reddish-brown derived from the bark of the Japenese cypress. All four models are worn on a stainless-steel bracelet. Just like the case, its dynamic lines incorporate many flat surfaces and alternating polished and brushed finishes that allow the watch to shine from every angle. It is secured to the wrist by a three-fold clasp with a push-button release.
The new Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT – SPB217J1 (blue) SPB219J1 (green) SPB221J1 (black) SPB225J1 (reddish-brown) – retails at EUR 1,500. The 4 models will be available as of May 2021. For more information, please visit www.seikowatches.com.
