The Seiko Presage Sharp Edge Is Back With A New Design And A New Movement

by Sameera Gamage

The Seiko Presage Sharp Edge was first introduced back in 2020. Upon its release, the watch gained popularity thanks to its angular silhouette, the uniquely patterned dial, and the hour indices and hands that reflect light beautifully. The Seiko Presage Sharp Edge was a powerful testament to Japanese artistry. The masterful detail of aesthetics on display along with the state-of-the-art mechanical watchmaking showcases Seiko’s ability as an advanced watch manufacturer.

Now, Seiko is delivering the Presage Sharp Edge in a whole new light, with a new aesthetically pleasing design and a new movement with an impressive 3-day power reserve. Two dial colours are available for this new Presage Sharp Edge Series; a light-coloured dial named “Shironeri”, a reference to unbleached white silk or a dark blue dial named “Aitetsu” or Indigo Iron. While both dial colours offer different visual aesthetics for the watch, our personal favourite has to be the Indigo Iron.

The detailed Asanoha or “Hemp-Leaf” pattern stands out a lot more on the blue dial compared to the “Shironeri” colour. This “hemp-leaf” pattern has appeared on Japanese textiles since the Heian period well over 1, 000 years ago, and is synonymous with growth and success.

Both variants come in a stainless steel (super hard coating) 40.2mm case size with a decent 100m water resistance. Seiko for the first time in the Presage Sharp Edge series has used a dual-curved sapphire crystal, which gives the timepiece a more slimmer profile. Not only that, but the dials now appear much closer to the crystal, showcasing the beauty and detailed design of the Asanoha pattern.

The dial comes with a 24-hour indicator at the 6 o’clock position, which is juxtaposed with a cut-out at 9 o’clock to show an open-heart for the movement. This cut-out however isn’t simply there to show the balance wheel. Seiko has gone a step further and decorated this cut-out with an enlarged “hemp-leaf” pattern, the same pattern that’s shown on the dial. The hour indices and seconds hand also have a more refined design as well. The hour markers are shaped inwards and point towards the centre of the dial, while the second hand is curved slightly downwards towards the edge, with the counterweight design being more angular and spiked tail.

Accompanying the new dial aesthetics is a new 6R series movement which makes its debut with these timepieces. The new movement named “6R5J” operates at a frequency of 3hz (21, 600 VpH) and delivers an impressive 72-hour (3 days) power reserve. As recognition of this upgraded movement and upgraded power-reserve, the dial has an inscription underneath the “Seiko” and “Presage” at 12 o’clock which reads “Automatic 3 Days”.

This all-new Presage Sharp Edge Series by Seiko is a great improvement on its predecessor thanks to the beautifully designed dial and the brand-new movement boasting a 3-day power reserve. The two variations will be available for purchase beginning June 2023 at Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.

Reference: SPB415, SPB417

Specification

  • Case: 40.2mm
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel (Super Hard Coating)
  • Dial: “Shironeri” or “Aitetsu” colour with open-heart
  • Crystal: Dual curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating.
  • Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
  • Movement: 6R5J
  • Power reserve: 72 hours (3-days)
  • Strap: Stainless Steel with three-fold clasp with push button release

Availability: June 2023 at Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide.

Australian Recommended Retail Pricing: $1, 950 (both variants)

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