Seiko Honors Japan's First Wristwatch With Two Exquisite Presage Craftmanship Timepieces
Seiko introduces two Presage Craftsmanship watches honoring the 1913 Laurel, Japan's first wristwatch, featuring traditional Japanese decorative arts and modern horology.
Seiko has unveiled two new Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship timepieces that pay tribute to the 1913 “Laurel”, Japan’s first wristwatch. The new models reinterpret the iconic design through two distinct traditional Japanese decorative arts: hand-applied enamel and centuries-old Urushi lacquer. ## Traditional Japanese Aesthetic Cues Meet Modern Horology The two timepieces are designed as a celebration of the origins of Japanese wristwatch design, fusing traditional artistic heritage with modern horology. The first model, the Enamel Laurel Dial, features a lustrous white enamel face set beneath a dual-curve sapphire crystal. It stays faithful to the 1913 original with vintage-inspired Arabic numerals, a running subdial at 6 o'clock, and the signature red 12 o'clock marker. ## Urushi Lacquer Laurel Dial: A Deep Black Dial Executed Using Traditional Techniques Complementing the Enamel Laurel Dial is the Urushi Lacquer Laurel Dial, which features a deep black dial executed using traditional Japanese lacquer techniques, paired with a refined gold-toned case and retro-styled detailing. Both timepieces are fitted with sustainably sourced, Leather Working Group (LWG)-certified black leather straps. ## Power and Accuracy Under the hood, both models are powered by Seiko’s in-house Calibre 6R5H automatic movement. Operating with an accuracy rating of +25/-15 seconds per day, the caliber delivers a robust power reserve of around 3 days. ## Availability and Pricing The Seiko Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Enamel Laurel and Urushi Lacquer Laurel models will be available for pre-order starting August 13, 2026, via the Seiko Boutique webstore, with official deliveries commencing in September. Prices for the collection range from £1,250 to £1,400 GBP (approx. $1,680 - $1,882 USD).