Introducing the Seiko Presage Blue Enamel Limited Edition ref. SPB069

In 2016, Seiko debuted a series of enamel dial watches under the Presage range. Then in 2017, Seiko expanded the Presage line with four more watches boasting designs inspired by Seiko’s first-ever wristwatch produced in 1913 under the “Laurel” name, as well as a pocket watch from 1895 dubbed the “Time Keeper.” The watches were absolute stunners and true standouts at this year’s Baselworld. And they were exceptionally priced, too, with the mechanical chronograph coming in at $2,400 and the three-hander hitting an even grand.

Seiko is expanding the collection once again, this time with a limited edition, fired enamel dial that’s a stunning midnight blue. Inspired by Japanese tradition and the night sky, the Presage Blue Enamel Limited Edition is a stunning twist on a classic design.

The blue enamel dials are created by master enamel craftsman Mitsuru Yokozawa and his team. Together, they pioneered a process that allows Seiko to produces these dials at scale without sacrificing quality, which allows the Japanese giant to price these watches so aggressively. Nevertheless, each dial is still created under the watchful eye of Yokozawa himself. His experience is critical here, as the viscosity of blue enamel is much greater than that of white, making this already precise and laborious process all the more difficult. The result is the rich blue you see here, with the ultimate effect being a dial that suggests the night sky.

To learn more about master enamel craftsman Mitsuru Yokozawa, click here.

To further that representation, Seiko emphasizes the crescent-shaped counterbalance on the seconds hand, highlighting it here in grained, metallic gold. The tips of the hands are curved (this is also done by an expert hand), and the hour markers are painted 10 times to lift them from the dial.

The stainless steel case measures 40.5mm wide and 12.4mm thick. Specs include water resistance to 10 bar, a double domed sapphire to minimize distortion, and an open case back with a clean view of Seiko’s 6R15 caliber. This workhorse beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour, hacks and hand winds, and boasts a power reserve of 50 hours.

The watch comes on a crocodile strap with a three-fold clasp with a push-button release.

The Presage Blue Enamel Limited Edition is limited to 1,500 pieces and it’s priced at $1,100. Seiko