In 1956, Seiko created their first self winding wristwatch. In 1969 they produced their first automatic chronograph. To mark the 6oth anniversary of their first automatic wristwatch, Seiko have produced two limited edition Presage Automatic Chronographs.

The new Presage collection draws its inspiration from Seiko’s heritage in mechanical watchmaking, which stretches all the way back to 1913 and the celebrated Laurel which was Seiko’s, and Japan’s, first ever wrist watch. One of the limited editions has an enamel dial just like Seiko’s first wristwatch in 1913. The other has a Urushi lacquer dial. Both have 42mm stainless steel cases.

Mr Mitsuru Yokozawa leads the skilled craftsman who produce the enamel dials for Seiko Presage collection. He is in charge of the finish of every enamel dial for Presage. The finishing of any enamel can easily be affected by weather and humidity, and it is very difficult to control the precise thickness of the enamel as it is laid down on each dial.

The enamel dial features black Arabic numerals with the number 12 in red. The date is located between 4 and 5 o’clock. The hour, minute and chronograph seconds hands are blued while the minute and hour counter and the running seconds hands are black.

Craftsmanship of a very different nature but of the same high quality gives the lacquer dial its deep black luster. The dials are made in the studio of master craftsman Mr Isshu Tamura in Kanazawa, on the western side of Honshu, Japan’s main island, using the centuries old art of Urushi which allows the creation of lacquer whose black color is almost magically deep and which gets harder and stronger as the years pass. The dials are painted and polished by hand several times. It is time-consuming and challenging work, but it is the traditional and best way to create the perfect black color.

The lacquered dial features sliver Arabic numerals. The date is in the same position as the enamel dial. All hands except the chronograph seconds are white. The chronograph seconds hand is sliver with a red tip.