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Timekeepers Club / November 17, 2023

Seiko Presage Kintaro Hattori Limited Edition SPB441

A new creation honors the first wristwatch to bear the Seiko name, celebrating the brand’s 100th anniversary.

Since the beginning of Seiko in 1881, the company has continued to innovate in line with founder Kintaro Hattori’s philosophy to be "Always one step ahead of the rest." In 1924, the company introduced the first wristwatch with “Seiko” on the dial, signifying the beginning of the Seiko brand. Next year, 2024, marks the 100th anniversary of this landmark event. The celebration starts with a new creation from the Presage collection that pays homage to this milestone.

The new creation captures the vintage character of the original watch in every detail. The Seiko letters at the 12 o’clock position take the wearer back in time by recalling the distinctive typeface of that era, and the Arabic numerals, whose font pays homage to the original, incorporate both thick and slender lines to create a bold and dynamic font.

Just as with the 1924 original, the new watch features an enamel dial whose depth and beauty are made possible thanks to master craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa and his colleagues, who specialize in enamel production. Thanks to the time-honored enamel dial-making, a striking white appearance will endure for years to come.

The creation is powered by the new Caliber 6R5H, which features a 24-hour sub-dial at the six o’clock position. Its Arabic numerals are designed faithfully to those of the small seconds sub-dial that occupied the same position on the original.

The case back and the large crown carry the trademark "S" that Kintaro registered in 1900 as a symbol of the Seikosha factory. Despite the destruction of his company by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, he persevered and managed to launch the 1924 wristwatch the following year. On the new creation’s caseback, just above the trademark, appear his name and the quote that so aptly captured his philosophy for the company. The watch features movable lugs and a pull-through leather strap, which was common at the time of the original watch’s release. They have been crafted to ensure the comfort and durability necessary today.

The watch will be available from January 2024 at the Seiko Boutiques and select retail partners worldwide as a limited edition of 1,000.

Technical specifications


Seiko Brand 100th Anniversary Seiko Presage Kintaro Hattori Limited Edition

Reference: SPB441

Limited edition of 1,000 pieces

Case

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Diameter: 35.0mm
  • Thickness: 12.3mm
  • Box-shaped sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface
  • Screw case back
  • Water-resistant to 50 meters (5 bar)
  • Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m

Dial and hands

  • White enamel dial
  • Black Arabic numerals
  • Blued hands

Movement

  • Caliber 6R5H
  • Frequency: 21'600 vibrations per hour (6 beats per second)
  • Power reserve: 72 hours
  • Number of jewels: 24

Functions/Indications

  • Hours, minutes, seconds

Strap and buckle

  • Leather strap

MSRP: EUR 2'000

For more information, please visit seikowatches.com

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