Seiko's Presage Sharp Edged Series Gets A Powerful Upgrade

It has been about three years since the arrival of the Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Series. The watches soon became renowned for their sharp, angular design, uniquely patterned Asanoha dial, and distinctive hands and markers that catch light. Through a remarkable fusion of Japanese artistic flair and aesthetics, the watches showcased a seamless blending of tradition and culture with cutting-edge mechanical watchmaking. Now, the Sharp Edged Series welcomes a fresh addition in the form of a watch with a three-day automatic movement and a novel design.

These latest watches come fitted with the new Calibre 6R5J. It provides an extended power reserve of three days when fully wound. Coming along are functions for hours, minutes, and seconds, as well as a 24-hour sub-dial positioned at 6 o'clock. Additionally, a captivating dial cutout resides at 9 o’clock and it also displays the distinctive “asanoha” or "hemp-leaf" pattern, mirroring the design present on the dial. This aperture provides a peek at the movement's escapement, adding to the visual experience. The Calibre 6R5J can also be enjoyed via the exhibition caseback.

The unique Asanoha design has actually been present on Japanese textiles for more than a millennium, tracing back to the Heian period. Crafted with intricate layers, these three-dimensional dials come to life through processes like stamping, colour blending, and lap coating on the uppermost layer, resulting in a luxurious texture. The dial is then infused with a traditional Japanese hue. The white dialled variant is named “shironeri,” a name taken from natural, unbleached white silk. Alternatively, the blue-dialled version is referred to as “aitetsu,” a name taken from the deep hue of indigo iron.

To contrast against these gorgeous dials, the watches embrace an upgraded design for both the hour markers and seconds hand. The markers exhibit a crisper form, directing towards the dial’s centre, and the seconds hand, gently curving downwards towards the markers, features a more prominent and angular counterweight with a spiked tail.

Bringing it all together, a dual-curved sapphire crystal is introduced for the first time to result in a more streamlined profile for the new watches. With it, the dial is able to present a heightened proximity and vibrancy. Ultimately, the watch presents a visage that is extra legible and highlights the prominent dial elements.