While I’m not one to usually find myself swooning over a new dress watch, I have to call out a nice release when I see it. The same thing happened when Grand Seiko announced the new SBGX355 … drool. But now we’re seeing something cool in a lower price tier from Seiko: the new Seiko Presage Classic series. I usually ignore the Presage collection outright (all that comes to mind are the Cocktail Time watches, which I can’t stand). However, with these new Presage models, we see an interesting incorporation of Japanese culture into the design, and I can get behind it.
The new Seiko Presage Classic series includes references SPB463, SPB465, and SPB467, which feature a three-hand look with a date. We also get open-heart models: SPB469 and SPB471. For the three-handers, Seiko draws inspiration from the opulent texture of Japanese silk, crafting a dial that’s as luxurious as it is refined. And for the open-heart models? They take things up a notch, sporting a mesmerizing radial pattern that pays homage to the raw allure of silk in a whole new light. Additionally, the cases and bracelets have been updated from what we’ve seen in previous presage models.
Inside the three-hand models is the Seiko caliber 6R55 automatic with 72 hours of power reserve. With the open-heart versions, we get the 6R5J. I’m assuming the movement architecture is mostly the same and the variance just accounts for the open-heart configuration. Apparently, you also get 100m of water-resistance on these, which leans more into sports watch territory. I’m not complaining, since I probably wouldn’t wear any of these as a dress watch anyway. The size, water resistance, and inclusion of a sapphire crystal make these feel more like casual everyday-wear models on the bracelet.
Seiko Presage Classic Series Specifications
| Case Size | 40.2mm (diameter) 46mm (lug-to-lug) 13mm (thickness) |
| Water Resistance | 100m |
| Movement | Seiko 6R55 & 6R5J |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Bracelet | 7-link with folding butterfly clasp |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Price | €1,050 – €1,230 |
Seiko has also opted for a captivating curved dial design, a subtle choice that sets these watches apart. But here’s where it gets interesting. The applied markers have been meticulously crafted to follow the same graceful curve as the dial itself. I think this ends up elevating the visual appeal of the watches, leaving a lasting impression on the discerning eye.
You can learn more about the new Seiko Presage Classic Series on the brand’s official site. They’ll be available starting June 2024.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.