The Low down
Seiko has dropped a double debut in the form of a limited edition Presage and a limited edition Prspex made for the (somewhat sprawling) Asia, Oceania and Middle East regions. On the Presage side of the fence, we’re treated to a subtly textured dial and pleasing colourway on the Sharp Edge GMT SPB273J1. And keeping the sharp theme going, Presage offers a bright new interpretation of the fan-favourite ‘Samurai’, the SRPH43K1 diver.
IMHO
First up, let’s take a look at the Sharp Edge. This is a relatively new addition to the Presage family, and it really straddles the line between dressy and casual and has a few features that really make it stand out. First of all, the mechanical GMT 6R46 is one of the best in class for the price, and you get quite a lot of style to go with the substance. Like other watches in the line, the dial is a traditional Japanese colour. Here it’s ‘gofun’, which has a yellowish, ivory hue. The effect is amplified by the dial texture, which is inspired by Japanese textile design, as well as the rose gold-tone hands and markers. Contrasting nicely with this is the dark ceramic bezel which serves as a 24-hour scale. This 42.2mm package makes for a particularly chic take on a sporty travel watch.
Dipping our toes into the waters of Prospex, and we’re greeted with a colourful new interpretation of the fan-favourite ‘Samurai’, a name derived from the model’s sharp lines and angular edges. Part of Seiko’s Save the Ocean series of aquatic watches, this limited edition takes for its thematic inspiration the underwater scene of coral reefs with bright colours and clear blue waters. The designers of this watch initially toyed with the idea of pinky, coral-toned dials but instead opted for a comparatively toned-down version with vibrant orange bezel markings set against a gridded blue dial. The colour isn’t the only thing notable about this bezel, as the upgrade from aluminium inserts to zirconia ceramic also saw a reengineering of how the bezel interacts with the case, meaning that the insert and sapphire crystal sit flush with the case, resulting in a more robust design. This 43.8mm steel diver comes on a blue silicone strap and is a solid addition to a line of watches that works to support marine conservation.
Both of these handsome new Seiko’s are limited editions intended for Asia, Oceania and the Middle East. Still, regardless of where you are in the world, it’s clear that Prospex and Presage continue to offer both great design and value.
Tech Specs
Seiko Prospex SRPH43K1
Movement: Caliber 4R35, automatic, power reserve of 41 hours
Functions: Time and date
Case: Stainless steel, 43.8mm, thickness 12.8mm, water resistance to 100M
Strap: Blue silicon
Price: Approximate recommended retail price RM 2,600
Seiko Presage SPB273J1
Movement: Caliber 6R64, automatic, power reserve of 45 hours
Functions: GMT with independent hour hand adjustment, power reserve
Case: Stainless steel, 42.2mm, thickness 13.7mm, water resistance to 100M
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Price: Approximate recommended retail price of RM 5,800