SEIKO PRESAGE CLASSIC SERIES X REGAL LIMITED EDITION - SPB529J1

Limited to 3,000 pieces worldwide

New Seiko Presage releases often focus on fantastic dials or modernised interpretations of historic models. Seiko’s latest Presage release is no less of a stunner, but highlights a resourceful partnership aimed to make the world a better place, or at least make better use of what is already here.

Seiko’s new Presage Classic Series SPB529J1 is a collaboration with REGAL Shoe & Company. REGAL Shoe & Company is a Japanese shoe brand most well-known for introducing the Goodyear welt shoe construction to Japan. The company continues to manufacture shoes in Tokyo using traditional methods, focusing on producing high-quality products that blend fashion and function. With well over 100 years of experience in manufacturing shoes, it makes sense for Seiko to look to REGAL to supply high-quality leather.

Instead of using leather procured for the sole purpose of making straps (insert pun-induced groan here), REGAL is supplying leather from the off-cuts from their shoe patterns. When cutting leather for shoes, the pattern is cut from a large piece of leather, with artisans avoiding sections of the leather with visual imperfections. Instead of this leather being thrown away, it is being used to make straps for this new Seiko Presage model. Starting with a good-quality source will ensure these are great straps that will serve owners well for a long time. Inspired by REGAL’s signature loafers, the strap is burgundy in colour with beige accent stitching. The strap is secured via a three-fold clasp with a push-button release.

The SPB529 features a 40.2mm stainless steel case that measures 13mm thick, 46mm lug-to-lug, and has 100m water resistance. The textured bezel is coin-edge-esque in its texture and done in a light pink gold hue to tie in with the Shiracha dial. This specific hue of light brown used for the dial was admired during the Bunsei era of the Edo period by tea masters and traditional artisans. The gradient and sun-ray patterned dial has gold-toned hands and baton indices. Inside is the Seiko 6R55 automatic movement, which features hacking, hand-winding, date display, a 72-hour power reserve, and 24 jewels.