Seiko Presage Captures Japanese Animation Masterwork
The spirit of the animation is reflected in every aspect of the Seiko Presage design.
Making timepieces since 1881, Seiko has been a rather conservative watch company with its launches and its accolades over years. Yes, this watch maker has impressed us for decades with its high quality construction, robust designs (especially for the men) and timeless designs that some European brands have dared to follow. Yes, this is Japanese engineering that never been boasted and instead travelled through ‘word of mouth’ marketing.
Just recently, Seiko showed a new collection. A name that has been around since 2016. It is an all mechanical watch and its been given the name ‘Presage’.
Ever since its birth, the Presage collection has been renowned for its unique balance of beauty and technology, combining its fine watchmaking technology with Japanese craftsmanship and art forms.
Today, Seiko introduces into the Presage collection a creation inspired by the now-classic fantasy-adventure Japanese animation film “Castle In The Sky.”
This is the first animation feature from the world-renowned Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli, whose works have won the favor of animation fans worldwide for their imaginative, other-worldly settings, distinctive visuals and masterful storytelling.
The widely acclaimed feature film follows the adventure of a young boy and girl in search of a legendary floating city named Laputa. Throughout their journey, the two are chased by air pirates and military agents seeking to seize the city’s treasures and powers and the heroine’s magical levitation crystal.
The watch captures many of the key elements of the animation in every corner of its design. The crest on the mystical levitation crystal of the heroine’s pendant is reproduced on the enamel dial, made by master craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa and his colleagues, while the castle in the sky is illustrated on the caseback just the way it was in the picture taken by the protagonist’s father when he caught sight of the city.
Around the castle are engraved the words of the chant that is central to the story. The roman numerals, inner ring, retro hands and stitched leather strap complete the nostalgic atmosphere of this magical and evocative limited edition.
The watch is powered by a new version of Seiko’s high-performance 6R35 movement, Caliber 6R31. Like Caliber 6R35, the movement delivers a power reserve of 70 hours and shares the same performance attributes, but without a date window.
Every aspect of the watch reflects the care and craftsmanship for which Presage is renowned. The crystal glass is a dual-curved sapphire and is treated with anti-reflective coating on the inner surface that delivers high legibility from any angle. The exhibition case back reveals the fine finishing of the movement, and the watch is 10 bar water resistant.
The watch is offered in a special presentation box with an illustration of Laputa and carries a card message from the film’s director, Hayao Miyazaki.
The key chant to the story, “Leetay Latuparita Ulus Aria Los Balu Netoreel“ or “save me and revive the eternal light” in the Laputan language, is inscribed on the caseback.
The watch will be available as a limited edition of 1,200 at the Seiko Boutiques in Malaysia. For product details, please contact SEIKO’s sole distributor, Thong Sia Sdn Bhd at 03-21415163 or visit www.thongsia.com.my
Seiko Presage Studio Ghibli Castle In The Sky Specifications
Ref. SPB215 (SARX087 in Japan)
Diameter: 40.5 mm
Height: 12.4 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m
Movement: 6R31
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 70 hours
Strap: Cordovan strap with folding clasp
Limited edition: 1,200 pieces
Availability: NOW
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