Seiko has always been brilliant at honouring and bringing light to their Japanese heritage. They often take inspiration from nature, drawing from specific flora, mountains and views in the region. They are also well-known for celebrating Japanese pop culture, specifically the famous Japanese genre of anime. We’ve seen Naruto and Boruto limited editions, 5 Sports models dedicated to One Piece and of course, several collaborations with legendary animation company, Studio Ghibli.
Seiko Presage ‘Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind’ Studio Ghibli Limited Edition - Credit Seiko
- Regular price
- £68.00
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- Sale price
- £68.00
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- Regular price
- £68.00
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- Sale price
- £68.00
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- Regular price
- £68.00
- Regular price
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- Sale price
- £68.00
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The new Seiko Presage ‘Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind’ Studio Ghibli Limited Edition is the third collaboration project between the watchmaker and animation studio. This time, the novelty is inspired by the film of the same name, ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’, a post-apocalyptic film which sees young princess Nausicaä travel through a toxic jungle full of giant insects on a mission to coexist with nature. The anime fantasy film was originally released in 1984 and as such celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Seiko Presage ‘Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind’ Studio Ghibli Limited Edition - Credit Seiko
The adventurous spirit of the film’s heroine is wonderfully captured in the Seiko Presage ‘Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind’ SPB437 watch. The most obvious feature is the blue enamel dial which is inspired directly by one of the outfits Nausicaä wears in the movie. It also has a white and red logo on the chest which is also placed above the 6 o’clock marker. The blue backdrop is then set with white printed hour markers and a minute track, leaf-shaped hour and minute hands and a golden seconds hand.
Seiko Presage ‘Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind’ Studio Ghibli Limited Edition - Credit Seiko
- Regular price
- £68.00
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- £68.00
- Unit price
- per
- Regular price
- £68.00
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- £68.00
- Unit price
- per
- Regular price
- £68.00
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- £68.00
- Unit price
- per
For the case, the Seiko Presage ‘Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind’ Studio Ghibli Limited Edition elects the typical architecture of the line’s Craftsmanship Series. It has a simple 40.5mm wide and 12.4mm thick profile machined from stainless steel. The metal is protected with super hard coating and is finished with an unusual sandblasted finish which gives the case an almost pre-worn look. Sapphire crystal glass is used on the front and back and at 3 o’clock, a blue glass crown is added to resemble the eyes of ‘Ohmu’ giant insect characters. The crown delivers a 100 metre water resistant rating.
Seiko Presage ‘Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind’ Studio Ghibli Limited Edition - Credit Seiko
On the exhibition case back, further references to the film are added. The gold-coloured case back ring is engraved with the quote “clothed in blue robes, descending onto a golden field” and the glass itself is printed with a nature scene to emphasise the film’s key theme of coexistence with nature. The brown calfskin leather strap is also cleverly printed with the silhouette of Ohmu, the “King of Bugs”.
Seiko Presage ‘Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind’ Studio Ghibli Limited Edition - Credit Seiko
Powering the Seiko Presage ‘Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind’ watch is the in-house Calibre 6R51 automatic winding movement with a frequency of 21,600vph and a power reserve of 72 hours. The release is limited to 1,500 pieces and retails for £1,540. It’s expected to make its official debut on wrists in March 2024.
Technical Specifications:
- Brand: Seiko
- Model: Presage ‘Nausicäa of the Valley of the Wind’
- Price: £1,540
- Material: Stainless steel with super hard coating
- Movement: Calibre 6R51 automatic winding
- Complications: Hours, minutes, seconds
- Dial: Blue enamel
- Size: 40.5mm wide, 12.4mm tall
- Limited: 1,500 pieces
- When the reviewer would personally wear it: This is a cool, unique watch that is easily deserving of daily wear.
- A friend we’d recommend it to first: A fan of Studio Ghibli
- Best characteristics of the watch: The design, although appearing simple at first, packs in a lot of clever references to the film.
- The worst characteristics of the watch: The crown looks rather large which may put some wearers off.
