Hot on the heels of the Presage Classic Series Unglazed Arita Porcelain Limited Edition, Seiko is once again shining a light on traditional Japanese craftsmanship—this time through the deep, mirror-like black of Urushi lacquer. Launching June 11th, the new Presage Classic Series in Urushi Black with Roman Numerals is a striking blend of heritage, elegance, and mechanical precision.
Drawing direct inspiration from Seiko’s very first pocket watch—the aptly named Timekeeper of 1895—this latest Presage takes a classically styled silhouette and gives it a rich, contemporary twist. Its jet-black dial is crafted using the centuries-old technique of Urushi lacquering: a process that involves layering and polishing tree sap to achieve an unmistakable glossy depth. The result is a dial that plays beautifully with the light beneath its dual-curved sapphire crystal, subtly shifting as your wrist moves.
Surrounding the central canvas is a vintage-style rail track minute scale, while gold-toned Roman numerals echo the baton-like finesse of the original Timekeeper. These slender markers, combined with fine golden hands, give the watch an elevated, formal tone—yet it remains wonderfully legible thanks to thoughtful proportions and clean layout.
Adding a touch of artistic storytelling, the shimmering gold accents nod to traditional Kanazawa lacquerware , fusing ornamental craft with everyday functionality. It’s a poetic contrast to the earthy, matte finish of the Arita porcelain model launched just a week earlier—showing the breadth of texture and expression within the Classic Series.
Inside, the watch houses Seiko’s trusted in-house calibre 6R5H , an automatic movement with a 24-hour sub-dial at 6 o’clock, three-day power reserve, and daily accuracy of -15/+25 seconds. Practicality is dialled up further with a water resistance rating of 100 metres—plenty for everyday wear, despite the elegant facade.
Versatility is clearly part of the design brief, too. With a 40.2mm case diameter and 12.8mm thickness, the Urushi Black Presage wears well on a variety of wrists, making it a compelling choice for all wrists. A sustainably sourced black leather strap completes the package.
The Seiko Presage Classic Series in Urushi Black with Roman Numerals will be available to pre-order from June 11th at seikoboutique.co.uk, priced at £1,500.
Seiko Presage Classic Series in Urushi Black
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Seiko
- Model: Presage Classic Series in Urushi Black with Roman Numerals
- Price: £1,500
- Case Size: 40.2mm
- Case Thickness: 12.8mm
- Movement: In-house Seiko 6R5H automatic calibre
- Complications: 24-hour sub-dial at 6 o’clock
- Water-resistance: 100 metres
- Crystal: Dual-curved sapphire crystal
