Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series SPB495

Seiko introduces the latest addition to its Presage Craftsmanship Series, the SPB495, paying homage to the brand’s first-ever watch, the 1895 Timekeeper. This elegant model features a white enamel dial adorned with elongated Roman numerals, capturing the essence of Seiko’s historical craftsmanship.

Founded by Kintaro Hattori in 1881, Seiko initially operated as a repair workshop before establishing Seikosha in 1892. The brand’s first watch, the Timekeeper, was released in 1895 as a pocket watch with a refined enamel dial and Roman numerals. While Seiko has frequently revisited the 1913 Laurel, the 1895 Timekeeper receives a rare tribute with the SPB495, marking its 130th anniversary.

The SPB495 features a 40.2mm stainless steel case with a super-hard coating, ensuring durability. Measuring 12.1mm in thickness and 48mm lug-to-lug, it maintains a balanced profile. A sapphire crystal with an inner anti-reflective coating protects the dial, while a transparent screw-down case back showcases the movement. Despite its dressy aesthetics, the watch boasts 100 meters of water resistance.

The standout element of this model is its enamel dial, handcrafted by Mitsuru Yokosawa and his team. The high-gloss white enamel base, achieved through kiln-firing, gives the dial a rich depth. Black Roman numerals and a minute track in a rail design enhance its classical appeal, while blued hands elegantly display the time. A 24-hour sub-dial at 6 o’clock complements the layout.

Powering the SPB495 is the in-house calibre 6R5H, operating at 3Hz with an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The watch comes on a black leather strap, secured with a three-fold clasp and push-button release.