A few years ago I've attended Geneva Watch
manufacturing fair - an annual event known as "the largest international
trade show dedicated to high precision". Even back then, when times
were 'normal', this largest fair of it's kind attracted no more than a
few hundred exhibitors and a few thousand visitors. Independent horology
is a rather modest affair - there are hardly any Swiss makers or
artisans that have not been already bought into big brands.
A small stand that really grabbed my attention was a porcelain and
enamel dial maker. The whole business is one man show- a Swiss craftsman
in his late 70s with an amazing display of hand made, one-off dials. We
struck conversation quickly - he was interested in Australian watch
brand story and was very keen to make a small batch of rebelde enamel
dials. There was however one small problem: at around $400 per dial, we
simply could not afford his craftsmanship - at that time, at least.
Enamel dials are next level in dial manufacturing, and only top Swiss makers offer with such unique, hand crafted dials.
The Japanese tradition of enamel work has a long history. With its
unique sheen and warm feel, enamel creates a captivating watch dial with
beautiful colour fidelity that can last more than a hundred years. And
thanks to Seiko’s venture into the field of enamel and it’s
collaboration with Japanese masters like Mitsuro Yokosawa, enamel dial
Seiko watches are now the pride and joy of watch enthusiasts worldwide.
At the price anyone can afford.
“For almost half a century, Mitsuru Yokosawa has been expanding the
boundaries of enamel, mastering time-honoured techniques and gradually
creating new ones. As his experience broadened, the layers of enamel he
was able to apply became thinner and thinner. He is now able to apply a
flawless enamel coat just 0.1mm thin. Such precision requires not only
exceptional visual acuity, but also the seemingly magical ability to
make minute adjustments to the enamel composition based on fluctuations
in humidity and weather conditions. Aptly, it would take the skills of a
magician to create the face of the new Seiko Presage.”
On today’s offer we have a Seiko SPB047J- made in Japan. This is the
most affordable enamel dial watch in the Presage range and probably my
favourite.
Why? Because I get a real kick looking for “imperfections” in the enamel
layer. The more I find, the more I like it! Because those small
imperfections are what gives enamel watches their own, unique,
unmistaken character; the masters touch of humanity.
On this particular example, there is a tiny line which goes along the
edge of the calendar window. Of course, it so not visible by naked eye-
only under high magnification. But if you know where to look for it,
you’ll find it. And because of it, your SEIKO Presage is truly your
watch – a unique piece you can tell apart from every other Presage out
there. (Is your new Rolex different or special in any way than any other
Rolex?)
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