Four new watches in the Presage Craftsmanship Series decorated with classic Japanese Handcrafts mark the 110th anniversary of Seiko watchmaking.
Enamel SPB393
The beginning of Seiko watches, the enamel dial model. The enamel technology that supported the dawn of the Japanese watch industry maintains its beauty without fading. The enamel used for the dial of Seiko's first domestic wristwatch, the Laurel, has a warm white color and a fresh luster, and continues to retain its beauty even after 110 years.
Enamel, which is durable enough to be used for cooking utensils, is made by applying a glaze made from extremely low-impurity clay, pure water, glass, etc. to the iron-based dial and firing it at a high temperature. The enamel dial, which requires a high level of skill, such as adjusting the ratio of each component of the glaze according to temperature and humidity, is still carefully hand-baked due to the technology passed down from our predecessors. We are sending out to the world the lustrous luster and unfading beauty that can only be expressed in enamel dials.
Enamel craftsman: Mitsuru Yokosawa
One of Japan's leading craftsmen, Mitsuru Yokozawa, of Fuji Horo Industry Co., Ltd. (Joined in 1971) Tsukuba Factory Technical Advisor. Yokozawa is the craftsman who created the SPB393; with the extraordinary keen eye of Yokozawa who can spot the finish of the coated surface in 0.01mm increments.
Urushi Lacquer SPB395
A lacquer dial model that is completed by repeating painting and polishing. The glossy colors of lacquer pay homage to the townscape of Kanazawa, which retains vestiges of the feudal era. Nurtured by samurai culture, Kanazawa has escaped war damage and major disasters, and the beautiful streets from the feudal era still remain, and are loved by people as a valuable cultural heritage. This product, which uses a lacquer dial that is carefully made in Kanazawa, is made by combining an innovative manufacturing method that directly connects metal and lacquer with an ancient technique that creates a smooth surface.
Under the supervision of lacquer artist Isshu Tamura, many lacquerware craftsmen are involved, and by repeating painting and polishing dozens of times, the beautiful cityscape of Kanazawa, which has a unique aesthetic sense, is transformed into a glossy reddish brown color unique to lacquer. It is expressed in color.
Lacquer Artist: Isshu Tamura
Born in 1957 (Showa 32). Lives in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. After learning Kaga Maki-e, a traditional craft handed down in Kanazawa under Master Ikko Kiyose, he created a unique and unique precision technique. In addition to lacquerware, he also released luxury fountain pens and wristwatches with Kaga maki-e. The exquisite beauty of this extremely precise technique is highly acclaimed worldwide.
Arita Porcelain SPB397
Arita porcelain dial model that combines traditional techniques and technological innovation. It pays homage to the Izumiyama Quarry, where porcelain was first produced in Japan. In 1616, splendid porcelain stone was found in this area, and "Arita ware" was born as Japan's first porcelain, and it has taken root in this area as a traditional craft. I am fascinated.
This work expresses the scenery of Arita's Izumiyama quarry, which brought the blessings of nature, with the lustrous colors and three-dimensional shapes that are unique to porcelain. In order to achieve the durability required for wristwatches, we use reinforced porcelain materials that are four times stronger than conventional materials, cast them in high-precision molds, and fire them at a high temperature of 1,300°C. The highly difficult and complex process, such as glazing and multiple firings, is produced under the supervision of Mr. Hiroyuki Hashiguchi, a potter who belongs to the long-established 190-year-old Shingama.
Arita ware potter: Hiroyuki Hashiguchi
After joining "Shin-gama" in 1983, he mastered careful and precise techniques and sophisticated dyeing, and won numerous awards including the Minister of International Trade and Industry Award at the Kyushu Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition. In 1996 he was certified as a traditional craftsman of Imari and Arita porcelain underglaze painting.
Shippo Enamel SPB399
Uniquely evolved Owari cloisonne cloisonne dial model. Using a highly difficult glaze that does not contain lead, it expresses the color and transparency of the sea. Since ancient times, the sea has made Japan an island nation, and the techniques and crafts that have been passed down have evolved in a unique way, promoting the formation of Japan's unique traditional culture. The cloisonné dial of this work is also one of the traditional crafts that represent Japan, which has evolved independently from the sea.
Mr. Wataru Toya, a glaze master of Owari cloisonne, uses a unique lead-free glaze and repeats firing at approximately 800°C several times before applying a precise polishing process to create a smooth cloisonne dial. . The dial, which evokes the image of sparkling waves through a beautiful glaze, expresses an homage to the sea.
Uniquely evolved Owari cloisonne cloisonne dial model. Using a highly difficult glaze that does not contain lead, it expresses the color and transparency of the sea. Since ancient times, the sea has made Japan an island nation, and the techniques and crafts that have been passed down have evolved in a unique way, promoting the formation of Japan's unique traditional culture. The cloisonné dial of this work is also one of the traditional crafts that represent Japan, which has evolved independently from the sea.
Cloisonne dial glaze master - Wataru Toya
Born in Aichi prefecture in 1985. After learning the manufacturing method of pottery at Aichi Prefectural Seto Pottery High School and working at the long-established Owari cloisonne shop "Ando Cloisonne", he became a glaze artist who is responsible for the important process of "glazing", which is the basis of the Owari cloisonne technique. is pushing forward.
