As Seiko’s 145th anniversary celebrations unfold, the brand expands its value-oriented Presage Classic “Craftsmanship” collection with two new commemorative limited editions.

The HCC007 features a gradient blue Arita porcelain dial in an appealing 39.6 mm size, while the 36 mm HCC004 answers the call for smaller dress watch options.

Initial thoughts

Seiko has been making incremental improvements to its Presage line of entry-level dress watches since the collection debuted in 2010. Almost since the beginning, Seiko has used the Presage as a vehicle to experiment with ways to make traditional craftsmanship accessible, starting with fired enamel dials in 2012 and Arita porcelain dials in 2019.

Since then, the Presage has benefited from a movement upgrade, and now boasts a weekend-proof three-day power reserve.

The 145th anniversary editions prove that Seiko hasn’t run out of ideas, and the HCC007 in particular brings an additional layer of artisanal individuality to the execution that is rarely seen at this price range — its gradient blue dial has echoes of the Credor Eichi II in ruri blue.

The charming and compact 36 mm HCC004 offers a little something for everyone. Powered by the same cal. 6R51 as its porcelain-dialled sibling, it features an embossed dial with a silk-like texture — the latest in a long line of Seiko watches with fabric-patterned dials.

Both models appear aimed at the enthusiast market, as neither features a date window. This gives each watch a more refined look, especially compared to some enamel and porcelain Presage models that have date windows framed with visible decals.

As someone who prefers smaller, traditionally-sized dress watches, the HCC004 is a winner, but given it’s nearly as thick as its larger counterpart — just 0.3 mm separates the two watches – the porcelain-dialed HCC007 might be the better proportioned watch of the pair.

Both are limited editions, but will be made in big enough numbers as to be accessible. Seiko will make 1,500 pieces of the HCC007 with its Arita porcelain dial, and 2,500 of the smaller HCC004.

The porcelain dial adds significantly to the cost — the retail price is nearly double that of its smaller stablemate — but both models offer a value proposition that Swiss rivals struggle to match.

Ruri-lite

While the Presage line has enjoyed porcelain dials before — including unglazed porcelain — the gradient blue colourway elevates the collection with a distinctive corona-like halo that is evocative of the Eichi II. The similarity is accentuated by the crescent-shaped balance on the central seconds hand.

It’s also the first time that a Presage has featured a porcelain dial in the traditional Arita Porcelain colour of cobalt blue. According to Seiko, it was a challenge to create a dial thin enough for a wristwatch, given the numerous layers required to achieve the traditional blue colour.

The thickness of the dial likely accounts for both the extra thickness of the case and its reduced water resistance relative to the HCC004.

The challenge was met by Toshiaki Kawaguchi and his team, who create the dials under the supervision of Arita Porcelain master craftsman Hiroyuki Hashiguchi. The inner dial features finely detailed guilloche-like texture that’s formed through a delicate mould to create the pattern.

Once moulded, the dial is precisely fired and glazed in a multi-stage process to create the desired relief — not too hidden or overly pronounced — with a consistent cobalt blue tone.

That said, its handmade nature will result in some subtle variations between dials, bringing a wabi sabi, hand-crafted look within reach of a new segment of collectors and enthusiasts.

Compact and affordable

The smaller 36 mm HCC004 features a silvered dial drawing inspiration from the unique texture of Japanese silk. The hands and hour markers are plated in ‘Seiko Blue’, and slightly curved to match the domed dial.

The compact case answers the call for smaller, unisex-sized watches, but it doesn’t lack personality thanks to its knurled coin-edge bezel and chamfered lugs. As has become expected with the Presage line, it is on the thicker side at 12.5 mm, but it boasts a robust 100 m water resistance rating that gives it a versatile sensibility.

Differentiated movement

Both models are powered by Seiko’s cal. 6R51 automatic calibre which punches significantly above its weight. A lightweight skeletonised escape wheel helps keep the watch beating for 72 hours when fully wound — an increasingly important differentiator in this segment.

It’s also a true dateless movement with no ghost position in the crown, which adds a level of refinement typically reserved for higher price points.

Key facts and price

Seiko Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Arita Porcelain Dial
Ref. HCC007

Diameter: 39.6 mm
Height: 12.8 mm
Material: Stainless steel with super hard coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: Cal. 6R51
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Navy blue calf-skin leather strap

Limited edition: Yes, 1,500 pieces.
Availability: At Seiko boutiques and retailers from June 2026.
Price: €1,800

Seiko Presage Classic Series
Ref. HCC004

Diameter: 26 mm
Height: 12.5 mm
Material: Stainless steel with super hard coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m

Movement: Cal. 6R51
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 72 hours

Strap: Navy blue calf-skin leather strap

Limited edition: Yes, 2,500 pieces
Availability: At Seiko boutiques and retailers from June 2026.
Price: €1,050

For more, visit seikowatches.com