Among Seiko’s new launches at Baselworld were the Ananta Automatic Chronograph Diver’s Watch and the Sportura Alarm Chronograph. Priced thousands of dollars apart, these two models represent the range of Seiko’s achievements. One offers a manufacture automatic movement, hand-polished case and hand-painted lacquer dial, and the other quartz precision and functionality in a handsome package. Find prices and wallpaper inside.
The Ananta Automatic Chronograph Diver’s watch is one of the leading models in Seiko’s 130th Anniversary Commemorative Collection, offered as a limited edition of 700 pieces. It will be released in the autumn on a worldwide basis.
Seiko created its first diving watch in 1965. Since then, the brand has been at the forefront of diving watch technology. The world’s first titanium diving watch came in 1975, and the world’s first computerized diving watch followed in 1990. The new Ananta Chronograph Diver’s Watch is powered by caliber 8R39, which is designed for diving. The balance spring is Seiko’s proprietary SPRON610 alloy with upgraded shock-resistance and antimagnetism. To ensure that the watch is as resistant as possible to shock, it is fixed to the case with three clamps, one more than is used in other chronographs.
To ensure that the dive time is as readable as possible even in dark waters, Seiko commissioned Isshu Tamura, a world-renowned lacquer artist, to create a dial that is truly jet black. Each dial is painted, layer by layer, and then polished by hand by Mr. Tamura in his studio in Kanazawa on the western shores of the Japanese mainland. Isshu Tamura is a master of “Kaga Makie” which is a traditional style of lacquer. The legibility is further enhanced by the use of a non-reflective coating on the sapphire glass.
Ananta is a relatively new collection, but its roots lie deep in Japan’s culture and history. Seiko says that Ananta represents the dedication to perfection to which Japanese culture has always aspired and to which Seiko has always been committed. The design of Ananta is inspired by Katana, the ancient Japanese art of sword making. The katana sword was first developed more than 800 years ago and symbolizes the high value that Japanese culture puts upon traditional skills and innovative manufacture, and is therefore the perfect inspiration for Ananta.
Of the 700 pieces available worldwide, approximately 35 will come to the U.S. market, and they will be priced at $4700. Specifications appear below the image, which may be enlarged with a click.
Specifications
Automatic Chronograph Diver’s – SEIKO 130th Anniversary Commemorative Edition
Ref. SRQ013
Caliber 8R39
Automatic with manual winding capability
Hour, minute and small second hands
Date calendar
Chronograph hour, 30-minute and second counter
Chronograph measurement up to 12 hours
28,800 vibrations per hour
34 jewels
Power reserve: 45 hours
Movement diameter: 28.6 mm, thickness: 7.5 mm
Case: Stainless steel with black and rose-tone gold hard coating
44.0 mm in diameter
Band: Stainless steel with black hard coating
Buckle: Adjustable three-fold clasp with secure lock and push button release
Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 200 meters
Magnetic resistance: 4,800 A/m
Limited edition of 700 pieces
At a much lower price point, The Sportura Alarm Chronograph represents Seiko’s high function, high value, quartz expertise. Here, Seiko’s years of experience are reflected in fine details. The long, curved lugs wrap round the wrist to deliver a comfortable fit. The cone-shaped chronograph buttons offer a wide surface area to ensure precise operation. Thanks to an angled dial edge, the hands and markers align perfectly. The chronograph minute hand has a ‘pointer’ shape to ensure that the correct number is easily read.
Beyond the functionality, the Sportura Alarm Chronograph offers strong design, again enhanced by subtle details. For example, the 2, 4, 8 and 10 numerals are silver, while the 1, 5, 7 and 11 are pure white. This helps the hands contrast with the numbers and distinguishes numbers from one another, making the time easier to read. The cone-shaped chronograph pushers are functional and they add design flair. This is a handsome watch.
Seiko also recently entered into a three year partnership with FC Barcelona, the most successful team in football. In 2008/2009 the Club won all six competitions it entered, including the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup, becoming the first team in history to achieve this. Seiko will use this partnership to promote Sportura around the world.
The Sportura Alarm Chronograph will be priced at $495. Complete specifications appear below the images, which may be enlarged with a click.
Specifications
Alarm Chronograph
Caliber 7T62
Case: Stainless steel with black hard coating
Screw-down crown
Band: Stainless steel with three-fold clasp with push button release (SNAE59 / E61 / E63 / E69)
Leather strap with stainless steel buckle (SNAE65 / E67)
Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
Water resistance: 10 bar
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