Introducing the Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship in Enamel and Urushi

Good design has a way of transcending time, which is one of the qualities that makes certain watches enduring favorites among enthusiasts. The challenge lies in bringing such designs into the present without losing what made them distinctive in the first place. With considerable craftsmanship, passion, and attention to detail, watch brands continually reinterpret their classics, pairing familiar design cues with contemporary proportions, materials, and technology while preserving their unmistakable character. The latest example comes from Seiko with two new models in its Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship collection. The HCC005J1 and HCC006J1 draw on the distinctive design of the historic Laurel, reinterpreting it through two demanding Japanese crafts: enamel and Urushi lacquer.

A Historic Inspiration

When the Laurel was introduced in 1913, it marked an important milestone in the history of the Japanese manufacture. It was Seiko’s first wristwatch, distinguished by a clean, harmonious dial and its characteristic Arabic numerals. More than a century later, its design continues to provide inspiration. The two new additions to the elegant Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship collection take up key elements of the historic model while giving them a distinctly contemporary interpretation. The HCC005J1 features a bright white enamel dial, while the HCC006J1 brings a dramatic presence with deep black Urushi lacquer. Both embody the Japanese aesthetic principle that true beauty emerges from the harmony of function and form.

Enamel master Mitsuru Yokosawa gives the HCC005J1 its particularly authentic character. The historical inspiration is immediately apparent in the white dial, which creates a crisp backdrop for the eleven black Arabic numerals, the red 12, and the blued leaf-shaped hands. The result is a carefully balanced composition that feels both rooted in Seiko’s history and unmistakably contemporary. The enamel itself adds another dimension to the design. Its smooth, bright surface is the result of a meticulous process requiring considerable skill and experience. 

The HCC006J1, meanwhile, places deep black Urushi lacquer at the heart of its design. Its glossy surface gives the dial remarkable depth and showcases the distinctive qualities of this traditional Japanese lacquer technique. Gold-colored numerals and hands echo the warm tone of the case, creating an elegant contrast against the intense black background. Urushi lacquer master Isshu Tamura is responsible for the meticulous execution. The result is a more dramatic interpretation of the Laurel aesthetic. Where the enamel version emphasizes clarity and contrast, the Urushi model draws the eye into the depth and sheen of its richly finished dial.

A Contemporary Case 

The newly designed case translates the DNA of the Presage Classic Series into a contemporary silhouette. Its gently curved surfaces create elegant, balanced proportions while helping the 39.6mm watch sit comfortably on the wrist. At 12.4mm thick with a 46.8mm lug-to-lug measurement, its dimensions remain well balanced. The HCC005J1 features a hard-coated stainless steel case, while the HCC006J1 adds a warm gold-colored coating for a more luxurious appearance. Both models are fitted with a screw-down exhibition case back, offering a view of the mechanical movement within. Dark leather straps complement the vintage character of both watches. They are sourced from a tannery that meets high environmental standards, while the fine decorative stitching reinforces the handcrafted character of the designs.

A Modern Take on the Laurel

Powering both watches is Seiko’s automatic Caliber 6R5H, which offers a power reserve of more than 72 hours. Unlike the small seconds display that once appeared on the Laurel, the new models feature a 24-hour display at 6 o’clock, bringing an additional contemporary function to the historic design language. Both watches will be available from September 2026. The HCC005J1 is priced at $1,400, while the HCC006J1 costs $1,650.