Seiko Honors Japanese Craft Heritage with Presage SPB499 Featuring Urushi Lacquer Dial
Seiko continues its dedication to spotlight Japan’s rich artisanal traditions with the latest addition to its Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship collection: the Presage SPB499. This new model, arriving in July 2025, reinforces the line’s commitment to cultural storytelling through traditional materials, refined aesthetics, and precise mechanical execution.
Under its curved sapphire crystal lies a deep black urushi lacquer dial, handcrafted through a meticulous process involving multiple layers of natural lacquer, extracted from the urushi tree, and polished to a mirror-like sheen. The result is a dial of striking depth and subtle elegance, rendered in a tone that appears both classic and contemporary.
Gold-toned accents— including the railroad minute track, large Roman numbers, 24-hour sub-dial at 6 o’clock, and leaf-shaped hands— create a high-contrast visual language. The hands are particularly noteworthy: while their shape suggests timeless refinement, their grained matte finish adds a tactile texture that aids in legibility and softens the overall aesthetic.
The SPB499 comes in a 40.2mm x 12.1mm stainless steel case enhanced with Seiko’s proprietary super hard coating. Alternating brushed and polished surfaces give the lugs and case, which is water resistant to 100 meters a dynamic character.
Visible through the exhibition case back, the in-house caliber 6R5H is powering the SPB499. This automatic movement which beats with 21,600 vibrations per hour offers an impressive 72-hour power reserve, magnetic protection to 4,800 A/m, and an accuracy range of +25/-15 seconds per day.
The Presage SPB499 is complemented by a black leather strap equipped with a three-fold clasp.
Pricing is marked at $1,650.
To learn more, visit Seiko, here.
