The Luxury Watch Podcast - Exquisite Timepieces

Seiko Presage SPB085 The Urushi Byakudan-Nuri Limited Edition Watch Review 2019


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Seiko Presage SPB085 The Urushi Byakudan-Nuri Limited Edition

Get this watch here: http://bit.ly/30BU70y

Call us: 1.800.595.5330 / (+1) 239.262.4545
Text us / WhatsApp: +12399192773

A new creation in the Presage collection of fine mechanical watches takes its inspiration from

Japan’s everlasting fascination with the moon. Following on from the success of the recent
release of a deep blue enamel dial that evoked the night sky, this new limited edition uses one of
the most elaborate lacquer techniques of all, Byakudan-nuri, as well as traditional Urushi, to
portray the rich tones of the sky and moon just before dawn.

Traditional Japanese craftsmanship is reflected in the combination of Black Urushi Lacquer,

“Byakudan-nuri” (a special Urushi painting method) and “Maki-e” decoration. The contrast of red
against the jet black background represents the “moon at dawn”

The crescent shaped tip of the second hand is coated with a gold powder, giving it a special

texture that resembles the surface of the moon. The power reserve indicator evokes the brilliance
of the crescent moon illuminated by the sun.

The crescent shape is also to be seen on the sapphire crystal case back, affixed by vapor

deposition.

Byakudan-nuri is a technique that has been used for centuries to decorate Urushi lacquer and,

because of the complexity of the craftsmanship involved, was reserved exclusively for use in
places and on objects of high status, including temples, shrines and on the armor of Shogun
warlords.

The complex processes, Urushi, Byakudan-nuri and Maki-e, are completed by hand by the

craftsmen and women in the studio of Urushi master Isshu Tamura in the Hokuriku region of
Honshu, Japan’s main island.

First, the dials are made with the traditional Urushi technique in which jet black lacquer is painted

by hand onto the metal base of the dial, dried and then polished. These processes are repeated
several times until the craftsman has achieved the exact depth of black that he desires.  

Using a new layer of Urushi as the binding agent, the sub-dials are then sprinkled with a layer of

very fine metallic powder. The whole dial is then repeatedly painted with a red-tinged semi-
transparent Urushi lacquer and then each new layer is dried and polished for as many times as the
craftsman deems necessary. The effect is subtle but deeply satisfying. While the red of the sub-
dials is deep, these two dials catch the light and shine when the ambient light grows brighter, just
as parts of the sky catch the dawn light before others.

WATCH FEATURES

Country of Manufacture: Japan

Bracelet Strap: Alligator Leather Strap
Case: Stainless Steel
Case Back: Exhibition
Case Thickness: 12.8mm
Case Width: 40.5mm
Clasp Type: Folding / Deployment
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
Dial Color: Black / Brown
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Date, Day, Power Reserve
Gender: Men's / Unisex
Hands: Silver
Dial Markers: Roman Numerals
Brand: Seiko
Warranty: Full Factory Warranty
Movement: Mechanical Automatic, Calibre 6R21, 45 hours power reserve
Limited Edition of 2000 pieces
Water Resistance: 100m


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