“Seiko’s really gone to town with their 2022 Prospex and Presage lineup.”
And knowing Seiko, it’s not really a surprise is it? Over the past few years, it would appear that the brand has been pushing harder and harder in churning out new designs and movements to stay ahead. These changes span the entire range with the Prospex, Presage and even the 5 Sports lineup getting bolder and bolder designs. For 2022, it’s no different.
Actual footage of a Seiko designer/engineer when confronted with 2023’s brief.
During the brand’s recent online press conference, Seiko revealed a total of nine new models! Some from the Prospex, some from the Presage collection. And it’s not merely aesthetic, guys. This year, we see the introduction of new calibres as well.
“We’ve got lots to cover so let’s get stuck in. First, the Presage range.”
For 2022, the Presage collection sees a total of five new models being introduced. Of the five, one is a limited edition, two sport a new open-heart design while the remaining two feature a new set of sub-dials. Let’s begin with the limited edition model first.
The SPB303 Presage Sharp Edged GMT features a textured dial that Seiko says is “complemented by the depth of its color.” This particular colour is a blue that has been featured by “Ukiyoe artists over the centuries in images of Mt Fuji in high summer.”
We also get a blue ceramic GMT bezel on the SPB303. The stainless steel case measures 42.2 mm across and stands at 13.7 mm. The bracelet is a stainless steel affair with a tri-fold clasp and owners will also get an additional leather strap. A sapphire crystal with AR coating is standard issue and so is an exhibition caseback. Within the watch beats the calibre 6R64. The 29-jeweled movement beats at a rate of 4 Hz and has a power reserve of 45 hours. Water resistance stands at 100 m.
Lastly, the SPB303 is limited to 900 units worldwide and will be available at Seiko boutiques and selected dealers in July 2022.
“One Presage, two Presages? Presagie?”
The other four new additions sport a refreshed case design and two separate calibres. First off, there is a new “facet with a mirror finish between the top and side surfaces” of the case. The new design also sees a reshaped case with an inward taper.
Where the two pairs diverge lies in the design and underlying movement. The 29-jeweled calibre 6R21 power the SPB305 and SPB307 pair and features a day sub-dial at 3 o’clock, a date sub-dial at 6 and a power reserve readout at 9 o’clock. The 6R21 beats at 4 Hz and has a power reserve of 45 hours. Water resistance is rated at 100 m.
As for dial colours, we get two options. Geppaku, a white that bears a tiny degree of blue hue, and Kuritobi, shade that knocks close to the Japanese “black kite.” The stainless steel case measures 40.2 mm and stands at 12.2 mm while a steel bracelet with a tri-fold clasp and push-button release accompanies both models. Other features include a sapphire crystal (with AR coating) and an exhibition caseback.
“And for the final two Presage models?”
The highlight here is the open heart design and slightly thinner profile. The latter is courtesy of the 6R38 calibre which is the latest addition in itself to the 6R family. The 24-jeweled movement beats at 3 Hz and has a power reserve of 70 hours while water resistance stands at 100 m.
The dial features a stepped design with a raised ring segmenting the inner portion from the hour markers. At 9 o’clock is, of course, the open heart window. As for the stainless steel case, it measures 40.2 mm across and stands at 11.8 mm. The SPB309 has a Shironri white dial and comes with a steel bracelet whereas the SPB311 has an Aisumi blue dial with a leather calf strap. All four Presage models will go on sale in June 2022 at Seiko boutiques and official dealers.
“Now, for the Prospex models…”
With this range, we have another limited edition model in the form of the Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ041. The Speedtimer features a 42.5 mm stainless steel case with a thickness of 15.1 mm and bracelet alongside a calfskin leather strap. A curved sapphire crystal with AR coating and an exhibition case back with the 2022 Oregon World Athletics Championships emblem is also standard issue here.
Inside the watch beats the Calibre 8R46. The 34-jeweled movement features a column wheel and vertical clutch construction and beats at 4 Hz. Power reserve is 45 hours and water resistance is 100 m.
Now, I’ll admit one thing. I’m not the biggest fan of chronographs but the colour scheme and sub-dial layout of this one pushes all the right buttons for me. The “sand patterned” dial and yellow hands (one more at the 30-min counter at 9 o’clock in case you missed it) provide just the right amount of visual pop. On the additional leather strap, the yellow accents get highlighted further with contrasting yellow stitching.
The Prospex Speedtimer Mechanical Chronograph SRQ041 goes on sale in June at Seiko boutiques and selected dealers. Best be quick though because this one is limited to just 400 units worldwide.
“And the final Prospex trio…”
If you’re a fan of blue watches, boy are you in luck…
All three models you see here are the latest addition to Seiko’s long-running ‘Save the Ocean’ series. Over the years, watches under this umbrella have drawn inspiration from, you guessed it, the ocean and its inhabitants. For 2022, it’s no different but this time, glacial ice serves as the starting point.
We have the SPB297 (blue dial, black bezel and baton markers), the SPB299 (blue dial, blue bezel and round-baton combination hour markers) and the SPB301 (white dial, blue bezel). Movement wise, they’re identical, being powered by the Calibre 6R35. This notable 24-jeweled movement beats at 3 Hz has a power reserve of 70 hours. Water resistance is 200 m, as befitting a diver’s watch.
Other similarities include a stainless steel case paired to a steel bracelet with diver’s extension, a screw-down crown, a solid screwed down caseback and a curved sapphire crystal with AR coating. There are, however, mild deviations in the size of the cases. The SPB297 measures 40.5 mm while the SPB299 spans 42 mm across. The SPB301 is the largest one at 42.7 mm. Case thickness is 13.2 mm, 12.5 mm and 13.2 mm, respectively.
All three will hit the market come June 2022 and will be available at Seiko boutiques and selected dealers.
