Seiko’s Presage series is full of interesting textures and patterns thanks in no small part to collections like the Cocktail Time. However, the most intricate patterns belong to the ‘Japanese Zen Garden’ series with their delicate raked sand dials. Just in time for Christmas Seiko have expanded the range with new Presage ‘Japanese Zen Garden’ Fern Green and Gold-Tone Sand editions.
Both of the new colourways measure 41.8mm in diameter with a 12.5mm thickness, so they’re no shrinking violets when it comes to wrist presence. But that simply gives their dials extra room with which to impress with their detailed displays. As you’d imagine the Fern Green edition has a verdant forest green dial. It’s split between a raked sand pattern to the right of the line between 11:30 to 6:30, with the left-hand portion occupied by the open heart aperture and 24-hour indicator.
The Presage ‘Japanese Zen Garden’ Gold-Tone Sand changes up the recipe in more ways than one. It has a bright, sand coloured dial with the same patterns and textures as its green sibling but on top of that the case features some additional gold PVD accents. Specifically, it’s golden around the bezel and on the mid-links of the 5-link steel bracelet, giving it the classic bi-colour aesthetic.
Of the two designs, I personally prefer the Fern Green as it’s the less ostentatious of the two. Though if you’re looking for an accessible dress watch for fancy occasions on a budget, I can understand why the Gold-Tone Sand might appeal. Regardless of the colour that you favour, they both house the 4R72 automatic with 42-hour power reserve. You can catch a glimpse of it through the open heart window.
That all brings us to price. The Presage ‘Japanese Zen Garden’ Fern Green is £480 while the Gold-Tone Sand is £520. Ultimately, I would like these watches more if they were a touch more on the minimalist side. The 24-hour subdial, open heart window and multiple finishes over-complicates things, which, to me, feels at odds with the zen meditation concept that lies at their heart. I’d be happy with just the raked sand pattern across the entire display in these rich colours.
Price and Specs:
Model:
Seiko
Presage ‘Japanese Zen Garden’ Series
Ref:
SSA463
(fern green), SSA464 (gold-toned sand)
Case:
41.8mm
diameter x 12.5mm thickness, stainless steel
Dial:
Fern
green or gold-toned sand coloured textured dial inspired by Japanese Zen Gardens
Water resistance:
30m
(3 bar)
Movement:
Seiko
calibre 4R72, automatic, 24 jewels
Frequency:
21,600
vph (3 Hz)
Power reserve:
41h
Functions:
Hours,
minutes, seconds, 24h indicator
Strap:
Stainless
steel bracelet
Price:
£480
fern green), £520 (gold-toned sand)
More details at Seiko.
Oracle Time