Seiko Presage SPB399 Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Limited Edition

Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Limited Edition

What sets Shippo enamel apart is the way it is polished after firing. The process is made more complex by the fact that each watch dial is a mere one millimeter thick. Master craftsman Wataru Totani and his team repeat a multi-step process of glazing the surface of the dial by hand, firing the dial, and polishing its surface to bring out the distinctive wave pattern. Though slender, this dial has a readily visible depth, like the oceans that inspired its design. The watch is powered by Caliber 6R27, whose date and power reserve displays add yet another layer of visual intrigue. It is presented in a dark blue leather strap. Hand-painting layer after layer of glaze onto the dial, Totani-san won't be satisfied until the enamel is perfectly even, the surface perfectly smooth, and the beauty of the pattern beneath fully revealed. For environmental reasons the glaze contains no lead, which is traditionally used to prevent bubbling. Totani-san must therefore use a microscope to evaluate the surface, and if a bubble is discovered, he will painstakingly remove it and return the surface to its ideal smoothness. When the dial is complete, he feels joy in its perfection. "Sharing this joy is my greatest satisfaction as a craftsman," he explains. "That is the beauty of Shippo Enamel."