THE, uhm, horologic enigma that is the Seiko Spring Drive has arrived within the cases of the brand’s Presage collection.
While erstwhile powered exclusively by self-winding tickers (at least the modern ones, or those made since 2016), the Presage for the first time sees two new models — to reach stores in October — spun by the cal. 5R65 Spring Drive. This movement is accurate to within one second per day (or 15 seconds in the course of a month, actually) as it dazzles with its silent, completely fluid, gliding second hand.
![Spring Drive](http://clone.calibremagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/SNR037.jpg)
![Spring Drive](http://clone.calibremagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/SNR039.jpg)
The Presage also draws on its distinct, refined aesthetics and finish — especially impressive at its price point — by subtly reinterpreting the looks of a few of the current models in the Spring Drive pair. Seiko turned to the works of the late Riki Watanabe, with whom the brand had numerous and a longtime association, in rendering the latest Presage pieces. Because Watanabe died in 2013, Seiko worked with a trusted, close colleague of the designer.
The result are watches reflecting Watanabe’s style, meaning it is decorated just so — nothing more — and which mixes classical and modern touches. The numerals, for instance, are in ornate Didoni font, but the 40-millimeter-wide steel case is sparse, with straight lugs and a slender bezel that is almost industrial. The dial’s surface is largely unadorned, too, its markings minimal, and with only a date window and a power reserve meter residing over the landscape. The flourishes of the hour and minute hands only tie the curlicue of the numerals together. Domed sapphire crystal adds further elegance.
![Spring Drive](http://clone.calibremagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Enamel_SD_b.jpg)
The dials come in either white (ref. SNR037) or black (ref. SNR039), coated in enamel. These are made by master craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa and his team — enameling requires an expert touch.
On the opposite side of the watch is a sapphire crystal window through which the cal. 5R65, which has 30 jewels and a 72-hour power reserve, is displayed. Watch its workings. It’s, well, enigmatic.