Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The Seiko Presage Style 60’s GMT Collection (Live Pics & Price)
Seiko continues to expand its vintage-styled collection with a caller/office GMT model.
Released in 2021, the Seiko Presage Style 60’s was designed to become the brand’s vintage-inspired, slightly elegant offer in a relatively accessible price range, next to the more high-end Craftsmanship and Sharp Edged series. First presented with a time-and-date or an open-heart movement, this watch modelled after the important 1964 Crown watch, has since been updated with more style and functions, including a power reserve indication and bolder colours. It is now time for a GMT watch to join the collection, represented by three new models: references SSK009, SSK011 and SSK013.
Seiko’s Presage collection is the more classic, slightly elegant counterpart to the professionally-oriented Prospex lineup. Ranging from funky colourful watches (the Cocktail) to models showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship, it also includes more casual models and some with a solid vintage inspiration. By that, we mean watches inspired by the 1964 Crown Chronograph, such as the Presage Style 60’s collection. The 1964 Crown watch was Japan’s first wrist chronograph, and calibre 5719 was its first chronograph movement. The Seiko Presage Style 60’s series incorporates some design elements found on the 1964 Crown Chronograph; however, it shouldn’t be considered a recreation (as Seiko often names them) but more of a modern reinterpretation.
Following the initial range of 7 references, later completed by the power reserve models (SSA447, SSA449 and SSA451) and new colours last year, it is time for the range to expand again. And the latest version is all about travelling or at least tracking an additional time zone. Following the same recipe as the Seiko 5 Sports SSK series here, we’re talking about an accessible take on the GMT watch – which comes with certain compromises, but I’m being tough here.
Design-wise, the base remains identical to all previous watches in this Presage Style 60’s collection. This means an angular, relatively compact case with thin lugs, a slender bezel and a domed crystal – all to recall glorious watches from the 1960s. Measuring 40.8mm in diameter, the steel case is brushed on flat surfaces and polished on the sides. Seiko doesn’t mention the exact thickness of the case, but we’ve seen slightly over 13mm. The case retains the same length as all other watches in the collection, meaning 48.9mm. Being on the vintage/elegant side, it doesn’t feature a screw-down crown, and the water-resistance is rated at 50m. A domed Hardlex crystal protects the dial.
Now on to the additional functions. Compared to the time-and-date model, we can see two significant differences. First is the bezel, which changes its monochromatic 60-minute insert for a two-tone (black and dark grey) aluminium insert with a 24-hour scale. The other new feature is, of course, the additional GMT 24-hour positioned centrally on the dial. Note that we’re here talking about a caller/office GMT watch, just like the 5 Sports SSK series (both use the same movement). This type of GMT watch has an independently adjustable 24-hour hand (with one-hour increments), which is practical for tracking a time zone at home or the office. It’s less user-friendly when travelling, something a flyer/traveller GMT does better with its independent local hour hand adjustable without disturbing the other hands. But considering the entre-level positioning of the SSK009, SSK011 and SSK013, it’s really not a major problem. Anything GMT in this price range is more than welcome.
The Seiko Presage Style 60’s GMT collection comes with three models. All have the same dial design, with a hairline-finished base, a contrasting chapter ring and applied faceted markers. Luminous inserts are found on the hands and next to the hour markers. The SSK009 is presented with a Blue Grey dial, silver-coloured accents and a steel bracelet with a folding clasp. The SSK011 has a Sand Grey dial with silver-coloured accents and a perforated leather strap closed by a folding buckle. Last, the SSK013 also wears a leather strap but has a Smoky Black dial with gold-coloured accents.
All three models are powered by the in-house Calibre 4R34, an entry-level automatic movement with 3Hz frequency and 41h power reserve. It is visible under a see-through caseback.
The Seiko Presage Style 60’s GMT reference SSK009, SSK011 and SSK013 will be part of the permanent collection and available from May 1st, 2023, for EUR 670. For more details, please consult www.seikowatches.com.
4 responses
These look great. I’d gladly pay another $100 for a sapphire crystal and 100m WR though.
Websources have recently been writing about Seiko. To use the term brand loyalty corrosion, some say dilution. And this is a very good example of a watch with only 50 m of water impenetrable from seiko should cost $ 50 maximum in this case, Seiko would go the cheapest Way but charge an expensive topic that is absolutely inadequate to this quality, despite the fact that the market is generally oversaturated with sales A good quality Seiko 5 which by the way has 100m water resistance starts at $30 new. It will be a pity if stupid marketers destroy practically the best company and the only complete manufactory in the world. Just for an example, remember once people thought that phones were Nokia and everyone else. had one manager Infamous from Microsoft so that no one even remembered what Nokia was
Wow, Shlomo, that was tortured.
Beautiful watches and great value.