Seiko revives the 1895 "Timekeeper" design with new Presage SPB537

Seiko has expanded its Presage collection with the introduction of the SPB537 (identified as the SART013 in the Japanese Domestic Market). It's a tonneau-shaped timepiece that is directly inspired from the company’s earliest horological roots. The model is a formal tribute to the "Timekeeper," the first pocket watch produced by the Seikosha factory in 1895 (below).

The centerpiece of the SPB537 is its white enamel dial. To ensure the longevity and luster of the finish, Seiko has utilized the expertise of veteran enamel artisan Mitsuru Yokosawa. The production was carried out under his supervision by Kazunori Uchiyama, who has inherited Yokosawa’s specific firing techniques.

The dial layout looks very much like the 19th-century original, with elongated black Roman numerals and a railway-style minute track. While the historical "Timekeeper" was a pocket watch, this modern interpretation comes in a basic wrist-borne format, with blued steel hands and a crescent-moon counterbalance on the seconds hand.

The SPB537 uses a stainless steel tonneau case. The proportions are pretty balanced for a vintage dress watch:

• Width: 35.9mm
• Thickness: 12.5mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 46.0mm

The case is paired with a multi-link stainless steel bracelet, with a mix of brushed and polished finishes. For protection, the dial is housed under a dual-curved sapphire crystal, and the watch maintains a water resistance rating of 5 bar (50 meters).

Internally, the SPB537 is powered by the Caliber 6R5H, a member of Seiko’s high-performance 6R series. The movement is visible through an exhibition case back, with a gold-finished commemorative rotor.

Key technical specifications include:

• Power Reserve: 72 hours (3 days).
• Vibrations: 21,600 per hour.
• Complications: Central hours, minutes, and seconds, with a 24-hour sub-dial located at the 6 o'clock position.

Unlike many of Seiko’s high-end releases, the SPB537 is joining the standard Presage lineup rather than being offered as a limited edition. Precise pricing and availability details haven't been disclosed as of writing.

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