Seiko Presage

When Jon mentioned he liked the Presage line of Seiko I thought I might have a little something to work with. I really like these watches a lot. The only problem is they're at a price point where Jon may buy one for himself if he wanted to really treat himself. My goal is to get him something he wouldn't get himself. 



Seiko Presage Cocktail Time 'Manhattan" SPB415J1

In my research I found an "Old Fashioned" version of the Cocktail Time which was gorgeous, but also sold out in 2019. Used ones go for about £300 above MSRP from private sellers, so it seemed silly to pay so much extra for the name of a version, when the newer release "Manhattan" is very similar. I also read that the cocktail line is prone to scratches because it uses hardlex instead of a sapphire crystal, whereas the Sharp Edged series has higher quality finishing with still interesting dials. A Cocktail watch is beautiful, but maybe it's a present for a different time. 

Seiko Presage Sharp Edged Laurel 110th Anniversary LE SPB413J1

I really like this Laurel, but worry it's too plain and unexciting. It's also a deviation from the specific models he mentioned. 


Seiko Presage 'Shiro' Sharp Edged Open Heart 
SPB415J1 

This open heart Sharp Edge seemed like a good contender, as it combines elements from other watches he likes (open heart like a Jazzmaster, dial texture similar to Christopher Ward, is a Seiko Presage) in a package that I like the look of. I perhaps did too much research with this one, as I learned it uses the same motion as much less expensive Seikos, watch nerds are really snobby about open hearts, and a 24hr dial doesn't really have any real useful purpose besides looking nice. Despite all this I like the look of this. It feels interesting and it combines different elements I think Jon may like while giving him a watch that's unique in his collection. It also comes in a blue which I think he'd prefer over the white, but I think I like the white more. I came really close to going with this one, but I couldn't get over the 24hr dial because it adds no information beyond AM/Pm, and I'd hoped that Jon's senility hadn't extended to not being able to differentiate day from night just yet. I wish it were a date dial instead. There's an option for just the open heart, but it doesn't feel as balanced. 

Oh, look at me, I have OPINIONS on all of this stuff now. 






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