November 2016 85 www.bahrainthismonth.com This enduring collection from the house of renowned watchmakers is proof of a country’s heirloom art being kept alive today. The tradition of Seiko’s craftsmanship was born over a hundred years ago, when its first wristwatch was made in Japan. Since then, this tradition has been nurtured and kept alive, thanks to the skill of those whose hands assemble, adjust and inspect Seiko’s legendary timepieces. The Presage collection is a fine example of Seiko’s undying passion for perfection. It is a mechanical wonder, the key to which is precision and technique. From the adjustment of the escapement to the polishing of the cases, it is the hand-crafting skill of horologists that sets the high standards of Seiko. Each creation also undergoes a rigorous visual inspection and only after stringent quality appraisal is the craftsman’s task complete. All the components of mechanical watches are conceptualised and manufactured in-house. The ageless beauty of the Presage is in its enamel dial. When a metal is coated with enamel, its ability to withstand corrosion increases manifold, which is why it has been used in artistic crafts for decades. Factors like temperature and humidity need to be taken into account to ensure that each dial is perfectly smooth when fired, and that the colours last for more than a century. The texture of enamel is pleasing to the eye and its lustre is forever, making it an ideal material for watch dials. Due to this, the brand has painstakingly perfected the art of enamel dials for this collection, even though the challenges to master this difficult technique are many. The Presage range incorporates some of Japan’s traditional craft techniques, one of them being urushi lacquer. The sap of the lacquer tree is usually processed and used as a coating applied to boxes and utensils to give them an elegant sheen. The traditional techniques of urushi lacquer making have been passed down through the generations and Seiko has captured its essence in the dial of the Presage collection. The dials have been crafted with a synthesis of two techniques: a modern production method that fuses metal with urushi lacquer and an ancient craft technique for producing a smoother, flatter surface. A number of specialised artisans work on each timepiece, applying and polishing numerous layers of lacquer before completion. The urushi emits a beautiful sheen, but is thin enough so as not to interfere with the hands’ movements. A significant level of expertise is required to perfect this balance. The effort is all worthwhile as these deep black urushi dials project a unique beauty with an unmatched feel of depth and sophistication. Since the time it unveiled its first watch back in 1913, Seiko has lived up to its name by continuously fine-tuning its skills and bringing cutting-edge innovation to its patrons. The source of the brand’s strength, however, has always remained its superior craftsmanship. Call 17 225-513. Heritage In Your Hand AMBASSADOR STORES
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