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Seiko’s New Presage Craftsmanship Watches Pull Directly From Japan’s First Wristwatch

The 1913 Laurel lives on in the Presage Classic Craftsmanship Series.

Close-up of a Seiko Presage automatic watch with a white dial, black leather strap, and blue hands.Seiko
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By Brad Lanphear

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Seiko made history by creating Japan’s first wristwatch, the Laurel, in 1913.

The renowned Japanese watchmaker honors this accomplishment with a pair of new Presage Classic dress watches, each featuring a distinct dial flaunting two of the nation’s finest artisan crafts.

Seiko Presage automatic wristwatch with white dial, black numerals, blue hands, and black leather strap.
The Presage Classic HCC005 features the white dial and blue hands seen throughout the collection.
Seiko

The Presage Classic HCC005 and HCC006 are both part of Seiko’s Craftsmanship series. Dial plates for each reference are manufactured by specialists in their respective fields, then handed over to Seiko.

Both watches come in the same 40mm stainless steel Presage Classic case, finished with brushed tops and polished sides and bezels. The black-and-gilt HCC06 features yellow gold-tone plating on the case and crown.

Gold Seiko Presage automatic watch with black dial, gold numerals, and brown leather strap.
The Presage Classic HCC006 features a stunning black-and-gilt color scheme.
Seiko

The same Seiko Caliber 6R5H automatic movement powers both watches. This variation on one of the finest movements available in the Seiko catalog features a synchronized 24-hour subdial complication and provides a three-day power reserve.

First of its kind

While both watches follow the same Laurel-inspired dial layout, the white HCC005 also matches the Laurel’s color scheme. The Breguet-style printed-numeral hour track is black, except for the signature red 12.

Vintage Laurel wristwatch with white dial, black numerals, red 12, and brown leather strap on black background.
A surviving example of the 1913 Laurel.
Seiko

Red 12, standing by

The HCC005 dial is made of white enamel, produced for Seiko by master craftsmen Kazunori Uchiyama and Mitsuru Yokosawa. All four hands feature the blue Presage Classic finish.

Seiko Presage automatic watch with white dial, black Arabic numerals, blue hands, and black leather strap.
The HCC005 features a white enamel dial plate
Seiko

So glossy

Natural urushi lacquer, made from the sap of the lacquer tree, is used for the HCC006 dial plate. A rich, lustrous black is achieved through applying and polishing layer upon layer.

It is complemented by a glittering gold finish on the dial markings and hands.

Gold-tone Seiko Presage automatic watch with black dial, gold numerals, and dark brown leather strap.
The HCC006 dial is made with natural urushi lacquer.
Seiko

Availability and price

This Laurel-inspired duo joins the Seiko Presage Classic collection in September 2026. The white HCC005 costs $1,400, while the black HCC006 costs $1,650.

Seiko Presage automatic watch with white dial, black Arabic numerals, blue hands, and black leather strap.Seiko

Seiko Presage Classic HCC005

Specs

Case Size 40mm
Movement Seiko Caliber 6R5H automatic
Water Resistance 30m
Gold Seiko Presage automatic wristwatch with black dial, gold numerals, and black leather strap.Seiko

Seiko Presage Classic HCC006

Specs

Case Size 40mm
Movement Seiko Caliber 6R5H automatic
Water Resistance 30m
About the Author: Brad Lanphear is an associate editor at Gear Patrol covering watches and style. Before joining the publication, he previously wrote for Heddels and Men’s Health. Now, he’s on a never-ending quest to find the perfect pair of Japanese denim.

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