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Konstantin Chaykin Breaks the Record for World's Thinnest Mechanical Watch

For many years, the world’s leading watchmaking companies have been competing to produce the thinnest mechanical watches. Prestigious brands such as PiagetBulgari, and Richard Mille have been at the forefront of this race, with Bulgari securing a prominent position, dominating various categories. Recently, Bulgari made headlines by reintroducing its ultra-thin minute repeater during the first day of the Geneva Watch Days. Piaget previously held the title for the thinnest tourbillon watch at the Watches and Wonders event.

However, a new contender has emerged from Eastern Europe. Russian watchmaker Konstantin Chaykin unveiled a prototype that puts him at the forefront of the ultra-thin watch category.

Introducing Seiko Releases New Craftsmanship Urushi GMT from Presage Collection

An elegant release with a black Urushi lacquered dial

Seiko is one of the most iconic watch brands in Japanese horology, masterfully blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern technology. Since its founding in 1881, Seiko has showcased its classic flair through a variety of timepieces, the most prominent of which is the Presage collection, which includes “Craftsmanship Arita Porcelain”. Now, the brand continues this legacy with a new edition to the Presage collection, “Craftsmanship Urushi GMT”.

The watch comes with a sturdy stainless steel case enhanced with a super-hard coating, with dimensions of 40.2mm in diameter and 12.4mm in thickness. This case exhibits a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, adding to its visual allure while improving scratch resistance. The dial is protected by a dual-curved sapphire crystal equipped with an anti-reflective coating. Furthermore, the screwed caseback, made from the same glass, ensures a water resistance of up to 100 meters.

The black dial features urushi lacquer, used in Japan for over 7,000 years, thanks to its properties as a natural material extracted from the lacquer tree. This material is considered part of Japan’s cultural and artistic heritage. The dial also showcases white hour and minute hands, along with Lumibrite-coated indices that are brighter and longer-lasting than traditional luminescent materials, enhancing visibility in all lighting conditions. The dial also includes a date window at 3 o’clock and luxurious gold accents on the GMT hand and the 24-hour track on the dial flange. Crafted through a meticulous process involving multiple applications and polishings of the lacquer, the dial achieves a distinctive depth and luster. It is worth noting that each urushi lacquer dial is hand coated, ensuring that each piece is unique, with subtle variations that celebrate the artistry of traditional Japanese lacquer work.

This timepiece is powered by Seiko’s in-house 6R54 movement, a reliable automatic calibre that operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3Hz). The 6R54 features a GMT function, allowing the 24-hour hand to be independently adjusted in one-hour increments via the crown. This movement offers a solid 72-hour power reserve and boasts an accuracy of +25/-15 seconds per day. The watch comes with a black leather strap with a folding clasp. It is priced at USD 1,750, equivalent to 6,425 AED.

For more information please visit Seiko’s official website. 

Technical specifications: Seiko Presage Craftsmanship GMT Urushi Lacquer Dial SPB447
  1. Reference: SPB447
  2. Case: brushedpolished stainless steel case, super-hard coating, dual-curved sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, caseback with sapphire crystal
  3. Diameter: 40.2 mm 
  4. Height: 12.4  mm 
  5. Water resistance:100 m
  6. Dial: deep black Urushi lacquer dial, white hour, minute hands, Lumibrite coated, date window at 3 o'clock, gold GMT hand, 24 hour track printed in white
  7. Movement: Seiko automatic Caliber 6R54 in-house, Precision +25 to -15 seconds per day, 24 jewels
  8. Power reserve: 72 Hours
  9. Frequency:   21’600 VPH (3Hz)
  10. Functions:  Hours, minutes, Seconds, Date, GMT
  11. Bracelet / Strap: black leather strap, folding clasp
  12. Availability: Permanent Line
  13. Price: USD 1,750 / AED 6,425 

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