A Left-field Presage

One of the most intriguing and fascinating releases from Seiko for their Presage line; The SPB131J1, an homage to the 1964 Crown Chronograph. Before we delve into this one, let’s take a look at the timepiece that this one pays tribute to and why it’s so special. The Crown Chronograph was first developed when Seiko became the official timekeeper of the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics, which were the first games to ever be held in Japan. And the Crown Chronograph, was also the first Japanese timepiece to have a stopwatch function as well. So, a lot of horological history right off the bat already, but there’s more. The Crown Chronograph didn’t look like a traditional chronograph per se; with a traditional chronograph having subdials indicating the chronograph minutes/hours and a subsidiary second’s hand as well as a pair of pushers to operate it. The Crown Chronograph was a simple 3 hander with one pusher, making it, what we enthusiasts in the watch community like to call; A Monopusher Chronograph. Very cool. Not many chronographs in history really have a form like this one, the only other prolific one that comes to mind would be Omega’s Chronostop from 1966 which was also, a 3 handed Monopusher chronograph as well.

So, there’s no getting around the fact that the Crown Chronograph was a timepiece with plenty of horological significance and pedigree as well. Small wonder, why Seiko decided to revive it with the line-up of re-issues we have today, embodied in the SPB131J1. Though, with such a rich history behind the original, the new ones certainly have big shoes to fill, but do they fit? Well that’s what we’re here to find out. Now, unless you’ve been reading this article with your eyes closed or have been selectively avoiding images of the timepiece, you can tell straight away that design wise, it’s a faithful representation to the original. Unfortunately, unlike the original, it’s a non-chronograph 3-hander, so you get the looks of the original (without the additional pusher of course), but without the actual function. But what does that mean for this? Does that make this just another hopeful homage of an incredible timepiece but without the substance? Of course not, Seiko knows better than that. Right off the bat, you will notice an exceptional level of finishing on the watch, from the crisp markers on the black bezel, lumed dauphine hands, beautifully brushed and polished surfaces and edges on the case to the glossy sunburst dial.

It’s a good-looking watch, very much like the original, and this one with its lovely satin black dial, sharp looks and neat proportions make for a very, very lovely every day wear dressy sports watch. Powering the watch is Seiko’s own 6r35 automatic caliber, a step up from the entry level 4r range but just below the really high end 8l. At this price, it’s a properly befitting movement, made in-house (as is pretty much everything, with Seiko) featuring a whopping 70 hours of power reserve, a modest 3Hz frequency and also features Seiko’s Dia-shock anti shock system as well.

It’s a great watch though, its versatile design lends itself suitable for almost every occasion, dressy and tidy enough to be worn to the office during the weekdays yet casual and sporty enough to be dressed down on the weekends. It’s the sort of watch that you never actually have to, or want to take off, and very few timepieces can really pull that feat off; Apart from say, the Rolex Datejust/Oyster Perpetual and Omega’s Seamaster Aquaterra. All in all, if you’re looking for an easy to wear, every day dressy sports watch, then its hard to go wrong with the SPB131J1. With such a rich history and unique design, its certainly a timepiece worthy of anyone’s collection. Granted, I do still wish that Seiko could make it a 3-handed Monopusher Chronograph like the original, but then, I’d expect that would make it a lot less affordable than it actually is now, and that’ll be a shame. Because the SPB131J1 truly offers great heritage, a impeccable build quality and striking looks, at a relatively affordable price.