SEIKO PRESAGE SSA397J1 MEN'S WATCH

Seiko has gone through decades of refining and developing its mechanical watchmaking skills. And this had led to the creation of Seiko's own exclusively mechanical collection; the Presage series. The collection is heavily based on Seiko's heritage whereby most of the design cues are based on traditional dress watches of old, but with a modern twist.

The Presage line consist of Seiko’s leading mechanical watch collection covering nearly every price point imaginable. With different ranges utilizing calibres of different pedigree, such as the caliber 4R, 6R and 8R, and today we will be reviewing a rather special piece in the collection, the Seiko Presage Automatic Power Reserve “Moss Green" SSA397J1. This is a classic dress watch made entirely in-house by Seiko, and features an impeccable unique textured green dial meticulously crafted in Japan.

The Seiko Presage Automatic Power Reserve “Moss Green" Ref. SARY145/SSA397J1 measures in at 40.5mm in diameter and 14.4mm in height, making it an excellent choice for watch enthusiasts who are looking for an elegant timepiece. Furthermore, this green Presage features an old-school box hardlex crystal on the front side, adding a charming vintage touch from the past.

The Presage Automatic Power Reserve “Moss Green” SSA397J1 shares the same design cues as its predecessors, with changes made mainly to the dial. As the name suggests, it features a textured deep green dial, with an uncanny resemblance to the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ005 “green tone Snowflake" dial texture, refined and subtle. What is unique about the SSA397J1 is the pointer date sub-dial at 6 o'clock, deep-set into the dial with a sunburst effect that gives the already very multi-dimensional dial a sense of depth. Another impressive design element is the power reserve indicator that spans from 12 to 4 o'clock, which is further set deep into the dial. Although it might sound like a lot is going on in the dial, it never looks too busy or overdone. Instead, it exudes an air of uplifting luxury; the multifaceted applied indexes probably play a major role in that.

The applied hour markers are inspired by the textured dial with the same pattern, and set out to contrast against the beautiful textured dial. Furthermore, the hour and minute hands are also in a feuille shape, synonymous with the rest of the Presage collection.

Power comes from Seiko's in-house caliber 4R57. The 4R57 operates at 21,600 BPH (3 Hertz) with hacking and hand winding capabilities. It also has 29 jewels and a power reserve of approximately 41 hours as well.

For a nice finishing touch, the watch comes fitted with an elegant 5-link steel bracelet, featuring a deployment clasp with push-button release. The Seiko Presage also has a signed crown and is water-resistant to 50 meters.


Overall, if you are looking for an everyday watch with a dressier and unique touch, with more than three hands and a little "complication" to play with and with fine finishing that will not break the bank. the Presage Automatic Power Reserve “Green Moss” SSA397J1 is undoubtedly worth your consideration. The Presage Automatic Power Reserve is undoubtedly an excellent addition to the Presage collection, inspired by Japan’s unique craftmanship and culture. If you are in the market for a Presage and are on the fence for some time thinking of which Presage to get, this is probably the model you might have been waiting for.