Introducing: The Seiko Presage Classic Series Supporting The Tomioka Silk Promotion Organization

Seiko’s Presage Classic Series draws inspiration from traditional Japanese colors, materials, and textures for new dial designs. The new HCC001, HCC002, HCC003, and the limited-edition HCC008 feature dials with a wavy concentric pattern that resembles the graceful drape and texture of finely woven Tomioka silk. The first three are stainless steel models with a super-hard coating and a choice of a white, vibrant green, or soft pink dial. The last one is a limited edition with a pink-gold-tone plating, a coin-edge bezel, and a white dial featuring a pearl-like coating. Seiko will donate a portion of the proceeds from the Presage Classic Series collection to the Tomioka Silk Promotion Organization. The organization’s efforts help preserve and pass on the sericulture and silk industry of the Tomioka region.

In May 2025, Seiko introduced the 36mm time-only Presage “Edo Silk” SPB521, SPB523, and SPB524. These watches introduced a new size below the 40.2mm models in the collection, which feature a date and a different movement. Now, let’s take a look at the new 38mm versions.

The Seiko Presage Classic Series “Tomioka Silk Promotion Organization”

The four new models within the Seiko Presage Classic Series all have a 38mm case. With a 12.9mm profile, they’re thicker than the 36mm models. However, the heavily domed sapphire crystal accounts for much of that thickness. It’s also good to know that the solid construction has a 100m water resistance rating. This makes these dressier pieces actually very versatile.

The regular stainless steel versions have polished sides and brushed lug tops. The seven-row bracelets on the HCC001 and HCC002 feature alternating brushed and polished links. All three versions also have a fully polished stepped bezel.

The limited-edition rose-tone model, on the other hand, features a fully polished case and a coin-edge texture on the lower bezel. You can find an exhibition case back on all models. Through it, you’ll see the 6R51A automatic movement inside. The finishing is basic, but the brass rotor adds some contrast and color.

The movement runs at 21,600 vph, has a power reserve of 72 hours, and features 24 jewels. It’s also nice to know that this caliber is resistant to magnetic fields of up to 4,800 A/m. That should be enough for it to withstand interference from your smartphone, for example.

Both the regular HCC003 and the limited HCC008 come on a leather strap sourced from the Leather Working Group (LWG). This is a non-profit organization, of which Seiko is also a member, dedicated to the responsible and sustainable production of leather. The HCC003 comes with a deep brown leather strap inspired by the trunk of a cherry tree. However, the dark brown leather strap with contrasting stitching on the limited edition takes inspiration from the elegant brick facade of the Tomioka Silk Mill.

Dials with a silky texture

As mentioned, the dials on the four new Seiko Presage Classic Series models resemble the graceful drape and texture of finely woven Tomioka silk. That’s why they all feature a wavy, concentric texture, which makes them look like silk when you move your wrist. The white dial on the HCC008 limited edition features a pearl-like coating. That captures the soft, white silk produced by a rare silkworm variety cultivated in Gunma Prefecture. It also pairs nicely with the rose-tone indexes and hands. The dial layout is very clean due to the lack of a date window, but the stepped chapter ring adds some depth. Finally, there’s the Seiko logo below 12 o’clock and the “Presage Automatic 3 Days” text above 6 o’clock.

The standard-production models feature the same texture and dial layout. The HCC001’s white/silver tone is called shironeri (白練) and is inspired by an immaculate white resulting from the refining of silk threads. The vibrant green dial on the HCC002 resembles wakatake-iro (若竹色), a color resembling young bamboo, long favored in kimono dyeing. Or you can opt for the sakura-iro (桜色) dial on the HCC003, which has a soft pink hue evoking Japan’s cherished cherry blossoms.

Final thoughts

Seiko’s introduction of yet another size within its Presage Classic Series is a win for the watch community. The 36mm size was already a nice addition, but I can imagine many people were looking for something between those smaller cases and their bigger 40.2mm counterparts. The 38mm case is a nice middle ground, especially for these fairly dressy but very versatile watches. The silky textures on the dials came out very nicely as well. I’m usually not really a fan of rose gold, but in this silky context, I have to say the limited-edition HCC008 is my favorite.

Seiko’s new Presage Classic Series watches, which support the Tomioka Silk Promotion Organization, will be available in July. The 2,000-piece limited-edition HCC008 will cost €1,200, while the others will retail for €1,030 or €1,050, depending on whether they come with a bracelet or a strap.

Let me know in the comments below what you think of the new Seiko Presage Classic Series models.