2024 has been a standout year for the Presage Style 60s collection with the introduction of the supremely elegant European Exclusive edition as well as the Prospex adjacent ‘Elegant Yet Rugged’ line. Now Seiko is taking the Presage Style 60s ‘Elegant Yet Rugged’ further with a new Biker Style skeleton dial version inspired by retro motorbikes and engines.
While they’re no stranger to open heart displays, full skeletonised dials from Seiko are something of a rarity. In fact, I can’t think of any major Seiko skeletons from this decade. Instead, they tend to favour textured or patterned dials, offering accessible alternatives to the immaculate dials of their haute horological counterpart Grand Seiko. They’ve broken that streak though with the Style 60s ‘Elegant Yet Rugged’ Skeleton which has a dark grey skeletonised display shaped to be reminiscent of a bike engine’s cooling fins.
Below the openworked portions of the dial you can see the calibre beneath, which has been coloured gold to create a sense of luxury and contrast to the dark bridges of the dial. It’s designed to ride a line between retro chic and rugged engineering, much like the bikes that were popular in the 60s too – the golden era of American biker culture. It was a time when style was just as important as aerodynamics, if not vastly more so, resulting in striking, characterful designs instead of the increasingly homogenised designs of modern cars.
The case measures a svelte 39.5mm in diameter with a 60-minute scale on the bare steel bezel – it’s this exposed, utilitarian element that makes this an ‘Elegant Yet Rugged’ model. It’s also well-proportioned with a thickness of 12mm, falling into the goldilocks zone of tool watch-adjacent wrist presence without sacrificing any wearability. Completing the design of the piece is the buffalo leather strap, which has a dark colour to match the dial.
The movement that’s on display is the 4R72, an automatic calibre with a 41-hour power reserve. It’s one of Seiko’s ubiquitous workhorse movements, which means it isn’t exactly ground breaking, but it does at least mean the Presage Style 60s ‘Elegant Yet Rugged’ Biker Style Skeleton has a reasonable price. Specifically, it’s £600, which is the kind of accessibility Seiko built their reputation on.
Price and Specs:
More details at Seiko Boutique.
I truly enjoy this watch, bought it a little under retail from a Japanese Retailer. The main takeaway from this watch for me is that, I thought it would be a great everyday watch but the buffalo leather strap is too elegant for daily use and easily wears. I have the watch on a nylon nato style strap that fits the whole ‘Elegant but Rugged’ idea. The polished steel is very elegant as well so be careful not to bump the watch against any glass or metal if you wear watches while working, therefore this is a great dress watch and I only plan to keep it on for occasions.
Sapphire crystal glass?
Not stated means not crystal?
If this is true this watch is a joke. “biker style” 😂
I’m a massive fan of Japanese watches & car’s, but as far as I can see, this new Seiko Presage is not for me, not a watch I’d go purchase any time soon. The first thing I look for in a watch is the ease at which I can I can instantly seek the hands & see what time it actually is.!
I absolutely hate a watch dial to be cluttered up with it’s inner workings, when I’m squinting to simply looking at it to just to tell me the time. I’ve no probs with the reverse side being used to show its owner all the movement. But this can only be achieved when the watch isn’t on your wrist, another pointless feature. As for Seiko, I’ve got several of their watches & love every one. I’ve recently purchased one directly from Japan without any problems at all.
Wow what a cool watch for the pennies!!
Seiko have done it again.
Bring on more delights for 2025