Seiko Presage Prestige GMT SPB221J1

Somehow inspired by the design elements of Grand Seiko and offering a beautiful combination between elegance and casualness, the Seiko Sharp Edged series was presented in 2020. Like all Seiko Presage timepieces, these celebrate Japanese craftsmanship. But as the name suggests, Sharp Edged watches stand out with dynamic, angular lines that create a more casual look. The collection is now expanded with GMT models with a larger case and a new movement, the new Presage Sharp Edged GMT SPB217J1, SPB219J1, SPB221J1 and SPB225J1.

This new addition to the Presage Sharp Edged series comes in a 42.2mm x 13.7mm round steel case. If it is larger than the three-handed iteration (39.3mm x 11.1mm), it retains the same design with sharp and angular lines. A super-hard coating protects the case from scratches and gives it a long-lasting shine. The water resistance is comfortable and allows daily use, estimated at 100 meters.

The dial still features the characteristic Japanese Asanoha or hemp leaf geometric pattern, which was introduced on the time-and- date models. It is combined with dynamic faceted hands and applied markers. Importantly, this new iteration adds useful GMT functionality to the mix, with a central 24-hour hand and a 24-hour fixed bezel with a contrasting insert, matching the color of the dial - Seiko has not yet given any indication as to material of this ring, which from the images appears to be made of ceramic (yet to be confirmed).

Turn the Presage Sharp Edged GMT over and you will have a view of the Caliber 6R64, a new automatic caliber that is visible behind a transparent sapphire crystal glass. It displays the hours, minutes, seconds, the date on a secondary dial at 6 o'clock and the power reserve between 9 and 10 o'clock. Last but not least, a colored GMT hand points to a 24-hour scale while the two-tone flange displays day and night. It runs at 4Hz and delivers a power reserve of 45 hours.

Turn the Presage Sharp Edged GMT over and you will have a view of the Caliber 6R64, a new automatic caliber that is visible behind a transparent sapphire crystal glass. It displays the hours, minutes, seconds, the date on a secondary dial at 6 o'clock and the power reserve between 9 and 10 o'clock. Last but not least, a colored GMT hand points to a 24-hour scale while the two-tone flange displays day and night. It runs at 4Hz and delivers a power reserve of 45 hours.

The Seiko Presage Sharp Edge GMT is available in 4 different variations, all inspired by Japanese tradition: Aitetsu or indigo iron, Tokiwa, the color of evergreen trees, Sumi-iro or Japanese black ink, and Hihada-iro, a reddish brown color derived from the bark of the Japenese cypress. All four models are worn on a stainless steel bracelet. Like the case, the dynamic lines feature plenty of flat surfaces and alternating polished and brushed finishes that make the watch shine from every angle. It is secured to the wrist by a triple clasp with a push-button release.

The new Seiko Presage Sharp Edged GMT - SPB217J1 (blue) SPB219J1 (green) SPB221J1 (black) SPB225J1 (red-brown)