Is the Seiko Presage SPB445 the best Arita Porcelain dial watch yet?

Jamie Weiss

One of the things that makes Seiko such an interesting brand is that it’s not afraid to celebrate its Japanese-ness. This is most commonly expressed through the brand’s dials, which frequently pay homage to different elements of Japanese nature or culture. Some of the best of these are their Presage Arita Porcelain pieces, which feature dials made from single pieces of glazed white porcelain: a modern celebration of Japan’s long tradition of producing fine china.

We’ve seen quite a few Arita Porcelain watches from Seiko over the years, but the new SPB445 might be the best yet. Simultaneously complex and essentialised, its symmetrical layout and clean aesthetic make for an extremely compelling package.

The case

Find me someone who’s got a problem with a Seiko Presage case, and you’ll have found me an incorrigible watch cynic. Seiko’s Presage cases are inoffensive, featuring classic looks and a nice combination of polished and brushed surfaces. The SPB445 measures up at 40.6mm, which is fairly versatile, although it has rather long lugs, with a lug-to-lug of 49.1mm. They feature a deep curve, however, which helps the watch sit nicely on one’s wrist.

The dial

The Seiko Presage SPB445’s dial is the main event here, crafted from a single piece of Arita porcelain. Arita is a town in northwest Kyushu that has been regarded as the spiritual home of porcelain crafting in Japan for over 400 years. The porcelain used for these Presage dials is unique: developed by master craftsman Hiroyuki Hashiguchi, it’s extra-durable, thick and lustrous, with the dials baked three times and hand-glazed.

The SPB445’s dial in particular features a pleasant fluted pattern between the indices and the handset, punctuated by the recessed 24-hour subdial at 6 o’clock – a design cue we haven’t seen on an Arita porcelain watch before. The dial is a pleasure to behold, with the thick glaze of the porcelain giving a creamy, enamelled effect, while the blued hands and appliques evoke fine china pieces exported from Arita to Europe at the height of porcelain’s popularity.

The bracelet

The Seiko Presage SPB445 comes mounted on a multi-row bracelet with a pair of thin polished links flanked by brushed links, with the outer links polished on their edges. There’s not much to complain about here: some Seiko bracelets are a little underwhelming, but the SPB445’s is perfectly lovely. A butterfly clasp keeps the watch secure on one’s wrist.

The movement

The Seiko Presage SPB445 is powered by the Calibre 6R5H, a newer Seiko movement that made its debut in the Presage Kintaro Hattori SPB441 which came out late last year. It provides for that funky 24-hour hand, beats at a slightly leisurely 3Hz and has a weekend-proof power reserve of 72 hours or 3 days (as the dial indicates). The 24-hour hand is a bit of a funny complication: it’s not useless by any means, but I wonder if a movement with a second time zone at that 6 o’clock subdial position (or a date hand) would’ve made more sense. Ah well.

The verdict

I’m already a big fan of Seiko’s Arita Porcelain Presage watches, but I particularly dig the symmetry of the SPB445’s dial. That fluted pattern adds much, too, showing off the beautifully rounded depth and finishing of the porcelain dial.

Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Arita Porcelain SPB445 pricing & availability

The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Series Arita Porcelain SPB445 will be widely available from July 2024. Price: US$1,900, A$2,990

Brand	Seiko
Model	Presage Craftsmanship Series Arita Porcelain
Reference Number	SPB445
Case Dimensions	40.6mm (D) x 12.5mm (T) x 49.1mm (LTL)
Case Material	Stainless steel with super-hard coating
Water Resistance	100m
Crystal(s)	Sapphire front and back
Dial	White “Hakuji” Arita porcelain
Lug Width	20mm
Bracelet	Multi-row bracelet, butterfly clasp
Movement	Calibre 6R5H, in-house, automatic
Power Reserve	72 hours
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, 24-hour hand
Availability	From July 2024
Price	US$1,900, A$2,990