Seiko Presage SPB449 Porter Classic Collaboration Limited Edition

Quick specs Seiko Presage SPB449 Porter Classic Collaboration Limited Edition
Price: $ 2,300 | € 2.400 | £ 2,070 | CHF 2’400
Size: 35 mm
Reference: SPB449J1 – limited to 500 pieces

The Seiko Presage SPB449 Porter Classic Collaboration Limited Edition is a small and limited edition that goes back to the first Seiko ever. Well, almost the first Seiko ever, and it didn’t bear the name “Seiko” as the brand name didn’t exist back then. This early watch from a company that would later start the brand Seiko, was called the “Laurel”.

The Laurel was first launched as a pocket watch, in 1913, and in 1915 it was converted into a wristwatch. First with the alias “Lofty” on the dial, later with the alias “Laurel”. In 1916 the first watches with “Laurel” on the dial appeared on the Japanese market, often seen as the first wristwatch by Seiko, and also the first Japanese wristwatch. As Lofty or Laurel, apparently. As said, the brand name Seiko did not exist yet.

K. Hattori & Co. used Laurel as an alias

Until 1917 the company we know as Seiko was named K. Hattori & Co. At a certain point, aliases were used to brand their (pocket) watches. Laurel is such an alias. From about 1917 they (or should we say: he?) created the brand name “Seikosha”, so after the launch of the Laurel. Only in 1924, did the brand name Seiko appear on the market.

Anyway, according to research, also done in this Laurel story by The Seiko Guy, it might be the second “Seiko” wristwatch. After a slightly different watch with the alias “Empire”. Also, a converted pocket watch, and therefore possibly the first Japanese wristwatch. But that’s another story.

From Laurel to Presage Porter Classic

The 29.6-millimeter Laurel has an enamel white dial with vintage serif typeface Arabic numerals, like a lot of pocket watches from the early 1900s. It is a Breguet-like style from that time. Here, with the for this watch characteristic red “12” on top. Inside runs a manual winding mechanical movement beating at 18,000 vph.

The Seiko Presage SPB449 Porter Classic Collaboration Limited Edition follows the design code of the Laurel, however inverted. So, a round stainless steel case, with the same proportions, but now with a black enamel dial with silver-white serif typeface Arabic numerals. It’s a bit larger, with a diameter of 35 millimeters. But the pocket watch background is still there, with its articulated wire-like lugs and large ribbed, onion-style crown.

Seiko Laurel remake created by a fashion brand

Porter Classic is a high-end Japanese fashion brand renowned for its high-quality products. Founded in 2007 by Katsuyuki Yoshida and his son, Leo Yoshida, they mix traditional craft techniques with modern design. And Mr. Katsuyuki Yoshida is a “fan” of watches showing Japanese craftsmanship, especially pocket watches and early 20^th-century Seiko designs.

This is the reason why, for this project, Mr. Yoshida honors the Laurel with this recreation. A Seiko Laurel remake by a fashion brand. With the same or comparable style elements, craftsmanship, and techniques as the original Laurel from 1913. As a pocket watch. Or 1915 as a Lofty wristwatch. Or 1916 as the Laurel wristwatch. To underline the partnership with Porter Classic Mr. Yoshida’s silhouette is marked on the case back.

The Seiko Presage SPB449 Porter Classic Collaboration Limited Edition has a power reserve of 72 hours

The movement of this Seiko Presage SPB449 Porter Classic Collaboration Limited Edition is the automatic Seiko caliber 6R5H. It sports hours, minutes, and seconds in the center, and an additional 24-hour hand on a sub dial at the 6 o’clock position. The accuracy of this movement is +25 to -15 seconds per day and the power reserve is a sufficient 72 hours.

This Seiko Presage Porter is limited to 500 pieces and comes on a black Cordovan leather pull-through strap. Additionally, you will also get a brown Cordovan leather pull-through strap, both with a stainless steel pin buckle. So much history and passion even come with a friendly price tag of about 2,000 to 2,400. If you are quick…