A white textured dial inspired by the winter seasons of Japan, blue seconds hand, superb value proposition with impressive finishing? It can only be Grand Seiko. Wait, no, hang on. This is no GS. This is a regular old Seiko. Design cues usually reserved for Grand Seiko have trickled into the Seiko Presage SRPD97J1 / SARY147 with incredible results. I honestly can’t believe that the presage line was allowed to offer such a beautiful piece right under the nose of their high end partner.

I had been searching for a timepiece that was dressy, elegant, compatible with a suit and french cuff. I was adamant I would end up with a SBGW231 but along came this number. Packaged within a 38mm case we have a delicately granulated silver/white dial that boasts a wonderful frost like finish, evoking all the emotions related to freshly fallen snow. Applied, faceted hour markers dance in the light with its combination of polished and frost finishes so very easy on the eye. Leaf style hour and minute hands are polished to a superb level, far surpassing what I have encountered at this price point in the presage line before. Seiko have definitely upped their game. The electric blue second hand ties together a visual symphony that I have enjoyed since receiving this watch. Rejoice those who fall victim to the chicken wrist, the entirely new dimensions for a presage model wear like a dream (for those with larger wrists it may wear too small, hence the 7/10), complimenting the classy nature of this dress inclined timepiece. While the venerable 4R35 movement remains, sapphire crystals are now included in this value packed proposition, making this bracket of Seiko Presage more enticing than ever.

Beautiful finishes, wrist friendly proportions and quintessential Seiko value, what is not to love. And I love the Seiko Presage SRPD97J1 I do, so much so, my appetite for a Grand Seiko has surpassed.