This yr is the fortieth anniversary of Hayao Miyazaki Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, a 1984 Japanese anime movie depicting the titular heroine’s courageous adventures in a post-apocalyptic world. For this event, the anime studio Studio Ghibli and Seiko created this signal Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind SPB437a restricted version with an uncommon mixture of finishes, specifically a blue enamel dial and a brushed metal case.
First ideas
Seiko has lengthy integrated Japanese popular culture into its timepieces, drawing inspiration from iconic franchises similar to Gundam and that Road fighter Online game. Whereas the brand new Presage is not the primary collaboration between the watch model and Studio Ghibli, the Nausicaä version is arguably top-of-the-line resulting from its basic, nearly minimalist design.
Though it’s a cartoon-inspired watch, the The Nausicaä version has a restrained aesthetic with fashionable particulars. Notably noteworthy is that this Blue enamel dial with the logo of Princess Nausicaä and elongated indices. The simplicity of the dial design mixed with a metal case with an uncommon vintage end completes the aesthetic that units it other than the standard Presage mannequin. Its clear design stands out even in comparison with the earlier Presage Fortress within the sky from 2021.
The Nausicaä version is priced at $1,600, a slight enhance over Studio Ghibli’s earlier mannequin, however nonetheless reasonably priced. As is usually the case with reasonably priced restricted editions from Seiko, the most important disadvantage is the sizeable version of 1,500 items.
The Presage Studio Ghibli “Fortress within the Sky”. Picture – Seiko
Delicate anime inspiration
Co-founded by filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli is maybe essentially the most well-known animation studio on this planet. His acclaimed animated movies embody Magically gonean Oscar winner in 2003. Studio Ghibli has collaborated with Seiko on numerous timepieces impressed by its movies, together with Porco Rosso in 2020 and Fortress within the sky in 2021.
Earlier Studio Ghibli editions have been largely based mostly on the Presage Craftsmanship Collection, a variety of watches that have handcrafted dials manufactured from enamel or porcelain. TThe Nausicaä version adopts the straightforward three-hand structure additionally present in Presage Arita porcelain. However as a substitute of porcelain, it incorporates a fired enamel dial, accompanied by leaf fingers and accentuated by elongated indices.
Based on Seiko, the 1984 movie influenced the design. The blue dial, for instance, displays the heroine’s clothes and reveals her emblem at six. The outsized crown incorporates a blue crystal glass cabochon, a nod to the Eye of Ohm, the colossal trilobite-like creature that Princess Nausicaä befriends to resolve the plot’s most important battle.
Additionally fascinating is the metal case with an aged end, supposed to be paying homage to the primitive instruments utilized by the characters within the movie. A “tremendous onerous coating” is utilized to the case to enhance scratch resistance and protect the aged look. Except for the cosmetics, the case is comparable in dimension to the usual Presage porcelain fashions, measuring 40.5mm in diameter and 12.4mm in top.
That is geared up with the cal. 6R51, the pure time variant of the caliber. 6R55 is often used within the Presage vary. It has a usable energy reserve of three days, which is now frequent for contemporary calibers.
The presentation field for the Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Version
Key information and value
Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Collection Studio Ghibli Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Ref SPB437
diameter: 40.5mm
Top: 12.4mm
materials: Stainless-steel with tremendous onerous coating
Crystal: sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m
Motion: Cal. 6R51
Options: Hours minutes seconds
Winding: Routinely
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Power reserve: 72 hours
belt: Leather-based strap with folding clasp
Restricted version: 1,500 items
Availability: Obtainable in Seiko boutiques and choose retailers from March 2024
Value: $1,600
For extra info, go to Seikowatches.com.
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