More than a century after the Laurel first appeared, Seiko is returning to the watch that started it all with two new Presage models.
Both join the Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” range and take inspiration from the Laurel of 1913. That watch was Seiko’s first wristwatch and, more significantly, the first wristwatch made in Japan.
The HCC005 stays closest to the original with a white enamel dial, large Arabic numerals and a red marker at 12 o’clock. A small display sits at six, and everything is housed inside a 39.6mm stainless steel case measuring 12.4mm thick.
Its sibling takes the same basic idea somewhere much darker. The HCC006 swaps white enamel for a deep black Urushi lacquer dial and pairs it with a gold-toned case. Each dial is finished by hand, so small differences in colour and texture are part of what makes every example slightly different.
Both watches are powered by Seiko’s in-house 6R5H automatic movement, which offers around 72 hours of power reserve. You can see the movement through the exhibition caseback, and both models come on black leather straps with three-fold clasps.
There is a small price difference between the two. Seiko’s UK boutique lists the enamel HCC005 at £1,250 (approx. $1,695), with the Urushi HCC006 coming in at £1,400 (approx. $1,895). Pre-orders are already open ahead of their September 1, 2026 release.
Seiko has returned to the Laurel for inspiration before, but these two watches take the century-old design in different directions. One stays close to the original, while the other brings in the rich look of traditional Japanese lacquer.