The new Seiko Presage Style60s explores depth and symmetry in true ’60s fashion
Buffy AcaciaThe 1960s were pivotal years for watchmaking – especially Seiko. Wristwatches had been completely normalised over pocket watches long ago, and formal styles were being taken over by sporty, and at times experimental tool watches. The Seiko Presage Style60s collection captures some of that energy, and reinvents it with a modern array of dials, without losing any of the effortless cool of the originals, even if it has lost the chronograph function that made the Crown legendary. This latest batch of references particularly plays around with layout and depth, but its range of colours will also draw attention.
The dial
Moving the date window to 6 o’clock was a great choice for the Style60s, as the 4:30 positioning on previous models does feel a little bit awkward, and it’s a nice point of difference from the Style 60s that had a standard 3 o’clock date. The biggest change is the way the dial has been constructed. Previous iterations have used alternating textures to create the sector dial look which highlights the hour markers, but these watches have a concave ring that encourages shadows and light to increase its dynamics. For pastel dial colours like the mint green of the SRPL71 and duck egg blue of the SRPL73, that’s something you won’t find easily anywhere else.
The SRPL75 in general is the standout reference of these three watches, exuding the style of a tastefully wood-panelled office. The golden dial with its horizontal striations even looks like a pretty accurate rendition of oak, and the walnut brown of the aluminium bezel insert is just icing on the cake. The use of dauphine hands also gives these watches a sharpness that seems like it belongs beside a racetrack, along with the multi-baton hour markers and their flat facets that easily catch the light.
The case
As with the original batches of Style60s, the case diameters are a reasonable 39.5mm in diameter for a sporty feel without being overbearing. The 46.2mm lug-to-lug distance should be friendly to most average-size wrists, and the 12mm thickness is acceptable, if a little unrefined. The 50-metre water resistance is also a little bit disappointing as the models on a bracelet would be great for a pool day, but at least you won’t need to be overly cautious about the occasional splash. The lugs are fairly sensible with a slight chiselled edge, but the case is almost entirely designed just to bring your eyes to the dial. Even the 60-minute bezel with its 10-minute increments is fixed and purely decorative, and its thin profile acts like a frame to allow the dial more space. The case is brushed, but with such a fine finish that it appears more like a smooth matte texture in the light.
The strap
It’s not usually something that pulls a lot of focus, but I have to admit that I’m captivated by the two-tone leather strap of the SRPL75. It’s something I’ve seen on countless vintage watches which clearly haven’t had a new strap since they were brand new – except those are usually disintegrating before your very eyes. An oiled leather strap with a brown centre and black edges is totally out of contemporary fashion, and that’s what makes it so cool. The SRPL71 and SRPL73 both look very respectable with their steel bracelets, even having the thin connecting links of an authentic ‘60s bracelet. If you’re getting ideas for aftermarket straps to compliment the dial colours, the 20mm lug width should make that easy for you.
The movement
The calibre 4R35 has been a staple of Seiko’s affordable collections for years now, and has gained a great reputation for its reliability, also often outperforming its (loosely) stated accuracy specifications. And on the chance that something does go wrong, it’s an affordable process to service (or replace) the movement. You can view its rather industrial “finishing” through the Hardlex caseback, where it’s been given a golden winding rotor to symbolise its status in the Presage collection. It has a 41-hour power reserve and a beat rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour.
The verdict
The Style60s collection has been somewhat controversial among Seiko’s current lineup of affordable Presages, mostly due to its non-functional bezel that draws inspiration from the 1964 Crown Chronograph. However, its sharp features and detail-oriented dial has given fans plenty to stare at whenever they check the time, and these new references offer even more detail with a new level of balance and harmony.
Seiko Presage Style60s SRPL71, SRPL73, and SRPL75 price and availability
The new Seiko Presage Style60s SRPL71, SRPL73, and SRPL75 models are now available for pre-order, with delivery expected in May or June 2025. Price: A$895
| Brand | Seiko |
| Model | Presage Style60s |
| Reference | SRPL71 (green) SRPL73 (blue) SRPL75 (brown) |
| Case Dimensions | 39.5mm (W) x 12mm (T) x 46.2mm (LTL) |
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Hardlex front and back |
| Dial | Pastel green, pastel blue, or brown |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet, folding clasp (SRPL71, SRPL73) Two-tone oiled leather strap with quick-release, pin buckle (SRPL75) |
| Movement | 4R35, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 41 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Pre-orders with delivery expected in May or June 2025 |
| Price | A$895 |