Seiko Presage Craftsmanship HCC005 and HCC006 Revive the Laurel in Enamel and Urushi

Seiko’s Presage Classic Craftsmanship line has become one of the brand’s most convincing platforms for traditional Japanese dial work.

The new HCC005 and HCC006 push that idea further by looking back to the 1913 Laurel, the first wristwatch made in Japan, then filtering its character through enamel and urushi lacquer.

These aren’t limited curiosities or museum pieces in miniature, but permanent-collection dress watches with artisanal dials and modern automatic movements.

At a glance

The Laurel Reimagined for Presage

The Laurel’s influence is clear without making either watch feel like a strict reproduction.

Seiko carries over the period-style Arabic numerals, the balanced dial layout and, on the enamel model, the red 12 that remains one of the Laurel’s most recognisable visual signatures.

The 24-hour subdial at 6 o’clock gives both references a slightly more technical rhythm than a simple three-hand dress watch, while still keeping the dial calm and formal.

At 39.6mm wide and 12.4mm thick, the case sizing is contemporary but restrained enough for the watches’ classical personality.

Enamel and Urushi Bring Two Very Different Characters

The HCC005 is the brighter and more historically direct of the two.

Its white enamel dial is made by applying finely ground enamel to a copper base before repeated firings at temperatures approaching 800°C, producing the depth and permanence that make enamel such a prized watchmaking surface.

The work is overseen by master enamel artisan Mitsuru Yokosawa, with Kazunori Uchiyama continuing the craft through apprenticeship under Yokosawa.

Blue hands give the enamel version a crisp contrast against the glossy white dial, while the red 12 adds just enough colour to keep the historical reference alive.

The HCC006 takes the same Laurel-inspired layout in a warmer, more dramatic direction.

Its black urushi lacquer dial is built through successive layers of hand-applied lacquer and repeated polishing, a process that creates a deep lustre rather than the glassy brilliance of enamel.

The urushi work is supervised by lacquer master Isshu Tamura and executed by Toshikazu Tsuji, Mitsuki Tsuji and their workshop.

Gold-coloured numerals, indices and hands sit against the black lacquer dial, matching the yellow gold-coloured finish of the case and giving the HCC006 the more formal presence of the pair.

Calibre 6R5H and Everyday Wearability

Both watches are powered by Seiko’s in-house automatic Calibre 6R5H.

The movement runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour, uses 24 jewels and offers a useful 72-hour power reserve.

A sapphire exhibition caseback shows the movement, while the front is protected by a dual-curved sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inner surface.

Water resistance is rated to 30 metres, so these remain dress-leaning watches rather than all-purpose daily beaters.

Both are fitted to oil-tanned leather straps from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries and close with a three-fold deployant clasp with push-button release.

Details & Specifications

For collectors drawn to Japanese craft but unwilling to chase scarce limited editions, the HCC005 and HCC006 make a persuasive case.

One leans into the clarity of enamel and the Laurel’s early wristwatch charm, while the other uses urushi lacquer to turn the same idea into something darker, warmer and more ceremonial.