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Seiko announced two Kabuki-inspired Presage Sharp Edged limited editions, the SPB329 and SPB331, on September 30, 2022. Both pair a patterned Kakiiro dial with the series’ angular case, but they differ in movement, display, dimensions and original US launch price. Seiko planned to make 2,000 of each and said they would be available at selected retail partners worldwide in October 2022.
What are the SPB329 and SPB331?
They are limited-edition watches in Seiko’s Presage Sharp Edged Series, created in collaboration with Kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa. Seiko’s September 2022 announcement described a run of 2,000 pieces for each reference. Its official launch announcement gave October 2022 as the planned availability date at selected retail partners worldwide.
The two watches share the same Kabuki design theme and several core specifications, but use different automatic movements. The SPB329 adds day, date and power-reserve indicators; the SPB331 has a simpler display and a longer listed power reserve.
SPB329 vs. SPB331: specifications
| Specification | SPB329 | SPB331 |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Seiko caliber 6R21 | Seiko caliber 6R35 |
| Listed power reserve | 45 hours | 70 hours |
| Display | Day, date and power-reserve indicators | Simpler display; no day or power-reserve indicator listed in the announcement |
| Case diameter | 40.2 mm | 39.3 mm |
| Case thickness | 12.2 mm | 11.1 mm |
| Announced US launch price | $1,200 | $1,050 |
These are launch-era specifications and prices stated by Seiko Watch Corporation in 2022, not current retail or resale values. The dimensions and listed power reserves come from Seiko’s announcement.
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- STUNNING BLUE DIAL: this automatic men's watch features a deep blue, pressed pattern and gloss finish surrounded by a stainless steel watch case
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL: features a durable stainless steel watch case and bracelet with see through caseback
- WATER-RESISTANT: these men's wrist watches are water-resistant down to 50 meters
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
What both models share
- Stainless-steel case with black hard coating
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Screw see-through case back
- Leather strap
- 10-bar water resistance
- Listed magnetic resistance of 4,800 A/m
How the Kabuki inspiration shapes the watches
The dial uses the Asanoha, or hemp-leaf, pattern. Seiko connects this geometric motif to fabrics used for Kabuki costumes. Its raised, repeating texture gives the dial a shifting appearance as light moves across it.
The reddish-brown dial color is Kakiiro. Seiko describes it as a traditional color associated with the Ichikawa family and its Kabuki costumes. The underside of each leather strap is also Kakiiro, a detail Seiko links to Edo-period clothing practices in which vivid colors could be concealed on the reverse.
Rank #2
- JEWEL GREEN DIAL: this men's automatic watch features a green deep, pressed dial evocative of vintage cocktail bars with a gloss finish, gold second hand, and stainless steel bezel
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding, automatic men's watches are powered by your movement, with a power reserve of 41 hours
- STAINLESS STEEL & LEATHER: features a durable 40.5mm stainless steel watch case paired with a brown leather watch band.
- WATER-RESISTANT: these men's wrist watches are water-resistant down to 50 meters
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable caliber 4R35 automatic movement, this accurate men's watch keeps precise time
The watches retain the Sharp Edged Series’ angular case and faceted indexes. Seiko also says the hour and minute hands are generously coated with Lumibrite to aid legibility in low light. The company summarizes the concept on its official SPB329 product page: “The Presage Sharp Edged Series adapts the traditional Japanese art of Kabuki to the modern age.”
Which reference makes more sense?
The SPB329 is the option for someone who wants the extra day and power-reserve indications and prefers a slightly larger, thicker case. The SPB331 trades those additional indications for a slimmer, slightly smaller case and a longer listed reserve. Their announced US prices were different at launch, but those 2022 figures should not be used to judge what either watch costs today.
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Rank #3
- SILVER DIAL: this beautiful men’s watch features a deeply-patterned, glossed silver watch dial with blue dial indicator hands and a date calendar to keep you organized
- AUTOMATIC: these self-winding automatic watches for men are powered by your natural movements, with 41 hours of reserve power
- STAINLESS STEEL: Features a durable 40.5mm stainless steel watch case with see-through caseback and a beautiful silver bracelet.
- WATER-RESISTANT: these men’s wrist watches are water-resistant to 50 meters
- 4R35 CALIBER: equipped with the reliable 4R35 caliber, this precise men’s watch ensures the most accurate automatic timekeeping
Availability and prices today
Seiko’s cited materials document a 2022 launch and planned October 2022 availability; they do not establish current retail inventory, resale pricing or the status of marketplace listings. Check with a seller directly for present availability, condition, provenance and price.
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Best Value
- BLACK DIAL: this men's watch features a striking black dial, adding a touch of sophistication to any outfit; LUMIBRITE HANDS: the watch is equipped with LumiBrite dial indicator hands, ensuring you can tell the time even in low light conditions
- STAINLESS STEEL CASE AND BRACELET: these durable men's watches are made with a stainless steel watch case and bracelet made to last through everyday wear
- DATE CALENDAR: with the handy calendar function, keep track of the date right on the watch face
- CALIBER 6N52 MOVEMENT: powered by the reliable Caliber 6N52, these Seiko quartz watches for men ensure accurate timekeeping
- 100M WATER RESISTANT: with a water resistance of 100M, these durable men’s wrist watches will keep you on time at the gym, in the pool, or in a downpour
Rank #4
- Timeless styling that effortlessly takes you from work to play.
- 3 Hand, Day / Date
- Rose Gold-Tone Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
