SEIKO Automatic Presage SARY055 (JDM reference)/SRP527 (International reference) - Value For Money Dress Watch, A Review (plus Video)

In the last few watch acquisitions, I was focused on getting the various standards of "Snowflakes" available within the broad repertoire of Seiko's timepieces. Through the various series and sub-lines, Seiko was able to provide designs of similar concept at different price ranges so as to fit  customers' affordability. While researching for the information on my "Snowflakes" project, I happened to notice watches that can be classified as "Baby GS". Instead of being too specific, I am more keen to focus of "white dial bracelet watches" as a collection criteria.

After going through my collection I realised that I have 9 of Seiko timepieces with such criteria. Today I added another into the pile; the Presage SARY055.

The Merchant

I sourced this example from SeiyaJapan. The MSRP is YEN41,040 (including taxes) but SeiyaJapan priced at USD294.00 which is equivalent to RM1,261.64 at the point of purchase. Unfortunately, Malaysian Customs will add another 5% plus some administrative fee for watch imports which in this case amounted to RM80.15 (of which RM19.10 was for the paperwork).

The Watch

This SARY055 is a JDM model. Internationally, it has the reference SRP527. Introduced to the world in 2014, the SARY055 a formal dress watch for the suave gentleman. Unlike most dress watches, the SARY055 is slightly sportier with aggressive lines. At 41 mm wide, the watch is at the edge of what most people would consider the limit for formal timepieces.



Made out of stainless steel, the 41 mm wide watch has a length of 48 mm with thickness of 11.4 mm. It has a flat sapphire crystal window over the dial and Hardlex crystal over the display case-back. Lug width is 22 mm. The surface is predominantly polished with some brushed surfaces for contrast.

The dial has a creamy metallic white texture. It has a two-step slopping chapter ring. The first section from the top hosts the minutes and sub-minutes line markers. These markers are printed in blue with gives it a regal feel to the watch. Half way down is the second section that merges with the dial surface. This part has the same texture and colour with the dial.

On the main dial itself, applied hour markers with consist of multi faceted polished bits complements the white creamy background. The window aperture on the dial surface is large to fit in the day and date complications. Surrounded by a polished steel frame located at 3 o'clock, it eats into the existing hour marker somewhat.

The date and day wheels have a white background which fits in rather nicely with the dial. The day complication on the SARY055 can be programmed to show either Kanji or English. For the international version, the SRP527, the language option is either French or English.

There are only three lines of texts on the dial. In the upper quadrant is applied brand logo while the other words such as "Automatic", "MADE IN JAPAN" as well as some manufacturing notations are located at the lower quadrant.

The big dauphin hands on the SARY055 is flamed blue. It makes for a beautiful contrast with the creamy white dial.



This watch follows the tradition of a classic dress watch without  a single streak of luminous paint. Despite that, the highly polished applied hour markers and hands create the necessary brightness to make it visible even with failing light. Moreover, the flat sapphire crystal with anti-reflective surface protection allows maximum throughput of visible light rays to enter and exit the dial with minimal distortions.

It is not often you'll find a mid-level watch from Seiko equipped with Sapphire crystal. The brand generally utilises its proprietary Hardlex crystal instead as it cheaper yet more durable than mineral glass. Using Sapphire increases production cost sharply but it does create a product with a level of sophistication that consumers want. In this case the SARY055 is a winner.

The crown uses a push-in-and-pull-out system. The first position is to manually wind the watch; the second position to adjust the quick-set day and date complications; and the third position is to adjust the time. The crown is signed with the letter 'S' on the top surface.



The lugs on the watch is 22 mm. I do find the lug width to be on the high side for a 41 mm wide watch. To me, the watch looks like a wide wristband. I would have preferred it to start at 20 mm at the lugs and tapers to 18 mm at the clasp. Instead, the SARY055 starts at 22 mm at the lugs and ends at 20 mm at the clasp. The clasp uses a twin push-button lock with the brand stamped deeply on the surface.

The links on the bracelet are solid with solid end-links. It uses a pin-and-collar system to join the links together. My only feedback on the bracelet is the use of stamped sheet metal as the bridge connecting the two halves of the bracelet. A machined metal frame would be more elegant.



The display case-back shows the Seiko in-house movement 4R36A. It uses 24 jewels and operates at 21,600 BPH or 3 Hertz. Error rate is stated at between +45 seconds and -35 seconds. In reality, the accuracy one gets straight out of the box is so much better. Complications provided are three hands, date (quick-set, counterclockwise), day (quick-set, clockwise), manual winding (clockwise only) and seconds hand stop function.

As you can see from the photo above, Seiko has decorated the rotor with a golden colour to give a bit of brightness to an otherwise dull movement.  


The Wearing Experience

As expected, the watch wears well with formal attire. The only gripe I have is the size of the bracelet which should have been thinner. As you can see from the first photo below, the size of the bracelet appears to overwhelm the watch.



Below is a video of the watch on my wrist.




The Series

The are only two models in the series. The SARY055 or SRP527 that comes with the creamy dial and the SARY057 or SRP529 that comes with the black dial.






Specifications

1. MSRP: YEN38,000 (w/o taxes), YEN41,040 (with taxes)
2. Made in Japan
3. Design Year: 2014
4. Case & Bracelet: Stainless Steel
5. Crystal: Sapphire
6. See-through back Case: Hardlex Crystal
7. Water Resistance: 10 ATM
8. Diameter: 41 mm (w/o the crown);  44.5 mm (with crown)
9. Length: 48 mm
10. Thickness: 11.4 mm
11. Lug Size: 22 mm
12. Max wrist size 19.5 cm (7.7 in)
13. Seiko 4R36

• 24 Jewels
• Day and Date complications. Language (English/Kanji)
• Hand winding and Hack function
• Power reserve: 41 Hour
• Accuracy: +45/-35 sec/day

Photo Gallery