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Seiko’s blingtastic luxury watch based on Hokusai’s Great Wave

12 Comments
By Cara Clegg, RocketNews24

Seiko is set to release a new wristwatch based on ukiyo-e artist Hokusai’s famous piece The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Part of his Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series of woodblock prints from the 1830s, the painting is known and admired throughout the world and is perhaps the most recognizable piece of Japanese art ever to have been created.

Seiko, the watch company with a history almost as long as the Great Wave itself, has been inspired by this classic print to design a distinctively Japanese watch under their luxury brand Credor which combines “traditional craftsmanship with contemporary, high-end technology”.

Named the Fugaku, the stunningly detailed piece has been crafted by three of their most talented craftsmen as the ultimate artisan watch, and is lacquered by celebrated Japanese lacquer artist Isshu Tamura. Delicate mother-of-pearl inlays in the upper half depict stylized clouds and plover birds while the lower section features a traditional "seigaiha" wave pattern, and the “CREDOR” lettering on the dial is done in gold lacquer work. Silver and gold waves rear up around the hands, and surrounding the face is a 43-millimeter diameter platinum case decorated with 43 blue sapphires.

Perhaps some will think all the jewels and bling are going a bit overboard, but there’s no doubt that this watch oozes luxury. But how much will it set you back?

The limited edition engraved model will go on sale across Japan on Friday for a sum of 50 million yen. Yes, 50 million. That’s about $465,000 at today’s exchange rate. Oh, and that’s without the 8% tax whacked on top.

It does look like something of a niche design, but with only eight pieces in existence we’re sure there will be enough people with enough money rushing to snap up this unique timepiece that can serve as a talking point at many a board meeting to come.

Source: Japaaan Magazine

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12 Comments
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Who wants to buy a Japanese made Seiko watch when with that amount of money you could afford an amazing Romain Jerome, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin or Harry Winston watch (just to name a few).

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Who wants to buy a Japanese made Seiko watch when with that amount of money you could afford an amazing Romain Jerome, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin or Harry Winston watch (just to name a few).

Yes, you could buy an equally overpriced watch made in Europe, like everyone else with a spare half million dollars. Or you could buy Seiko's bold new entry into the market, and own a piece of history.

I remember when people laughed at Lexus daring to compete with German luxury cars.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Citizen2012

Glad you mentioned Ulysse Nardin. They make some amazing watches.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

But, unlike "The Great Wave" which was part of his "36 views of Mt Fuji" series, there's no Mt Fuji in the background.

BTW, you know you have too much money if you spend half a mil on a watch, IMHO. I bought a $39 watch that works just fine.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

450k. For a watch.

"We are the 99%"

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I bought a $39 watch that works just fine.

The $39 watch may actually keep better time and be easier to care for, but that's not the point. People pay for the hand-made craftsmanship, the complex mechanisms, and the difficulty involved in making tourbillon watches. They are really amazing little pieces of retro and completely unnecessary mechanical ingenuity. Even all that considered, they are still overpriced. But if you only have a handful to sell, may as well milk those rich folk for all you can.

I find these watches fascinating (though the sapphires were completely unnecessary, and make the watch itself look cheaper). However, if by some fluke I ever had that kind of money to burn, I would hope I would never spend it on something so frivolous as this. A half million dollars can make a huge difference in many people's lives.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Hurrah for horology but Boo to bling.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Yes, you could buy an equally overpriced watch made in Europe, like everyone else with a spare half million dollars. Or >>you could buy Seiko's bold new entry into the market, and own a piece of history.

You have no idea what you are talking about, I mentioned some high quality Swiss made watches that are a lot more affordable that this Seiko watch.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@citizen2012: Who wants to buy a Japanese made Seiko watch when with that amount of money you could afford an amazing Romain Jerome, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin or Harry Winston watch (just to name a few).

I for one. Though I would never spend this much on any watch, be it Japanese or Swiss, I love Seiko watches and find they offer amazing quality for good price. Since I got my first one 15 years ago, I have never thought of buying anything else. Punctuality, solar batteries, water resistance, shock resistance… what else does an active adult need from a watch?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

To be honest with you, I don't like the style, but I do appreciate the talent of the watch maker to push the boundaries of style and quality,

1 ( +1 / -0 )

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