The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - latest collection

Ananta is Seiko's first line of high-end watches for the world market. The watches totally changed my perception of the brand, and I think if you check them out they will change the way you look at Seiko as well. They aren't cheap. While they are a great value for the money, the Seiko Ananta series of watches can still get up to the RM20,000. This is a larger amount of money than many people are able to spend on a watch - an important point as Seiko is such a globally "worn" brand.



These watches really help propel Seiko as a luxury brand with models that are a more natural step up for most Seiko watch owners. Unless you really understand the significant appeal of the Ananta movement, moving from the prices you are used to with Seiko watches to the Spring Drive Ananta pieces is hard to do. It is more natural to go from a few hundred bucks to a couple of thousand - rather than a few hundred bucks to several thousand.

Movements in the Automatic collection are hand assembled and meticulously tested. Finding an European watch with this level of quality and features for the same price is not going to be possible.

It goes without saying that Seiko makes their own movements. Literally all components of the watch are made by Seiko as they are 100% vertically integrated. This is even applied to making balance springs (Seiko's patented SPRON brand) and growing their own quartz crystals for their quartz movements. Actually one of the only things that Seiko needs to procure are raw synthetic sapphire crystals. These are then cut, shaped, polished, and finished by Seiko for use on their watch crystals. In a time where people are concerned with quality and the location of where a high-end good is manufactured, it is a reassuring thought for me to know that the Seiko Ananta line of watches it totally made by master watch makers in Japan, by a Japanese company. I feel the same level of comfort when I see that my Japanese camera is made in Japan, and not somewhere else.

The "Katana" sides of the cases are still specially "blade polished" and the cases are also 46mm wide with sapphire crystals (water resistant to 100 meters). Watch hands are the same, and the hour markers are the same beautifully diamond polished good-lookers that the line has. All this talk of "blade" or diamond polish and cutting is not gimmicky. These watches have some of the finest polishing jobs I've ever seen on watches.

What I just bought is the Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic. This watch has a more conservative and mainstream look than the very sporty Automatic Chronograph model. This is "your dad's" Ananta watch. This is not a bad thing at all, and proves that the unique katana sword theme can lend it self to a more subdued look as well. The bezel is polished and in black or brushed steel. Dial is black with a steel bracelet (that I totally love). You can choose black crocodile straps instead. It is a good time to remind you that the steel bracelets and crafted from an interesting style of cut and polished steel links with a lovely finish to them.

This watch features a brand new Seiko automatic movement. Inside the Double Retrograde Automatic is the Seiko 6R24 movement that has retrograde indicators for the date and date of the week, along with a power reserve indicator (about 45 hours in the movement). The layout is balance and symmetrical. It makes for an attractive, modern, and very Japanese look (for example the retrograde dials look like fans). A good design for a nicer Seiko watch. This is going to be a hot seller for Seiko.

Specification:

Model No.: SPB013J1
Movement - Cal.6R24
Stainless Steel Case
10bar Water Resistant
Anti-Reflective Coated Sapphire Crystal Glass
Three Fold Clasp with Push Button Release
Stainless Steel Band
See-Through Case Back
Purchase price: RM6,128.50 (16 June 2011)