Photo: Gnomon Watches
Seiko Presage SARX045 Review & Complete Guide
If you are looking for high-quality automatic watches at a price that won’t break the bank, Seiko is one of the best alternatives out there.
We all need a robust, durable, and beautiful everyday timepiece that just works, regardless of the occasion and what you are wearing. A good watch that offers just that is the Seiko Presage SARX045.
With a price of about 600 USD, it’s a bit more expensive than many other automatic watches from Seiko. But oh what a difference this price increase does for what you are getting.
Seiko’s watches are known for offering great value for money, and the Presage SARX045 is no different. What you are getting in return is an improved finish, an improved feeling of quality, and a more well-built and robust watch.
Seiko SARX045 Review
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The Seiko Presage SARX045 is a casual yet elegant timepiece that works perfectly as an everyday watch. It is sporty and robust enough to take a beating and handle harsh conditions, but at the same time elegant and timeless enough to be worn on formal occasions. In other words, an extremely versatile watch. If you are an OWG (one watch guy), this watch ticks all boxes.
In this article, we are reviewing and looking closer at the Seiko Presage SARX045.
Seiko Presage case
The Seiko Presage SARX045 is presented in a stainless steel 39.5mm case with a lug-to-lug measurement of 48mm. The thickness comes in at only 11.3mm. With that said, the watch has rather classic proportions and is not too big and chunky, but also not too small which makes it suitable for many different wrists sizes but also occasions.
The case itself has a distinct shape and design with angular sporty lines, combined with long and smooth elements, such as the curved side of the case. Again, this is evident that the watch has struck the perfect balance between sporty elegance. The case really is a home run.
The case combines satin-brushed with polished elements. The top of the lugs is satin finished whereas the bezel is polished. The bevels of the case are polished whereas the sites are brushed.
And I want to point out that when it comes to the satin-brushed finish, there really is a huge difference between the entry-level Seiko watches and this one. Unlike the cheaper alternatives, the brushed lines are distinct and sharp. On the cheaper Seiko watches, the satin finish looks more matte. I really love the sharp brushed finish as it is on par with luxury watches.
On the side of the case at 3 o’clock, we have the crown which is protected by crown guards, seamlessly integrated into the case. The crown guards are small enough to not disturb the design of the case but large enough to protect the crown. Well done Seiko. What you will notice is the black tip on the crown. This is a “cabochon sapphire ” style crown that reminisces. This small detail enhances the luxury feel of this watch and gives Cartier vibes.
The case has the perfect size to slip easily under a cuff, but also looks sporty ad durable at the same time. Most importantly, it looks very premium and well-finished. Which, of course, it is. This is what I mean by offering great value for money.
Photo: Gnomon Watches
Seiko Presage dial
The Seiko Presage SARX045 has a striking elegant blue dial. The quote ”Perfection is met not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing else to remove”, applies here.
The dial is extremely clean and elegant, but that doesn’t keep Seiko from making it everything else than boring. The watch has as lovely well-finished vertical tuxedo dial made in a rich dark blue color.
The dial has a stunning sunburst effect which, together with the tuxedo texture reflects the light beautifully. Seiko has found the perfect combination of making a beautiful dial that doesn’t stand out too much but at the same time looks incredibly mesmerizing.
The dial has well-finished applied hour markers made in a long triangle shape. The dial is kept very clean, and only includes the Seiko logo and the word ”Automatic”.
Applied on the hands and markers is Seiko’s proprietary Lumibrite.
The hands are simple, elegant, and refined. At 3 o’clock, we have the date window which features a metal frame around it to enhance its well-finished look. The date window has a white background and the dates are printed in black. Around the outer edge of the dial, the watch has printed seconds markers.
Seiko Presage bracelet
The Seiko PresageSARX045 is fitted on a stainless steel bracelet with H links. The bracelet is slim in terms of thickness but has a sporty appeal to it. Thanks to its thickness, it can sit slimmed and comfortably on the wrist. It combines satin-brushed and polished elements which enhances the impression that it is a well-finished watch.
Just like the watch, the bracelet is classy but has a touch of sportiness to it.
Seiko Presage SARX045 movement
If we turn the watch around, we’ll be able to see the automatic movement beating inside through the see-through case back.
The watch is powered by the Seiko caliber 6R15 which operates at a frequency of 21,600 BPH or 3 Hertz. The movement has manual winding and hacking seconds functions, both of which are not found in Seiko’s most affordable automatic watches.
It is nice that Seiko has taken some time to decorate this movement. Unlike cheaper Seiko watches, this movement is decorated. This is great considering the otherwise high finish of the dial and case.
The movement has 23 jewels and offers a power reserve of 50 hours and uses a Spron 510 mainspring.
Specifications
- Power reserve: 50 hours
- Frequency: 21,600 BPH/3 Hertz
- Movement: 6R15
- Jewels: 23
- Diameter: 39.5mm
- Lug-to-lug: 48mm
- Thickness: 11.3mm.
Conclusion
All in all, the Seiko Presage SARX045 is a stunning everyday timepiece that offers great value for money. It is exceptionally well finished for its price and is also extremely versatile. It works great regardless if you are going to wear it as an everyday watch or for more formal occasions. It is also robust enough to be worn whilst sporting, including swimming. And with its stunning dial, you’ll never get bored with this watch.
The Seiko Presage SARX045 is available to order on Amazon.
