Seiko partners with REGAL for an upscale take on upcycling with latest Presage Classic release
Andrew O'Connor- Seiko’s latest limited edition, the ref. SPB529J1, is a sustainability-focused collaboration with high-end Japanese shoemaker, REGAL Shoes & Co.
- Its upcycled straps utilise leather from off-cuts from REGAL’s manufacturing process.
- Its dial and bezel hue pay homage to Japanese heritage, with its Shiracha brown a hue admired during the Edo period.
New Seiko Presage releases often focus on fantastic dials or modernised interpretations of historic models. Seiko’s latest Presage release is no less of a stunner, but highlights a resourceful partnership aimed to make the world a better place, or at least make better use of what is already here.
Seiko’s new Presage Classic Series SPB529J1 is a collaboration with REGAL Shoe & Company. REGAL Shoe & Company is a Japanese shoe brand most well-known for introducing the Goodyear welt shoe construction to Japan. The company continues to manufacture shoes in Tokyo using traditional methods, focusing on producing high-quality products that blend fashion and function. With well over 100 years of experience in manufacturing shoes, it makes sense for Seiko to look to REGAL to supply high-quality leather.
Instead of using leather procured for the sole purpose of making straps (insert pun-induced groan here), REGAL is supplying leather from the off-cuts from their shoe patterns. When cutting leather for shoes, the pattern is cut from a large piece of leather, with artisans avoiding sections of the leather with visual imperfections. Instead of this leather being thrown away, it is being used to make straps for this new Seiko Presage model. Starting with a good-quality source will ensure these are great straps that will serve owners well for a long time. Inspired by REGAL’s signature loafers, the strap is burgundy in colour with beige accent stitching. The strap is secured via a three-fold clasp with a push-button release.
The SPB529 features a 40.2mm stainless steel case that measures 13mm thick, 46mm lug-to-lug, and has 100 meters of water resistance. The textured bezel is coin-edge-esque in its texture and done in a light pink gold hue to tie in with the Shiracha dial. This specific hue of light brown used for the dial was admired during the Bunsei era of the Edo period by tea masters and traditional artisans. The gradient and sun-ray patterned dial has gold-toned hands and baton indices. Inside is the Seiko 6R55 automatic movement, which features hacking, hand-winding, date display, a 72-hour power reserve, and 24 jewels.
Closing thoughts
Known collaborations between leather manufacturers and watch brands are nothing new, but the attention to sustainability and resourcefulness is novel within the watch industry. Seiko’s choice of more ecological leather sourcing may not “win” a model over for most buyers, but it could tip the scales when deciding between references. It might be well appreciated if Seiko chose to offer similar strap options for other models in the future, or if REGAL released its own line of straps in collaboration with Seiko.
Seiko Presage Classic Series Upcycled Leather Strap Limited Edition SPB529J1 pricing and availability
The Seiko Presage Classic Series SPB529J1 is a limited edition of 3,000 pieces and will be available from October 2025. Price: US$1,050, A$1,700
| Brand | Seiko |
| Model | Presage Classic Series Upcycled Leather Strap Limited Edition |
| Reference | SPB529J1 |
| Case Dimensions | 40.2mm (W) x 13mm (T) x 46mm (LTL) |
| Case material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | “Shiracha” brown |
| Strap | REGAL upcycled burgundy leather strap |
| Movement | 6R55, in-house, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | From October 2025, limited to 3,000 pieces |
| Price | US$1,050 A$1,700 |