Seiko Arabic Dial : des montres japonaises embellies par un style oriental

Seiko Arabic Dial: Japanese watches embellished with oriental style

Seiko is one of the most renowned watchmaking companies in the world. Originally from Japan, it was founded by Kintarō Hattori in 1881. The company has the particularity of manufacturing all the components of its watches itself. By doing so, it is certain to offer quality products to its customers. Among the models it sells, the Seiko Arabic Dial is particularly interesting. Indeed, the dial of these watches borrows a special style - oriental as their name suggests. But is this choice really relevant? Why did they take this path?

Seiko watches with a specific design
As with any product, tastes and colors are not really discussed. However, the Seiko Arabic Dial , recognizable by their design, are very successful on the watch market. When you come into contact with one of these watches, you will quickly notice that the bracelet and the case opt for a refined style. Therefore, you will have to look at the dial to discover THE touch of originality.

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Seiko Arabic or how to watch the time the old-fashioned way
If history is any guide, the Arabs contributed greatly to the development of mathematics. And to do so, they had to use counting tools: numbers. Interestingly, the Arabic numerals you see today on Seiko Arabic Dials are actually an Indian legacy. So are they difficult to read in practice? Not so much, since the principle doesn't change. In concrete terms, the 12 digits (representing hours, minutes and seconds) are arranged in the same way as other types of watches. Only the aesthetics are different.

A great success known from the 1970s
More specifically, the Seiko Arabic Dial collection was launched during this period. In fact, these watches were commonly used as dowries in India. However, Indian women did not find the Seiko 5 Arabic Dial particularly beautiful. But in the eyes of the community, they were prestige objects given their high prices. It was a way for Arab suitors to prove their financial well-being. Thus, the Middle East quickly became one of the main growth drivers for the Japanese brand.

“Contained” prices that overshadow premium brands?
The Seiko Arabic dials are offered at different prices to delight as many people as possible. Of course, the Japanese brand has nothing to do with low-cost manufacturers. But for what it offers, the amounts displayed remain relatively accessible.
For your information, the Seiko Arabic Dial is based in particular on the Seiko 5 (or Seiko Five) range. The latter includes mechanical watches, easy to use and offered at much more affordable prices. As this collection was very well received, the Japanese manufacturer decided to launch special variants called Seiko Arabic Dial. Among these, the SNK063J5 has become the spearhead of the brand.
Moreover, the latter was produced until 2019 and was available exclusively in the Middle East. It is therefore extremely rare to find one outside of this region. This Seiko 5 Arabic Dial is therefore naturally coveted throughout the world. This is especially the case in Europe and North America.

The Seiko SNK063J5 : the standard-bearer of Arabic Dials
The Seiko Arabic Dial SNK063J5 is a relatively compact watch. Its stainless steel case measures 34 mm in diameter and 11.5 mm thick. The distance between the upper and lower lugs is only 39.5 mm. This Seiko Arabic is therefore ideal for covering smaller wrists, but they also adapt to larger wrists. Also, the location of the crown at 4 o'clock gives you greater freedom of movement.

The integrated bracelet of the SNK063J5
One of the unique features of the SNK063J5 is its integrated bracelet. At the lugs, the bracelet on this Seiko Arabic is 21mm wide and it tapers towards the buckle to about 16mm. However, due to its integrated design, the link connecting the bracelet to the watch is only 10mm wide. Keep this in mind if you plan on replacing the bracelet at some point.
This Seiko Arabic Dial is fitted with a three-link stainless steel bracelet. It also benefits from a folding clasp with a safety mechanism. The links are folded and satin-finished, with the exception of the polished edges of the central links, which correspond to the recesses located at 6 and 12 o'clock on the bezel.

The bezel of the SNK063J5
The polished bezel of this Seiko Arabic Dial contrasts sharply with the satin-brushed surface of the case. In addition, the sides of the watch are polished. The polished chamfer on the outer edges of the watch creates a smooth transition between the brushed and polished surfaces. This gives the Seiko Arabic SNK063J5 a decidedly elegant appearance.

The dial of the Seiko SNK063J5
As you might expect, the most important feature of the Seiko Arabic Dial SNK063J5 is its dial. Its caseback is dressed in a lacquered black with silver-white Arabic numerals. The numerals are accompanied by a dot index, luminescent at 5-minute intervals. The thin dauphine hands also glow in the dark. As with the watches in the Seiko 5 Arabic Dial collection, the date window is located at 3 o'clock. Moreover, the latter is framed by polished stainless steel. The day of the week can be displayed in English or Arabic. It will be up to you.
The “Seiko” logo is located just below 12 o’clock, as is the “Seiko 5” logo. Finally, the words “Automatic” and “21 Jewels” have been added just above 6 o’clock.

The 7S26 caliber
The Seiko Arabic Dial SNK063J5 watch is powered by the 7S26 caliber. This reliable movement can be seen at work through the case back, which, like the glass on the cover, is made of Hardlex mineral glass. A Seiko trademark. The caliber runs at a frequency of 21,600 A/h and gives the watch a power reserve of 40 hours.
This movement is the simplest automatic caliber in the Seiko catalog. As such, you will have to deal with some limitations. For example, there is no stopwatch function or possibility to wind the Seiko Arabic SNK063J5 manually. In this sense, if it runs out of energy, you will have to shake it gently back and forth to restart it.
Last thing: the price to wear this timepiece is set at 230 euros. Of course, we are far from the tens of euros displayed by more classic brands. Nevertheless, the target is not the same here.

SNKP21J1 and SNKP22J1: the “gold and silver” watches made by Seiko
The SNK063J5 certainly launched the entire Seiko Arabic range. However, the other derivatives of this watch are no less interesting. In fact, one could say that this renowned model represents the entry level of the Arabic Dial. And among its successors, the SNKP21J1 and SNKP22J1 are certainly worth a look.
The SNKP21J1 follows the same recipe as the SNK063J5, but with more premium components. For starters, the strap and case have been better polished. But most importantly, the indexes above the numbers on the dial have opted for a more square shape instead of circles. The background of the date window is white instead of black. Of course, this is a detail, but it is precisely these small elements that refine the product.
As for the SNKP22J1, we go straight to another level. Indeed, different components of the watch proudly display gold finishes. It starts with the case and the middle of the bracelet. These are the most obvious elements. We can clearly see that Seiko wants to raise the standing of this model. Then come the crown, the hands and the frame of the date window. Finally, the day of the week indicator is in Arabic. Obviously, Western users will be taken aback, but this in no way detracts from the quality of the product.
The price of the Seiko SNKP21J1 and SNKP22J1 is around 200 euros. In other words, the brand clearly leaves you spoiled for choice. A sleek watch or a little more ostentatious? It's up to you to decide!

The Seiko Arabic Dial two-tone blue SRPH50K1 : a little (more) luxury doesn't hurt
The base remains the same here, but Seiko has seen fit to add some cosmetic elements. This time, you will be treated to a gold bezel. And this gold effect, you will also find it on different parts of this more sophisticated Seiko Arabic Dial . There will be gold in the middle of the bracelet, on the crown and on the numbers of the dial. The dial itself will be highlighted by a royal blue background. A combination of colors that is reminiscent of royalty and luxury.
And the price? To get something better than the flagship Seiko Arabic Dial , you'll have to pay 599 euros.

Seiko's Arabic Dial SRPH47K1 : When Seiko reaches the top of the range
It is possible to play on the design to give high-end DNA to a product. And Seiko has understood this well by polishing its work. Indeed, the Arabic Dial SRPH47K1 is particularly distinguished by the color of its dial. The rhodium effect chosen by the brand gives a feeling of refinement when observing the watch. In addition, Seiko has added a case with grooves to stand out from the other models of the brand. The combination of these two elements propels this timepiece to a much higher level. Those who want luxury, without having gold, will certainly be won over.
On the other hand, you will have to pay 599 euros to wear this pretty jewel on your wrist.

The Seiko Arabic Dial Green SRPH49K1 : the ultimate in the range
This watch is probably the best from Seiko Arabic . Of course, it will depend heavily on your preferences. But the Japanese brand's approach here allows for an extremely classy design of the product. "Green is the new gold": that's how we could sum up this Seiko Arabic Dial Green.
The manufacturer is definitely making a bold bet with this item. Indeed, if the bracelet and the case are "ordinary" after all, the dial is decorated with emerald green and gold. The combination of these two warm colors is very effective. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy the ultra premium experience designed by Seiko, you will have to be prepared to pay no less than 750 euros.

The Seiko Arabic range has other aces up its sleeves. In any case, the aforementioned models already demonstrate the know-how of one of the oldest watchmaking brands. The SNK063J5 will certainly remain the popular choice by the majority. However, the more daring will have fun with the more premium versions offered by Seiko.

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