The Seiko Presage Studio Ghibli “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” Limited Edition Watch
Friday - 09 February 2024
Exclusive to the UK – Seiko announces the new Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Limited Edition watch – the third of its kind that pays homage to Studio Ghibli. This new watch creates a powerful impact with its references to the post-apocalyptic anime fantasy film.
Seiko is currently demonstrating that the message behind Studio Ghibli’s “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” film is as relevant now as it ever was. The post-apocalyptic film is about respecting the earth and finding peace amongst communities and is one of many of the Japanese filmmaker’s cult-like animations, evoking the concept of climate change and sustainability through its powerful design. The Seiko Presage watch is exclusive to the UK and comes in a limited supply of just 1500 pieces worldwide. Here’s what we think of this exciting new release by Japanese giant, Seiko from the faultless Presage watch collection.
Setting the Scene
To give you a little background on this new Seiko release and its inspired design, Princess Nausicaa of the film “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind”, finds herself in a conflict happening between two kingdoms. She lives in the Valley of the Wind. The location is a seaside kingdom that remains one of the last strongholds on planet Earth. In an epic struggle to restore the bond between the Earth and humanity, Princess Nausicaa must communicate with the powerful insects that inhabit and protect a large poisonous jungle. When the Princess gains the trust of these giant mutant insects, she shifts to a powerful position where she can settle the dispute by teaching both sides to live in harmony with one another.
The Background
Seiko and Studio Ghibli go back a few models. Back in 2020, the watchmaker released a special edition “Porco Rosso” model, inspired by the film, with a handmade enamel dial. Available in two designs, these Seiko Presage watches embody the vintage red seaplane featured in the film, which was flown by a pig pilot with a handlebar moustache. Then, in 2021, the esteemed Japanese watchmaker released another model in an ode to another Studio Ghibli movie – “The Castle In The Sky”. The fan favourite film, loved by a rather cult-like following, resonated with many a Seiko wearer, bringing the two together beautifully.
The animated film, deeply immersive and with a resolutely steampunk vibe, inspired the watchmaker to create an off-white dial adorned with brown Roman numerals and an unusual set of Breguet-style hands. Now, marking the third timepiece celebrating this special relationship between the two Japanese entities – the Seiko Presage Studio Ghibli “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” arrives, limited to 1500 pieces.
The new Seiko Presage Studio Ghibli “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” from the brand's Craftsmanship Series looks very similar to “The Castle in the Sky” Edition. Its case, resembling the tools featured in the movie, measures a 40.5mm diameter and a depth of 12.4mm. Experts at Seiko have applied a textured sandblasted finish to the case, complete with a super hard coating to resist scratching and ageing. Suffice it to say, this Seiko Presage watch bears an almost titanium look – an element that is sure to intrigue even the most reserved of Seiko fans.
The crown located at the side of the case of this Seiko Presage Studio Ghibli watch is oversized and attention-demanding. Fans will be particularly drawn to its striking blue crystal tip that further adds to the mythical theme of this watch. Matched to the colour of the character, Ohmu’s calm eyes in the film, this element of the design is yet another distinctive feature separating this Seiko Presage watch from others in the collection.
In addition to this, the colour of the crown’s tip is carefully matched to the hue of the dial itself. Here, elongated hour markers are joined by the Seiko logo at 12 o’clock and an eye-catching emblem at 6 o’clock depicting Princess Nausicaa’s final outfit in the film. Meanwhile, the leaf-shaped hour and minute hands on the dial of this special edition Studio Ghibli watch by Seiko are met with a golden-coloured seconds hand – a decorative element that continues into the reverse of the case.
Flip the new Seiko Presage Studio Ghibli “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” watch over and you get to enjoy a yellow gold-plated surface, revealing striking blued elements through the surface of a sapphire crystal glass exhibition caseback. A blue decorative pattern also graces the periphery of this exhibition feature, providing a unique glimpse into the mechanical movement within the watch’s 100-meter water-resistant case.
The beating heart of this new Seiko Presage Studio Ghibli “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” watch is the Calibre 6R55. It runs with a power reserve of 72 hours once fully wound and performs at a rhythm of 21,600 oscillations per hour. It’s what I often refer to as “weekend friendly”. Take the watch off on a Friday evening after work and return to it first thing on a Monday morning and you’ll find it has kept perfect time for you. The movement provides the added benefit of an accuracy of +25 / - 15 seconds per day.
The new Seiko Presage Studio Ghibli watch, dedicated to the “Nausicaa of The Valley of the Wind” story is completed on a brown leather strap with a stainless steel pin buckle. I like the fact that the band can be swapped to a stainless steel bracelet thanks to its drilled lug holes. The leather strap also features an imprinted Ohmu decoration and comes displayed inside a special blue presentation box for fans of Japanese pop art.
For more information on the new Seiko Presage Studio Ghibli “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” Limited Edition watch, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453. Alternatively, you can email us at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
