Wednesday 9 February 2011

Review: Seiko Superior Modern Classic SKZ28J1 Made in Japan

"I come across many Seiko 5 Superior. I saw most of them from the Internet and I found that many of this superior line are powered by the calibre 7S55A and Made in Japan. Recently, I found another superior but not from the Seiko 5 family! Powered by the 7S36 movement, this modern classic is really a luxury finished by Seiko assembly line in Japan. Enjoy my pictorial review on this affordable Japanese masterpiece. It is up for sale anyway." – thetick-thetick

The Seiko Superior Modern Classic SKZ287J1
A made in Japan Seiko Superior modern classic - luxurious look with very precision indexing, semi tuxedo with centre sunburst dial in steel, very clean and shiny polished stainless steel hands to display time lapse. The dial and hands resembling one of the more expensive Seiko Premier model!

Specification
Model Reference: SKZ287J1 Made in Japan
Movement: 7S36 Automatic 23jewels Made in Japan
Case No: 04T0 SS, SS case back
Bezel: Polished plain bezel
Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
Bracelet: SS Lock Clasp Buckle signed Seiko
Water Resistant: 100m

Case Dimensions
Diameter: 40mm across excluding crown
Lug to Lug: 45mm
Lug Width: 20mm

Superior finished dial and hands. Made in Japan. I love the tuxedo line and the sword-shaped polished stainless steel hands - very immaculate. The hour hand length is so proportionate to move along the hairline-finished inner dial’s line. The minute hand too, pointing in close proximity with the dial’s index. The long polished second hand with diamond-shaped end is well balance to enable it to move flawlessly around the dial.
Truly a modern classic! The mixed of polished and brushed links in the bracelet is outstanding and matches with clean overall look of the case. All blended harmoniously. The watch is suitable for office wear and official function.
The case back engraved with watch production detail. Sapphire crystal! Indeed, Made in Japan. The watch is produced in August 2010. Still fresh from the factory!
The classic sunflower crown is well designed and constructed to balance the entire case side. Smooth time-setting operation is assured, very sturdy.
Very clean but detailed dial with six micro index marker for every one minute increment. The second hand pointing near to this micro index enables a precise time reading.
The watch is strapped with a very comfortable bracelet. The pin-type bracelet link is so easy to resize.
Well design and construction. Now I wonder why Seiko classify this masterpiece as superior. The calendar window with polished stainless steel frame blends well with the case, hands and the dial. The sapphire crystal is almost invisible when view at certain angle. Scratch proof.
The watch comes with standard Seiko box, tag, manual, and warranty card.
Adding luxury to the superior; I strapped this modern classic with expensive look black Italian leather. The lug size is 20mm, matching with preferred leather strap is not a difficult task.
Summary
The case: a balance design by Seiko for its modern classic line.
The bracelet: average but so comfortable.
The crown: classy, easy to operate.
Movement: mass produced but assembled in Japan, reliable 7S36 calibre.
Legibility: detailed index, easy reading even in bright daylight.
Wearing comfort: two thumbs up!
Operation: standard day-date and timekeeping function.
Design: luxury and superior finished.
Overall (max. 10): honestly, I rate this watch 8 out of 10!