SEIKO PRESAGE SSA379J1 JAPANESE GARDEN AUTOMATIC MEN WATCH

What is the pattern on the dial?

Seiko designed the Japanese Garden series around the karesansui, the dry Zen garden in which gravel is raked into patterns that resemble waves or rippling water. Seiko describes the dial as having the depth and rich texture of such a garden, with a deeply pressed pattern that creates dramatic shadows, a description Seiko applies to the series as a whole. It is a pressed surface rather than a printed one, which is why it behaves differently as the light changes.

Does it show the date, and what is the extra hand for?

There is no date. Seiko lists only a 24-hour hand and a stop second hand function for this calibre, and its instruction manual names the date in a section title for every calibre that has one — not for the 4R39. The extra hand is that 24-hour hand: it turns once a day rather than twice, reading the hour against a 24-hour scale, so you can see whether the dial is showing morning or evening. Leaving the date off is what keeps the raked pattern unbroken.

Can the strap be fitted to my wrist?

City Chain can adjust the strap for you in store — bring your warranty book along for the service. The fastening is a three-fold clasp with a push button release rather than a pin buckle, so it closes on itself and there is no strap hole to stretch over time. If your wrist falls between sizes, have it set in store rather than forcing the fit.

Can it get wet?

Only accidentally. Seiko rates this reference as splash resistant and publishes no depth or bar figure for it at all, which places it below the everyday water-resistance ratings on most of the range. Treat it as a watch to keep dry: no swimming, no showering, no washing up with it on, and no immersion of any kind. Dry it immediately if it is splashed, and keep it away from steam and hot water. The leather strap should stay dry too.

What happens if I don't wear it for a few days?

It stops. The 4R39 winds from the movement of your wrist and holds about 41 hours, so it will run overnight but not through several days in a drawer. Winding the crown or wearing it again rebuilds the reserve, which needs to be reasonably full before the watch will keep time properly. Being mechanical, it also needs periodic servicing to stay accurate — City Chain can arrange that for you.

How does 41.8mm wear?

It is a full-sized watch, towards the larger end of the dress range, and 12.5mm deep. Seiko does not publish a lug-to-lug measurement for this reference, and that is the figure that really determines how a case sits across the wrist — so rather than estimate it, we would suggest trying the watch on. At 82g on leather it is not heavy. Any City Chain outlet can put it on your wrist before you decide.

What warranty does this watch come with?

The SSA379J1 comes with a 3-year warranty when purchased from City Chain Singapore, an authorised Seiko retailer. The warranty covers manufacturing defects rather than accidental damage, wear or routine servicing, and the strap is treated as a wearing part rather than a covered component. Keep your warranty card and proof of purchase — both are required when submitting the watch for service.