The Seiko Ananta remains a testament to Japanese culture, though. Most of the limited editions have focused on celebrated traditional Japanese art, such as Urushi lacquer painting. The 100th Anniversary Ananta focuses on another type of lacquer art (just not using Urushi paint). The dials are a deep blue and each is hand-painted by Isshu Tamura. He is said to be a noteworthy artist who specializes in the “Kaga Makie” style of lacquer. Also, according to Seiko this deep blue is a brand new lacquer color that hasn’t been done before.

On the periphery of the dial is a crescent moon, which is meant to remind you of a famous Japanese helmet worn by the historic 17th century Japanese leader Masamune Date. It was a unique helmet design based on the traditional samurai helmet. It is rendered in a gold colored lacquer on the dial. It is subtle yes, but very lovely.

Inside this limited edition Seiko Ananta, is once again Seiko’s in-house made 8R28 automatic chronograph movement. It operates at 4Hz and has a power reserve of about 45 hours. The chronograph uses a column wheel and vertical clutch. While I like this movement, I feel that Seiko over-relies on it in Ananta watches. Pretty much all of the recent Ananta watches have caliber 8R28 movements. Seiko might want to mix it up a little bit because many collectors like novel designs and movements, as much as they like special dials. While Seiko keeps making nice Ananta watches, it may be the case that collectors would be more interested in additional variety. Do people agree with me or is that just my feeling?

The Seiko Ananta SRQ017 is an overall very well-made watch with great features and a solid build quality. If you haven’t owned an Ananta before then it is just as good as any to be your first. Though for people who have a range of Ananta models, there isn’t a huge reason to get this one unless the dial is something you simply have to own. Seiko will make just 300 pieces of this Ananta 100th Anniversary Chronograph at a price of $5,000. seikowatches.com