Seiko Ananta Spring Drive Moon Phase Watch Hands-On

The new classy contender for 2010 from Seiko (at least in the US) is the Seiko Ananta Spring Drive Moonphase watch (ref. SNR023). Ananta, the highest-end world model for Seiko has split in two to personalities - sport models and suit models. The new "suit" model (suggesting they are more classy watches meant to be worn with more formal attire) is the pretty new Spring Drive Moon Phase. The powerfully sophisticated Spring Drive movement now comes with a moon phase complication in the Ananta range. Though this isn't the first time a Moon Phase has been included in a Spring Drive watch. The special "blade" polishing on the 46mm wide steel case is impressive. Despite the glimmer and shine, the watch is very legible. Unlike the sporty models, the bezel is totally mirror polished for a different type of look.

Inside the watch is the Seiko in-house made in Japan Spring Drive 5R67 automatic movement. Functions include the time, date, power reserve indicator, and moon phase. The movement is beautifully decorated and visible through the sapphire caseback window. The front facing crystal over the dial is also sapphire, and coated with AR to reduce glare. Those not familiar with Seiko Ananta collection watches will easily see the superior quality compared to lower priced Seiko watches they may be familiar with. While Seiko still places function and utility first, these are very impressive luxury watches that even impress big shots of the Swiss brands (even though they don't always admit it publicly).

Seiko Ananta Spring Drive watches are beautiful to look at and really comfortable. The large hour markers are diamond polished for a fantastic look shine and luxurious appearance. The movement has three days of power reserve and is accurate to about 1 second a day. In Europe, the Ananta Spring Drive Moon Phase will retail for 4,000 euros, with the price in the US being in the same range give or take a bit. Click "READ MORE" below for more images of this Seiko Ananta Spring Drive Moon Phase watches.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.