Author Topic: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review  (Read 14285 times)

Offline meoramri

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The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« on: November 29, 2011, 12:02:33 PM »
Ananta is Seiko's first line of high-end watches for the world market. The watches totally changed my perception of the brand, and I think if you check them out they will change the way you look at Seiko as well. They aren't cheap. While they are a great value for the money, the Seiko Ananta series of watches can still get up to the RM20,000. This is a larger amount of money than many people are able to spend on a watch - an important point as Seiko is such a globally "worn" brand.

The "Katana" sides of the cases are still specially "blade polished" and the cases are also 46mm wide with sapphire crystals (water resistant to 100 meters). Watch hands are the same, and the hour markers are the same beautifully diamond polished good-lookers that the line has. All this talk of "blade" or diamond polish and cutting is not gimmicky. These watches have some of the finest polishing jobs I've ever seen on watches.

What I bought is the Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic. This watch has a more conservative and mainstream look than the very sporty Automatic Chronograph model. This is "your dad's" Ananta watch. This is not a bad thing at all, and proves that the unique katana sword theme can lend it self to a more subdued look as well. The bezel is polished and in black or brushed steel. Dial is black with a steel bracelet (that I totally love). You can choose black crocodile straps instead. It is a good time to remind you that the steel bracelets and crafted from an interesting style of cut and polished steel links with a lovely finish to them.

This watch features a brand new Seiko automatic movement. Inside the Double Retrograde Automatic is the Seiko 6R24 movement that has retrograde indicators for the date and date of the week, along with a power reserve indicator (about 45 hours in the movement). The layout is balance and symmetrical. It makes for an attractive, modern, and very Japanese look (for example the retrograde dials look like fans). A good design for a nicer Seiko watch. This is going to be a hot seller for Seiko.

Specification:

Model No.: SPB013J1
Movement - Cal.6R24
Stainless Steel Case
10bar Water Resistant
Anti-Reflective Coated Sapphire Crystal Glass
Three Fold Clasp with Push Button Release
Stainless Steel Band
See-Through Case Back
Purchase price: RM6,128.50 (16 June 2011)













On my Wrist.

Main watch blog visit: http://easternwatch.blogspot.com

Offline takashi78

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2011, 12:20:09 PM »
Great catch you got there!
Saw this and the chrono version in Vietname and the polishing is really something special.

Did you get it from an AD in Malaysia or overseas?

On the last pic, it kinda looks like the watch is sitting on a bund strap, or bund looking bracelet.

Any closer view of the movement?

Offline meoramri

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #2 on: November 30, 2011, 07:48:14 AM »
Thanks takashi78!

I got it during the 130th Anniversary exibition in KL. The local AD does not have the rights to carry that particular sub-brand yet.

Its a bund-like bracelet. I'll try to get more detail pictures of the movement soon.
Main watch blog visit: http://easternwatch.blogspot.com

Offline shahpijul

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #3 on: November 30, 2011, 08:49:49 AM »
I was searching for this but finally ended up with those bling bling blacks...  :Laughing_on_floor:

Offline ckmcsk

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2011, 06:56:27 AM »
how much is the street price?

Offline meoramri

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2011, 09:06:56 AM »
how much is the street price?

At the Seiko exhibition, they put a price of RM6,500 for it and only willing to offer a standard 5% discount for purchases.
Main watch blog visit: http://easternwatch.blogspot.com

Offline arsene

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #6 on: May 17, 2012, 08:09:42 AM »
i am looking for this for a long time.. it is a very nice watch!

Offline Watchnewby

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #7 on: June 06, 2012, 12:55:55 PM »
A good review there, meoramri, on the Seiko Ananta.
With a 6R24 Seiko's in-house movement, this watch is definately in the Seiko's "high-end" category.

Offline Mark

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #8 on: June 06, 2012, 02:13:34 PM »
The price seems quite affordable. Great review! :Cheers:
Seikoholic

Offline meoramri

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #9 on: June 06, 2012, 06:30:45 PM »
thanks guys
Main watch blog visit: http://easternwatch.blogspot.com

Offline ady7348

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #10 on: June 21, 2012, 09:40:07 AM »
nice design ...like tag heuer formula+ball

Offline adit_up

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #11 on: October 11, 2012, 08:52:55 PM »
seems a really good  choice, but I prefer grand seiko,  which is more classic and hi-beat, sbgh005 ;)

Offline B

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #12 on: December 20, 2012, 07:23:41 AM »
Anyone knows where in KL to buy an Ananta?
Called Thong Sia apparently its very rare here, perhaps 1 piece only.
Current watches: Tissot PR516, Seiko Premier Kinetic Direct Drive, Omega X-33 Quartz, Oris Williams F1 DayDate

Offline meoramri

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #13 on: December 20, 2012, 01:00:32 PM »
At the moment Thong Sia has not gotten the green light to bring in Ananta (this could have change though). I was made to understand they are currently going through the process for approval from Seiko HQ
Main watch blog visit: http://easternwatch.blogspot.com

Offline B

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Re: The Seiko Ananta Double Retrograde Automatic - the review
« Reply #14 on: January 03, 2013, 07:07:24 AM »
Thanks Meoramri...hoping to add an Ananta to my collection....its certainly among the elite class watches
Current watches: Tissot PR516, Seiko Premier Kinetic Direct Drive, Omega X-33 Quartz, Oris Williams F1 DayDate