Seiko Presage x Studio Ghibli Castle in the Sky 35th Anniversary SPB215 / SARX087

Castle In The Sky was the first anime film produced and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, founder of Studio Ghibli back in 1986. The movie is considered as one of Miyazaki’s greatest productions of all time. Even after three decades, some still agree that it’s good enough of a classic anime film to rival as one of the greatest anime films to this date.

The story of “Castle In The Sky”, follows the adventure of a young boy (Pazu) and girl (Sheeta), in search of a legendary floating city named Laputa. Throughout their journey, the two are chased by air pirates and military agents in search to capture the city’s treasures and powers and the heroine’s magical levitation crystal. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the release for the film, a special limited edition watch, SPB215 / SARX087 will be released in collaboration with Seiko.

**The pattern carved on the keystone found in Laputa is recreated on the back of the cordovan strap.**

Under the Presage line, the watches are recognized for its class and elegance look, the watch captures several of the key elements of the animation in its design. The crest on the mystical levitation crystal of the Sheeta’s pendant is reproduced on the enamel dial, made by master craftsman Mitsuru Yokosawa and his colleagues, while the castle in the sky is illustrated on the case back just the way it was in the picture taken by Pazu’s father when he caught sight of the city during a storm. For those wondering what an enamel dial is, enamel is applied to a metal disk and then kept in a hot oven to set, the enamel bonds with the metal and you have a super-smooth and luscious dial.

**“Leetay Latuparita Ulus Aria Los Balu Netoreel“ or “save me and revive the eternal light” in the Laputan language**

Around the castle are engraved the words of the chant that is central to the story. The key chant to the story, “Leetay Latuparita Ulus Aria Los Balu Netoreel“ or “save me and revive the eternal light” in the Laputan language, is inscribed on the case back. The watch is powered by a new version of Seiko’s high-performance 6R31 movement (no date version of the 6R35 movement) which delivers a power reserve of 70 hours.

**6R31 movement (no date version of the 6R35 movement**)

The watch is made in Japan which is a guarantee of quality. It is limited to 1200 pieces so act fast before it runs out. With that being said, the mid-range price is novel for a collaborative model in this vein, since the brand’s other collaborative editions were either priced substantially higher (as a Grand Seiko) or much lower (a New Seiko 5).

**The watch is offered in a special presentation box with an illustration of Laputa and carries a card message from the film’s director, Hayao Miyazaki.**

Whether you are a fan of Seiko Presage watches, or a fan of the Studio Ghibli, the Seiko Presage x Studio Ghibli Castle in the Sky 35th Anniversary SPB215 / SARX087 is a great collectors item that is definitely worth to acquire. The SPB125/SARX087 is now available at your local Seiko Boutiques and local authorized Seiko dealers. Order yours now if you haven’t already since it is limited to 1200 pieces.

Specifications
Seiko Presage Studio Ghibli Castle In The Sky
Ref. SPB215 (SARX087 in Japan)
Diameter: 40.5 mm
Height: 12.4 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100 m
Movement: 6R31
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 70 hours
Strap: Cordovan strap with folding clasp
Limited edition: 1,200 pieces
Availability: Starting July at Seiko boutiques and retailers
Price: US$1,450, or 165,000 Japanese yen before taxes