Home » Seiko Watches » Seiko Ananta ‘Kumadori’ Chronograph – Japanese Tradition Woven into a Watch
A new Seiko Ananta ‘Kumadori’ Chronograph unites several aspects of Japanese culture. Being the part of the brand’s artistic collection that applied the 800-year-old art of Katana sword-making, the new model is directly inspired by the ancient art of ‘Kumadori’ and Kabuki. Finally, the special Kaga Makie style of painting completes the unique blend of rich heritage, manifested through this masterpiece.
Seiko Ananta Kumadori Chronograph
I have already written about the ancient sword-making skills, based on precision, sharpness, artistry and parabolic bends, which the Japanese watchmaker nicely implements in making its Ananta timepieces. (Read my reviews of Seiko Ananta Automatic Chronograph and the Ananta Spring Drive Moon Phase watch.) Polished manually by the Seiko’s best craftsmen, every Ananta watch has the extraordinary flat surface, like a blade of a sword.
Those who red the review of the last year’s Ananta Diving Chronograph are familiar with the work of the world’s renowned lacquer artist, Isshu Tamura, who used special Kaga Makie technique, painting and polishing each jet black dial, layer by layer. Furthermore, on the amazing lacquer black dial, Japanese craftsmen applied red inner rings, also in lacquer, which provided great readability and incredible deepness of the dial.
Finally, there are a few words about Kumadori art, which served as the inspiration for the latest Ananta Chronograph. As one of the most distinctive aspects of Japanese culture, Kabuki theater, with an authentic dancing and acting style, brought on a special form of make-up, called ‘Kumadori‘ that accentuates emotions of actors with extravagant lines and vivid colors. This art is subtly expressed on the dial and the case-back.
Caliber 8R28 Automatic Chronograph Mechanism
The new Seiko Ananta ‘Kumadori’ Chronograph is equipped with Seiko’s masterpiece, a Caliber 8R28 self-winding movement that comprises a column wheel and a vertical clutch system for precise chronograph operation and superb durability. The Seiko Caliber 8R28 features 34 jewels and 293 components. Oscillating on the frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, it provides a power-reserve of 45 hours. Thanks to the Seiko’s patented one-piece three-pointed hammer that resets the chronograph instantly, this extraordinary mechanism is more accurate and functional.
Seiko Ananta Kumadori Chronograph Watch Movement
The 42.8 mm case and the bracelet that incorporates a three-fold clasp with a push button release are made of stainless steel with a black hard coating. In the center of the watch, there are three sub-dials, surrounded with striking red curves. They count 12 hours, 30 minutes and 60 seconds. With the additions of the central chronograph hand, the tachymeter scale engraved on the bezel, and the round date aperture at the 4:30 o’clock position, the Ananta ‘Kumadori’ is a highly functional chronograph.
This great timepiece will be available around October, for around 4,000 Euros. It is clear that this unusual model will be highly sought after, since it is produced in the Limited Edition of 800 pieces, each with the individual serial number engraved on the see through, sapphire crystal case-back.
This is a real refreshment from Seiko. I like these kinds of watches which look powerful, sporty, quality and which have a lot of great functions. Seiko Ananta Kumadori is a perfect choice for any urban man. It represents a basic aid in life of any man in this fast and cruel world. It`s a real privilege to have this watch and wear it every day.
I must comment a text on your site. It`s very interesting and it has a lot of good information. I wrote a very interesting text about Kumadori art and I like it very much. I can only hope that it`ll be a lot more interesting texts like this one in the future.
There is no doubt that this is one of the best watches from Seiko. I was absolutely thrilled when I saw it for the first time. It`s too bad that it was made in only 800 pieces, but never mind, it`ll be mine for sure!
This watch costs $4000?! That’s too much. You can buy a lot of stuff for that money. Why you should buy a watch which costs so much?! Buy a used car or a new motorcycle. I really can’t believe that people buy these kinds of watches for astronomical prices.
Fidel, I agree with your personal view. This $4000 is nothing. People buy watches which cost $60000 or $70000, maybe even more. But that’s because of the prestige.
This is a very interesting watch from Seiko. It has a lot of good features which makes it one of the most popular watches on the market. Seiko Kumadori has much potential to become the main favorite of Seiko corporation.