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The Japanese watchmaker’s dazzling new timepiece has an incredible price to match.

Seiko is set to release a new wristwatch based on ukiyo-e artist Hokusai’s famous piece The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Part of his Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series of woodblock prints from the 1830s, the painting is known and admired throughout the world and is perhaps the most recognizable piece of Japanese art ever to have been created. Seiko, the watch company with a history almost as long as the Great Wave itself, has been inspired by this classic print to design a distinctively Japanese watch under their luxury brand Credor which combines “traditional craftsmanship with contemporary, high-end technology”.

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Named the Fugaku, the stunningly detailed piece has been crafted by three of their most talented craftsmen as the ultimate artisan watch, and is lacquered by celebrated Japanese lacquer artist Isshu Tamura. Delicate mother-of-pearl inlays in the upper half depict stylized clouds and plover birds while the lower section features a traditional seigaiha wave pattern, and the “CREDOR” lettering on the dial is done in gold lacquer work. Silver and gold waves rear up around the hands, and surrounding the face is a 43-millimetre diameter platinum case decorated with 43 blue sapphires.

Perhaps some will think all the jewels and bling are going a bit overboard, but there’s no doubt that this watch oozes luxury. But how much will it set you back?

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The limited edition engraved model will go on sale across Japan on Friday May 13 for a sum of 50 million yen. Yes, 50 million. That’s about US$465,000 at today’s exchange rate. Oh, and that’s without the 8% tax whacked on top.

It does look like something of a niche design, but with only eight pieces in existence we’re sure there will be enough people with enough money rushing to snap up this unique timepiece that can serve as a talking point at many a board meeting to come.

Source: Japaaan Magazine
Images: Seiko