Seiko Revives Tonneau Case Design with $2,500 Presage SPB537

Once a favourite among Art Deco style-hounds and designers, the tonneau case shape has quietly fallen from public view in recent years. The unusual proportions, unique wearability and decidedly-retro styling have made it a niche prospect for many collectors, but things are changing.

Burgeoning interest in art deco-inspired watches, such as the Cartier Tank, Hamilton Boulton or Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle, has seen a renewed appreciation for the design codes of yesteryear. Increasingly, young collectors are reaching for sleek, geometric shapes with symmetrical designs, eager to recapture some of the classic design aura that permeated through the Art Deco period. In truth, it was only a matter of time before the tonneau made a triumphant return, but I’ll be the first to admit, I didn’t see it coming from Seiko.

The Japanese watchmaker has this week unveiled a first look at the new Presage SPB537, a stunning stainless steel dress watch that oozes with old world charm. The subtle curves and sleek lines are every bit a modern classic, harking back to a time of refined sophistication and elegance in watch design.

Return of the Tonneau

Visually, the case shape is an elongated rectangle with bowed, outward-curving sides. Half round watch, half rectangular, the shape is said to resemble a barrel, and indeed, the name itself comes from the French word for “barrel” or “cask. Unlike a Cushion case (which is a rounded-off square), a Tonneau case is distinctly taller than it is wide, and because it follows the natural curve of the wrist, is generally exceptionally comfortable to wear.

While classic models such as the Cartier Tonneau from 1906 and Franck Muller Cintrée Curvex are almost exclusively rooted in conventional watchmaking, the tonneau has largely been adopted by avant-garde producers. Richard Mille, for example, has made the tonneau shape its modern calling card, using it as the basis for all its high-tech, skeletonised sports watches, Thankfully, Seiko, despite being best-known for its sports collection, has stuck to the dress watch approach.

Seiko Presage SPB537

For this latest model, Seiko has kept this relatively uniform, following the same design language laid out in the Presage SPB049J model from 2017. The 2026 edition measures 35.9mm wide, 46mm lug-to-lug with a thickness of 12.5mm, giving it an elongated, but not overpowering silhouette. This is an important element, as anyone who has worn a rectangular or tonneau-shaped watch will tell you, they tend to wear a little larger.

The case itself is crafted from stainless steel and fully polished all-over. You’ll also find a steeped bezel and rounded case flanks, which create a stunning sense of balance throughout. By far the most eye-catching addition is the integration of the “Craftsmanship” enamel dial. The pearly white face is just textured enough to provide a subtle contrast, which is nice step up when compared to previous models.

“Craftsmanship” Enamel Dial

Past Seiko tonneau watches have featured a rather bland crisp white dial, which while traditional, has felt understated and simple. Using enamel, a material that requires constant firing at high temperatures, allowed Seiko’s craftspeople to create something truly unique for each dial. Each time the enamel was melted, small dimples, tiny dots and rough surface characteristics emerged, meaning no two dials are exactly alike. It is an approach that adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the finished product, elevating the overall appearance and aesthetics.

On the dial, Seiko has added contrasting black Roman numerals and a 24-hour register at 6 o’clock, which subtly mimics the look of small seconds. You’ll also find a traditional minute track around the perimeter, which looks to be a reference to the Seiko Timekeeper, the brand’s first pocket watch from 1895. This piece also served as the inspiration for Seiko’s recent Presage SPB495J1 model, which was released in early 2025.

Inside, the Seiko Presage SPB537 is powered by the Calibre 6R5H automatic movement with manual winding. The robust movement offers a stellar 72-hour power reserve, 24-hour indicator in a sub-dial at 6 o’clock and expected accuracy of +25/-15 seconds per day. It’s nothing out of this world, but for a modern dress watch with an affordable price tag, the Calibre 6R5H is hard to beat.

Pricing and Availability

Seiko has confirmed that the new Presage model is not a limited edition and likely to join the current lineup, however, fans will have to wait a while to get one. The Seiko Presage SPB537 will be available to purchase from official boutiques and online retailers from February 2026, with prices starting from AUD$2,500. The watch arrives on a stainless steel five-row bracelet secured by a three-fold clasp with push-button release. For more information on the new tonneau Seiko dress watch, visit the official Seiko website.

Seiko Presage SPB537 Technical Specifications

• Brand: Seiko
• Model: Presage Classic Series SPB537
• Reference: Ref. SPB537
• Diameter: 35.9mm
• Thickness: 12.5mm
• Lug-to-Lug: 46mm
• Case Material: Stainless Steel
• Movement: Calibre 6R5H Automatic with Manual Winding
• Power Reserve: 72 hours
• Water-Resistance: 50 metres
• Availability: February 2026
• Price: AUD$2,500

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Tonneau Watch FAQ