Introducing The New Limited Edition Seiko Presage Classic Series SPB497

For over a century, Seiko has pushed the boundaries of watchmaking, mechanically, aesthetically, and culturally. Its Presage collection, in particular, has become a canvas for celebrating Japanese artistry. This year, Seiko is releasing the first Presage model to feature an unglazed Arita porcelain dial, a raw, matte interpretation of a centuries-old craft.

The new Seiko Presage Classic Series SPB497 pays tribute to Japan’s porcelain-making tradition while highlighting the evolving design potential of this historic medium. Rather than using the usual glossy glaze, artisans preserve the natural texture of the porcelain clay, resulting in a dial that feels powdery, tactile, and beautifully imperfect. Enhancing this surface is a delicate rhombus pattern, a motif associated with longevity and protection in Japanese culture.

The watch is housed in a stainless steel case with both brushed and polished surfaces. It measures 40.6mm in diameter and 12.4mm in thickness, making it suitable for most wrists. A dual-curved sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating tops the case, while a knurled pull-out crown sits at 3 o’clock. The watch features a transparent caseback and offers 100 meters of water resistance.

The dial is an unglazed, cream-toned Arita porcelain surface adorned with a textured rhombus pattern surrounding the indices. Leaf-shaped gold hands, gold-tone stick indices, and a central seconds hand are all arranged over a sloped minute track with black printed markings. Powering the watch is the in-house Caliber 6R51, an automatic movement that operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3Hz) and delivers a 72-hour power reserve. The movement is also fitted with a gold-colored rotor.

It comes with a black leather strap sourced from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries, offering both comfort and sustainability. The strap features a three-fold clasp with push-button release. The SPB497 is a limited edition of 1,200 pieces and is priced at EUR 1,950, approximately AED 8,300.

For more information, visit Seiko’s official website.