Seiko Presage SPB497: Seiko’s new limited edition timepiece launches with an unglazed porcelain dial

Japanese watchmaker Seiko has unveiled its latest Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Unglazed Arita Porcelain Dial Limited Edition SPB497. As its name suggests, the watch’s center of attraction is its unique dial. To be more precise, the dial is made from Arita porcelain, a material that is lauded for its finesse. There’s also a decorative rhombus pattern at the outer edge of the dial, which is said to be a historical symbol of prosperity and good health. 

The unglazed porcelain dial is complemented by simple gold stick hour markers and gold hands. Like an SBGW323 with an Mt. Iwate dial, Seiko takes inspiration from elements in nature or traditional Japanese culture for the SPB497. As far as the dial size is concerned, Seiko’s new reference features a 40.6 mm (1.5 inch) stainless steel case with a height of 12.4 mm (0.48 inch). However, there’s no day/date window here, but you do get a knurled pull-out crown at 3 o’clock. 

Furthermore, the SPB497 is powered by Seiko’s newest in-house automatic 6R51 caliber. This is the same movement found in Seiko’s different portfolio, including the special edition Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind and the King Seiko. The company’s mid-range caliber runs at a frequency of 21,600 vph and provides up to 72 hours of power reserve. 

The case is complemented by a dual-curved sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inside. Plus, the watch has 100 m (10 bar) of water resistance, making it suitable for light water activities. Moreover, the stainless steel case is paired with a leather strap with a three-part folding clasp. 

The Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Unglazed Arita Porcelain Dial Limited Edition SPB497 is priced at €1,950/$1,850 and will be available from Seiko Boutiques and selected retail partners worldwide from July 2025 onwards. It’s worth noting that the timepiece is a limited edition of only 1,200 pieces. You can learn more about the watch via Seiko’s official website.