Seiko Introduces Prospex Alpinist GMT SPB493J Limited Edition

Seiko’s Alpinist collection is welcoming a new member this week with the release of a new GMT reference featuring a dial inspired by the hornbill, a tropical bird of Southeast Asia. The watch is a Land Alpinist using the brand’s 6R54 caliber, and while this is an existing configuration released back in 2023, there are a few unique details here worth noting — from dial textures and colors to the black bezel piece. This watch is not only a celebration of the majestic hornbill, but also an expansion of the Alpinist platform that goes beyond the existing framework, hopefully opening the door to more expressive variations moving ahead.

The Alpinist GMT was released in 2023 in what felt like a very natural move for the collection. As part of the Prospex Land family, the new Alpinist references utilized a fixed, 24-hour steel bezel and an internally rotating compass bezel. Use of the 6R54 allowed the addition of a 24-hour hand into the mix; however this is the so-called “caller” style of GMT hand, meaning the hour hand cannot be set independently on the go. Still, it’s a welcome addition to the modern series carrying forth Seiko’s historic Alpinist name, and retains the charming design of the original.

This newest reference to the collection is the SPB493J, and it mixes up the formula just enough to stand apart from the rest. This watch uses base blacks set against the steel 39.5mm case and bracelet, with the inclusion of a deep green color used for the rotating inner bezel piece. Taken with the gold-colored lume in the hands and hour markers, there is a cacophony of interesting colors here that plays a perfect host to the interesting dial texture. 

The hornbill is known for its long bill and bright colors, as well as for the distinctive patterns created by its feathers. It is this pattern that Seiko has used as inspiration for the central portion of the dial, with a woven texture giving an organic impression of the bird’s feathers. The result is subtle but three-dimensional enough to create interesting views at many angles. Seiko has gotten pretty good at this sort of thing, and this theme pairs nicely with the Alpinist collection. 

This is the first Alpinist GMT to use a black bezel to match the dial, and it’s a detail I wouldn’t be surprised to see again in future references within the collection. A broader palette of textures and colors will clearly work well here, and Seiko isn’t afraid to use them in unexpected ways.

The Seiko Alpinist GMT SPB493J will be limited to just 500 examples, with availability beginning February 13th. This is an Asia limited edition, so availability will vary depending on your location.