In 2003, Seiko added a logical addition to its fan-favorite Alpinist: a GMT. This fourth hand turned the ultimate hiking and outdoors watch into something unparalleled. In addition to the inner compass bezel, there was also now a fixed 24-hour bezel on the outside to track a second time zone.
Now, the Japanese watchmaker has presented a new version of the Alpinist GMT with a textured black dial with avian inspiration.
Alpinist Backstory
Created in 1959 to meet the needs of Japanese mountain climbers and field sport enthusiasts, the Seiko Alpinist (although not officially labeled as such until 1961) was the brand’s first-ever sports watch.
Known for its sapphire crystal, 200m of water resistance, and inner-rotating compass, the Alpinist is now just as much of an icon as ever, despite moving over to the Prospex product range in 2020 and adding a host of updates a few years back (like PVD gold finishing, AR coating, a cyclops date, and the 70-hour Caliber 6R35 movement).
Seiko Alpinist GMT SPB493J Basics
As of right now, this new textured-dial version of the Alpinist GMT (ref. SPB493J) is an Asian exclusive but we figured we should still dive into what it’s all about.
The main story here is the dial itself, which is heavily inspired by the unique feather pattern of the tropical hornbill birds native to southeast Asia, given a matte black finish here and, up close, appearing to be made via literal scratches into the material. It might not be the most expected look for the Alpinist GMT but it certainly goes with the outdoor design. And just like the feathers on the hornbill, the dial presents a different effect depending on the angle you’re looking at it.
Returning are the PVD gold handset and (gold lume-filled) hour markers, while the typical forest green has been sequestered to the compass bezel under the sapphire. The black dial is complemented by a black outer bezel, making this the first time Seiko has matched the dial and bezel in black on an Alpinist.
Measuring 39.5mm across like usual, the stainless steel case of the SPB493J is given a steel bracelet and houses a Seiko caliber 6R54 automatic movement like the standard Alpinist GMT. This caliber boasts 72 hours of power reserve and powers the GMT hand, which cannot be set independently of the other three hands. There’s also a small date window at the 4:30 spot. The movement can be seen through the exhibition caseback window.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 39.5mm
Lug-to-Lug: 46.4mm
Case Thickness: 13.6mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Seiko 6R54 automatic GMT
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Limited Edition?: Yes, 500
Pricing & Availability
Limited to just 500 pieces, the Alpinist GMT SPB493J is unfortunately an Asian exclusive, so North American buyers will have to look on the secondhand market in the coming weeks. From select Seiko markets overseas, the watch is priced around $1,650.
Recap
Seiko Alpinist GMT SPB493J
Seiko’s latest Alpinist GMT ref. SPB493J has a textured dial inspired by the feathers of the hornbill birds found in southeast Asia.
