Seiko Presage SPB497J1 — Unglazed Arita Porcelain Limited Edition

The Seiko Presage SPB497J1 is one of only 1,200 pieces produced worldwide — a limited edition automatic watch that combines Seiko's watchmaking expertise with one of Japan's most celebrated traditional crafts: Arita porcelain. The small town of Arita in Kyushu came to prominence in the early 17th century when clay suitable for porcelain was discovered nearby, establishing a tradition of fine ceramic artistry that has never stopped evolving across more than 400 years. The SPB497J1 honours that lineage with an unglazed, high temperature-fired porcelain dial that carries the original colour of Arita porcelain — a warm, luminous white that no printing or lacquering process can replicate.

The unglazed matt surface enhances the three-dimensional diamond cut design ridges on the dial — unique contours that catch and reflect light in a constantly shifting pattern, making this a dial that changes character throughout the day. Designed to suit both men and women, the SPB497J1 is paired with a black gloss leather strap sustainably sourced and LWG-certified by the Leather Working Group — the international organisation for sustainable leather production. It comes in a special paulownia wood box, a traditional Japanese wood used for fine gifting and the presentation of precious objects. With 1,200 pieces and a dial that is, by nature, unique — no two Arita porcelain dials are exactly alike — this is among the most individual limited editions in the current Presage collection.

Key Features

• Seiko 6R51 automatic movement with manual winding — self-winding with the convenience of hand-winding when needed
• Approx. 72-hour (3-day) power reserve — exceptional reserve for a dress watch of this specification
• Accuracy: +25/-15 seconds per day — reliable automatic timekeeping
• Unglazed Arita porcelain dial — high temperature-fired, warm white, and unique to this edition
• No two dials exactly alike — natural variations from the firing process make every SPB497J1 one-of-a-kind
• Three-dimensional diamond cut design ridges — unique contours that reflect light in a constantly shifting pattern
• Black gloss leather strap — sustainably sourced, LWG-certified by the Leather Working Group
• Special paulownia wood presentation box — traditional Japanese gifting wood, ideal for presentation
• Dual-curved sapphire crystal — premium scratch resistance and superior optical clarity
• See-through caseback — view the 6R51 automatic movement in full
• 40.6mm stainless steel case — refined sizing suited to both men and women
• Date display — everyday practicality built in
• Pull-out crown — straightforward time and date setting
• 100M water resistance — more than adequate for everyday dress watch use
• Limited edition — only 1,200 pieces produced worldwide

Why You'll Love It

The SPB497J1 is the most materially singular watch in the current Seiko Presage lineup — a piece where the dial is not printed, not lacquered, not mass-produced, but fired at high temperature from genuine Arita porcelain clay, in the same tradition that has defined Japanese ceramic artistry for over 400 years. The diamond cut ridges give the unglazed surface a three-dimensional quality that photographs cannot fully capture — it moves with the light throughout the day in a way that no other dial material does. The LWG-certified sustainable leather strap and the paulownia wood presentation box complete a watch that is as considered in its materials philosophy as it is in its design. No two pieces are exactly alike — the natural variations of the firing process ensure that every SPB497J1 carries its own character. With only 1,200 pieces worldwide, this is a watch that will never be repeated in quite the same form.

About Arita Porcelain

Arita, a small town in Saga Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, became Japan's centre of fine porcelain production in the early 17th century following the discovery of suitable clay deposits. For over 400 years, Arita craftsmen have refined their techniques while preserving the essential character of the original — a warm, luminous white clay body fired at high temperatures to produce a matt, organic surface that is unmistakably Japanese in character. Arita porcelain has been exported globally since the 17th century and remains one of Japan's most internationally recognised traditional crafts. The SPB497J1 carries that 400-year heritage on its dial — and like every piece of genuine Arita porcelain, no two are exactly alike.

About the Unglazed Porcelain Dial

The Arita porcelain dial of the SPB497J1 is created through handwork and firing at high temperature — a process that may produce small dimples, tiny dots, and subtle variations in colour and surface texture. These are not imperfections. They are the natural signatures of genuine Arita porcelain craftsmanship — the same variations that have characterised fine Japanese ceramics for four centuries — and the reason no two dials are exactly alike. Owning a Seiko Presage Arita porcelain dial means owning something that is, in the most literal sense, unique.

The Seiko Presage Story

Seiko Presage represents timeless looks and precise mechanical timekeeping — minimalistic watch designs with a distinctly Japanese aesthetic. The SPB497J1 is one of the most culturally ambitious pieces in the Presage collection — connecting the watchmaking tradition of Seiko's Shizukuishi Watch Studio to the ceramic tradition of Arita's 400-year-old porcelain craft in a limited edition of 1,200 pieces that will only become more significant with time.

Backed by Seiko's official warranty. Authentic Seiko Presage limited edition watch, sold by authorised retailer City Chain Singapore.

Also available: Shiracha upcycled leather limited edition — shop the SPB529J1 and 145th Anniversary enamel dial — shop the SPB538J1. Explore the full Seiko Presage Collection or browse all Seiko watches at City Chain Singapore.